Engine complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 44 | 12% | 87,000 miles |
| 2011 | 25 | 11% | 70,000 miles |
| 2010 | 22 | 15% | 86,000 miles |
| 2009 | 2 | 2% | — |
| 2008 | 24 | 14% | 41,000 miles |
| 2007 | 33 | 16% | 50,000 miles |
| 2006 | 12 | 5% | 140,000 miles |
| 2005 | 13 | 7% | 89,000 miles |
| 2004 | 8 | 4% | 10,000 miles |
| 2003 | 5 | 2% | 10,000 miles |
| 2002 | 3 | 7% | 130,000 miles |
| 2001 | 6 | 5% | 87,000 miles |
| 2000 | 6 | 10% | 51,000 miles |
| 1999 | 12 | 12% | 112,000 miles |
| 1998 | 7 | 7% | 164,000 miles |
| 1997 | 6 | 5% | 103,000 miles |
| 1996 | 7 | 6% | 50,000 miles |
| 1995 | 3 | 3% | — |
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 owned a 2012 Dodge Ram 3500. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, a fire started under the hood. The fire was extinguished by the fire department. The hood was completely consumed by the fire. The fire department declared the vehicle a total loss. The contact stated that inspection by the fire department declared that the fire was an electrical fire that started on the driver's side under the hood. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V635000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Fuel System, Diesel); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was contacted by phone and was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 259,500.
The contact owns a 2012 Ram 3500. The contact stated that while that while the vehicle was in for service, the independent mechanic discovered fuel leaking from the fuel filter heater assembly. The contact was advised that the fuel filter heater assembly 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 vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V635000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 202,000.
The contact owns a 2011 Ram 3500. The contact stated that during cold weather, the engine would not heat up properly and hesitated to start. In addition, the contact stated that on several occasions, the heater grid connector on the driver's side melted bolts and wiring that intruded into the engine, causing piston #6 to misfire. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V060000 (Electrical System) however, the VIN was not included. There was no warning light illuminated. The local dealer was contacted; however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 96,000.
Don't know, the fireman,said the engine caught on fire, some how look like from on top pointed to the top. I believe I believe it was exhaust? Fire department would write out report and send it to me. Devastated 68+ miles truck was paid off melted the whole front and top of the engine everything down! I want to know what happened?! 2011, dodge ram 1 ton 6.7diesel Cummings ! also melted my boat 2010 nitro Z7 with a 150 mercury bass boat $28,000 boat worth more than that now whet up in value! It had 15 hours only on engine! It's not completely lost I pray...
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.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Dodge Ram 3500. While driving, the instrument panel and exterior lighting illuminated brightly and the vehicle stalled. The contact pulled over and discovered that the TIPM was smoking and caused six unknown fuses to become inoperable. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence and restarted. After the vehicle was restarted, it caught on fire. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 245,000.
Tl* the contact stated employed by a company that owns a 2008 Dodge Ram. The contact stated while an employee was driving at approximately 35 MPH an abnormal odor was detected the cabin of the vehicle. The driver was able to stop the vehicle and upon opening the hood fire was seen in the engine compartment. The fire department was contacted and extinguished the fire. A fire investigation report was not available. The approximate failure mileage was 116,216.
Related recalls (1)
Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Diesel
Chrysler is recalling 108,429 my 2007-2008 Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks equipped with 6.7l diesel engines. A silencer pad can sag and contact the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) cooler.
Remedy: Dealers will add a bracket to support the engine compartment silencer pad adjacent to the EGR cooler. The recall is expected to begin during December 2008. Owners May contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Frequently asked questions
Which Dodge Ram 3500 years have engine problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2012 (44), 2007 (33), 2011 (25), 2008 (24) and 2010 (22) model years. Engine complaints make up 12% of all complaints for the 2012.
Is there a recall for Dodge Ram 3500 engine problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 08V-641 (diesel, Dec 5, 2008). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Dodge Ram 3500 engine problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 72,000 miles; 37% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the engine › diesel (34 mentions), followed by the exhaust system (23).
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.