Ram 3500 overheating problems

Filed Jun 19, 2026 · Electrical · AZ · 1 injury

PTC heater short circuited, overheated and scorched/melted itself as well as other plastic Hvac components and sent toxic fumes into the passenger compartment via the HVAC vents. This truck has been in 2 different Dodge dealer service departments multiple times for the same failures. After repairs were performed, the same failures occurred on the way home from the dealer. The PTC heater grid sits INSIDE of the HVAC airway. I am now experiencing multiple adverse medical symptoms from these exposures.

Filed May 14, 2026 · Brakes, Electrical · NV · crash

Hello, I am formally documenting a serious safety incident involving my recently purchased 2026 Dodge Ram 3500 Tradesman 6.7L dually, purchased from Towbin Dodge in [XXX] , on May 9, 2026. On May 13, 2026—only five days after purchase—we were operating the truck for our dumpster business while towing a GN trailer loaded with approximately 5 tons. We were traveling down Mount Charleston after a pickup when a critical brake failure occurred. While descending the mountain grade, the truck’s braking system failed to respond. A warning light appeared on the dashboard indicating an issue with the electric brake system. We had tow/haul mode and exhaust braking engaged, but neither system functioned properly. When my father pressed the brake pedal, the vehicle did not slow down. With a steep descent ahead and no effective braking response, my father was forced to steer the vehicle off the road into a ditch to avoid a direct impact with the mountain, which could have resulted in a fatal collision. After stopping, we noticed signs of extreme brake overheating, and the system appeared to be close to catching fire. I have video and other documentation of the incident. The vehicle is currently in the dealer’s possession. This is a major safety failure occurring within days of purchase, and I am requesting a full investigation into the brake system and all related components, including any recalls, defects, or electronic braking malfunctions. I do not want the truck anymore! Given the severity and risk to life involved, I am requesting immediate action and a full resolution regarding this vehicle. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Feb 26, 2026 · Engine · 97,000 miles · AZ

The contact owns a 2020 Ram 3500. The contact stated while driving approximately 50 MPH, the engine overheated. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the cooling fan module had failed, and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline to report the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 97,000.

Filed Jan 6, 2026 · Electrical · AZ

PTC cabin heater has overheated and replaced 3 times. Each time it filled the passenger compartment with toxic fumes and its a fire hazard. It has not been solved and is still at the dealer. It started Nov 21 2025. the federal safety agency Complaint # 11702941. Nothing has been done about it to this day. Am I wasting my time???? [XXX] . [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Jun 26, 2025 · Engine, Fuel system · TX

We bought our 2024 3500 Dodge RAM in Florida in late March. Last weekend the truck started to feel like it was jerking while we were pulling our 5th wheel. On Monday we schedule an appointment in Brockton Massachusetts at a dealership. We were told there need to be a system update and that it was all set. On Wednesday we started our 3 hour drive to Maine when suddenly while we were on the highway the truck began to overheat and revving loud only going 35mph. We pulled over into a parking lot and called RAM roadside assistance. We were told to let the truck cool down and try again. After being in a parking lot with our 4 kids and 2 dogs in 100 degree weather for 6 hours we attempted to start the truck. However every time we put it in drive the truck shut off. At this time we had to get it towed for $300, today the local RAM autoshop is saying they looked at the truck and transmission is gone. They are also saying they will not be able to look at the truck for a month. We travel full-time in our RV and now are stranded with our RV and no way to pull it anywhere.

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 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 Jan 19, 2025 · Acceleration, Brakes · OK

Abs Failure, at around 80,000 miles, Truck is unusable , brake drags and causes overheating, can not get to dealer unless towed. All ABS system lights and failure warning lights are on Have been paying on vehicle which has been unusable since 6/2022 Dealer says parts are not available

Filed Jun 20, 2023 · Brakes · AZ

Brakes started grinding at 13,000 miles. Determined they were metal to metal, caliper, overheated, excessively, and rotor needed replaced. Problem happened again now, at 22,000 miles.

Filed Jun 6, 2023 · Engine, Transmission · OR

The grid heater in my engine overheated causing a bolt to lose integrity and snap off being sucked into the # 6 cylinder causing catastrophic damage to the motor while I was towing a trailer up hill. Losing all power on a hill with a trailer seems like a pretty dangerous situation to me. It’s a known issue dating back too 2014 and still hasn’t been fixed my 2017 suffered from the issue and now I’m 2021-2023 models there catching fire and being recalled but my 2017 is not. There’s only 48,000 miles on my truck it’s not old at all and should be in the same recall as the newer models.