2023 RAM 2500 Engine Problems

Vehicle: 2023 Ram 2500 Diesel (6.7L Cummins) – approx. 36,000 miles, under factory warranty Complaint Summary: Our 2023 Ram 2500 diesel is producing visible smoke from the engine bay and a persistent ticking/clicking noise from the engine. This occurs while driving and at idle. We have video evidence of smoke coming from under the hood and recordings of the abnormal engine noise. Safety Concerns: The smoke creates a serious fire hazard and risk of mechanical failure. Engine-bay smoke can indicate an electrical short, fuel or oil leak, overheating component, or exhaust/turbo malfunction. This poses a risk of engine compartment fire, including the possibility of fire after the vehicle is turned off. NHTSA Recall 23V-060 for 2021–2023 Ram HD diesels describes electrical failures that can cause under-hood fires, showing this vehicle line has known fire-related safety issues. The smoke also presents a health and inhalation risk, especially to our children who ride in the vehicle. Diesel/exhaust fumes entering the cabin can cause respiratory irritation and impair driver alertness. A sudden escalation could result in loss of power, breakdown, or fire while driving. Dealer Response: We brought the vehicle to an authorized Ram dealership in February 2026. Despite the truck being fully under warranty, the dealer stated that because there is “no active recall,” they will not repair or further diagnose the problem. No meaningful corrective action was taken. Evidence Available: Videos showing smoke from the engine bay, audio/video of the ticking noise, and dealership service paperwork. We are requesting NHTSA investigate this as a potential safety defect due to fire risk, toxic fume exposure, and the manufacturer’s failure to address a dangerous condition in a nearly new, warrantied vehicle. We are paying on this vehicle monthly, are scared to drive with our children in the car. We have to pull over and not drive the vehicle due to how strong the cabin odor is.

NHTSA ID

11716921

Incident

Dec 26, 2025

My 2023, Ram 2500 truck with a Cummins 6.7L diesel engine has a known defect with the grid heater bolt. This bolt can loosen or break off, falling into the engine and causing catastophic engine failure. This creates a suddne loss of power, espcially dangerous when towing heavy loads at highway speeds. Numerous owners have reported this issue, yet no recall has been issued. I request investigation and action to protect driver safety.

NHTSA ID

11685217

Incident

Sep 5, 2025

Unknown Constant check engine light related to exhaust system and filters. Many parts replaced by dealer and still not fixed.

NHTSA ID

11647250

Incident

Sep 1, 2024

Subject: Complaint Regarding Delay in DPF TSB Repair for RAM 2500 To Whom It May Concern, I am filing this complaint regarding an extended delay in repairing my 2023 RAM 2500 (VIN: [XXX] ) under Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 25-005-24 REV. A, which addresses a manufacturing defect in the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) system. My truck has been at the dealership for over two weeks, and I have been informed that the necessary parts are on backorder with no estimated time of arrival. The issue began when my vehicle's Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illuminated, and the vehicle exhibited symptoms as described in the TSB (frequent DPF regenerations and performance derate mode). The dealership confirmed the issue aligns with the conditions outlined in the TSB and stated that the DPF replacement is required. Despite their acknowledgment of the issue, the dealership has been unable to provide a timeline for the part's arrival, explaining that the parts “just show up.” This lack of information and prolonged delay is unacceptable for a repair covered under warranty and related to a known manufacturing defect. The delay has significantly disrupted my daily life, as this vehicle is crucial for [personal/work purposes, towing, etc.]. Additionally, the lack of communication from both the dealership and RAM Customer Care has only added to the frustration. I have attempted to contact RAM Customer Care at multiple numbers, but either no operators were available, or the calls were disconnected after a brief hold. I respectfully request that the appropriate agencies investigate this delay and hold FCA (Stellantis) accountable for ensuring timely repairs for vehicles affected by manufacturing defects. Please feel free to contact me for further details or documentation, including the TSB, service records, and communication history. Thank you for your time and assistance. Sincerely, [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11632847

Incident

Dec 9, 2024

Grid Heater Relay failure. From my understanding this problem is an issue across the United States. The grid heater on the 6.7L diesels has a bolt that welds itself off and can go into the intake causing an engine failure. Recently Dodge has told me that this is not covered under a power train warranty. There is no other remedy they provide other than spending $800+ for a aftermarket part to replace the OEM grid heater.

NHTSA ID

11623749

Incident

Oct 22, 2024

Vehicle would not start or try to turn over. It had to be towed and the starter had to be replaced. The truck is less than a year old and the starter died.

NHTSA ID

11618902

Incident

Oct 8, 2024

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

NHTSA ID

11618899

Incident

Jul 5, 2024

Truck would not start it just clicked. Had to be towed away to a dealership to have the starter replaced.

NHTSA ID

11618898

Incident

Aug 22, 2024

Truck would not start, there was no prior warning of issues with the starter. After being towed to a dealership the starter was replaced.

NHTSA ID

11618897

Incident

Jul 22, 2024

The truck would not start it just clicked. This was at a remote location. After it was towed to a dealership the starter was replaced. There were no warning indicators ahead of the failure.

NHTSA ID

11618896

Incident

Aug 8, 2024

The contact owns a 2023 Ram 2500. The contact stated while driving approximately 74 MPH, the EGR valve de-energized seizing the turbo, causing the vehicle do decelerate to 30 MPH in less than a quarter mile. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact pulled over to the side of the road, turned off the vehicle, and waited approximately 15 minutes before restarting the vehicle and continuing to drive the vehicle. The contact stated the failure had occurred several times while driving at various speeds. The contact stated that the vehicle had previously been repaired under a TSB with NHTSA ID Number: 10241065 (Electrical System, Engine and Engine Cooling) before the contact took ownership of the vehicle. The vehicle had been taken to the dealer where the Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) valve, Turbo actuator, and Engine Control Module (ECM) were replaced. The dealer was unsure if the repairs would fix the vehicle. The vehicle remained at the dealer. The manufacturer had been made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 12,000.

NHTSA ID

11601186

Incident

May 11, 2024

Mileage

12,000 mi

The contact owns a 2023 Ram 2500. The contact stated that the vehicle was produce without a dipstick to check his own oil. The contact called the dealer and was informed that he could not be sold a dipstick but that the vehicle could be serviced at the dealer. The contact stated that the failure to provide a dipstick had cost him additional money and had been an unnecessary inconvenience. The manufacturer was notified of the failure where they also gave him the same information. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was 0.

NHTSA ID

11536919

Incident

Apr 15, 2023