Ram 3500 engine failure problems

Filed Sep 29, 2026 · Steering · 33,000 miles · WA

The contact owns a 2022 Ram 3500. While driving approximately 35 - 40 MPH or while reversing at undisclosed speeds, the steering wheel intermittently seized. The contact stated that after decelerating, the steering feature released and operated as needed. The failures nearly caused a crash on several occasions. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and it was determined that there was moisture inside the steering sensor and that the steering sensor needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure by phone, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 33,000.

Filed Sep 23, 2026 · Engine · SC

1. Engine failed while driving. 2.This could have caused an accident if I were at highway speeds. 3. The cause of failure was a spent bearing on piston #3 due to lack of oil. 4. Per my mechanic an engine or rebuild kit is needed. This was a reported complaint in March of this year with a complaint number of #11724554. Their was no warning or low oil lamp which was a recall for some 2019 Rams, however my VIN was not included in that recall.

Filed Feb 9, 2026 · Engine · CA

After the engine replacement, the tractor continues to operate unreliably, and I cannot use it in my business because it is unreliable.

Filed Dec 27, 2025 · Engine · NY

The # 4 cam bearing seized to the camshaft. Upon further investigation the #4 main bearing was damaged from metal chips that were not removed during the manufacture of the engine. This damage from the manufacturing defect left the engine block damaged beyond repair. So a short block was ordered and installed.

Filed Aug 1, 2025 · Engine · CA

Recently I was informed about a possible engine failure involving a "Grid Heater Bolt". Upon my query, I learned the following: The RAM grid heater bolt failure can lead to serious engine damage. Here are some key points: 1. The grid heater nut can melt and fall off inside the intake plenum, often due to the grid heater relay sticking "on". Or fall off due to vibration. 2. A bolt in the 2007-2023 RAM 6.7L intake air heater can cause severe engine damage, and a warning code (P2609) may indicate this issue. 3. The grid heater bolt/nut can wear from heat or vibration, potentially dropping into the cylinder and destroying the engine. The risk related to this can be minor to catastrophic. Any potential engine failure during operation could cause damage, fire, injury or death. Upon researching this issue, I found the Internet full of warnings, but yet since 2007 to 2023 no factory solution or recall has been made. A recall has been made for simuliar issue. See attached. As a preventive measure, I am replacing mine with a aftermarket device. Something Ram or Cummins engine should have done since 2007. I have not been in a collision or a engine failure. But I am sure since 2007, someone has. There are two or three aftermarket repairs that the manufacturer should have resolved.

Filed Mar 6, 2025 · Brakes · 27,200 miles · OR

The contact owns a 2018 Ram 3500. 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 contact stated while at a complete stop at a stop sign, the front brakes seized. The ABS warning light was illuminated, and a message to service the ABS was displayed. The contact noticed smoke coming from the front end of the vehicle and pulled into the parking lot of Les Schwab Tire Center, where the vehicle was test-driven, and the contact was informed that the front brakes had seized and were overheating. The mechanic determined that the front rotors, calipers, and brake lines needed to be replaced due to the excessive heat damage. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred while driving. The local dealer was contacted and informed the contact that the failure was related to the recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and the contact sent the repair bills, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 27,200. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Filed Sep 27, 2024 · Engine · CA

On my model year 2023 RAM 3500 equipped with the Cummins 6.7L High Output engine, the premature failure of the camshaft valve lifter has caused the engine camshaft to have abnormal wear due the valve lifter roller bearing seizing. This has also caused metallic debris to contaminate the engine oil causing further damage to other engine components. This potential safety hazard of this incident, potential catastrophic engine failure which may occur while driving and cause the vehicle to stop suddenly without driver input. According reports provided by multiple consumers and dealer service departments for this vehicle model, others have experienced the same failure. The vehicle has not been independently inspected. There were no warning lamps, the only recognizable symptom to the issue is an irregular ticking sound coming from the engine bay upon startup and at warm temperature idle.

Filed Aug 20, 2024 · Engine, Fuel system · KY

The engine stopped while driving with no warning and provided no opportunity to exit the travel lane of the road. No warning lights were illuminated on the dashboard and all gauges appeared normal leading up to the event. This event is extremely frustrating, but I am thankful that it didn't happen on the interstate as there is no telling what the outcome may have been......... Leading up to the event, I had been driving on the interstate around 70mph for about 180 miles since the last restart. I exited the interstate and made it about 3/4 miles on a secondary road and the engine died without warning and the truck came to a quick stop in the lane of travel. No abnormal sounds were observed, just a sudden unwelcome deacceleration that did not provide enough time to exit the lane of travel. It was like stepping on the brakes. I attempted to restart the truck and the starter would not crank the engine and briefly pulled enough voltage to kill all the electronics. I attempted starting it again with a jump box attached and met the same result. The computers freaking out from the low voltage during the starting attempts wouldn't allow me to put the truck in neutral to move it out of the lane of travel. A police officer called for the tow truck on rotation since I was stuck in a live travel lane. The truck was towed to the Dealer on 8/19/2024 after the service department had closed and still would not turn over when removed from the tow truck. There were no signs of any fluids leaking from the truck after the event........ The next day the Service Advisor called and advised there were only 3 codes stored related to low voltage. Truck is waiting for a tech to become available to further investigate.

Filed Apr 26, 2024 · Engine · TX

Catastrophic lifter failure. Was able to safely deliver vehicle to dealership service department. If not handled properly, engine failure could occur while driving and hurt/kill someone.

Filed Feb 23, 2024 · Engine · GA

Potential Grid Heater defect that can cause major engine failure and/or fire. The bolt connecting the Heater Grid to the intake plenum can heat up and break off, fall into the intake, and get pulled into a cylinder causing major damage.