Engine complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 170 | 24% | 84,000 miles |
| 2011 | 156 | 23% | 100,000 miles |
| 2010 | 75 | 15% | 86,000 miles |
| 2009 | 58 | 9% | 80,000 miles |
| 2008 | 43 | 8% | 74,000 miles |
| 2007 | 48 | 9% | 78,000 miles |
| 2006 | 54 | 7% | 60,000 miles |
| 2005 | 153 | 13% | 62,000 miles |
| 2004 | 190 | 17% | 65,000 miles |
| 2003 | 77 | 7% | 63,000 miles |
| 2002 | 80 | 10% | 73,000 miles |
| 2001 | 56 | 5% | 70,000 miles |
| 2000 | 28 | 5% | 82,000 miles |
| 1999 | 43 | 7% | 70,000 miles |
| 1998 | 36 | 7% | 79,000 miles |
| 1997 | 23 | 6% | 31,000 miles |
| 1996 | 34 | 11% | 106,000 miles |
| 1995 | 14 | 7% | 200,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The contact owns a 2012 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to coast to the side of the road. No warning lights were illuminated. After several attempts, the vehicle restarted. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, while starting the vehicle, after releasing the key fob, the vehicle stalled. The contact taped the key to the side of the vehicle to start. The contact stated that once the key fob was taped, the windows failed to roll up, the indicators failed to function as intended, the heater and A/C failed to operate as needed, and the hazard lights were inoperable. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 140,000.
The contact owns a 2012 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH, the check engine warning light was flashing, and the vehicle unexpectedly decelerated. While depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle was shaking and continued decelerating. The vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road. A certified mechanic was contacted and advised the contact to drive the vehicle approximately 45 MPH with the hazard lights flashing to the repair shop. The mechanic diagnosed a misfire in cylinder #2, lifters failure, causing the camshaft failure, which allowed metal debris to enter the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 80,000.
The contact owns a 2011 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that while the vehicle was being serviced by an independent mechanic, the contact was informed that the motor mounts were old and fractured. The independent mechanic suggested that the vehicle was taken to the dealer for the repair. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who confirmed that the motor mounts were fractured and that the vehicle backfired due to piston failure. The dealer replaced the motor mounts. The contact stated that the motor mounts were replaced under an unknown recall. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, the vehicle was at a specialty shop for the engine to be replaced. While at the specialty shop, the contact was informed that the motor mounts were not replaced. The vehicle remained at the specialty shop unrepaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. …
The contact owns a 2011 Dodge Ram 2500. The contact initially received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V635000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Fuel System, Diesel). The contact took the vehicle to the dealer and the recall was serviced. Recently, the contact stated that he noticed a fuel leak coming from the fuel heater. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was discovered that a plug on the connector had melted due to a defective O-ring. The mechanic linked the failure to the recall. The dealer was contacted by both the mechanic and the contact and both were informed that the recall was a one-time free repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 183,000.
The contact owns a 2010 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an unknown speed, the vehicle was jerking as the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where the contact was informed that the oxygen sensors and transmission fluid needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired, however, the contact attempted to replace the oxygen sensors himself. The failure reoccurred and the vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired and the proper oxygen sensors were replaced; however, the contact stated that when he drove over 45 MPH, all warning lights would illuminate on the instrument panel and that an abnormal noise was heard coming from the rear of the vehicle. …
Vehicle driving speed limit of 65 when all of a sudden check engine light came on and off a few times. Driver pulled over to side of road and raised hood. Waiting on tow truck and vehicle caught fire in engine compartment.
Truck has left me stranded multiple times by completely losing power electrical and engine. Dealer claims to have "replaced" computer but Chrysler corp confirms dealer just "reflashed" computer. Multiple recalls have occurred and truck was brought into dealer but I know the old parts remain in place! I cannot trust this dealer to do anything they claim to do, proven by comparing the written work order with the records at chysler corporate. We are afraid to drive this vehicle, my wife will not step foot on it and as I am an amputee every time I get stranded(3 times so far) I cannot walk to get help. So I am at the mercy of available cell phone signal or just pray. The dealer had continually stalled us on repairing these problems up until the warranty ran out and then all of a sudden they figured out the "actual" problem and could now fix it for a few thousand!! Dollars. …
At 12K -13K miles I experienced an engine stall in the early morning. The instrument cluster remained lit and I was able to engage the emergency flasher. I was on a back road and luckily I was able to coast into a driveway. After numerous turns of the key fob, the engine started. This incident was reported to the dealership, but they seemed to shrug it off. Fast forward to 10/9/15. I had trouble again starting the truck. I proceeded to the store and was on a main thoroughfare when I started to turn across traffic into a parking lot.the engine died and luckily my momentum carried me off the street out of traffic and into the lot. Cars had to go around me as I tried to get the vehicle started. The next Monday 10/12/15 I had trouble starting again and I was able to proceed to work. …
Frequently asked questions
Which Dodge Ram 1500 years have engine problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2004 (190), 2012 (170), 2011 (156), 2005 (153) and 2002 (80) model years. Engine complaints make up 17% of all complaints for the 2004.
Is there a recall for Dodge Ram 1500 engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for any Dodge Ram 1500 model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Dodge Ram 1500 engine problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 75,000 miles; 29% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the engine (161 mentions), followed by the engine › gasoline (112).
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.