Dodge Ram 2500 Engine Problems

Engine complaints by model year

Which parts fail

• Engine › Diesel
  65
• Engine
  47
• Exhaust system
  36
• Engine › Gasoline
  32
• Exhaust system › Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe
  9
• Cooling system
  7
• Exhaust system › Emission control
  4
• Exhaust system › Emission control › Gas recirculation valve (EGR valve)
  3

Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).

Mileage when the problem started

• Under 25k
  8428%
• 25k–50k
  5318%
• 50k–75k
  4816%
• 75k–100k
  3712%
• 100k–150k
  3913%
• 150k+
  3612%

What owners report

The contact owns a 2012 Ram 2500. The contact stated the vehicle failed to start intermittently. The contact also stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and the dealer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 168,000.

The exhaust manifold bolts on both sides of the engine warp due to two different metals being put together under heat. Steel and aluminum expand at different temperatures. This causes the bolts to break off of the exhaust manifold creating an exhaust leak into the engine bay. Yes, this can be inspected upon request. The safety of myself and the general public is at risk due to the exhaust leak into the engine bay being pulled into the cab via the heating or airconditioning system. The exhaust fumes are pulled into the cab of the truck via the heating and airconditioning system. When running, the truck has a very noticeable smell inside the cab. It has caused me headaches as well. This poses a risk to the public if the driver were to pass out from said fumes. The problem can be reproduced and is a known issue with Dodge. …

Some electrical components became inoperative in the quick minute. Fuel pump was running continuedly till the battery was drained. Mechanic, I had used before told me that the TIPM Module was defective and needed replaced. Truck just before the battery died was that not all Eletronic's were working. Interior lights, horn, cruise control, FOBs not responding to the vehicle. Mechanic stated that the TPIM did need to be replaced. Contacted dealership were purchased and they told me that there have been recalls out on this particular part. I know that from 2009 to 2017 there have been several models that were impacted by this part being defective. I do have the invoice from the mechanic that took care of replacing the TIPM module.

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Dodge Ram 2500. While driving approximately 60 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the turbo needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred 10 days and 75 miles later. Blue smoke emitted from under the hood of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the turbo extenuator failed and the turbo needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 57,000. Updated 01/21/16

Tl* the contact owned a 2010 Ram 2500. While driving approximately 60 MPH, smoke suddenly appeared under the hood. After stopping the vehicle, the contact noticed flames coming from the engine compartment through the wheel well of the vehicle. The fire department was called to the scene and extinguished the flames. The vehicle was destroyed and towed from the scene. A fire report was filed. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 110,000. Consumer took the vehicle to auto one (grand island, ne, [phone]) for repairs. The manufacturer did not provide assistance or a reason for the failure.

Tl* the contact owns a 2010 Dodge Ram 2500. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign numbers: 11V350000 (steering), 13V529000 (steering), and 14V635000 (engine and engine cooling, fuel system, diesel). While driving 55 MPH, the control gauge indicated high and the truck overheated. The engine engulfed into flames. The contact veered to the side of the road and extinguished the fire. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the vehicle overheated. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 120,000.

The contact owns a 2009 Dodge Ram 2500. The contact stated while operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light remained illuminated, the headlights flashed off and on, and the battery failed to remain charged. The contact diagnosed an electrical ground short, a low voltage to the intake air heater relay, and the engine grid heater was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the Extended Warranty coverage for the failure. The failure mileage was 162,000.

The contact owns a 2009 Dodge Ram 2500. The contact stated that there was an abnormal odor coming from the exhaust at start-up. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where the vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the exhaust manifold bolts needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 140,000. The VIN was not available.

Related recalls (1)