Dodge Ram 3500 Fuel System Problems

Owners have filed 213 complaints about fuel & propulsion system problems with the Dodge Ram 3500 — 7% of all Ram 3500 complaints. The worst model years are 2012 (40), 2010 (18) and 2011 (16). Problems typically start around 93,000 miles. 2 related recalls have been issued.

213complaints
2012worst year
93ktypical miles
2related recalls
3crashes
10fires

Fuel System complaints by model year

’95’96’97’98’99’00’01’02’03’04’05’06’07’08’09’10’11’1268151010812912131213731181640
Fuel System complaints per model year, Dodge Ram 3500.
YearComplaintsShare of year's complaintsTypical mileage
20124011%128,000 miles
2011167%90,000 miles
20101812%37,000 miles
200911%—
200832%19,000 miles
200773%60,000 miles
2006135%73,000 miles
2005126%112,000 miles
2004136%76,000 miles
2003124%119,000 miles
2002920%64,000 miles
2001129%86,000 miles
2000814%71,000 miles
19991010%115,000 miles
19981010%127,000 miles
19971512%175,000 miles
199686%115,000 miles
199566%65,000 miles

Which parts fail

  • Delivery › Fuel pump
    18
  • Storage › Tank assembly
    16
  • Fuel injection system
    10
  • Delivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
    9
  • Storage › Fuel gauge system
    4
  • Fuel injection system › Injectors
    4
  • Delivery
    2
  • Storage › Tank assembly › Mounting
    1

Components named in complaints (fuel pump, injectors, fuel tank, hybrid and EV propulsion).

Mileage when the problem started

  • Under 25k
    1713%
  • 25k–50k
    1613%
  • 50k–75k
    2923%
  • 75k–100k
    1713%
  • 100k–150k
    2923%
  • 150k+
    1814%

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.

2012 Ram 3500 · 260,000 miles · Aug 2026 · fire

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.

2012 Ram 3500 · 202,000 miles · Mar 2025

I had a recall on the fuel heater plug and took care of the problem a few years back. I noticed today that the plug is leaking fuel and was wondering if the problem was ever fixed or if they used the same recalled parts? Do you ever recall an already recalled part? or do they ever pay for the part if I fix it myself?

2011 Ram 3500 · Feb 2022

I called three/3 dealers to inquire about having my vehicle recalls attended to. I have been waiting months and months for this. Jack key Dodge (alamogordo, nm) put me on hold for 45 minutes after I told the reception of the n49 recall. Sierra blanca motors (ruidoso, nm) said the parts were on back order and the service manager would call me immediately (Monday morning) after calling Dodge....he has not called. Roswell Dodge (roswell, nm) said all parts on back order and I would not be seen until November. This program is a joke. I will not have my truck repaired due to the uncaring, abrasive, and nonchalant attitude about a very serious matter. I demand to have a buyback, as is my option, and I view this as absurd that we must wait so long for our money in this age of instant communication. Absurd. I do not believe Dodge can or will fix my recalls competently. …

2011 Ram 3500 · 123,000 miles · Sep 2015

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.

2010 Ram 3500 · Nov 2020 · fire

I filed a claim with FCA regarding the ability to surrender my vehicle under the consent order reached with FCA in July 2015 . I submitted my claim with them on 10/1/2015. I been given nothing but a run around. I notified FCA on 9/04/2015 regarding my desire to be apart of the recall process. I have submitted all documents requested. I called on 10/27/2015 and was told that the FCA had major problems with the recall process and that there was no current solution. My last contact was on 11/2/2015 when I was asked for a current pay off which I responded on 11/3/2015. I just received last week the recall notice for the fuel heater issue, but nothing on the steering recall. A Dodge dealer that I was to work with in huntington beach ca. …

2010 Ram 3500 · 59,000 miles · Oct 2015

Tl contact owns a 2008 Dodge Ram 3500. While driving 60 MPH, the contact was informed by other motorists that his vehicle was on fire. He then noticed flames in the cabin and the bed, in addition to the fuel tank. He pulled over and called the fire department. The highway patrol also arrived at the scene. The vehicle left a trail of fire on the highway due to the fuel leak. The vehicle was towed to a salvage yard. The insurance company was notified and stated that there was a shortage between the fuel pump and the fuel tank. The dealer wanted to investigate; however, they will not inform the contact or the insurance company what caused the fire. The passenger sustained minor burns to his hands, arms, and hair. A police report was filed. The failure and current mileages were 19,000.

2008 Ram 3500 · 19,000 miles · Feb 2009 · fire · 1 injury

Power loss occurs at anytime. All the time. Truck slows down to idle speed. Really bad when doing 70 on the interstate. Must shut engine off, press accelerator slowly for 5 times then restart engine. Electronic throttle controller has been replaced 6 times now. They all failed again between 7 and 40 miles. Have not been able to get it repaired.

2008 Ram 3500 · 1,000 miles · Apr 2009

Related recalls (2)

Fuel system, diesel

NHTSA recall 14V-635 · Oct 8, 2014 · 315,325 vehicles

Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2010-2014 Ram 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500 trucks manufactured March 27, 2009, to September 5, 2013. In the affected vehicles, the electrical connectors of the diesel fuel heater may overheat.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the harness side connector with a silver plated beryllium copper terminal service kit, and inspect the fuel heater for leaks, replacing it as necessary, free of…

Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly

NHTSA recall 07V-472 · Oct 9, 2007 · 548 vehicles

On certain cab/chassis pickup trucks equipped with an optional 23 gallon fuel tank, the fuel tank straps were improperly manufactured and could separate. This can cause the fuel tank to loosen and leak fuel.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel tank retention straps and fasteners free of charge. The recall began on November 12, 2007. Owners May contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.

Frequently asked questions

Which Dodge Ram 3500 years have fuel system problems?

By NHTSA complaints, the 2012 (40), 2010 (18), 2011 (16), 1997 (15) and 2004 (13) model years. Fuel System complaints make up 11% of all complaints for the 2012.

Is there a recall for Dodge Ram 3500 fuel system problems?

Yes — 2 recalls, including 14V-635 (fuel system, diesel, Oct 8, 2014); 07V-472 (tank assembly, Oct 9, 2007). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.

At what mileage do Dodge Ram 3500 fuel system problems start?

Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 93,000 miles; 26% happened before 50,000 miles.

What part fails most often?

Owners most often name the delivery › fuel pump (18 mentions), followed by the storage › tank assembly (16).

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.