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Engine & cooling

Ram Ram 2500 Regular Cab Engine problems by year

24 complaints filed with NHTSA about the Ram Ram 2500 Regular Cab's engine & cooling. Stalling, loss of power, oil consumption, overheating, head gaskets, timing chains and engine failure.

Engine complaints by model year

YearEngine complaintsCrashesInjuriesRecalls
20264000
202511000
20249000

Latest Ram 2500 Regular Cab engine complaints

2025 Ram Ram 2500 Regular CabElectrical systemLightsEngine & cooling

Our 2025 Ram 2500 was purchased new in March 2026 with 41 miles. It had 17,254 miles on October 19. We completed a six week cross country trip towing a trailer without problems until September 25, 2026. September 25: The doors failed to lock automatically while driving above 35 mph. Neither key fob nor the interior electric lock switches worked, and the power windows failed. The engine and 12 inch screen remained on. Turning the truck off and restarting it did not restore these functions. As soon as we got home,...

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we called our regular servicing dealership. They said the key fob batteries were dead. We disagreed because the interior controls and windows also failed. I independently tried the manufacturer's mobile app. Its first lock command failed; after restarting the app and retrying, the doors locked and the other functions resumed. No cause was confirmed. October 17: While slowing for a stop sign, the engine suddenly shut off. The display instructed the driver to shift into Park to restart. A vehicle was behind us, but the hazard warning lights and power windows would not work, so we could not warn its driver. The truck restarted after shifting into Park, pressing the brake and pushing Start. October 19, about 6:40 AM: A different driver was coasting toward a traffic light at approximately 5 mph or less, without hard braking, when the engine shut off again. The display said "Shift to Park to Start." The driver shifted into Park and pressed Start to restart. Both shutdowns happened during deceleration without advance warning. The Ram app recorded the trips but showed no active driving alerts. Unexpected stalling in traffic, especially with failed hazard lights, poses a collision risk. I called Ram Customer Care as soon as they opened on October 19. A dealership inspection is scheduled for October 21. The cause remains unknown, no repair has been completed, and the truck is available for inspection.

Filed Incident Electrical system · Exterior lighting · EngineNHTSA 11772405
2024 Ram Ram 2500 Regular CabEngine & cooling

I had a sent the vehicle in for warranty repairs for what i was told faulty lifters. the paper work shows lifters and cam was replaced and some rocker and some rods but not all. no photos provided. after my first oil change after the repair the noise is back and they state its normal and it has been noted.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11761636
2025 Ram Ram 2500 Regular CabElectrical systemEngine & coolingFire

Driving by myself with no load at 12:15 in the afternoon with outside temperature at 80 degrees. Vehicle started to make a large screeching sound coming from engine bay. I pulled over into a parking lot and shut off engine. Vehicle continued to make screeching sound from engine bay; I opened hood to a billowing smoke that smelled like an electrical fire. Noise and significant smoke continued for several minutes with engine off and ignition in off position.

Filed Incident Electrical system · EngineNHTSA 11757982
2024 Ram Ram 2500 Regular CabEngine & cooling

This is a brand new truck with 22,000 miles, a rod came loose in the engine when i was driving it, and blew a hole in the engine at 65 MPH, the rod then shot through my oil pan, I lost all drivability, no steering, no gas and I could not see due to black smoke. I almost died! I was able to pull over all the way to the left by the grace of God, not being able to see and having cars driving by at top speeds this is a catastrophic failure and the service Tech Ethan where the truck is says this happens 1 in every 1,000 trucks! The truck is at castle rock co dodge jeep ram

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11745646
2025 Ram Ram 2500 Regular CabEngine & cooling

While operating my truck under normal driving conditions, the check engine warning light suddenly illuminated without warning. Due to concerns about potential vehicle reliability and safety, I immediately brought the vehicle to the dealership for diagnosis and inspection. After evaluating the vehicle, the dealership stated that diagnostic trouble codes were present and that additional analysis of the system would be required. The vehicle remained at the dealership for approximately one week before being returned...

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to me. Upon release of the vehicle, the dealership advised that the issue was related to multiple erroneous codes and that a software update had been performed. However, the dealership did not provide a clear explanation as to why the codes were generated, what systems were affected, or whether the condition could reoccur. I was also not provided with a complete accounting of all diagnostic trouble codes identified during the inspection. I am concerned that the dealership failed to provide full transparency regarding the diagnosis and repairs performed on this vehicle. The repair order documentation was limited in detail and appeared to omit important information regarding the discovered fault codes and the full scope of work completed. Because modern vehicle systems rely heavily on electronic control modules and software for engine operation and safety-related functions, I am requesting that NHTSA document and review this issue for potential underlying electronic or software-related defects that may affect vehicle reliability and safety.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11739977
2025 Ram Ram 2500 Regular CabElectrical systemEngine & cooling

The contact owns a 2025 Ram 2500 Tradesman Crew Cab. The contact stated that the entire instrument panel became blank. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed as needing a software update. The update was completed; however, the issue persisted. The software update was completed 4 times but the issue continued. The contact informed of another issue with vehicle involving the deft system, has to put the deft bottle next to the gas, the cage on the panel does not read that it has been filled. The vehicle was repaired for this issue. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was unavailable.

Filed Incident Electrical system · Engine and engine coolingNHTSA 11738160
2026 Ram Ram 2500 Regular CabElectrical systemEngine & cooling

The contact owns a 2026 Ram 2500. The contact stated that on three occasions while driving, the vehicle lost power and stalled. The vehicle was towed to her residence. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. A computer update was previously completed, but the failure recurred. The dealer later informed her the failure was due to the battery. The manufacturer was contacted, who opened a Star case and was informed about a buyback. The failure mileage was approximately 200.

Filed Incident Electrical system · EngineNHTSA 11737344
2026 Ram Ram 2500 Regular CabEngine & cooling

I was in the middle of a 1 hr long drive and my DEF gauge went from 2/3 full to empty nearly instantly. I received a message on the dash that said my speed would be limited to 5 MPH in 200 miles. Thankfully, I was within easy driving distance to a dealer, so I dropped if off yesterday (still waiting for their assessment of the issue), but what if I was in the middle of nowhere, and couldn't get to a dealer before that 200 mile limit was reached? What if the dealer couldn't see me for weeks/months which is not...

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uncommon these days? These emissions control systems have gotten absolutely out of control and change needs to happen. 2026 RAM 2500 Laramie Mega Cab w/ approx 1,650 miles (yes, one thousand, six hundred and fifty miles)

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11727997
2025 Ram Ram 2500 Regular CabElectrical systemEngine & coolingDriver assistance

Subject: Safety Concern - Vehicle Shuts Down While Driving / Request for Replacement Despite multiple warranty repair attempts, my 2025 Ram 2500 continues to experience unresolved electrical failures. In addition to the previously documented issues, the vehicle shuts down while driving, forcing me to immediately pull over, place the vehicle in park, and restart the engine in order to continue driving. This condition has occurred unexpectedly and without warning. Losing power while the vehicle is in motion...

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presents a serious safety risk, especially during highway or interstate driving. Given that I rely on this truck for work and frequently travel long distances between New Jersey and Texas, this behavior makes the vehicle unsafe and unreliable for its intended use. The truck has already undergone repeated diagnostics, module replacements, software updates, wiring repairs, and battery replacement at authorized Ram dealerships. Despite these efforts, the issue persists. At this point, I have lost confidence in the safety and reliability of this vehicle and do not feel comfortable continuing to drive or own it. I have acted in good faith and allowed multiple opportunities to repair the vehicle. The ongoing shutdowns while driving demonstrate that the defect has not been corrected within a reasonable number of attempts. Requested Resolution: • Immediate escalation of this case due to a safety-related defect • Replacement of the vehicle or trade-assist into another Ram truck • Reimbursement for loss-of-use expenses incurred due to repeated service visits I am requesting a definitive resolution rather than additional repair attempts.

Filed Incident Electrical system · Engine · Lane departureNHTSA 11716737
2026 Ram Ram 2500 Regular CabTransmission & drivetrainElectrical systemEngine & cooling

I own a Ram 2500 (VIN: [[redacted]] ) 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...

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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)

Filed Incident Power train · Electrical system · EngineNHTSA 11716523
2025 Ram Ram 2500 Regular CabTransmission & drivetrainEngine & coolingFuel system

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.

Filed Incident Power train · Engine · Fuel / propulsion systemNHTSA 11715721
2025 Ram Ram 2500 Regular CabTransmission & drivetrainElectrical systemEngine & cooling

While driving in 4x4 on a snow covered road, the truck simultaneously got a check engine light as well as several other error messages to include service required to the emergency braking and the trailer brake controller. At the same time, the full exhaust brake engaged without any driver input and caused a sudden slowing of the truck's tires on a slippery surface. The owners manual specifically warns "Do not use the exhaust brake feature when driving in icy or slippery conditions as the increased engine braking...

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can cause the rear wheels to slide and the vehicle to swing around with the possible loss of vehicle control, which may cause a collision possibly resulting in personal injury or death." Fortunately I had a lot of weight in the truck when this happened and I was able to control it, but a malfunction that turns on the full exhaust brake, especially while 4x4 is engaged, is dangerous enough that there is a warning in the manual. This happened twice. I had a solid check engine light on, and the following day while waiting for a service appointment, a slew of new warnings were flashing across the screen, locking the transmission in 6th gear, advising the 4x4 was no longer available, and may others. I attempted to shift from drive to reverse, the gear shifter locked itself in park. I shut the truck off to try restarting it and moving it, but there was no power getting to the truck to use the sos button to call for help in a poor cell reception area, no lighting worked while obstructing half of a travel lane on the roadway. The truck had good voltage prior to this. The truck was towed to the dealer with 5100 miles on it.

Filed Incident Power train · Electrical system · EngineNHTSA 11712817
2024 Ram Ram 2500 Regular CabTransmission & drivetrainEngine & cooling

Had to stop urgently, and my truck shut off. I had to shift it into park to get it started again. Was in the middle of a 4 lane section of route one traveling with traffic at the time. I was a sitting duck until I could figure out what happened. (I'm a mechanic, if the average person was dealing with this I don't know if they would have been able to get moving as quickly.) It acted like the torque converter stayed locked while I came to a complete stop stopping the engine at the same time. No shuddering or anything...

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obvious. Engine wasn't running when I came to a stop. i only noticed because it was abnormally quiet and didn't move when I stepped on the throttle. I've owned this truck since the end of July 2025, it was a brand new left over 2024, currently has around 8,500 miles on it)

Filed Incident Power train · EngineNHTSA 11706412
2026 Ram Ram 2500 Regular CabElectrical systemEngine & cooling

The Stereo Screen went black, unable to turn back on the dealership had to replace the entire stereo. In addition, flashing ODO and other indicators on the dash. The IDLE is out of control which shakes the whole truck. Since the screen does not work the backup camera is also off which makes it very hard to backup. The truck feels very different when the ODO is flashing and the screen is black. It is not dealer / transportation mode just FYI. The Truck was towed back to the dealership after a 16 day service visit for the first visit.

Filed Incident Electrical system · EngineNHTSA 11698870

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked daily. Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data

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