Engine complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 4 | 14% | 0 miles |
| 2025 | 11 | 17% | 2,000 miles |
| 2024 | 9 | 15% | 38,000 miles |
| 2023 | 12 | 24% | 12,000 miles |
| 2022 | 35 | 19% | 5,000 miles |
| 2021 | 28 | 26% | 42,000 miles |
| 2020 | 34 | 21% | 18,000 miles |
| 2019 | 34 | 18% | 7,000 miles |
| 2018 | 42 | 2% | 65,000 miles |
| 2017 | 47 | 7% | 72,000 miles |
| 2016 | 56 | 22% | 6,000 miles |
| 2015 | 36 | 17% | 46,000 miles |
| 2014 | 63 | 18% | 17,000 miles |
| 2013 | 47 | 26% | 30,000 miles |
| 2009 | 1 | 20% | — |
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 2026 Ram 2500. The contact stated that on three occasions while driving, the vehicle lost power and stalled. The vehicle was towed to her residence. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. A computer update was previously completed, but the failure recurred. The dealer later informed her the failure was due to the battery. The manufacturer was contacted, who opened a Star case and was informed about a buyback. The failure mileage was approximately 200.
I was in the middle of a 1 hr long drive and my DEF gauge went from 2/3 full to empty nearly instantly. I received a message on the dash that said my speed would be limited to 5 MPH in 200 miles. Thankfully, I was within easy driving distance to a dealer, so I dropped if off yesterday (still waiting for their assessment of the issue), but what if I was in the middle of nowhere, and couldn't get to a dealer before that 200 mile limit was reached? What if the dealer couldn't see me for weeks/months which is not uncommon these days? These emissions control systems have gotten absolutely out of control and change needs to happen. 2026 RAM 2500 Laramie Mega Cab w/ approx 1,650 miles (yes, one thousand, six hundred and fifty miles)
The contact owns a 2025 Ram 2500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled with the Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) message displayed. The vehicle was able to restart. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) system had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 1,700.
Driving by myself with no load at 12:15 in the afternoon with outside temperature at 80 degrees. Vehicle started to make a large screeching sound coming from engine bay. I pulled over into a parking lot and shut off engine. Vehicle continued to make screeching sound from engine bay; I opened hood to a billowing smoke that smelled like an electrical fire. Noise and significant smoke continued for several minutes with engine off and ignition in off position.
The contact's Employer owns a 2024 Ram 2500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was able to be restarted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but the cause of the failure could not be determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 38,000.
Lifters are failing with 31,000 miles. There are thousands of these trucks with less than 30,000 miles on there second or third set of lifters. I took the truck to Allen Samuels Dodge in Aransas pass Texas for a loud rattling kept the truck several days couldn't figure it out. I recorded a video of the banging inside the engine they kept the truck 5 days or so gave me a letter saying it's under investigation and I should call Ram about the lifters. Called Ram they said call the dealer or take it to another dealer. Service guy was like yeah the lifters are failing left n right and locking up the engine. The grid heater bolt is burning off and falling into the number 6 piston on these trucks locking up the engine. I have numerous screen shots from several Ram 2500 groups where people are getting new engines just for it to fail in 3000 miles. …
The contact owns a 2023 Ram 2500. The contact stated while driving approximately 74 MPH, the EGR valve de-energized seizing the turbo, causing the vehicle do decelerate to 30 MPH in less than a quarter mile. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact pulled over to the side of the road, turned off the vehicle, and waited approximately 15 minutes before restarting the vehicle and continuing to drive the vehicle. The contact stated the failure had occurred several times while driving at various speeds. The contact stated that the vehicle had previously been repaired under a TSB with NHTSA ID Number: 10241065 (Electrical System, Engine and Engine Cooling) before the contact took ownership of the vehicle. The vehicle had been taken to the dealer where the Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) valve, Turbo actuator, and Engine Control Module (ECM) were replaced. …
The contact owns a 2023 Ram 2500. The contact stated that the vehicle was produce without a dipstick to check his own oil. The contact called the dealer and was informed that he could not be sold a dipstick but that the vehicle could be serviced at the dealer. The contact stated that the failure to provide a dipstick had cost him additional money and had been an unnecessary inconvenience. The manufacturer was notified of the failure where they also gave him the same information. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was 0.
Related recalls (4)
Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Engine control module (ECU/ECM)
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2022 Ram 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis, Ram 2500, and 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles equipped with Cummins 6.7L turbo diesel engines. The engine control module (ECM) may have been built with a misaligned capacitor that can short-circuit, resulting in an internal loss of communication.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the ECM, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 20, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is Z87.
Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Diesel
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2013-2017 RAM 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis, 4500 Cab Chassis, and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles, equipped with Cummins 6.7L Turbo Diesel engines that have Concentric-brand water pumps without a vent hole. These water pumps may leak coolant.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the water pumps, free of charge. The recall began February 26, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403.
Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2016 Ram 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis and 4500/5500 Cab Chassis trucks manufactured July 31, 2015, to August 13, 2015 and equipped with a 6.7L Cummins Diesel engine.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ECM, free of charge. The recall began on December 21, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403.
Engine and engine cooling
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2013 Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500 trucks manufactured January 7, 2013, through March 6, 2013. The engine cover may trap an excessive amount of heat under the cover.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the existing engine cover with one that is a different design, free of charge. An interim letter was mailed on May 31, 2013.
Frequently asked questions
Which Ram 2500 years have engine problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2014 (63), 2016 (56), 2013 (47), 2017 (47) and 2018 (42) model years. Engine complaints make up 18% of all complaints for the 2014.
Is there a recall for Ram 2500 engine problems?
Yes — 4 recalls, including 22V-642 (engine control module (ecu/ecm), Aug 26, 2022); 17V-562 (diesel, Sep 12, 2017); 15V-592 (engine, Sep 23, 2015). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Ram 2500 engine problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 30,000 miles; 67% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the engine › diesel (4 mentions), followed by the exhaust system › emission control › gas recirculation valve (egr valve) (2).
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.