Dodge RAM 2500 knocking problems

Filed May 27, 2026 · Engine · MT

We purchased our 2012 Dodge Ram heavy duty with tow package new. At just over 152000 miles, the engine started knocking while on vacation. We were not towing at the time. We put in injector cleaner to try and help the knocking. During our vacation, we were on the freeway when we suddenly lost power, the service engine light popped on, and the engine died. We were literally driving one minute and the next were trying to get out of the traffic lane with no control. We restarted the engine, the knocking had stopped and power was restored. Two days later, another episode of power decrease but with no engine service light. We used premium gas, injector cleaner and listened for the knocking that came and went, to drive home. We were told by our local dealership it is a lifter failure and the truck needs a replacement engine.

Filed May 24, 2022 · Engine · IA

The exhaust manifold bolts on both sides of the engine warp due to two different metals being put together under heat. Steel and aluminum expand at different temperatures. This causes the bolts to break off of the exhaust manifold creating an exhaust leak into the engine bay. Yes, this can be inspected upon request. The safety of myself and the general public is at risk due to the exhaust leak into the engine bay being pulled into the cab via the heating or airconditioning system. The exhaust fumes are pulled into the cab of the truck via the heating and airconditioning system. When running, the truck has a very noticeable smell inside the cab. It has caused me headaches as well. This poses a risk to the public if the driver were to pass out from said fumes. The problem can be reproduced and is a known issue with Dodge. It is very well documented online that this problem happens to nearly all Dodge Ram trucks. It has never been recalled because Dodge says its not a "safety" concern. This is very much so a safety issue. The components have been inspected by others, and verified as broken. I will not take it to a dealership to have it inspected as they want to charge 150$/hr to diagnose something that even they recognize as a known issue. There were no warning lamps, messages or any visible indication of this problem. A loud ticking noise and a strong smell of exhaust fumes are what brought the issues to attention.

Filed Feb 27, 2022 · Engine · GA

My Dodge Ram 2500, 2012 Hemi engine started making a ticking sound so got a tune up. The machinic changed the spark plugs and distributors around after I complained. Nothing he was able to do enable the truck to function properly. I spoke with the Dodge dealership, the spoken informed me that when Dodge merged with MERCEDE the problem persisted and to this date a fix was not provided. I spoke with other Dodge owner who experience the same problem. The engine was not functioning properly because of internal damage. The cost of repair would cost between $8K and $10K to replace or repair the engine. The dealership stated that the federal safety agency nor Dodge have provided a fix and that the problem still persist to this day.

Filed Feb 12, 2022 · Engine · CA

Engine has been making a ticking noise on the passenger side for the past few months. The passenger side exhaust manifold warped and broke two bolts in the engine block. This caused an exhaust leak and made the truck run rich due to the leak before oxygen sensor. Fuel efficiency declined. Replaced the exhaust manifold, gasket, and bolts to repair the problem.

Filed Dec 11, 2017 · Engine · 140,000 miles · TX

Exhaust tick tick noise. The manifold and the bolt hast rusted out. I can believe this is not a recall.

Filed Nov 20, 2017 · Engine · 5,000 miles · FL

Engine ticking

Filed Aug 1, 2017 · Engine · 89,000 miles · MI · fire

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 ram 2500. The contact stated that the vehicle shook while driving highway speeds. The contact took the vehicle to the dick huvaeres dealer where it was diagnosed that the ticking in the motor was due to a faulty water pump. The dealer replaced the water pump; however, the failure recurred. The contact returned the vehicle to the dealer, but the cause of the failure could not be determined. After returning home from the dealer, the vehicle suddenly caught fire while parked in the driveway. The contact called the berlin township and elmont fire departments to extinguish the fire. A fire report was filed. The vehicle was salvaged. There were no injuries. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and opened case number: [xxx]. The approximate failure mileage was 89,000. *tt information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Filed Mar 7, 2017 · Engine, Transmission · AZ

I was pulling a car from indio ca to phx. Az when it started ticking and smokeing and lost power I pulledover checked the oil and it was 2 quarts low it had never used oil before this it never got hot though I slowed way down and barely made it home.

Filed Jan 5, 2016 · Electrical · 69,500 miles · TX

Tl* the contact owns a 2010 ram 2500. The contact heard a knocking sound behind the dashboard of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the plastic gear actuator was faulty and needed to be replaced. As a result, none of the HVAC functions were operational. The dealer stated that there was a customer satisfaction notification for the failure initiated by the manufacturer; however, there were no recalls. The contact's vehicle was not covered by the customer satisfaction notification (k17). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but did not assist due to the vehicle not being included in the manufacturer's recall. The failure mileage was 69,500.

Filed Jun 24, 2014 · Steering · IA

Received the n49 / the federal safety agency 13v‑529 left tie rod recall notice, made an appointment to get it replaced on 1/10/14 4 days after the start of the recall. Took the truck in to deery brothers iowa city to get the recall completed. Instead of doing the recall they simply looked under the truck and verified it was one that needed the recall, and would put me on the list to have it done. Stated they would contact me when parts come in. This was over 6 months ago and every time I talk to them they say they are replacing parts as fast as they come in. I just received a second letter from chrysler today stating this is an important safety recall and should be done as soon as possible. I called deery brothers again this morning and got the same response that they only get 2-3 sets of parts at a time and will let me know when mine are available. They stated they have people on the list that have been there quite a while longer than me. Which seems funny as I went in 4 days after the recall started. I did call the chrysler group recall assistance center listed on the recall and got the same runaround. I feel I am driving a ticking time bomb, they were unable to answer my question about who would be responsible if this breaks going down the road and causes an accident. I do not use my truck as a car, usually I am carrying a heavy load in the truck and/or pulling a trailer. I'm just concerned about the collateral damage that could occur in such a case. I realize they have a lot of units on the road to refit but, I think they need to step up and get these done. One friend of mine had his break on him 300 miles from home, just after pulling off interstate. Hate to think if it had broke a few mile earlier. I hate to drive my truck right now but, cannot be without it for what appears could be a full year. Please look into the handling of this by chrysler.