2022 Ram 3500: fire, smoke or burning smell

Filed Sep 8, 2026 · Electrical · WA · fire

On the morning of August 29th around 8:10am the Ram truck caught fire under the hood with the engine/ignition off, after it was driven around the yard lot and shut off. The fire seems to have originated in the center of the engine on the drivers side of the cylinder head. Mimicking the same patterns as the recall #13A in regards to the heated grid recall that was performed in March of 2025, @121338 miles. The truck now has 157032 miles. The driver was able to extinguish the fire before the fire spread beyond the engine bay. the truck is currently locked up on site at our facility.

Filed Feb 18, 2025 · Engine, Fuel system · TN

Emission system failure. Code P2459 Regeneration Frequency. Overheating of the DPF while stuck in regen cycle causes burning smell and diesel fumes in the cabin while driving. Suspected vehicle on fire. Date of incident 01/25/2025. Vehicle at dealership for repair 01/28/2025. Dealership repair unsuccessful following STAR approved process of elimination. Vehicle returned to dealer 02/18/2025 for same issue. Many customers with 2019-2022 diesel engines having same issue. No known fix according to dealership.

Filed Nov 12, 2024 · Electrical, Engine · OR · fire

On 9 September, while driving, I got an emergency dashboard notice that stated Throttle System Malfunction contact dealer. It went out and then another immediately flashed that stated Exhaust System Malfunction contact dealer. The vehicle lost power within seconds after the second notice. I coasted to a stop on the side of the road. Once stopped, smoke quickly started coming out of the engine compartment and then flames. I contacted 911, an engine arrived but the truck was fully engaged and completely burnt.

Filed May 8, 2023 · OH · fire

I parked the truck in my driver, turned it off and seen smoke under the hood. Opened the hood and there was a fire next to what I believe is a coil pak. Tried to put it out with a fire extinguisher but it didn't help. It then engulfed into flames, blowing air bags, and busting out windows.

Filed Jan 18, 2023 · Brakes · 37,000 miles · TX · fire

The contact owns a 2022 Ram 3500. The contact stated while driving at approximately 70 MPH the ABS (Anti Lock Brake System) warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that as he slowed to exit the highway he depressed the brake pedal which went to the floorboard. The contact stated that he had no brakes and was only able to stop the vehicle using the brakes on the trailer he was towing. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, who diagnosed and determined that the rear brake fluid line had become disconnected and that brake fluid had run out of the system which is why he had no brakes. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the brakes failed again while he was on the highway, and again he had to use the trailer brakes to stop the vehicle from running into the back of another vehicle that was ahead of him. The contact stated that he saw the ABS light illuminated and he had also noticed smoke coming from under the vehicle. When the contact had pulled off the highway, he stated that he saw flames issuing from the rear wheel wells. The contact was able to use an onboard fire extinguisher, however, the flames were not controlled. The contact stated that the police and fire department had arrived on the scene and that the flames were put out using water. The contact was not aware if the police or fire department had written any reports. The vehicle was towed back to the same dealer. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 37,000.

Filed Dec 12, 2022 · Electrical, Engine · OH · fire

The vehicle had been parked in the street for several hours. I started the vehicle in order to back it into my driveway for the night and then turned it off (total run time for the operation was most likely under a minute from the time the engine was started until it was shut down). The temperature was relatively cool and I did have to wait for the grid heater to cycle before the engine started. I did not notice any signs, warnings, safety indicators, or dash lights to alert me to any possible problems. Upon exiting the truck I detected a very faint and quickly disipating odor of hot electrical components, similar to a fourescent light ballast that has gone bad. I looked around but didn't see anything. I began retrieving some tools from the rear passenger side of the truck and smelled the same odor but stronger. Over the next 30-40 seconds I began to search for the source and realized that white smoke was now pouring out from under the hood of the truck. I was able to get it to start and pulled it into the street just prior to flames coming from under the hood near the drivers windshield. 911 was contacted as I tried to remove any belongings from the cab. The truck is now a total loss due to fire most likely. The fire and police responded to put the vehicle out but it was almost completely engulfed on their arrival. My insurance company is attempting to gain possession of the vehicle to begin their investigation. The Vehicle has approx 16,900 miles and was Serviced for safety recall Y76 for risk of engine fire on September 21st of 2022. The vehicle had 14,192 miles when it was inspected and passed according to the recall standards at the time. The vehicle has no other history of repairs or service items and has had no other mechanical or electrical problems to date. This was a very close call that could have resulted in the loss of my home, all my possessions, and risked harm to myself and my family if I had not stopped to get tools from the cab.