200 of the
3,354 complaints filed about the RAM 3500
are about the fuel system —
6% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2020.
HAD RECALL FOR HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP COMPLETED IN 12/2022 AND THE NEW PART HAS PREMATURELY FAILED CAUSING DEBRIS TO GO INTO THE FUEL SYSTEM. THE NEW PART WAS TO PREVENT THIS ISSUE FROM HAPPENING AND IT SEEMS THAT FAILURE AFTER ONLY 3 YEARS MEANS THAT A DEFECTIVE PART WAS INSTALLED OR SOME FORM OF IMPROPER INSTALLATION OCCURRED.
NHTSA complaint #11744287 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2021 RAM 3500. The contact stated that while driving at 40 mph, the vehicle stalled and could not be restarted. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, where it was diagnosed that the entire fuel system needed to be replaced due to the high-pressure fuel pump exploding after metal shavings were found throughout the entire system. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 77,000.
NHTSA complaint #11735999 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2019 Ram 3500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 MPH, a warning light for the exhaust system illuminated, and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road, and the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed, but the vehicle was not repaired. An unknown dealer was contacted and confirmed that the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and confirmed that an unknown recall repair was previously completed on the vehicle. Upon investigating the failure online, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Action Number: EA23001(Fuel System, Diesel). The failure mileage was approximately 214,000. The VIN was not available.
NHTSA complaint #11723090 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I own this truck and have had issues with the exhaust regeneration process for about 6 months. I have taken it to the dealer 3 times and they have done diagnostics and replaced the diesel particulate filter, but the issue continues to happen. They have now told me that the system is not reparable and they don't have support from RAM manufacturer to troubleshoot and repair this issue. They have multiple customers with the same issue with the diesel exhaust system not operating properly, hampering the engine performance, damaging the engine and exhaust system, polluting from the exhaust discharge. This is a widely known issue with the 2022 Ram 3500 from other owners, yet RAM refuses to properly address the issue. They advertise their trucks with certain horsepower and output specs, which aren't accurate due to their faulty exhaust systems. Consumers are now completely removing the factoring exhaust systems because they damage the engines and cost thousands of dollars to attempt to repair, which many times never work. This needs to be addressed with RAM and recalls put in place to address the failures with their exhaust systems. My truck has 28,000 miles on it, 3 years old, and is not operable. The dealer has had 3 attempts to repair this and is now turning me away. Please help! Thank you
NHTSA complaint #11722490 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I got this 2024 vehicle brand new with 15 miles on it in August of 2025 . It is now January of 2026 by check engine light had came on 7 times since November of 2025. I had to shut down work because of this . It came on the 8th time today and I was told by the delearship that they didn’t know what to do . My truck is at 43,000 miles and literally a piece of junk.
NHTSA complaint #11713787 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
***1*** The emissions system on this truck (2022 Ram 3500 with 34,435 miles) has been problematic since I acquired it 5 months ago. It continually attempts to regenerate and rid itself of ash/soot buildup. If it does not successfully regenerate, it will go into a state of reduced power, also known as limp mode. The truck is available for inspection and will be at Lithia CDJR in Corpus Christi tomorrow, 07 Jan 2026. ***2*** Today specifically, the truck flashed a message EXHAUST FILTER NEARING FULL SAFELY DRIVE AT CONSISTENT SPEED TO CLEAR. I got on the highway to achieve this and avoid lights and stop/go traffic. It typically takes around 25 minutes of consistent driving for it to clear. But today, shortly after I reached highway speeds, the truck entered limp mode, displaying EXHAUST FILTER FULL REDUCED POWER SEE DEALER. This was a very alarming incident that created a bottleneck on the highway and presumably for me to nearly be rear ended as it happened at 5:35pm. I was able to safely make it off of the highway, however this incident has put the lives of all motorists on the road around me today in danger. ***3*** The truck has been inspected numerous times by the dealership. The Diesel Particulate Filter was replaced on 01 October 2025 (this was the first time the truck went into limp mode on me). The frequent regenerations continued after the DPF replacement and a sensor was replaced on 29 October 2025. Regens continue at approximately 1 per week. ***4*** This is a known issue amongst the community of RAM truck owners. It's unfortunate that many do not report it because the safety issue could easily set off a chain reaction, especially if this heavy duty truck were to be towing a heavy load as it capable of doing.
NHTSA complaint #11709256 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2017 Ram 3500. The contact stated that the vehicle had undergone the regeneration process. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was performing the DPF regeneration cycle constantly while driving. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who informed the contact that the SCR catalytic converter was on backorder. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 272,000.
NHTSA complaint #11699454 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Traction control and ABS work intermittently. Ram sent out this notification for recall concerning stated problems but state there is no fix at this time. They continue to state there is no fix. This is a safety issue and you are not forcing them to repair. They are dragging their feet hoping it goes away. DO SOMETHING!!!!
NHTSA complaint #11694366 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
My pm sensors or particulate matter system malfunction and failed which lead to emissions issues and created my vehicle to drive in limp mode. Limp mode basically slowed downs the vehicle is slow as 5 mph as soon as this light displays at any time while driving on the highway. This put my safety in danger and the public as I transport what dot considers a type hazardous material. The sudden loss of power in the middle of the road has made vehicles around me extremely vulnerable to fatal collisions. I took my vehicle to the dealership where they confirmed this malfunction and problem with my vehicle but no recall has been issued as of yet no warning lamps appeared prior to the failure.
NHTSA complaint #11692604 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2024 Ram 3500. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle in colder weather, the message "Pre-heating Diesel" was displayed on the screen. No warning light was illuminated. Several local dealers were contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. There was no recall for the issue associated with the VIN. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 15,000.
NHTSA complaint #11692137 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2020 Ram 3500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle made an abnormal ticking sound. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with high-pressure fuel pump failure, but the vehicle was not repaired at the time. The contact stated that upon pulling into a parking lot, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle failed to restart and was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the high-pressure fuel pump had imploded, causing damage to the fuel system. The dealer related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V880000 (Fuel System, Diesel), and the vehicle was repaired; however, the contact later became aware that the dealer had replaced the high-pressure fuel pump with the same part. The contact stated that upon taking the vehicle to an independent mechanic to be serviced, the mechanic informed the contact that the high-pressure fuel pump installed on the vehicle was not the recall part, but the same defective part. The mechanic recorded the high-pressure fuel pump and part number, and the vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was confirmed that the recall part had not been installed on the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the dealer for assistance. The contact stated that the dealer delayed performing the recall repair free of charge, which required the contact to pay for the replacement of the high-pressure fuel pump with the correct part. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer failed to complete the recall repair free of charge. The failure mileage was approximately 38,000.
NHTSA complaint #11686066 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
We bought our 2024 3500 Dodge RAM in Florida in late March. Last weekend the truck started to feel like it was jerking while we were pulling our 5th wheel. On Monday we schedule an appointment in Brockton Massachusetts at a dealership. We were told there need to be a system update and that it was all set. On Wednesday we started our 3 hour drive to Maine when suddenly while we were on the highway the truck began to overheat and revving loud only going 35mph. We pulled over into a parking lot and called RAM roadside assistance. We were told to let the truck cool down and try again. After being in a parking lot with our 4 kids and 2 dogs in 100 degree weather for 6 hours we attempted to start the truck. However every time we put it in drive the truck shut off. At this time we had to get it towed for $300, today the local RAM autoshop is saying they looked at the truck and transmission is gone. They are also saying they will not be able to look at the truck for a month. We travel full-time in our RV and now are stranded with our RV and no way to pull it anywhere.
NHTSA complaint #11669535 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
My 2022 RAM 3500 has repeated failures of the diesel particulate filter (DPF) system. The truck enters limp mode unexpectedly, including while towing on the interstate, creating a serious safety hazard due to sudden loss of power. Since purchasing the vehicle, I have experienced ongoing issues with the emissions system, specifically related to the DPF. The check engine light comes on frequently, and diagnostic scans consistently show code P2459 (Diesel Particulate Filter Regeneration Frequency Too High). The DPF system has been replaced approximately five times by authorized RAM dealer. Despite these repairs, the same problem continues to occur. The truck will sometimes enter limp mode without warning, drastically reducing engine power. This has happened while towing a camper on the interstate, making it difficult or impossible to maintain safe highway speeds or accelerate when needed. This puts me, my passengers, and other motorists at risk of a crash, particularly when merging or changing lanes in fast-moving traffic. I have already pursued and settled a claim with Stellantis (RAM’s manufacturer) for $10k due to these issues. However, the problem persists, and the root cause has not been resolved. Accepting the settlement was recommended by legal counsel. The failure has occurred on multiple occasions (at least five separate incidents). The vehicle has undergone several service visits and emissions system replacements, but the safety issue continues. Current mileage 42,000. Dates of incidents from most recent: 6/25 (still in shop), 3/25, 9/24, 8/24,7/24,6/24,4/24,1/24,7/23,6/23,11/22. Documentation available upon request. Diesel particulate filter (DPF) system replaced approximately five times. I believe there is a defect in the design or operation of the emissions system that poses a safety risk. Loss of power while driving at highway speeds or towing creates a dangerous situation. I am reporting this in hopes that NHTSA will investigate this recurring issue.
NHTSA complaint #11667995 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
On May 3, 2025, while driving my 2018 RAM 2500 with approximately 46,000 miles, the check engine light came on and the engine immediately experienced a significant loss of power. The vehicle entered a limp mode condition, drastically reducing speed and acceleration. I was forced to pull into a nearby business as the truck could not maintain safe highway speeds, creating a traffic hazard and contributing to congestion. The vehicle was diagnosed by a repair facility as having a failed turbo actuator, a critical component in regulating turbo boost and engine power delivery. After researching this issue, I have found numerous similar complaints and reports from other RAM truck owners on various owner forums and websites, indicating this may be a recurring and potentially widespread defect in these vehicles. Given that this failure occurred at relatively low mileage, caused a hazardous driving condition, and seems to be a commonly reported problem, I believe this issue warrants investigation by NHTSA for potential safety risks and manufacturer accountability. No injuries or property damage occurred, but the incident posed a significant safety risk to myself and other drivers.
NHTSA complaint #11659873 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Def pump failed, I had to have it replaced before it degraded my travel speed to 5 mph. After spending $250 to Dodge dealer in Oxnard Service department for them to tell me exactly what it said on the truck code DEF pump needed replacing, I decided I didn't want to spend an extra $1000 for the dealer to fix it ($3900 they wanted for this job). On 11/16/22, I paid ($2865.81) to a reputable diesel mechanic to replace the pump. I was denied the reimbursement that was promised in the recall information. I need help with this! I pay $1200/ month for truck and insurance, but Ram can't reimburse me for a recall I paid out of pocket for, as promised. ABSOLUTE CROOKS! I want help with this. I see there are multiple other complaints of the same issue! HELP!
NHTSA complaint #11654914 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Driving on highway 02/24/2025 approximately 07:15 pm EST at 65 mph, vehicle began Diesel DPF automatic regeneration cycle. Strong smell of "burning trash" and fuel vapor entered cabin with windows up. this happens frequently
NHTSA complaint #11645431 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Codes: P2002, P242F, P2463, P1451 Failures: DPF, Charge air cooler leak, PM sensors, EGR internally cracked, Catalytic Convertor, Pink tinged oil, strong diesel odor in oil - post failures. Erratic def gauge readings, unstable idling, clunking downshift when exhaust brake decelerates, warm up stumbling. Power reduced, see dealer (over and over and over and over). Limp Mode (5 MPH). Permanent ticks/taps from front left motor, front passenger wheel well, passenger side mid-truck. Extremely loose gear shifter plus an occasional “Vehicle Not in Part” message on the dash display. Manufacturers Service Center (local and ONLY Ram dealership) has reproduced the issue. Independent Diesel Mechanic shop also reproduced. Service center and Independent shop both inspected. The safety issues of a 5 MPH limp mode and risk of sudden engine stalls while driving in traffic, especially on an interstate should be fairly self explanatory… As is a constant “Power Reduced See Dealer” problem, when your truck is used to do what it’s designed to do… Tow large loads. As is an extremely loose gear shifter that doesn’t always properly register as “in Park”. The date listed below is simply the date of the very first occurrence. It’s not a representation of every date after. The most recent date was just last week.
NHTSA complaint #11644228 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Emission system failure. Code P2459 Regeneration Frequency. Overheating of the DPF while stuck in regen cycle causes burning smell and diesel fumes in the cabin while driving. Suspected vehicle on fire. Date of incident 01/25/2025. Vehicle at dealership for repair 01/28/2025. Dealership repair unsuccessful following STAR approved process of elimination. Vehicle returned to dealer 02/18/2025 for same issue. Many customers with 2019-2022 diesel engines having same issue. No known fix according to dealership.
NHTSA complaint #11643337 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
On 9 September, while driving, I got an emergency dashboard notice that stated Throttle System Malfunction contact dealer. It went out and then another immediately flashed that stated Exhaust System Malfunction contact dealer. The vehicle lost power within seconds after the second notice. I coasted to a stop on the side of the road. Once stopped, smoke quickly started coming out of the engine compartment and then flames. I contacted 911, an engine arrived but the truck was fully engaged and completely burnt.
NHTSA complaint #11624859 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
My def pump failed. Paid for repair. Now they have a recall for the part. I submitted a claim they denied my claim because I didn't have download 67a done before repair download wasn't available at that time. My truck is in the milage and dates required. I need help
NHTSA complaint #11618029 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.