Body complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 8 | 3% | 83,000 miles |
| 2011 | 5 | 2% | 64,000 miles |
| 2010 | 7 | 3% | 70,000 miles |
| 2009 | 4 | 2% | 23,000 miles |
| 2008 | 4 | 1% | 50,000 miles |
| 2007 | 11 | 3% | 150,000 miles |
| 2006 | 8 | 1% | 107,000 miles |
| 2005 | 10 | 2% | 120,000 miles |
| 2004 | 35 | 6% | 75,000 miles |
| 2003 | 146 | 22% | 75,000 miles |
| 2002 | 40 | 26% | 62,000 miles |
| 2001 | 181 | 39% | 92,000 miles |
| 2000 | 56 | 27% | 86,000 miles |
| 1999 | 53 | 17% | 98,000 miles |
| 1998 | 22 | 10% | 130,000 miles |
| 1997 | 11 | 5% | 175,000 miles |
| 1996 | 13 | 4% | 196,000 miles |
| 1995 | 9 | 3% | 100,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (doors, hood, frame, rust, paint and trim).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Ram 2500. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle lifters detached. In addition, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact mentioned that the vehicle misfired. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the fuel injector, the spark plugs, and coil needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed that the vehicle was not included in a recall. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.
I left the truck running, I walked about 20 feet away while doing some cleaning on my property and when I turned around I saw what looked like the ground on fire. It looked like fire dripping down from underneath the truck and in no time the truck burned to the ground. What do I need to do at this point? Should I get an attorney?
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Dodge Ram 2500. While the vehicle was parked, the contact discovered that the exhaust tail pipe had excessive rust and was separated from the muffler. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed that there was excessive rust and the tail pipe needed to be replaced. The contact also stated that the vehicle's spray on bed liner contained bubbles. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 82,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Ram 2500. The contact stated that the bolts that attached the exhaust manifold to the vehicle had fractured. As a result, the exhaust manifold detached from the vehicle. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the bolts needed to be replaced, and the exhaust manifold May need to be replaced as well. This would not be determined until the replacement of the bolts was completed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact was informed that due to the fact that a plow was placed on the truck, the repair was not covered under warranty. The VIN was unknown. The approximate failure mileage was 40,000. ...updated 03/13/17
The contact owns a 2010 Dodge Ram 2500. The contact stated that while performing routine maintenance on the vehicle, the contact observed that the passenger's and driver's side support rails on the sub frame had several sections that were severely rusted. The contact stated that there were gaps of approximately 2-feet on both rails where the metal was rusted through. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact researched online and became aware that the failure was a known issue. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 189,000.
From statement of operator "while performing road maintenance activities I was driving up a grade at low speed while in four wheel drive and in low gear. The first indication of a problem was a sudden burst of smoke from under the hood accompanied by the engine oil light coming on. I tripped the hood release, went to the front of the vehicle to open the hood. The smoke from the engine compartment prevented me from safely locating the hood release. I then retrieved the fire extinguisher from the vehicle and applied it the best I could to the engine compartment. At the same time another employee retrieved an additional 2 fire extinguishers from another forest service truck and applied their contents in a similar fashion. The application was insufficient to extinguish the fire. Over the subsequent half hour to 45 minutes the vehicle became fully engulfed in fire. …
The contact owns a 2009 Dodge Ram 2500. The contact stated that the vehicle was corroded. The vehicle was severely corroded at the rear passenger's side door frame and a half of the subframe located at the rear passenger's side was also severely corroded. The center of the main subframe exhibited had holes. The contact stated that the corrosion was not due to salt on the road. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacture was contacted. The failure mileage was 140,000.
Driver side rear passenger interior door lock and interior light does stopped working over a year ago. I figured it was a selonoid or a loose connection in the door so I put it off. Just recently 10/11/2015 I took the time to take the door apart and check all the connections. I had power to the speaker and window and nothing to the lock and interior light doesn't come on when the door is open. So I then checked for loose connections everything good. I then checked the connection between the cab and the door and I had a good clean connection. I then pulled back the rubber wire loom between the cab and the door and I found 4 unevenly cut wires. I did not fix them I left the connector disconnected. This is could be a extremely dangerous not to mention potentially deadly fire hazard. Some how the loom is cutting the wires and could result in severe injury and or death.
Frequently asked questions
Which Dodge Ram 2500 years have body problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2001 (181), 2003 (146), 2000 (56), 1999 (53) and 2002 (40) model years. Body complaints make up 39% of all complaints for the 2001.
Is there a recall for Dodge Ram 2500 body problems?
No. NHTSA lists no body & structure recall for any Dodge Ram 2500 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 2500 body problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 89,000 miles; 18% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the body (153 mentions), followed by the frame and members (17).
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.