Engine complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 1 | 4% | 32,000 miles |
| 2009 | 1 | 11% | 60,000 miles |
| 2008 | 5 | 20% | 76,000 miles |
| 2007 | 3 | 18% | 185,000 miles |
| 2006 | 2 | 8% | 54,000 miles |
| 2005 | 16 | 40% | 11,000 miles |
| 2004 | 6 | 10% | 56,000 miles |
| 2003 | 14 | 7% | 11,000 miles |
| 2002 | 37 | 10% | 50,000 miles |
| 2001 | 31 | 7% | 56,000 miles |
| 2000 | 17 | 11% | 80,000 miles |
| 1999 | 43 | 10% | 70,000 miles |
| 1998 | 43 | 8% | 45,000 miles |
| 1997 | 31 | 7% | 59,000 miles |
| 1996 | 58 | 9% | 110,000 miles |
| 1995 | 52 | 8% | 148,000 miles |
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 owns a 2008 Dodge Ram 2500. The contact stated the engine warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to a certified mechanic who stated the sensor needed to be replaced as well as the harness. The vehicle had not been repaired due to the parts being on back order. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 70,000
The contact owns a 2008 Dodge Ram. The contact stated that the rocker panels, subframe, truck bed, and oil pan were severely rusted. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 116,000.
The contact owns a 2007 Dodge Ram 2500. The vehicle was taken to a dealer for both an oil change and to have the vehicle serviced for NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V352000 (Air Bags). The contact was later informed that there was another recall on the vehicle for NHTSA Campaign Number: 08V641000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part for the repair was not available. An appointment was then made to bring the vehicle back to the dealer on a later date for service. A few days later while the contact's husband was driving at 80 MPH with a horse trailer attached to the vehicle, the vehicle caught fire. The contact's husband managed to pull over and extinguish the fire. A police report was filed. No injuries were reported. The vehicle was towed back to the dealer where it remained their possession. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. …
The contact owns a 2007 Dodge Ram. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, exhaust fumes were present inside the cabin of the vehicle. The contact indicated that the failure was caused by the exhaust manifold bolts shearing off, causing exhaust fumes to leak from the exhaust system into the cabin of the vehicle. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The cause of the failure was not determined. The local dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 185,000.
Tl contact owns a 2005 Dodge Ram. The contact was traveling 70 MPH when the vehicle began smoking. The contact pulled to the side and opened hood and found fluids draining from the engine. The contact was assisted by roadside assistance who discovered that the fourth cylinder was leaking from the engine. The vehicle was then towed to a mechanic. The technician advised that the computer should have shut down the engine when as pressure was lost. The contact had the cylinder replaced. The failure mileage was 113,000 and the current mileage was 115,758.
Purchased a 2005 Dodge Ram 1500 on a 3-year lease. The vehicle has 24,000+/- miles. During the last of jan. 2008 the engine in the vehicle started knocking. I took the vehicle back to the leasing dealer on February 4, 2008. The next day or so, I received a phone call from the dealer service rep. Wanting "proof" of oil changes. I explained that I would not be able to provide receipt's since I do the oil & filter changes myself. I am a farmer and have my own pit built specifically for that purpose. I did not hear anything for another week, I called back and they were still asking for service receipts. Finally contacted Chrysler and a representative said they would have an answer within 24 hours. They called 2 weeks later saying they would not honor the warranty because the oil was filled with sludge and that it was my fault that the engine had failed. …
The contact owns a 2004 Dodge Ram 1500 used to haul a 2018 Keystone Passport Ultra Lite Grand Touring. The contact stated that the thermostat in the RV failed to operate as needed. The RV was taken to the dealer, where the thermostat was replaced; however, the failure recurred. The RV was taken back to the dealer, where the thermostat was replaced a second time. Additionally, the contact stated that the RV interior structure had detached in several areas, and the RV was leaking an unknown substance. The contact stated that a nearby camper repair facility inspected the RV and opened the release valve, where water had accumulated underneath the RV. The RV was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown
The engine light keeps coming on. When we took it to the service center the first time we were told that the problem was with the transmission; the colinoid was then replaced. The second time we took it in to the service department because the engine light came on we were told that the computer is sending the exact same code. We were told we would need a new computer, at 56,000 miles. It was installed. The third time we took it in to the service department for the engine light being on we were told once again that the computer is indicating the same problem. After three days of being without transportation we were told that a ball bearing in the valve body was in the wrong spot , to quote the service manager. We told this was fixed so we took our vehicle home. …
Related recalls (2)
Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Diesel
Vehicle description: light duty pickup trucks equipped with 5.9l - 24 valve diesel engine. The low pressure diesel fuel supply tube located in the engine compartment between the filter and the high pressure pump can fracture.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the low pressure diesel fuel supply tube.
Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Diesel
Vehicle description: light duty pickup trucks equipped with 5.9l - 24 valve diesel engine. An intermittent high engine idle condition can occur due to a malfunction of the vehicle speed sensor.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the engine controller software to correct erroneous speed sensor signals.
NHTSA investigations
Evaporative canister leakage
Fuel May leak from the evaporative canister after tank fill.
Frequently asked questions
Which Dodge Ram years have engine problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 1996 (58), 1995 (52), 1998 (43), 1999 (43) and 2002 (37) model years. Engine complaints make up 9% of all complaints for the 1996.
Is there a recall for Dodge Ram engine problems?
Yes — 2 recalls, including 98V-207 (diesel, Sep 8, 1998); 98V-209 (diesel, Sep 8, 1998). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Dodge Ram engine problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 54,000 miles; 52% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the engine › gasoline (113 mentions), followed by the engine (90).
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.