Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2001 Dodge Ram 2500 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
PCM has been replace for the 2nd time since the original one. The dealer has sent out the PCM for reprogramming. It was returned and the PCM does not function properly. If they can not find a used one, the truck is totally worthless. Dodge had stopped producing the PCM. Because of this Dodge is forcing me to replace a perfectly good truck except for the PCM. Because the truck was driven in california except for the last 4 years, there is no rust. There has been no recall. I don't feel I should have to buy a new/used truck because Dodge does not want to make the PCM. They are producing vehicles knowing the vehicle can't be fixed after a certain amount time.
1.) after opening the hood the rubber strip running across the top edge of the firewall (where back of hood meets) May become dislodged and fall onto the turbocharger housing. 2.) this occurs almost every time hood is opened. The last time I had to open the hood it was dark and I did not notice that it had become detached again when I closed the hood. 3.) since the rubber had caught on fire I removed it and allowed it to burn itself out on my driveway. The last time it came in contact with the turbo I was able to notice it before it actually had caught on fire, this time I was not so lucky.
While driving vehicle's steering wheel locked up. Dealer notified. Ts steering wheel wouldn't turn. Power steering pump replaced. Tire pressure was too low. Steering box failed and replaced. Windshield cracked and replaced. Vehicle won't shift at 40 MPH. Clunking noise from park to reverse. Found normal operation. Oil leak in front of motor. Overflow bottle too full. Vehicle wandered all over the road. Steering box adjusted. And low tire pressure was to blame. Console on seat doesn't close properly. Turbo whistles on acceleration. No problem found. Transmission surges at 10 to 45 MPH. No problem found. Power steering box leaked and replaced second time. Leak was found at vacuum pump seal caused leak at power steering reservoir. Steering drifts to right and wheel is off center. Center drag link adjusted second time. After set for a few days, vehicle won't move when it is placed in drive. …
Thermostat closed, causing engine to overheat, boiling the coolant out of the cooling system out of the overflow pipe, past the radiator cap, through the coolant recovery bottle. Possible consequences: destruction of engine through overheating, possible fire. Temperature gauge did not function due to loss of coolant. Service dealer and daimler Chrysler state that the thermostat is not a warranty item, even though nothing in the owner's manual, the extended warranty contract or any other documentation that I have states this. Instead. Daimler Chrysler cover the cummins diesel engine and all internal components. This is and was interpreted by this owner as meaning that the thermostat, being an internal engine part, should be covered, and all literature supplied me at the time of purchase imply this. Failure of this part could result in a fire or engine destruction.
Diesel engine looses power while driving. This usually happens while accelerating. When you press on the accelerator, nothing happens. Takes a minute before it recovers and you can accelerate again. I tow a 5th wheel rv which makes more dangerous. Happened on the interstate once while trying to pass. This was fixed by the dealer. They replaced the injector pump. It's my understanding there was a recall on school busses with these engines for the same thing. Maybe it should be looked into further.
Dt*: the contact stated while driving 30 MPH the engine started sputtering and smoking resulting in a loss of power. The vehicle was taken to an independent repair shop for inspection. The mechanic determined the injection pump needed to be replaced, which no repairs were made. Also, the mechanic noticed the tie rods were pulling apart on the front left and right side. The mechanic replaced the front left and right tie rods and ball joints. The dealership and manufacturer were alerted.
2001 Dodge Ram 2500 dashboard cracking . Tv investigation slot shown on internet. My vehicle has the same problem - purchased new dashboard panel from Dodge dealer $200. In the past year have front axle seals, water pump, power steering pump , fuel injection pump and automatic transmission failed. Repaired over $ 6400 in expense - the dash problem broke the monkey's back.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Dodge Ram 2500. The contact stated that the vehicle would loose power while driving on the highway. The dealer was notified, but was unable to diagnose the failure. The manufacturer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 70,000 and the current mileage was 130,000. Updated 02/09/12 updated 02/13/12
I was driving south on interstate 5 california the truck just died on the highway. I was stuck in 105 degree heat for 2 hours before the tow truck got there. I had no water and I am a cancer survivor. I have been extremely ill ever since. Very tired and I have no appetite. 4,200 hundred truck repair bill. I had to pay because I have no other transportation.
Dash and bezel are cracking. Pieces are falling into it. What problems will this cause. Heater core is leaking spilling coolant onto cab carpet and pad. Was told this model truck has no air intake filter to stop leaves and other trash from entering the system then rotting in the heater core box creating mold which corrodes the core.
Engine complaints in other Ram 2500 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2001 Dodge Ram 2500?
NHTSA has 28 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2001 Dodge Ram 2500, 6% of the model year's 469 complaints. The component named most often is engine › gasoline (9 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2001 Dodge Ram 2500 engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2001 Dodge Ram 2500, though it has 1 recall for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2001 Dodge Ram 2500 engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 110,000 miles, and 7% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 7 fires and 0 injuries to engine & cooling problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.