My driver side rear tire blew out on my new 26 Ram 2500, with approximately 6500 miles on it. Yes, it's available for inspection. The sidewall blew out violently throwing rubber across 3 lanes just after reaching speed limit of 65 MPH with moderate traffic I had just fueled, approx. 3/4 of a mile back @ exit 30 on the westbound [XXX] just east of [XXX], checked tires, while our wives had walked across parking lot for lunch. My Dealer looked at the tire (service writer) then he brought out the (I think shop Forman) both said We don't warranty tires!!! Also, Big Brand Tire Service looked at it, and ordered a replacement tire, there is no damage to the tread surface, or any damage internally tread area anyways. Just the outer side wall 80% missing, about 1.25" of outer bead still mounted to wheel. IT WAS LOUD, LIKE AN EXPLOSION! Big Brand Tire looked at it & the dealer looked at it, [XXX] @ Big [XXX] said he would try to get in touch with Firestone. No, Police or Insurance have seen it. BUT I have pictures of the blown-out tire on my new pick up alongside of [XXX] with exit sign in picture. I wanted to get this form filled out before Firestone got my tire & wheel. No warning at all, just a loud bang, then the flashing red light came on with 0 air pressure reading on driver side rear tire! I think the new engine has too much torque for the sidewalls to handle, weakening them. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Ram 2500 engine failure problems
56 of the 5,167 owner complaints about the Ram 2500 describe engine failure, most of them for the 2017 model year.
- owner complaints
- 56
- worst model year
- 2017
- typical repair cost reported
- $8,000
- typical mileage
- 63,000
By model year
Often reported together
Loss of power 7Stalling 5Knocking 5ABS 5Power steering loss 4Check engine light 4Steering lock-up 3Won't start 2
Trouble codes mentioned
P0542 1
What owners say
The contact owns a 2017 Ram 2500. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed and seized. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was shifted into 4WD and pulled over to the side of the road. The contact stated that the vehicle was restarted several times before the brake pedal operated as needed. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 24V896000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 115,000.
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 miles in it and has had 2 major break downs. WHY? This truck is unsafe.
The contact owns a 2020 RAM 2500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact noticed that the engine was running unusually rough and the engine seized. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a failed engine. The contact was informed that the heater intake bolt was detached and entered into the number 6 cylinder. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure was a known failure regarding the vehicle. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 150,128.
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 2500. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH, the ABS warning light illuminated, and the brakes seized. The contact was unaware if it was the front or rear brakes that had seized. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was diagnosed with ABS module failure. The contact was informed that the ABS module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact associated the failure with the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 24V896000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and opened a case. The contact stated that the failure had occurred on several occasions. The approximate failure mileage was 23,000.
I am reporting a recurring safety defect involving hydraulic lifter failure in Ram trucks equipped with the Cummins diesel engine (model years 2019–2024). This issue is widely acknowledged by Stellantis and multiple dealers. It typically begins with a knocking sound and has been documented in many cases to progress to complete engine failure. My vehicle has fewer than 20,000 miles. The lifters were already replaced once, which required the cab to be removed. Within less than 400 miles of that repair, the knocking sound has returned. I brought the truck to a second dealer, who confirmed the problem and informed me that Stellantis has an active STAR case acknowledging the defect. They stated there is currently no known permanent fix. This defect presents a serious safety concern. Sudden engine failure while driving, especially under load or at highway speeds, could lead to loss of power, loss of steering/braking assist, and potential accidents. In my situation, I frequently travel with family members who have medical conditions, and being stranded in hazardous or remote conditions poses significant risk. At this point, my vehicle is not reliable or safe to operate. I am requesting the federal safety agency investigate the hydraulic lifter defect in 2019–2024 Ram Cummins trucks due to the safety implications and the lack of an available permanent repair.
My 2023, Ram 2500 truck with a Cummins 6.7L diesel engine has a known defect with the grid heater bolt. This bolt can loosen or break off, falling into the engine and causing catastophic engine failure. This creates a suddne loss of power, espcially dangerous when towing heavy loads at highway speeds. Numerous owners have reported this issue, yet no recall has been issued. I request investigation and action to protect driver safety.
The check engine light came on and I took the vehicle to the Ram service center. The tech said the turbo actuator caused the light to go on. He reset the computer and said to bring the vehicle back if it comes on again. About 1 month later it reappeared. The Ram service said the turbo charger actuator needed replacing (the complete turbocharger). They said the failure could result in a total loss of power or engine failure. I tow a 10,000 lb trailer and an engine failure on the road could result in an accident or injury due to no power from the engine. The part can be viewed for inspection.
Engine had a tick, dealer said it was lifters. Dealer replaced lifters after having the truck for three weeks. Noise is back 2022 ram 6.7 with 17000 miles. This issue could cause engine failure at any speed and I use this truck to pull a large travel trailer. I’m concerned the noise is back and putting metal shavings into the engine will cause catastrophic engine failure at some point.
Lifters are failing with 31,000 miles. There are thousands of these trucks with less than 30,000 miles on there second or third set of lifters. I took the truck to Allen Samuels Dodge in Aransas pass Texas for a loud rattling kept the truck several days couldn’t figure it out. I recorded a video of the banging inside the engine they kept the truck 5 days or so gave me a letter saying it’s under investigation and I should call Ram about the lifters. Called Ram they said call the dealer or take it to another dealer. Service guy was like yeah the lifters are failing left n right and locking up the engine. The grid heater bolt is burning off and falling into the number 6 piston on these trucks locking up the engine. I have numerous screen shots from several Ram 2500 groups where people are getting new engines just for it to fail in 3000 miles. I’ve got a 70k truck I’m afraid to drive worried it’s going to rattle apart and lock up the engine while driving down the highway. I can screen shot way more complaints. There’s even someone who started a data base in online forums to record complaints. The transmissions are failing in these 2018-2024 Ram 2500 6.7 Cummins and the gas version to. It’s ridiculous
Related recalls
Engine and engine cooling: engine: engine control module (ecu/ECM)
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Remedy
- 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.
Recall number 22V642000 · Recall details
Engine and engine cooling: engine: diesel
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Remedy
- 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.
Recall number 17V562000 · Recall details
Engine and engine cooling: engine
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Remedy
- 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.
Recall number 15V592000 · Recall details
Engine and engine cooling
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Remedy
- 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.
Recall number 13V122000 · Recall details
Questions about the Ram 2500 engine failure
Which Ram 2500 years have engine failure problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2017 (9 complaints), 2020 (8 complaints) and 2014 (7 complaints).
How much does it cost to fix engine failure on the Ram 2500?
Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $8,000 (median of 9 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.
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