FaultScore

RAM 2500 engine problems

459 of the 7,435 complaints filed about the RAM 2500 are about the engine — 6% of everything owners reported. The worst model year for it is 2014.

459

Complaints

6%

Share of all complaints

6

Crashes

26

Fires

Engine & Cooling complaints by model year

2009 2500 1 0.2%
2013 2500 49 10.7%

Median failure at 28,000 miles

2014 2500 63 13.7%

Median failure at 16,000 miles

2015 2500 36 7.8%

Median failure at 43,812 miles

2016 2500 60 13.1%

Median failure at 5,200 miles

2017 2500 45 9.8%

Median failure at 67,485 miles

2018 2500 41 8.9%

Median failure at 64,000 miles

2019 2500 34 7.4%

Median failure at 6,310 miles

2020 2500 35 7.6%

Median failure at 13,750 miles

2021 2500 27 5.9%

Median failure at 42,000 miles

2022 2500 34 7.4%

Median failure at 5,000 miles

2023 2500 12 2.6%

Median failure at 12,000 miles

2024 2500 8 1.7%

Median failure at 38,000 miles

2025 2500 10 2.2%

Median failure at 1,700 miles

2026 2500 4 0.9%

Median failure at 200 miles

What owners said

2025 RAM 2500 Georgetown, IN Fire

ENGINE

Driving by myself with no load at 12:15 in the afternoon with outside temperature at 80 degrees. Vehicle started to make a large screeching sound coming from engine bay. I pulled over into a parking lot and shut off engine. Vehicle continued to make screeching sound from engine bay; I opened hood to a billowing smoke that smelled like an electrical fire. Noise and significant smoke continued for several minutes with engine off and ignition in off position.

NHTSA complaint #11757982 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2019 RAM 2500 Joliet, IL

ENGINE

Premature lifter and cam failures on the 6.7 engines. Yes it can be inspected. Yes it was heard and confirmed by multiple dealers and sources. It can be an issue if the engine locks up when driving

NHTSA complaint #11756887 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2020 RAM 2500 Chauvin, LA

ENGINE

RAM COMPLIANCE RECALL PORTAL DROPPED (MOPAR Y78) VIN:[XXX] / Miles:110,862 Static 1.Driveway photo [XXX] proves 50PSI idle oil pressure, 0 warning lights on June 30. 2.Video [XXX] captures raw CP4 pump shards in filter housing. 3.Dealer faked portal closure July 7 without flush. Forced engine start thrashed valvetrain, gear indexes & rocker arms post-intake. Full 12-pg matrix brief sent under corporate Case #[XXX]. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11755737 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2021 RAM 2500 Murrieta, CA

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The contact owns a 2021 Ram ProMaster 2500. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 25V552000 (Back Over Prevention) and 25V720000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the contact was informed that the repair might take 2 or 3 days to be completed. The dealer was only able to pay for a rental vehicle for two days. The contact stated that 5 days later, the dealer was still waiting on parts from the manufacturer to repair the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The contact had not experienced a failure.

NHTSA complaint #11753967 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2015 RAM 2500 Traverse City, MI

ENGINE

On two separate occasions, once in 2025 and again in July 2026, while pulling a travel trailer an emissions control fault in the EGR system caused the Cummins turbo diesel engine in the truck to lose power. At this reduced power, highway speeds could not be maintained, and even small hills were difficult to climb. This is a significant safety problem, and the dealerships could not provide a timely repair due to lack of parts availability. The manufacturer of software in the engine control system does not allow the use of aftermarket parts. This is monopolistic and anti-competitive. An emissions control fault Code should not deprive me of the use of my vehicle.

NHTSA complaint #11753555 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2018 RAM 2500 Medina, OH

ENGINE

The electronic throttle control light and check engine light are on. I took it to a mechanic and had the accelerator pedal replaced. The lights remained on and the truck remains in "limp mode" and will not go over 59mph. The mechanic stated that this is due to the unresolved recall problems with the traction control and anti lock braking system, and the HCU needing replaced. These components and labor are over 2-3 thousand dollars! I have called NHTSA and the manufacturer with questions and asked for a timeframe for a fix and have received nothing.

NHTSA complaint #11753324 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2018 RAM 2500 at 15,337 miles Lincoln, MO

ENGINE

The contact owns a 2018 Ram 2500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine and ABS warning lights were illuminated. Additionally, the cruise control feature was deactivated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with ABS failure. The contact was informed that the ABS needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with ABS failure. The contact was informed that the ABS needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed that parts were unavailable. The contact stated that the vehicle was unsafe to drive. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 15,337.

NHTSA complaint #11752410 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2020 RAM 2500 at 150,128 miles Lower Lake, CA

ENGINE

The contact owns a 2020 RAM 2500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact noticed that the engine was running unusually rough and the engine seized. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a failed engine. The contact was informed that the heater intake bolt was detached and entered into the number 6 cylinder. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure was a known failure regarding the vehicle. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 150,128.

NHTSA complaint #11748863 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2020 RAM 2500 at 46,000 miles Hooks, TX

ENGINE

The contact owns a 2020 Ram 2500. The contact stated that while driving the vehicle at an undisclosed speed, a tapping sound was heard, which gradually grew louder. The next day, the vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed with a piston 5 failure, and the dealer determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 46,000.

NHTSA complaint #11748901 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2022 RAM 2500 Rochester, IN

ENGINE

Lifter failure occurred on dangerous interstate interchange complete loss of power while towing a 14k pound mobile restroom bumper pull trailer in 6 lanes merging traffic from center lane 45 mph exit onto 60 mph interstate speeds XXX going onto XXX/[XXX] my scanner said dpf plugged stellantis mechanic claims lifter failure problem is complete loss of power happened in a dangerous area and waiting for a tow while hooked to a trailer was also dangerous due to high traffic area INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11747488 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2024 RAM 2500 Pueblo, CO

ENGINE

This is a brand new truck with 22,000 miles, a rod came loose in the engine when i was driving it, and blew a hole in the engine at 65 MPH, the rod then shot through my oil pan, I lost all drivability, no steering, no gas and I could not see due to black smoke. I almost died! I was able to pull over all the way to the left by the grace of God, not being able to see and having cars driving by at top speeds this is a catastrophic failure and the service Tech Ethan where the truck is says this happens 1 in every 1,000 trucks! The truck is at castle rock co dodge jeep ram

NHTSA complaint #11745646 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2022 RAM 2500 Youngstown, OH

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The contact owns a 2022 Ram 2500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V720000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

NHTSA complaint #11744944 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2022 RAM 2500 Mobile, AL

ENGINE

The vehicle has experienced repeated failures related to the diesel emissions system despite multiple repair attempts. The primary symptom is an illuminated check engine light accompanied by diagnostic trouble code P2459 (Diesel Particulate Filter Regeneration Frequency). The vehicle frequently enters regeneration cycles and continues to exhibit the same symptoms after major emissions system repairs. The emissions system components, including the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) and related DEF system components, were previously replaced by an authorized dealer. Following those repairs, the same warning light and fault code returned. The vehicle was subsequently inspected by another authorized dealer, which was unable to identify a definitive cause of the recurring condition. The check engine light was cleared, but it returned less than a week later with the same symptoms. The failure creates a safety concern because the vehicle may enter reduced-power or limp-home operating modes without warning, potentially limiting acceleration and the ability to maintain traffic speed. This is especially concerning when merging onto highways, crossing intersections, towing loads, or operating in heavy traffic. The recurring nature of the failure has reduced confidence in the reliability and safe operation of the vehicle. The condition has been reproduced multiple times and has been documented by authorized service facilities. Warning lamps and fault codes have repeatedly reappeared following repairs. The vehicle and emissions system components remain available for inspection upon request.

NHTSA complaint #11743315 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2025 RAM 2500 Elk Grove, CA

ENGINE

While operating my truck under normal driving conditions, the check engine warning light suddenly illuminated without warning. Due to concerns about potential vehicle reliability and safety, I immediately brought the vehicle to the dealership for diagnosis and inspection. After evaluating the vehicle, the dealership stated that diagnostic trouble codes were present and that additional analysis of the system would be required. The vehicle remained at the dealership for approximately one week before being returned to me. Upon release of the vehicle, the dealership advised that the issue was related to multiple erroneous codes and that a software update had been performed. However, the dealership did not provide a clear explanation as to why the codes were generated, what systems were affected, or whether the condition could reoccur. I was also not provided with a complete accounting of all diagnostic trouble codes identified during the inspection. I am concerned that the dealership failed to provide full transparency regarding the diagnosis and repairs performed on this vehicle. The repair order documentation was limited in detail and appeared to omit important information regarding the discovered fault codes and the full scope of work completed. Because modern vehicle systems rely heavily on electronic control modules and software for engine operation and safety-related functions, I am requesting that NHTSA document and review this issue for potential underlying electronic or software-related defects that may affect vehicle reliability and safety.

NHTSA complaint #11739977 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2025 RAM 2500 Buckner, MO

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:UREA INJECTION SYSTEM (DEF)

The contact owns a 2025 Ram 2500 Tradesman Crew Cab. The contact stated that the entire instrument panel became blank. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed as needing a software update. The update was completed; however, the issue persisted. The software update was completed 4 times but the issue continued. The contact informed of another issue with vehicle involving the deft system, has to put the deft bottle next to the gas, the cage on the panel does not read that it has been filled. The vehicle was repaired for this issue. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was unavailable.

NHTSA complaint #11738160 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2026 RAM 2500 at 200 miles Washoe Valley, NV

ENGINE

The contact owns a 2026 Ram 2500. The contact stated that on three occasions while driving, the vehicle lost power and stalled. The vehicle was towed to her residence. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. A computer update was previously completed, but the failure recurred. The dealer later informed her the failure was due to the battery. The manufacturer was contacted, who opened a Star case and was informed about a buyback. The failure mileage was approximately 200.

NHTSA complaint #11737344 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2019 RAM 2500 Pipe Creek, TX

ENGINE

The truck acts like it running out of fuel when entering the hiway. One time it just died and restarted. Then several days later when pulling out onto the hiway the same thing happens. Last time was May 6. Acts like it’s running out of fuel. Keep pumping the petal and it takes off.

NHTSA complaint #11736606 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2019 RAM 2500 at 80,000 miles Sugar Land, TX

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The contact owns a 2019 Ram 2500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal burning odor inside the vehicle. The contact assumed that the odor was coming from the AC and turned off the AC. No warning light was illuminated. The contact parked and turned off the vehicle at the residence. Later that night, the contact heard a loud bang coming from the vehicle. The next morning, the contact and her friend looked under the hood and discovered that the fuse box, harness, and cables were all melted. The contact used electrical tape to separate the cables. Upon investigation, the contact discovered on the NHTSA.GOV website that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V720000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The manufacturer had the vehicle towed to the dealer, where a third-party engineer inspected the vehicle. The engineer informed the contact that the fuse box and harness wiring had melted, but the cause of the failure could not be determined. The manufacturer closed the case and refused to allow the dealer to perform the recall repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

NHTSA complaint #11734321 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2019 RAM 2500 Westminster, CO

ENGINE

Poor quality hydraulic roller lifer arm failure caused a frown rod and a hole in the engine block

NHTSA complaint #11734079 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2022 RAM 2500 Jacksonville, IL Fire

ENGINE

My truck was started in the morning and as it sat idle in the driveway I started attaching my trailer. By the time I got the trailer attached(20 seconds) there was smoke pouring out from under the hood. I immediately turned off the truck popped the hood and it was engulfed in flames. I was able to put out the fire with the garden hose. No check engine lights, no warning lights on dash, and I had just got it back from the dealership 2 days earlier and it passed a safety inspection before I picked it up. Im not sure what component failed but whatever did caused a fire

NHTSA complaint #11733784 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Other RAM 2500 problems