Ram 1500 fire or smoke problems

Filed Nov 5, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · CA

In Nov 2020, we had a Ram recall repair for the EGR Cooler/VB1. This was a safety issue that could potentially cause the truck to catch on fire. Nov 2026, we are getting a code for the same issue with our VB1 egr cooler valve. We've contacted Ram and have an email stating that our repair is out of warranty since it's been over 2 years since the repair was completed. Since this was a safety recall and not a standard recall, there is no 2 year warranty time frame. Ram is refusing to repair at their expense.

Filed Nov 4, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · ME · fire

Truck burned down. Reported problems earlier to you with stellantis/ram having issues with the etorque and not helping to resolve, along with not producing parts. Etorque failed in beginning of 2026, replaced OEM for $5,000(5 times the price it should have been) with no help of ram/stellantis. Now, somewhere in the engine caught on fire and burned the whole truck. Insurance has done investigation and I have received the claim. Safety concern:my wife and [XXX] were in the vehicle, started it and it caught fire. Lucky to have gotten out safe. Total loss of vehicle. The ram rebel 2020 and specifically etorque and electrical all should be looked into and proper action be taken with ram/stellantis to its customers. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Oct 15, 2026 · Engine · 14,700 miles · IA

The contact owns a 2016 Ram 1500. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle and attempting to drive, the vehicle failed to accelerate, and multiple warning lights, including the check engine warning light, illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle felt sluggish while driving and failed to accelerate beyond 60 MPH. The contact also stated that a burning smell was noticed coming from the rear filter of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the diesel particulate filter (DPF) and emissions system failed and required replacement. A dealer was notified of the failure. The contact stated that the failure was previously associated with a recall. The failure mileage was approximately 147,000.

Filed Oct 2, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · PA

On XXX, approx. 1615 hours, I was traveling EB on I70 in [XXX]. The cruise control was set at approximately 72MPH. I was in the left lane of travel and both my wife and I heard a revving noise and as I looked at the dashboard, I noticed the RPM gauge was high, I hit the brakes and started to go to the right lane and the entire vehicle shut down. All within a matter of 5-10 seconds. The dash indicated to put the truck in park to start it. I was able to make it to the shoulder and get the vehicle stopped and in park. I popped the hood and looked around the engine compartment. I saw no fluids leaking and no steam or smoke coming from the engine. I then attempted to restart the vehicle and it did absolutely nothing. Vehicle was towed to a RAM dealership, [XXX] CRJD in [XXX]. The did a cursory inspection ad determined that the engine was seized up but gave no indication as to the cause. Recommendation was to replace engine at a cost of nearly 18K dollars. Upon conducting further investigation on my own, I discovered that the Z46 recall of the HPFP, described with total accuracy what I experienced on the highway that day. The recall was performed on my vehicle on XXX. It is fully my belief that the fuel pump that was replace through the recall has now failed in the same manner as described in the recall and was the cause of the complete engine failure. I have notified the dealership of my findings and opinions, and they are unwilling to investigate further without direction from the manufacturer. Notified Service Manager, [XXX]. (XXX) 1302 hours On XXX (1310 hours) I notified the RAM Recall Team, [XXX], of the situation. He advised that it was to be escalated to case/claim and that I would be contacted by a case file agent. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Oct 1, 2026 · Engine · 177,000 miles · NJ

The contact owns a 2015 Ram 1500. The contact stated that there was an abnormally strong diesel odor coming from the vehicle at startup and while driving, with black smoke coming from the exhaust pipes while accelerating. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed that the vehicle was overheating and that the catalytic converter was contaminated. The contact was initially informed that the repair was covered under Emission Recall Number: V08; however, the contact was later informed that the catalytic converter replacement was not covered and was required prior to performing the recall repairs. The contact declined to pay for the repair and associated the failure with Emission Recall Number: V08. The manufacturer was notified of the failure by phone, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 177,000.

Filed Oct 1, 2026 · Electrical, Visibility · GA

Approximately 10 mins into my drive there was a burning smell in my cab, then within a few seconds there was a loud popping/exploding sound. I pulled into a parking lot within 100 feet and exited vehicle. I went to front of vehicle to see if there was smoke and after finding none I leaned back inside my truck’s cab and realized not only was the burning smell stronger but there was visible smoke lingering. At that point I saw that one of the back stationary windows was shattered. Looking closer I saw that below the window the glass was charred and the plastic trim had melted slightly. I stayed out of the vehicle and started researching the possible cause. I read several reports of issues with 5th generation Ram trucks, like mine, experienced issues like mine caused from faulty rear defrosters. After consulting with someone over the phone, I pulled the fuse for the rear defrosters to be certain there would no longer be any type of electric current flowing to the defrosters.

Filed Sep 14, 2026 · Electrical · NY · fire

On September 14, 2026, my 2026 Ram 1500 Limited, with approximately 6,000 miles, caught fire while parked and unattended in my workplace parking lot. I had driven the vehicle approximately six minutes to work and parked it at approximately 1:30 PM. I did not notice any warning lights, warning messages, smoke, unusual smells, or other indications of a problem while driving or when I parked the vehicle. At approximately 2:25 PM, a coworker noticed smoke coming from the parked vehicle. He approached the vehicle and then ran inside to alert others. Workplace surveillance cameras captured the incident. Management reviewed the footage, which shows the truck sitting parked and unattended before smoke becomes visible, followed very quickly by visible flames. The fire developed very rapidly. The fire department responded and extinguished the fire, and a fire investigator responded to the scene. There was no collision, the vehicle was unoccupied, and thankfully there were no injuries. The cause of the fire and the component or system responsible are currently UNKNOWN. The vehicle is available for inspection. Because this is a 2026 vehicle with only approximately 6,000 miles that caught fire while parked and turned off shortly after being driven, we are concerned that a vehicle component or system may have malfunctioned and created a serious safety hazard.

Filed Sep 5, 2026 · Fuel system · TX · fire

It appears to be a fuel leak. The incident happened less than 200 miles after having a dealer perform the federal safety agency recall 22V‑406, FCA recall Z46. The truck caught fire while pulling a travel trailer. The only way we were aware of it was a passing motorist saw flames shooting out from under the right side. As soon as we pulled over the truck immediately filled with smoke and the fire spread as the fuel puddled below the truck. Chrysler sent an inspector to look at the truck, not enough of the engine, passenger cabin, or front of the truck was left to make a conclusive cause. There was no indication we had an issue and if not for the fortunate timing of the passing motorist this could have turned out much worse. I was relating this story in a restaurant to my nephew when a passing waiter asked if it was a ECO diesel and I said yes, he related his story which was identical including the recall. I attempted to put out the fire with a fire extinguisher we kept in the truck but it was too big by the time we pulled over. We were traveling at less than 50MPH stop and go traffic which had just started moving.

Filed Aug 16, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · NY

Twice in the past two years, the eTorque system had failed will driving on the highest. When the unit fails, you lose all power asks if you're battery is low, you can pose the ability to even steer. The first time, I was on the i87 going north, and barely made it off the road. I was nearly hit by several semi trucks because this was on a blind turn with very little shoulder and I basically had to hide in the woods for safety. Just this past week, less than two years after the replacement, the same issue happened again. This incident was on route 11, which is very busy and I was unable to get my vehicle of the road. An officer came to shield me until the tow truck came, but it was very sketchy. This total cost is over 3000$, and no support from Ram as to why this is happening. This past time the bearings went and there was a lot of smoke coming from the engine area. The smell of burning electronics was choking in the cab; at that point I had to get out of the truck due to the toxic fumes. I did file a complaint with them. With this being such a safety concern, why is there no recall? I can't be the only person having had to deal with this. From what the dealership says, this is happening a lot and there is currently an 8 month wait for the part. Just thought you should be aware of this very serious issue.

Filed Jul 7, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · AR · fire

On July 2nd, I was actively driving my 2015 Ram 1500 equipped with the 5.7L Hemi V8 gas engine. The vehicle is completely factory-stock with zero aftermarket electronics, wiring modifications, or accessories. While operating the truck, the dashboard instrument cluster suddenly began flickering wildly, indicating a severe voltage drop or electrical system failure. Immediately following the flickering, a catastrophic fire erupted inside the cabin, originating directly underneath the dashboard on the passenger's side. The fire department responded to extinguish the flames. The engine bay was unaffected by fluid leaks, and the fire originated strictly within the factory dashboard electrical wiring harness/modules. The vehicle is a total loss.