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 2010 Dodge Ram 3500 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Truck totally destroyed by spontaneous fire, suspected to be related to short in radio or dashboard. Assessment done by fire department and truck paid off by Progressive Insurance but no compensation for contents of truck. Truck in driveway, not running and fire damaged adjacent vehicle at cost of $7000 paid by vehicle owner and USAA insurance.
Vehicle sudden shutdown with burnt electrical odor being emitted from under the hood. Smoke/fire from fuse panel (computer module) continued until batteries were disconnected. Same failure occurred while vehicle was parked approximately 2 years ago requiring replacement of effected components. Again, smoke evolving from panel until power removed by disconnecting batteries.
My husband and I totaled our 2010 Dodge Ram 3500 less than 24 hrs after pick up the truck from the lythia Dodge which they had for 5 days straight prior to the accident. For the steering, check engine light and the brakes. In 18mos my truck was in the shop 6 times, for repairs {unacceptable}. We were driving on a arterial st at about 35, when I heard a snap. We suddenly went into oncoming traffic where we sideswiped a sm SUV. Went thru two fences and crashed into a huge shop traveling about 210 yards. My husband was cited for neg 2. He stated he came to in the shop, the officer reported he feel asleep. My vehicle was a total loss. The auto source from the ins. For the payoff , had a list of recalls for my vehicle one of them was for the tie-rod. We recalled seeing the trucks tie-rod had been broken at the scene. So I tried to get my ins to investigate. …
I took my truck in for the first tie rod recall when it first came out...when I got my truck back I kept hearing a weird noise for a few weeks...ended up finding out that my rim was so loose it almost fell off....I ended up needing ball joints and new tires soon after...about 6000 miles later started feeling front end sloppiness. ..took it to mechanic and needed tie rod....wanted recall done on block heater but parts were not available. ..got that answer multiple times....this recall to me is as important if not more that the other as it results in fire.....I'm not happy at all and I want my vehicle bought back...it's not safe....they say no, I disagree
Tl* the contact owns a 2010 Dodge Ram 3500. While driving 60 MPH, the vehicle decelerated to 10 MPH on its own. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that a new camshaft was needed. The mechanic also suggested that the contact take the vehicle to a dealer. The contact called pine belt Chrysler Jeep new jersey (88, 1400 ocean ave, lakewood, nj 08701, [phone]), but they refused to service the vehicle for free because it was out of warranty. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and did not assist. The failure mileage was 92,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2010 Dodge Ram 3500. While driving 55 MPH, the engine shut off and all power was lost without warning. The contact bumped the key and the vehicle restarted. The contact was able to drive the vehicle home without failure. The vehicle was towed to scranton Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram (1146 wyoming ave, scranton, pa 18509 [phone]) where it was diagnosed with an ignition switch failure that needed replacement. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, but offered no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000. Updated 9/18/18
Tl* the contact owns a 2010 Dodge Ram 3500. The contact stated that the ignition module solenoid malfunctioned and caused the key to fall out of the ignition while the vehicle was in motion. In addition, the steering would not lock when the vehicle was parked. Green Dodge (3801 wabash ave, springfield, il 62711, [phone]) and the manufacturer were contacted and stated that the vehicle was not included in a recall. The manufacturer referred the contact to NHTSA. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was 86,400. The VIN was invalid.
Tl* the contact owns a 2010 Dodge Ram 3500. The contact stated that while driving 75 MPH with the cruise control activated, the engine stalled without warning. The vehicle was restarted and an abnormal noise was heard from the engine. The contact stated that there was smoke coming from the engine and caught on fire. A police/fire report was filed and there were no injuries reported. The vehicle was destroyed. The approximate failure mileage was 127,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2010 Dodge Ram 3500. The contact started the vehicle and the engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the 02 sensors and wiring needed to be replaced. The contact was a certified mechanic and repaired the vehicle himself. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 115,000.
At 17000 miles the oxygen sensor warning light came on and does not appear to hinder or effect the performance or handling of the truck. I asked the parts department if they had replacement parts and how much they cost. The informed me they cost $150.00 but did not have any and had no idea when they would have stock. This should be a recall for environmental reasons.
Engine complaints in other Ram 3500 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2010 Dodge Ram 3500?
NHTSA has 22 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2010 Dodge Ram 3500, 15% of the model year's 150 complaints. The component named most often is engine › diesel (3 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2010 Dodge Ram 3500 engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2010 Dodge Ram 3500, though it has 9 recalls 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 2010 Dodge Ram 3500 engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 86,000 miles, and 25% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 3 fires and 2 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.