I own a Ram 2500 (VIN: [XXX] ) that has experienced a persistent and worsening rough idle. The engine shakes violently at idle, RPMs fluctuate unpredictably, and the vehicle feels as if it may stall. This occurs at stoplights, in traffic, and after warm-up. The vehicle has been taken to the dealership multiple times for this issue. Despite repeated visits, diagnostics, and inspections, the problem has not been resolved. I was told the condition is “normal” or that a future software update may address it, but the issue continues and is getting worse. In addition to the rough idle, the vehicle has experienced intermittent electrical issues, including warning lights, erratic behavior of vehicle systems, and inconsistent performance. Similar complaints are widely reported by other Ram 2500 owners online, including rough idle, engine surging, stalling, and electrical failures. Why This Is a Safety Concern!!!!! This defect creates a serious safety risk. The rough idle causes violent shaking and unpredictable engine behavior, raising concern that the vehicle may stall while stopped or when maneuvering in traffic. Loss of power or stalling at intersections, in traffic, or while towing could lead to a collision. Electrical issues further increase the risk by potentially affecting engine management, warning systems, lighting, or driver information displays. Online forums and consumer complaint databases show numerous reports of similar issues, including loss of acceleration, stalling while driving, and electrical failures. Because the issue is unresolved despite multiple repair attempts and appears to be systemic, I believe this represents a safety-related defect that warrants investigation. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Ram 2500 misfire problems
14 of the 5,167 owner complaints about the Ram 2500 describe misfire or rough idle, most of them for the 2019 model year.
- owner complaints
- 14
- worst model year
- 2019
By model year
- 20261
- 20251
- 20211
- 20203
- 20193
- 20181
- 20172
- 20142
Often reported together
Check engine light 6Loss of power 5Fuel pump 3Knocking 3Won't start 2Won't shift 1Stalling 1Fuel smell 1
Trouble codes mentioned
P242F 1P1451 1P0306 1P0303 1P0302 1P0300 1P0272 1P0266 1P0263 1
What owners say
Check engine light consistently comes on with codes p0263, p0272, p0266 for contribution balance codes for cylinders 1, 2, 4 & 5. Truck runs rough. Dealership says it’s a 5-8 week process to test and get injectors into replace if that’s the issue. Multiple sources have stated it can be a software update issue and some states still waiting after weeks for fix to be made and paying for a rental car out pocket to have reliable transportation for work and taking care of kids.
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
Following completion of the Y78 (high-pressure fuel pump) and XQ1 (emissions) recall repairs in April 2024, our 2019 Ram 2500 immediately began experiencing misfires, fuel system issues, and ongoing performance problems. These symptoms have persisted for over a year and have never been resolved despite repeated service visits and escalations. The vehicle suffered multiple HPFP failures, including one that caused fuel to leak into the crankcase, resulting in approximately 19 quarts of fuel-contaminated engine oil. Despite technical service bulletins calling for specific system flushes and tests post-repair, the original dealership did not follow these protocols or provide documentation confirming that the required inspections (fuel pressure, contamination checks, EGR/DPF/DEF system functionality) were ever completed. A new dealership confirmed the presence of metal debris after the fuel filter, suggesting the system was still contaminated even after the prior recall-related flush and HPFP replacements. They also found non-functional emissions components covered under XQ1, including a failed DPF urea pump and a faulty NASA pressure sensor. These failures were not documented or addressed by the original repair facility. Despite these clear safety risks, the recall is considered “completed,” leaving us with a vehicle that is still experiencing symptoms consistent with the original recall condition. The failure to properly inspect, document, and address these defects has placed our safety at risk and caused prolonged loss of vehicle use. The issue, confirmed by a 2nd authorized dealership, identified fuel contamination & failure in multiple components of the emissions systems. The check engine light appeared prior to the initial failure and has recurred each time the vehicle was returned after service. Given the continued presence of recall-related symptoms and the lack of proper inspection & documentation, this unresolved recall should be reopened and investigated
The truck was initially brought in on April 10, 2024, for a continuous regeneration issue with the DPF filter, showing codes P242F and P1451. The dealership diagnosed it as requiring a new EGR valve and possibly a DPF filter assembly, under the VB6 emissions recall and extended warranty (XQ1). After replacing the EGR valve, the Y-78 HPFP safety recall was completed. Upon completion, the technician noted multiple fuel-related DTCs, lack of power, and metal debris at the fuel control actuator caused by a failed CP4 pump. At this time, the dealership was unaware of the XQ1 warranty, so instead of replacing the DPF filter, they force regenerated it. Upon picking up the truck, the check engine light came on (April 26, 2024). After reporting it, the dealership stated the DPF filter needed replacement, and on May 26, 2024, it was replaced under XQ1. However, after picking up the truck again, the check engine light came back on, and diagnostics revealed misfires across all six cylinders (codes P0300–P0306) and abnormally high fuel pressure at the wire harness—issues that weren't present before the EGR valve or HPFP recall repairs. The truck has since remained at the dealership, with multiple unsuccessful attempts to fix the issue by replacing the fuel lifter, wire harness, fuel filter, and a second Y-78 recall replacement due to "faulty parts" from the first attempt. The dealership charged a diagnostic fee and suggested replacing rocker arms and push rods, but this did not resolve the problem. The dealership has since recommended replacing the PCM module but then retracted the recommendation and is now requesting a new diagnostic fee to tear down the engine, remove cylinder heads, and inspect for debris, as the misfires and high fuel pressure have persisted since April 26. The safety concern is that the truck behaves as though it is starving for fuel when the engine light reappears, with stored codes showing misfires and high fuel pressure, related to Y-78.
Cam shaft lobe rounded off, causing sudden loss of power and misfire on cylinder 7. The first time this happened there was no warning or signs of trouble. I was traveling at highway speeds and the vehicle violently shook and speed unexpectedly dropped. Had to limp the truck off the highway with choppy acceleration while the steering wheel shook. This could of easily caused a serious accident at highway speeds. The damaged cam shaft caused damage to cylinder 7. Cylinder 7 now has low compression. The check engine light is now on and the engine makes a ticking noise. The mechanic, Homestead Auto, ordered a rebuilt engine to replace the engine in my truck. Estimated delivery is several months. Estimated costs of repair is $8500. The truck with the damaged engine is available for inspection at my house. The vehicle has only been inspected by my mechanic at Homestead Auto. The mechanic said this is a well known and common problem with Hemi engines.
3 months ago at around 23,000 miles, my truck had a P0302 Cylinder 2 misfire code, dealership “reset” the vehicle and code didn’t return. 3 weeks ago, cylinder 2 started having a loud tapping noise after the vehicle was fully warmed up. Vehicle has been at the dealership for 1 week with zero communication from the dealership or from the RAM caseworker. No rental car has been offered.
The truck developed and engine tick. They got progressively worse, and it felt like the engine was misfiring and made the speed of the truck inconsistent when I tried to accelerate in decelerate. The mechanic told me the engine ticks were definitely coming from the lifters and we had it repaired. This was not cheap. The ticking went on for about one month before I had it repaired. I have attached the invoice.
I have tried to get a new fuel pump from the dealer. No such luck yet. Now my truck is not drivable. It has multiple misfires and sounds just downright horrible. This truck has been serviced religiously. I have done everything the truck needs done at the times it needed done. Now the truck again is not drivable. The engine sounds like it is about to blow. I need someone to tell me what I need to do now. I do not have thousands of dollars to put into this truck, all because the fuel pump has not been available.
Engine started to slip or misfire. Became worse and then light came on saying Exhaust Emission Service was needed. The truck lost power as it limped to the side of the road. The Service Electronic Ignition light then came on and truck turned off. Would not crank again.
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
- 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 misfire
Which Ram 2500 years have misfire or rough idle problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2019 (3 complaints), 2020 (3 complaints) and 2014 (2 complaints).
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