Fuel System complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 2% | 1,000 miles |
| 2024 | 3 | 7% | 15,000 miles |
| 2023 | 1 | 6% | 14,000 miles |
| 2022 | 14 | 7% | — |
| 2021 | 5 | 8% | 77,000 miles |
| 2020 | 57 | 49% | 22,000 miles |
| 2019 | 50 | 36% | 41,000 miles |
| 2018 | 7 | 1% | 200,000 miles |
| 2017 | 9 | 3% | 15,000 miles |
| 2016 | 7 | 5% | 27,000 miles |
| 2015 | 6 | 4% | 2,000 miles |
| 2014 | 22 | 11% | 10,000 miles |
| 2013 | 20 | 17% | 9,000 miles |
| 2007 | 1 | 17% | 100,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (fuel pump, injectors, fuel tank, hybrid and EV propulsion).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The contact owns a 2024 Ram 3500. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle in colder weather, the message "Pre-heating Diesel" was displayed on the screen. No warning light was illuminated. Several local dealers were contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. There was no recall for the issue associated with the VIN. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 15,000.
We bought our 2024 3500 Dodge RAM in Florida in late March. Last weekend the truck started to feel like it was jerking while we were pulling our 5th wheel. On Monday we schedule an appointment in Brockton Massachusetts at a dealership. We were told there need to be a system update and that it was all set. On Wednesday we started our 3 hour drive to Maine when suddenly while we were on the highway the truck began to overheat and revving loud only going 35mph. We pulled over into a parking lot and called RAM roadside assistance. We were told to let the truck cool down and try again. After being in a parking lot with our 4 kids and 2 dogs in 100 degree weather for 6 hours we attempted to start the truck. However every time we put it in drive the truck shut off. …
On 9 September, while driving, I got an emergency dashboard notice that stated Throttle System Malfunction contact dealer. It went out and then another immediately flashed that stated Exhaust System Malfunction contact dealer. The vehicle lost power within seconds after the second notice. I coasted to a stop on the side of the road. Once stopped, smoke quickly started coming out of the engine compartment and then flames. I contacted 911, an engine arrived but the truck was fully engaged and completely burnt.
I own this truck and have had issues with the exhaust regeneration process for about 6 months. I have taken it to the dealer 3 times and they have done diagnostics and replaced the diesel particulate filter, but the issue continues to happen. They have now told me that the system is not reparable and they don't have support from RAM manufacturer to troubleshoot and repair this issue. They have multiple customers with the same issue with the diesel exhaust system not operating properly, hampering the engine performance, damaging the engine and exhaust system, polluting from the exhaust discharge. This is a widely known issue with the 2022 Ram 3500 from other owners, yet RAM refuses to properly address the issue. They advertise their trucks with certain horsepower and output specs, which aren't accurate due to their faulty exhaust systems. …
The contact owns a 2021 RAM 3500. The contact stated that while driving at 40 mph, the vehicle stalled and could not be restarted. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, where it was diagnosed that the entire fuel system needed to be replaced due to the high-pressure fuel pump exploding after metal shavings were found throughout the entire system. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 77,000.
Brand new truck (226 miles) STOPPED RUNNING on Interstate 90 in Montana. Very dangerous situation, although was able to pull to side of interstate and was able to tow truck to Butte Montana and no one was injured. Nonetheless, had this occurred in rural area, snowy mountain passes, pulling livestock trailer etc (purpose for which truck is intended), could have easily been life threatening. Understand this may be the same fuel pump issue affecting many others. Should be recalled immediately. No warning, truck just went from 75 mph to zero in very rapid fashion. Please help put a stop to this asap. Extremely dangerous in winter and rural situation, and pulling livestock or other trailers, goose neck and 5th wheel. Happy to provide more info or answer questions. Thank you.
The contact owns a 2020 Ram 3500. The contact stated while hauling his fifth-wheel travel trailer driving up a hill the vehicle lost all power. The contact stated he had to maneuver over several lanes of traffic to move off the road safely. The police department was contacted and had the vehicle towed. The tow truck driver had to unhitch the trailer from the contact's vehicle to tow the truck to a dealer. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and diagnosed with a fuel sensor failure. The fuel sensor was replaced. The vehicle failed to start and was diagnosed with a fuel injection pump failure which had imploded sending metal fragments throughout the whole fuel system and into the fuel tank. The entire fuel system including the fuel tank and all fuel parts needed to be replaced. …
The contact owned a 2020 Ram 3500. The contact stated that the vehicle would surge whenever he depressed the accelerator pedal while driving. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact then received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V880000 (Fuel System, Diesel). The contact notified several unknown dealers of the failure. The dealers informed the contact that though the failure was associated to the recall, they could not assist as the manufacturer had not authorized them to repair the vehicle. The contact then inquired assistance with obtaining the parts for repair and the dealer informed the contact that the manufacturer did not authorize them to sell the parts for repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they would not assist as the vehicle was safe to drive. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. …
Related recalls (3)
Fuel system, diesel › Delivery › Fuel pump
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ram 2500, 3500 pickup trucks, and Ram 3500, 4500, and 5500 cab chassis vehicles equipped with Cummins 6.7L Turbo Diesel engines. The High Pressure Fuel Pump (HPFP) may fail, resulting in a sudden engine stall without warning.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the HPFP, update the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) software, and inspect and replace additional fuel system components as necessary, free of charge.
Fuel system, diesel
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019 Ram 2500 and 3500 trucks, and 3500, 4500, and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles equipped with diesel engines. The fuel lines may leak fuel into the engine compartment.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the fuel lines, replacing them if necessary, free of charge. The recall began July 18, 2019. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403.
Fuel system, diesel
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…
NHTSA investigations
High pressure fuel pump failure
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE21-021 on October 14, 2021 to investigate allegations of stall/loss of motive power as a result of high pressure fuel pump failures in certain model year (MY) 2019-2020 RAM 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500 heavy duty trucks equipped with 6.7L Cummins turbodiesel engines.On November 12, 2021, FCA filed vehicle recall 21V-880 and equipment recall 21E-094 on the subject…
High pressure fuel pump failure
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE21-021 on October 14, 2021, to investigate incidents alleging a stall/loss of motive power as a result of high-pressure fuel pump failures in certain model year (MY) 2019-2020 Ram 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500 heavy duty trucks equipped with 6.7L Cummins turbodiesel engines.
Frequently asked questions
Which Ram 3500 years have fuel system problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2020 (57), 2019 (50), 2014 (22), 2013 (20) and 2022 (14) model years. Fuel System complaints make up 49% of all complaints for the 2020.
Is there a recall for Ram 3500 fuel system problems?
Yes — 3 recalls, including 21V-880 (fuel pump, Nov 12, 2021); 19V-498 (fuel system, diesel, Jun 27, 2019); 14V-635 (fuel system, diesel, Oct 8, 2014). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Ram 3500 fuel system problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 24,000 miles; 72% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the delivery › fuel pump (3 mentions), followed by the delivery › fuel pump › mounting plate/flange (1).
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.