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Dodge RAM 3500 overheating problems

27 of the 3,084 owner complaints about the Dodge RAM 3500 describe engine overheating, most of them for the 1995 model year.

owner complaints
27
worst model year
1995
typical mileage
90,000
Is there a fix? There is 1 recall for this area of the car. See below

By model year

  • 2012
    2
  • 2011
    2
  • 2010
    1
  • 2009
    1
  • 2008
    1
  • 2007
    1
  • 2006
    3
  • 2004
    1
  • 2001
    2
  • 1999
    1
  • 1998
    2
  • 1997
    2
  • 1996
    3
  • 1995
    3
  • 1994
    2

What owners say

Filed Dec 1, 2017 · Acceleration, Driver assistance · AZ

Tl-contact owns a 1994 dodge ram pickup truck.... Inquired about general recalls... Contact had vehicle towed to dodge dealership after catching fire due to recall... Dashboard caught on fire while driving... Dealership had investigations team come out to inspect truck after fire... Truck had been repaired after fire... Dealershiphas dead engine cable ... Throttle of truck is failing... Dealership is refusing to fix recall due to truck being repaired after fire.... Dealership stated inspection needs to be done before throttle can be fixed.... Contact was given number to federal trade commission at 202‑366‑2222 may 10,2000 manufacturer recall number875 the federal safety agency recall number00v-135 recall statusrecall incomplete summarythe affected vehicles were built with an ignition switch and wiring that could overheat. 853-1403. Please have your VIN ready when calling.the federal safety agency. You can prove the repairs were made.) however, if the court ultimately rules the defect is not safety-related, federal law does not require that the manufacturer reimburse you for the repair workchapter 301 of title 49 of the united states code (u.s.c.) requires a manufacturer of motor vehicles or items of motor vehicle equipment that contain a defect relating to motor vehicle safety to remedy the defect without charge.

Filed Jun 16, 2017 · Brakes · 43,000 miles · IL

Driver side entry assist hand hold breaks and allows driver to fall backwards when trying to use to enter vehicle. Brake line failure from fluid holder to ABS distribution block rust out and releases brake fluid and pedal goes to floor and will not stop vehicle. Brake hoses deteriorates and does not allow caliper to release and causes overheat problems with poor steering when brake is applied

Filed Apr 15, 2015 · Fuel system · 90,000 miles · CO

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 dodge ram 3500. While the vehicle was undergoing routine maintenance, the independent mechanic discovered a fuel leak coming from the fuel heater caused by the electrical connectors overheating. The dealer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the vehicle could not be repaired because the parts were unavailable. The contact indicated that the recall notice for the federal safety agency campaign number: 14v635000 was received in november of 2014. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 90,000.

Filed Mar 24, 2015 · Engine, Fuel system · 53,000 miles · TX

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 dodge ram 3500. The contact stated that after driving 100 miles and the vehicle was parked, the contact could smell the engine overheating. The failure recurred on two other occasions. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency campaign number: 14v635000 (engine and engine cooling, fuel system, diesel); however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 53,000. Updated 5/20/15*cn the consumer stated as of may 1, 2015, the vehicle had not yet been repaired. Updated 6/30/2015

Filed Feb 21, 2015 · Electrical, Fuel system · GA

Received recall notice on december 1, 2014 stating that the diesel fuel heater electrical connector may overheat and cause a fuel leak. The diesel fuel heater housing at the fuel heater electrical connector may overheat, leading to the failure of the o-rings that seal the male electrical terminals in the diesel fuel filter/heater assembly. A leaking diesel fuel filter/heater could cause underhood smoke and/or an engine compartment fire. As of today, february 21, 2015 there is no remedy available per the federal safety agency website and the local dodge dealer has confirmed as such. Since there is no remedy available, the local dealership wants to charge me to inspect it for the problem. I don't feel that I should have to pay to have a recalled vehicle inspected for the recall nor should I have to wait three months or more for a solution from the manufacturer. Also, I cannot believe that 82 days after the date on the recall notice there is no remedy. This is ridiculous. This vehicle was purchased to work, not sit in the yard. We have no other vehicle to use in place of it. If dodge does not have any diesel fuel filter/heater assembly components to replace the recalled ones, they need to get their priorities in order as existing customers should come before potential new customers. I need my truck repaired asap!

Filed Nov 18, 2013 · Brakes · 67,000 miles · CA · fire

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 dodge ram 3500. The contact stated that while driving 35 MPH, the brakes overheated and all four brake calipers caught on fire without warning. The contact also mentioned that the brakes were newly installed prior to the failure. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the technician stated that the calipers and brake lines would need to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified. The failure mileage was 67,000. The VIN was not available.

Filed Jul 12, 2012 · Electrical, Lights · WA

2012 dodge ram 3500 laramie. Consumer states problem with the brake controller *tgw the consumer stated a dealer helped him install a universal brake controller, but it did not work correctly. The consumer stated he was able to use it, with the hand control, but not the foot control. The brakes would become very hot from trying to stop the equipment trailer without the brake controller working properly. The consumer stated when the brakes overheated, it damaged other components. Also, the headlights would go out at random times while driving at night. There was an electrical burning smell emitting from the vehicle. *jb the consumer also stated the vehicle needed a new wiring harness and new axles. Updated 08/14/12

Filed May 7, 2012 · Airbags, Body · 136,000 miles · FL

Pieces of dash fell down under dash and caused the air bag to trigger. Put in a new passenger air bag and dash and 4 years latter all cracked up and a piece has caused a coolant leak in heater core under the dash. This is a major problem. I have a friend that the dash pieces cut wires and set it on fire.

Filed Mar 28, 2012 · Visibility · 36,000 miles · OK

Multiple occurrences of mode door/blend door/ recirculation door failure. Diverts air to floor and will not allow for defrosting/ de-icing of windshield. Winshield will accumulate ice and cause wipers to cease function or fog without ability to remove or without warning. Chrysler corporation has a "revised blend door" design that addresses this problem, however, retrofit is noty covered by recall and early replacements sis not utilized revised door design. Door for recirculation will fall off and obstruct fan motor. If fan motor is on, obstruction can cause fan overheat and possible electrical fire/ or melting of housing causing smoke and noxious fumes. Mode door failure prohibits use of defrost/ defog of windshiel and can happen without warning.

Filed Jan 2, 2012 · Electrical, Lights · 15,011 miles · MD

Tail light and component failures due to 1157 bulbs overheating and melting the plastic socket and surrounding plastic housing.

Related recalls

Engine and engine cooling: engine: dieselReported December 5, 2008 · 108,429 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Chrysler is recalling 108,429 my 2007-2008 dodge ram 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks equipped with 6.7l diesel engines. A silencer pad can sag and contact the exhaust gas recirculation (egr) cooler.
Risk
This could result in an engine compartment fire.
Remedy
Dealers will add a bracket to support the engine compartment silencer pad adjacent to the egr cooler. The recall is expected to begin during december 2008. Owners may contact chrysler at 1‑800‑853‑1403.

Recall number 08V641000 · Recall details

Questions about the Dodge RAM 3500 overheating

Which Dodge RAM 3500 years have engine overheating problems?

The model years with the most reports are 1995 (3 complaints), 1996 (3 complaints) and 2006 (3 complaints).

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