Check a VIN

Ram 2500 won't start problems

38 of the 5,167 owner complaints about the Ram 2500 describe won't start, most of them for the 2018 model year.

owner complaints
38
worst model year
2018
typical mileage
40,000
Is there a fix? There are 4 recalls for this area of the car. See below

By model year

  • 2024
    3
  • 2023
    5
  • 2022
    3
  • 2021
    1
  • 2020
    4
  • 2019
    5
  • 2018
    5
  • 2017
    4
  • 2016
    1
  • 2015
    3
  • 2014
    2
  • 2013
    2

What owners say

Filed Jun 19, 2026 · Brakes · TX

Vehicle would not start. I put a new battery in, the vehicle still would not start, and the break pedal was stiff. Had someone jump the vehicle, i started it and drove to the dealership service department where I originally bought the vehicle. They said it may be the starter. but they hadn't looked at the vehicle. I told them I would drive to a different shop because it's cheaper. When I tried to put it in drive the vehicle would not move it was giving an error message on the dash. I had to leave the truck there. 2 days later they called me and told me the issue was caused by a recalled part and they fixed the issue. When I arrived they told me I would have to pay $215 diagnostic fee. I told them it's federally prohibited to charge for a recalled part. I had to argue with them to get my vehicle back. They told me next time I should tow the vehicle if I dont want to pay a diagnostic fee. I attached proof of the recall service and the $215 fee listed that they tried to charge me.

Filed May 19, 2026 · Electrical · SC

My 2019 Ram 2500 with push‑button start became completely immobilized due to failure of the RF Hub Module. The truck has full electrical power but will not crank, will not click, and will not shift out of Park. The Check Engine Light blinks several times and stays on, and the security system does not activate. This is a known failure on 2018–2020 Ram HD trucks. The RF Hub controls the start authorization and immobilizer system, and when it fails the vehicle cannot be moved, even into Neutral. This is a safety hazard because the vehicle can become stranded in traffic or in unsafe locations. The part is on national backorder with almost no availability in the [XXX] , leaving owners without transportation for weeks or months. Chrysler/Stellantis has not issued a recall or provided alternative solutions. This is a critical safety defect that immobilizes the vehicle without warning.” INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed May 6, 2026 · Driver assistance, Electrical · OH

The vehicle experienced repeated electrical and no-start issues believed to be related to the RF/electrical communication system. The truck has been returned to the dealership repeatedly for this issue and recently spent approximately two months at the dealership for diagnosis and repair. After finally being returned, the vehicle was completely dead the very next morning and would not start. The vehicle has also experienced dangerous electrical failures while being driven. During one incident at night, the headlights and interior electrical system became extremely dim and began flickering while an employee was operating the truck. Visibility was significantly reduced to the point the driver could barely see the roadway. During the same event, the brake pedal became abnormally hard to press intermittently, creating a serious safety concern while driving. The failure also occurred on our business lot where the truck was blocking multiple trailers needed for scheduled customer deliveries, creating operational disruption and safety concerns related to moving equipment and trailers around an inoperable heavy-duty truck. The dealership reportedly replaced or repaired an RF-related component/module during the repair process. However, the problem appears unresolved because the truck failed again immediately after being returned from service. Symptoms have included: * Complete battery drain/no-start condition * Flickering and dimming headlights/electrical systems * Intermittent hard brake pedal condition * Repeated electrical-related issues * Extended dealer downtime * Ongoing unresolved repair attempts The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. This truck is used daily for commercial/business operations. Reliability concerns are significant because unexpected electrical failure or no-start conditions can leave the vehicle stranded or create hazardous driving conditions. The issue has been reproduced after dealer repair attempts. Based on the symptoms and

Filed Mar 21, 2026 · Brakes, Engine · RI

My 2017 Ram 2500, 6.4L Hemi experiences warning lights which I'm told is caused by intermittent PCM failure. I'm told this can cause the truck to stall while in motion, refuse to start, or enter "limp mode". This amounts to a possible unsafe condition that can put myself and passengers at risk of property damage, bodily injury or worse. I brought the truck to Priority Automotive of Westerly, LLC on March 9, 2026 for diagnosis. Their diagnosis (attached) recommended replacing the PCM to correct (possibly), "...intermittent internal short(s)". Cost of the repair is $2,012.42. Subsequently, I contacted customer care at Stellantis (866‑726‑4636) and was given Case #[XXX]. I was told to make an appointment at the aforementioned dealership and call them the day before the appointment, so they could send a representative to the dealership for examination. I did exactly that to no avail. No one from Stellantis even contacted the dealership on the appointment date. I called them to find out what happened, only to find out (from a supervisor) that they are not offering assistance in the matter. Additionally, the truck is currently under recall #C4B/the federal safety agency 24V‑896 (PCM related) and, to-date, I'm told the part is still not available after more than a year since the recall. I've owned Dodge Rams for over 27 years and find the situation unsafe and totally unacceptable. I'm also aware that many other owners of the 2017 Ram 2500 6.4L experience PCM/ECM issues, causing no-start conditions or stalling, and have reported them alongside braking system complaints. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Jan 10, 2026 · Brakes · GA

I was pulling my gooseneck trailer with equipment on it and had to stop quick because car pulled out in front of me an when I pushed the brake pedal it was very hard to push an my exhaust brakes did not come on an I noticed check brakes light an anti trac light were both on.exhaust brake was turned on in full exhaust an exhaust light on dash showed it to be on but exhaust brakes did not start working so I had ended up leaving the highway an going through a ditch so I wouldn't hit the vehicle in front of me an hurting or killing someone or myself,luckily it wasn't a steep ditch so I was able to make it down to the service road down below without any injuries or damages to my truck or trailer or equipment, I've call several times once I recieved the recall notice about hydraulic brake problem on my truck an all they tell me is call back later no parts available to fix the recall problem, it's been a year now an still no parts,I haven't pulled my trailer since that happend and it's very inconvenient an costly not being comfortable about pulling trailer an not being able to stop,I very seldom drive the truck at all just to local store about a mile from the house,out in the country with none or little traffic, how long is ram going to be able to say no parts available, I think the government should tell them its been a year an you still haven't fixed the trucks they should have to buy them back an the higher average resale price or give us another truck.

Filed Aug 22, 2025 · Steering · TX

My truck would not start. I found that I could shift the vehicle into gear without the key in the ignition or foot on the brake. It appeared that the truck would not start because it could not tell when it was in park. I had to be towed to a dealership, who discovered that the Shift Interlock Solenoid had failed. There is a previous recall for the same year, make and model of my truck, but did not include my VIN. I feel that this is the same issue for which the recall was issued and mine should be included. I incurred a $640 repair bill.

Filed Jul 22, 2025 · Driver assistance, Electrical · FL

I purchased a new 2024 Ram 2500 Laramie in January 2024. In February 2025, the vehicle began experiencing intermittent no-start conditions related to an electrical issue. Over several months, it also developed persistent Uconnect system malfunctions and power-folding side mirrors that would not unfold, creating a serious safety hazard. On July 2, 2025, while driving at highway speed, the driver’s side mirror folded inward on its own and remained loose, flopping in the wind, making it impossible to maintain visibility and lane awareness. Ram’s service department confirmed the part is defective but did not have it in stock when I brought the vehicle in. These issues have made the truck unsafe to drive. Despite multiple repair attempts and the vehicle being out of service for over 30 days cumulatively, the electrical and visibility-related problems remain unresolved. The manufacturer (Stellantis/Ram) has been slow to respond and has not provided a timely solution. I am pursuing Lemon Law arbitration, but the unresolved mirror visibility issue and electrical malfunctions pose an immediate safety concern that may affect other owners.

Filed Jun 9, 2025 · Electrical · CA

Totally electrical failure leave individuals stranded, vehicle will not start both batteries dead, the vehicle was inspected and batteries replaced at dealership, no warning lights no signs vehicle just will not start and will randomly leave you stranded

Filed Dec 13, 2024 · Brakes · GA

I received notice of a safety recall concerning the brake/ anti-skid control module. This notice said there was a possibility of complete failure that could result in serious injury or death. I contacted my local dealer and was told the recall wouldn't start until the first quarter of 2025. I told them my dash warning lights were already on. Their advice was to park my vehicle and obtain other transportation because of the danger. This seems to be unreasonable to me. It would cost a lot to rent another truck for that period of time. This seems to be putting my family and me in danger! Is there anyway to proceed earlier?

Filed Oct 9, 2024 · Engine · NY

Truck would not start or crank over. It had to be towed to a repair shop and the starter had to be replaced.

Related recalls

Engine and engine cooling: engine: engine control module (ecu/ECM)Reported August 26, 2022 · 4,907 vehicles affected
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: dieselReported September 12, 2017 · 443,874 vehicles affected
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: engineReported September 23, 2015 · 41 vehicles affected
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 coolingReported April 3, 2013 · 6,143 vehicles affected
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 won't start

Which Ram 2500 years have won't start problems?

The model years with the most reports are 2018 (5 complaints), 2019 (5 complaints) and 2023 (5 complaints).

VIN decoder

See the problems and recalls for an exact car

Buying a used Ram 2500?

Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.

Check its history