Dodge RAM 1500 Engine and Engine Cooling Problems
Owners have filed 599 complaints with NHTSA about engine and engine cooling problems on the Dodge RAM 1500 across 18 model years. The 2004 model year has the most (116).
- 599engine and engine cooling complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 8mention a crash
- 8mention an injury
- 0related recalls
- $1,750typical repair cost reported by owners
- 34%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
How much does it cost to fix?
Owners who wrote down what they paid or were quoted put the typical engine and engine cooling repair on the Dodge RAM 1500 at $1,750, and half of them between $1,150 and $9,050.
Based on 23 NHTSA complaints about this problem alone that state a repair bill or quote (2004–2012), converted to 2026 dollars with the U.S. consumer price index. These are owners' own figures, not a quote: they include dealer quotes, and owners who file complaints often faced larger repairs, so they can run higher than typical shop prices. Prices vary by shop, region and warranty coverage. How we calculate this.
At what mileage do engine and engine cooling problems happen?
Based on 399 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 599 complaints, 8 mention a crash, 33 a fire, 8 an injury.
Dodge RAM 1500 engine and engine cooling complaints by model year
| Model year | Engine and Engine Cooling complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 RAM 1500 | 8 | 1% | 100,017 |
| 2011 RAM 1500 | 5 | 1% | 50,000 |
| 2010 RAM 1500 | 13 | 3% | 54,800 |
| 2009 RAM 1500 | 9 | 1% | 35,000 |
| 2008 RAM 1500 | 8 | 1% | 56,050 |
| 2007 RAM 1500 | 13 | 3% | 34,000 |
| 2006 RAM 1500 | 21 | 3% | 45,000 |
| 2005 RAM 1500 | 77 | 7% | 51,900 |
| 2004 RAM 1500 | 116 | 11% | 43,000 |
| 2003 RAM 1500 | 56 | 5% | 42,318 |
| 2002 RAM 1500 | 58 | 7% | 60,000 |
| 2001 RAM 1500 | 51 | 5% | 62,300 |
| 2000 RAM 1500 | 25 | 5% | 61,000 |
| 1999 RAM 1500 | 39 | 6% | 70,000 |
| 1998 RAM 1500 | 35 | 7% | 79,000 |
| 1997 RAM 1500 | 20 | 6% | 31,000 |
| 1996 RAM 1500 | 32 | 11% | 102,000 |
| 1995 RAM 1500 | 13 | 6% | — |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (0)
No safety recall lists engine and engine cooling for the Dodge RAM 1500. A pattern of complaints does not always lead to a recall.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
The contact owns a 2004 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal and stalled. In addition, the vehicle vibrated before losing power. The vehicle stalled at an intersection. The…
The contact owns a 2012 Ram 1500. The contact stated that the engine was previously replaced due to camshaft failure. Additionally, the contact stated while checking the tire with the vehicle parked and turned off, the contact became aware that the fuel pump was still running. The contact stated…
The contact owns a 2012 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle started losing motive power. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the cam shaft and lifters needed to be replaced. The…
The contact owns a 2006 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an unknown speed, there was a rattling noise detected. There were fumes entering the cabin of the vehicle. The OEM and fuel warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who informed…
The contact owns a 2011 Dodge Ram 2500. The contact initially received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V635000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Fuel System, Diesel). The contact took the vehicle to the dealer and the recall was serviced. Recently, the contact stated that he noticed a fuel leak…
Frequently asked questions
Do all Dodge RAM 1500s have engine and engine cooling problems?
No. NHTSA has 599 owner complaints about engine and engine cooling for the Dodge RAM 1500. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the Dodge RAM 1500 engine and engine cooling?
No recall currently lists engine and engine cooling for this vehicle.
How much does it cost to fix engine and engine cooling problems on the Dodge RAM 1500?
Owners report a typical cost of $1,750 (half paid between $1,150 and $9,050), from 23 complaints that state a repair bill or quote, in 2026 dollars.
Other Dodge RAM 1500 problems
- Power Train problems (2,382)
- Air Bags problems (2,208)
- Structure problems (2,020)
- Electrical System problems (1,377)
- Suspension problems (848)
- Steering problems (833)
- Engine problems (740)
- Exterior Lighting problems (484)
See all Dodge RAM 1500 problems.