Ram 2500 knocking problems

Filed Feb 10, 2026 · Engine · FL

Vehicle: 2023 Ram 2500 Diesel (6.7L Cummins) – approx. 36,000 miles, under factory warranty Complaint Summary: Our 2023 Ram 2500 diesel is producing visible smoke from the engine bay and a persistent ticking/clicking noise from the engine. This occurs while driving and at idle. We have video evidence of smoke coming from under the hood and recordings of the abnormal engine noise. Safety Concerns: The smoke creates a serious fire hazard and risk of mechanical failure. Engine-bay smoke can indicate an electrical short, fuel or oil leak, overheating component, or exhaust/turbo malfunction. This poses a risk of engine compartment fire, including the possibility of fire after the vehicle is turned off. the federal safety agency Recall 23V‑060 for 2021–2023 Ram HD diesels describes electrical failures that can cause under-hood fires, showing this vehicle line has known fire-related safety issues. The smoke also presents a health and inhalation risk, especially to our children who ride in the vehicle. Diesel/exhaust fumes entering the cabin can cause respiratory irritation and impair driver alertness. A sudden escalation could result in loss of power, breakdown, or fire while driving. Dealer Response: We brought the vehicle to an authorized Ram dealership in February 2026. Despite the truck being fully under warranty, the dealer stated that because there is “no active recall,” they will not repair or further diagnose the problem. No meaningful corrective action was taken. Evidence Available: Videos showing smoke from the engine bay, audio/video of the ticking noise, and dealership service paperwork. We are requesting the federal safety agency investigate this as a potential safety defect due to fire risk, toxic fume exposure, and the manufacturer’s failure to address a dangerous condition in a nearly new, warrantied vehicle. We are paying on this vehicle monthly, are scared to drive with our children in the car. We have to pull over and not drive the vehicle due to how strong the cabin odor is.

Filed Dec 3, 2025 · Engine, Transmission · CA

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.

Filed Sep 21, 2025 · Engine · ID

The truck is currently exhibiting a loud metal tapping/ slapping/ ticking noise when driving from the engine. It is loud enough it can be heard over road/ wind noise, it can also be heard in high idle situations. The truck has been to the dealer where it was purchased and they refused to research the issue because of a current RAM service bulletin that the noise is “under investigation”. It has 6,000 miles and the noise started immediately after the first oil change.

Filed Aug 10, 2025 · Electrical · TX

Crankshaft position sensor went out at highway speed pulling a 5th wheel. Truck shut down in traffic and all power was lost. The throttle position engine light came on and the truck overheated and completely shut down nearly causing a high speed crash on I/40 east of amarillo. The 5th wheel was 17000 pounds and the truck had 37000 miles on it. The dealer (Lipscomb Dodge Elk City , OK) advised it was the crankshaft position sensor and that it was on the same circuit as numerous other sensors that are vital to keeping the engine running and the truck operating safely. The truck is available for inspection, and now has a loud ticking noise (possibly an injector, lifter, or exhaust leak due to the over heating caused by the faulty sensor.

Filed Aug 7, 2025 · Engine, Fuel system · CA

Subject: Fuel System Failure Resulting in Engine Damage – 2020 RAM 2500 Pickup VIN: [XXX] Complaint Summary: I am submitting this complaint to formally report a dangerous and costly fuel system defect in my 2020 Dodge Ram 2500 Pickup (VIN: [XXX] ) that has resulted in catastrophic engine damage. Although Chrysler has issued a recall for the high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) in many 2020 Ram trucks equipped with the 6.7L Cummins engine, I was told that my vehicle was not included in the recall—even though it exhibits all the classic symptoms of HPFP failure. This is a safety hazard and a potential emissions violation. Details of the Incident: In June 2025, I brought my truck to Tracy Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM after experiencing engine misfires, loss of power, and a knocking noise. The dealership diagnosed a P0303 cylinder misfire and noted a fuel smell in the engine oil, as documented in repair order #[XXX]. Despite extensive diagnostic work—including compression tests, leak-down, and injector swaps—the misfire remained unresolved, and a tapping noise persisted. The technician explicitly noted fuel contamination in the oil and suspected internal engine damage due to a fuel system issue. To further investigate, I submitted an oil sample to Blackstone Laboratories. The lab confirmed the engine oil was heavily diluted with diesel fuel—over 10% fuel contamination, which reduced the viscosity from 5W40 to the equivalent of 5W20. This is consistent with HPFP failure leaking fuel into the crankcase. The oil report also noted excessive steel wear and recommended immediate oil change and fuel system inspection. At no time was a check engine light present, nor was there a clear diagnostic code for HPFP failure. Chrysler continues to deny responsibility even though the evidence clearly points to a failed HPFP—a well-documented issue for this engine model and year. The cost of diagnosis and parts alone has exceeded $4,000, and the engine is likely destroy INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA

Filed Jul 11, 2025 · Engine · CA

Hydraulic roller lifter failure. Very common these pickups . Mine went in for a ticking noise hydraulic roller lifter failed got stuck in the bore. They replaced all 16 they test drove it stuck exhaust lifter #2 they replaced that lifter and the camshaft. Engine still has a very loud clatter and ticking noise. Did not do this when it was brand new

Filed Feb 6, 2025 · Engine · FL

The engine has had camshaft and lifter failure multiple times. The dealership has replaced the camshaft and lifters twice already , and now they have failed a 3rd time which has lead to metal in oil lubrication system. This has caused further damage to the engine crankshaft bearings, in my case the engine was still running with a tapping/knocking noise. However, this can result in engine locking up and causing vehicle to no longer operate. In the event of engine failure this heavy duty truck will have no power steering or power brakes, leading to a high likely hood of collision. This issue is widespread for all 2019+ RAM 2500 with the 6.7L Cummins engine. Ram has done nothing to address the faulty parts , and continue to replace with same flawed parts, and not correctly addressing the damage done to the engine after a lifter failure. Ram HD 2500,3500,4500,5500 are still being sold currently with these faulty parts.

Filed Dec 25, 2024 · Engine · TX

The engine cam and lifters are bad. Engine started knocking with only 30,000 miles. Had to have lifters and cam replaced

Filed Oct 9, 2024 · Brakes, Electrical · GA

Starting about a month ago, I started receiving a warning about servicing my electric brake system. Was very intermittent. Spoke to the dealership and they said if it wasn’t happening right then, they couldn’t read the codes. If the light went out, I could wait to bring it. Went on a trip, and it started happening more frequently, but still intermittently. I tow a 7-ton fifth wheel, which made me feel very unsafe. Sometimes happens moments apart, and sometimes hours apart, and it always knocks out the cruise control. Looking online, I found that this is a very common occurrence, and that I should report it. I did not have an accident, and tried to do my best to drive safely so I could get home.

Filed Sep 9, 2024 · Engine · 300,000 miles · TX

The contact owns a 2020 Ram 2500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH, there was a knocking noise coming from the engine compartment, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that engine grid heater had overheated, causing damages to the engine. The engine was replaced, and the vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 300,000.