RAM 2500 Engine Problems
Owners have filed 422 complaints with NHTSA about engine problems on the RAM 2500 across 15 model years. The 2014 model year has the most (62). The words owners use most often: “engine cooling” (8% of reports).
- 422engine complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 6mention a crash
- 1mention an injury
- 5related recalls
- $3,450typical repair cost reported by owners
- 38%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Engine cooling: mentioned in 35 of 422 complaints (8%)
How much does it cost to fix?
Owners who wrote down what they paid or were quoted put the typical engine repair on the RAM 2500 at $3,450, and half of them between $2,600 and $5,250.
Based on 12 NHTSA complaints about this problem alone that state a repair bill or quote (2019–2026), 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 problems happen?
Based on 164 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 422 complaints, 6 mention a crash, 24 a fire, 1 an injury.
RAM 2500 engine complaints by model year
| Model year | Engine complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 2500 | 4 | 15% | 200 |
| 2025 2500 | 8 | 13% | — |
| 2024 2500 | 9 | 15% | 38,000 |
| 2023 2500 | 11 | 22% | — |
| 2022 2500 | 30 | 17% | — |
| 2021 2500 | 26 | 24% | 45,000 |
| 2020 2500 | 33 | 20% | 10,000 |
| 2019 2500 | 32 | 17% | 5,500 |
| 2018 2500 | 37 | 1% | 63,000 |
| 2017 2500 | 39 | 6% | 35,890 |
| 2016 2500 | 53 | 21% | 4,800 |
| 2015 2500 | 34 | 16% | 43,813 |
| 2014 2500 | 62 | 18% | 15,000 |
| 2013 2500 | 43 | 24% | 30,000 |
| 2009 2500 | 1 | 20% | — |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (5)
Engine and engine cooling:engine:engine control module (ecu/ecm)
Model years: 2022
Problem: 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.
Risk: An internal loss of communication can result in a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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
Model years: 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017
Problem: 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.
Risk: The leaking water pump can increase the risk of an engine compartment fire.
Fix: 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. Chrysler's number for this recall is T51.
Electrical system:ignition:module; engine and engine cooling:engine
Model years: 2016
Problem: 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. In the affected vehicles, the Engine Control Module (ECM) may short circuit, causing the engine to stall without warning.
Risk: An engine that stalls without warning increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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. Chrysler's number for this recall is R52.
Engine and engine cooling:engine:diesel; fuel system, diesel
Model years: 2013, 2014
Problem: 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.
Risk: If the connectors overheat, the fuel heater may leak fuel, increasing the risk of a fire.
Fix: 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 charge. Chrysler issued interim notification to owners on December 8, 2014. The recall began on April 27, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is P65.
Engine and engine cooling
Model years: 2013
Problem: 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.
Risk: The excessive heat under the engine cover may result in an under hood fire.
Fix: 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. A second letter was mailed to owners with instructions on how to obtain the free remedy on August 15, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N19.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
On September 30, 2026, a Ram dealership completed the Emissions Recall 67A / VB6 software flash on my vehicle. Following the precise instructions listed in the official 67A Recall Owner Notification, I submitted a request for reimbursement for an out-of-pocket NOx sensor replacement that I paid for…
The DPF system failed prematurely at 68k. My truck as working fine with zero problems until I took it in for the Y43 safety recall July 2025. the dealership performed the software update without verifying if parts were in stock first. They took the part (dpf module) off a used truck from the lot…
I am writing to formally follow up regarding complaint/case number 97989810 through Dodge and to request that this matter be elevated for a complete technical review concerning my 2021 Ram 2500 6.7L Cummins, VIN [XXX]. Time - Line PRIOR FACTORY-WARRANTY REPAIR The XXX factory-warranty repair is an…
I had a sent the vehicle in for warranty repairs for what i was told faulty lifters. the paper work shows lifters and cam was replaced and some rocker and some rods but not all. no photos provided. after my first oil change after the repair the noise is back and they state its normal and it has…
Motor completely over heated causing the hose to rupture underneath the intake manifold. Engine is unrepairable. Had to order new engine and a new intake manifold because it melted the current one. Also approximately 2 years ago, I also had to replace the transmission. This truck only has 155,000…
Frequently asked questions
Do all RAM 2500s have engine problems?
No. NHTSA has 422 owner complaints about engine for the RAM 2500. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the RAM 2500 engine?
Yes: 5 safety recalls list engine. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
How much does it cost to fix engine problems on the RAM 2500?
Owners report a typical cost of $3,450 (half paid between $2,600 and $5,250), from 12 complaints that state a repair bill or quote, in 2026 dollars.
What do owners say about engine problems on the RAM 2500?
The most frequent phrase is “engine cooling”, in 35 of 422 complaints.
Other RAM 2500 problems
See all RAM 2500 problems.