Ram 1500 overheating problems

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 Sep 28, 2026 · Suspension · IA

After driving approximately 30-45 minutes a message on the dashboard showed up saying "Immediate Air Suspension Service/Repair Required". The suspension locked up at this point. Driving down the interstate at speeds of 70 mph was not safe for the vehicle or the occupants. This problem was addressed by a licensed Ram mechanic/dealership and determined the compressor was bad as it had stored codes for overheating. A new compressor was added. A week later the same message appeared. A deeper dive was done to look for causes, and nothing could be determined. This has occurred a total of three times.

Filed Sep 14, 2026 · Engine · FL

On August 5, 2026 while driving my 2025 Ram 1500 with the 3.0L Hurricane engine which has approximately 25,000 miles on it, I heard a metal on metal grinding sound as I accelerated from a traffic light at approximately 20mph. The "Service engine - see dealer" warning appeared and the truck then appeared to lose power. I received no overheating warning or message and was unaware the engine had overheated. The Ram dealership determined that the thermostat failed, causing the engine to overheat, resulting in a failed head gasket and warping the cylinder head and engine block. Stellantis authorized a complete engine replacement. I was not aware the engine was overheating because no overheating warning or message displayed. My safety concern is that the engine sustained severe overheating and internal damage without warning me it was overheating. The dealership advised that the turbos were visually inspected and appeared normal, but the cause of the metal on metal grinding sound has not been identified.

Filed Aug 28, 2026 · MI

While driving on I 75 steam began coming through our vents while we were 50 miles from home. There was also a very strong smell of coolant, which gave everyone headaches and made them feel nauseous. After taking it to a shop. We found that it was the heater core that had began leaking. after doing some research, I found out that this is a common problem, even with vehicles of low mileage. I understand that mechanical failures happen however with a vehicle that only has 80,000 miles on it. This should not happen. I also believe this is a safety concern due to the fact that it causes the driver to become nauseous and possibly disoriented not to mention if enough coolant leaks, it can cause the vehicle to overheat or catch fire.

Filed Jun 19, 2026 · Engine · OH

Cylinder 1 misfire on accleration that ram can not figure out and repair. Caused catalytic convertor failure prematurely due to overheating from unburnt gasoline, risk of fire. Ongoing misfire, problem continues. Problem started oct 2025, vehicle was purchased new sept 2nd, 2025.

Filed May 9, 2026 · Steering · FL

My electrical power steering on my 2013 Ram 1500 unexpectedly failed right around the 140,000-mile mark. Typically, when a part breaks on my vehicle, I notice some warning signs beforehand, like when I had to replace my fans; the truck gradually started to overheat, alerting me to take it into the shop. However, with the power steering issue, it occurred suddenly while I was driving on the highway. I turned off the truck and then restarted it, which made the power steering work again temporarily, but eventually, the problem became permanent after a couple of months.

Filed May 7, 2026 · Brakes, Wheels · CO

Initially while taking a corner at low speed the truck made a clunk and grinding noise which resolved and then while going about 50 mph the grinding noise recurred which prompted stopping the vehicle on the side of the road and when almost to a stop, the wheels locked up causing a slight skid; the vehicle was in 4-wheel auto at the time and with change between 4wd and 2wd serveral times the front tires unlocked and i was able to drive it again. About 4 days later, while driving 70 mph, the vehicle started to make a grinding noise on the interstate, and I started to slow down, but unfortunately, I was on the left side of the highway on a narrow shoulder, and upon getting to a lower speed while in 2WD, my front axle locked up. I placed the vehicle in park, but due to safety concerns, I put the truck back in drive and tried to switch from 2WD to 4WD to unlock the axle, but unfortunately, the truck would not change gears. I then had to quickly get the vehicle to the other side during a time with fewer vehicles, while the left front tire was locked, and I had to drag it across the highway to ensure my safety. The left front tire remained locked, and after multiple attempts, the brake partially unlocked but continued to make a grinding and clunking noise. After some diagnostics, we determined the left front wheel hub was the issue, overheating and locking up. I reached out to mechanics for quotes on repair of said part, and upon reaching out to the dealer that I have used in the past for recalls and oil changes, I was informed there was a recall on said part/software that I was not aware of; the service rep used the last 8 of my VIN to look up my vehicle for the quote and provided the details about the recall. I use the RAM Guardian App which provides updates about recalls and upon checking it does not show a recall nor does it show a recall when i search my VIN and License Plate on the website. This seems to be a common issue based on customer reviews.

Filed Apr 24, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · NM

The vehicle experienced an overheating condition immediately after being picked up from dealership service on April 11, 2026. Within a short distance of driving, a warning appeared and the vehicle became unsafe to operate, requiring it to be pulled over and towed. The dealership later stated that coolant was low but also reported no leaks. This condition should have been identified and corrected while the vehicle was in their custody prior to release. The failure created a safety risk because the vehicle could not be operated safely on the roadway and required immediate removal from traffic. The issue occurred without prior warning before the failure following service.

Filed Mar 23, 2026 · Engine · AZ

Although the carfax states the EGR Cooler has already been serviced and there are no active recalls at this time, EGR Cooler failure has been determined by an independent service center. The vehicle is available for inspection. A potential fire from the EGR Cooler failure puts the driver's life and any passenger's lives at risk. The symptoms are substantial coolant loss with absence of leakage causing the engine to overheat. This symptom has been present since the time I purchased the vehicle in February 2026.

Filed Mar 7, 2026 · Engine · IL

All of a sudden while driving or idling engine will complete shut itself off. Rpm to 0 and if driving truck has shift to park to start. Once shifter to park and restarting car truck will start right back up however this issue has been ongoing and Dodge/ram has been no help with a solution. Brought it to an outside mechanic and after having a ton checked either pointing to a faulty PCM or TIPM module. Recent discovery is the tipm also know as the main fuse box under the hood is overheating - causing the truck to stall out