RAM · Known Issues
2003-2025 RAM 2500 Problems: 26 Known Issues
2003-2025 model years · 16,600+ owner reports · Updated September 2026
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2003-2025 model years · 16,600+ owner reports · Updated September 2026
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According to Au7o's analysis of 16,600+ owner reports, the 2003-2025 RAM 2500 has 26 documented known issues, with 16 rated critical. The most serious are Front End "Death Wobble" Steering Oscillation ($500-$3,000 repair), Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) System Failures ($300-$3,500 repair), Steering Gear Box Leak and Excessive Play ($100-$1,500 repair), 6.7L Cummins CP4.2 High-Pressure Fuel Pump Catastrophic Failure ($8,000-$12,000 repair), 68RFE Torque Converter Shudder and TCC Failure ($1,500-$4,800 repair), 6.7L Cummins EGR Cooler Clogging and Cracking ($500-$1,800 repair), 6.7L Cummins Grid Heater Bolt Failure (Bolt Drops Into Cylinder #6) ($300-$18,000 repair), Rear Axle U-Joint Premature Failure ($200-$600 repair), 6.7L Cummins VGT Turbo Actuator Failure ($450-$1,900 repair), 6.7L Cummins Water Pump Coolant Leak (Fire Hazard Recall 17V562000) ($250-$700 repair), TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module) Failure ($300-$1,200 repair), Radio Software Defect Blanks the Backup Camera on 2022 Ram 2500 — Recall 24V436000, Cruise Control May Stay Engaged — Wiring Short Circuit Recall 18V332000, Recall 24V199 — Steering Column Control Module Weld Can Disable the Driver Air Bag, Recall 17V824000: Kidde Plastic-Handle / 'Pindicator' Extinguisher Can Clog or Lose Its Nozzle and 6.4L HEMI Valvetrain Failure (Roller Lifter/Camshaft Wear, "HEMI Tick") ($4,000-$12,000 repair). The most commonly reported issue is Front End "Death Wobble" Steering Oscillation with 5,500 owner reports. Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $30 to $18,000. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Ram 1500, Ram 3500 Cab Chassis with GVWR less than 10,000 lbs., and 2022-2024 Ram 2500 vehicles. The radio software may prevent the rearview image from displaying. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
STEERING:STEERING CONTROL MODULE
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2023 Ram 1500 Classic, Ram 3500 Classic, 3500 Cab Chassis, 2023-2024 Ram 2500, 4500/5500 Cab Chassis, and Ram 3500 vehicles. The steering column control module may cause the high beams to activate when the turn signal is used or activate the turn signal when the high beams are used. In addition, the turn signal self-canceling feature may not function properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER CLOCKSPRING/SPIRAL CASSETTE
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) (Stellantis) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Ram 1500, Jeep Wrangler, Jeep Wagoneer, Jeep Grand Wagoneer, Chrysler Pacifica, Ram 3500, Ram 3500 cab chassis, Ram 2500, Ram 4500 cab chassis, Ram 5500 cab chassis, 2023 Jeep Gladiator, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep Grand Cherokee L, Ram 3500 Cab Chassis with a GVWR less than 10,000 lbs., and Chrysler Voyager vehicles. The steering column control module may not be welded properly, which can prevent the driver's air bag from deploying in a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2023-2026 Ram 2500 Pick up trucks. A software error in the powertrain control module may improperly allow the vehicle speed to exceed the tire speed rating, which can result in a loss of vehicle control.
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019 and 2023 Chrysler Pacifica, 2024 Ram 1500, Ram 2500, and 2024-2025 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. Contamination in the central vision processing module or improper programming may cause the rearview camera image not to display. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
+ 19 more recalls. Check all on NHTSA.gov
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According to Au7o's analysis of 16,600+ owner reports, the 2003-2025 RAM 2500 has 26 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Front End "Death Wobble" Steering Oscillation, Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) System Failures, Steering Gear Box Leak and Excessive Play. Of these, 16 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
The 2003-2025 RAM 2500 has 26 known issues documented across 16,600+ owner reports. 16 issues are rated critical: Front End "Death Wobble" Steering Oscillation and Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) System Failures and Steering Gear Box Leak and Excessive Play and 6.7L Cummins CP4.2 High-Pressure Fuel Pump Catastrophic Failure and 68RFE Torque Converter Shudder and TCC Failure and 6.7L Cummins EGR Cooler Clogging and Cracking and 6.7L Cummins Grid Heater Bolt Failure (Bolt Drops Into Cylinder #6) and Rear Axle U-Joint Premature Failure and 6.7L Cummins VGT Turbo Actuator Failure and 6.7L Cummins Water Pump Coolant Leak (Fire Hazard Recall 17V562000) and TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module) Failure and Radio Software Defect Blanks the Backup Camera on 2022 Ram 2500 — Recall 24V436000 and Cruise Control May Stay Engaged — Wiring Short Circuit Recall 18V332000 and Recall 24V199 — Steering Column Control Module Weld Can Disable the Driver Air Bag and Recall 17V824000: Kidde Plastic-Handle / 'Pindicator' Extinguisher Can Clog or Lose Its Nozzle and 6.4L HEMI Valvetrain Failure (Roller Lifter/Camshaft Wear, "HEMI Tick"). Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
Repair costs for known RAM 2500 issues range from $0 to $18,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Front End "Death Wobble" Steering Oscillation, typically costs $500-$3,000 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
Reliability varies across model years of the RAM 2500. Based on documented issues, problems are most commonly reported in earlier model years. Au7o recommends checking the specific known issues for your target year before purchasing, and having a pre-purchase inspection performed by a qualified mechanic. Our known issues database covers the 2003-2025 RAM 2500 with 26 documented issues documented across 16,600+ owner reports.
The RAM 2500 (and 3500) with solid front axle experiences a violent front-end oscillation known as "death wobble" that occurs at highway speeds (45-65 mph), typically triggered by hitting a bump or pothole. The steering wheel shakes uncontrollably and the entire front end vibrate… Repairs typically run $500-$3,000. Severity: high.
The 2013+ RAM 2500 6.7L Cummins diesel DEF (Diesel Exhaust Fluid) system is plagued with failures of the DEF heater, DEF pump, DEF injector, NOx sensors, and SCR catalyst. The DEF system is required for emissions compliance, and when it fails, the truck enters a "limp mode" that… Repairs typically run $300-$3,500. Severity: high.
The RAM 2500/3500 steering gear box (power steering box) develops fluid leaks from the input shaft seal and sector shaft seal, and excessive play in the steering. The leak starts as a slow drip and worsens over time, eventually causing low power steering fluid and potential pump… Repairs typically run $100-$1,500. Severity: high.
The 2019+ RAM 2500 with the 6.7L Cummins diesel uses a Bosch CP4.2 high-pressure fuel injection pump that is prone to catastrophic self-destruction. The CP4.2 relies on diesel fuel for internal lubrication, and any contamination, water intrusion, or low fuel levels cause the pump… Repairs typically run $8,000-$12,000. Severity: high.
The 68RFE 6-speed automatic behind the Cummins is prone to torque converter shudder and lockup failure. The factory converter's clutch material and heat control are marginal for the Cummins' torque, so the torque converter clutch (TCC) chatters, slips, or refuses to hold lockup,… Repairs typically run $1,500-$4,800. Severity: high.
The EGR cooler routes hot exhaust through a coolant-jacketed heat exchanger before recirculating it into the intake. Heavy soot loading progressively plugs the cooler and EGR valve, first showing as slight off-idle hesitation and rising EGTs, then triggering EGR flow/performance… Repairs typically run $500-$1,800. Severity: high.
The intake grid (air) heater warms incoming air for cold starts and carries up to ~200 amps through a small threaded stud/bolt secured by a 10mm nut on the intake plenum. Over years of high-current heat cycling the bolt/nut connection deteriorates, arcs, and can break loose. Beca… Repairs typically run $300-$18,000. Severity: high.
The rear driveshaft U-joints in the RAM 2500 fail prematurely, particularly on trucks used for towing. The factory U-joints are undersized for sustained heavy load use, and the grease fittings (where present) are often overlooked during maintenance. Symptoms start with a clicking… Repairs typically run $200-$600. Severity: high.
The Holset HE351VE variable-geometry turbocharger uses an electronically controlled actuator (the geartrain and control board that moves the vane sliding ring) that is a well-documented failure point, often before 100k miles. Soot and carbon buildup, rust/corrosion binding the va… Repairs typically run $450-$1,900. Severity: high.
The concentric (belt-driven) water pump on 6.7L Cummins trucks can leak coolant and suffer bearing failure. NHTSA recall 17V562000 covered 2013-2017 Ram 2500/3500 and cab-chassis trucks whose water pump lacked a vent hole, allowing coolant to leak onto hot engine components and c… Repairs typically run $250-$700. Severity: high.
The TIPM is the central under-hood fuse/relay and power-distribution computer that controls the fuel pump, lighting, wipers, door locks, horn, and trailer-tow circuits. It is a widespread failure point on 2007-2016 Ram trucks. The most common complaint is the internal fuel pump r… Repairs typically run $300-$1,200. Severity: high.
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) included the 2022 Ram 2500 in NHTSA recall 24V436000. The radio software in these trucks may prevent the rearview image from displaying, so the camera view can be missing when the truck is put in reverse. That non-display puts the vehicle out of compliance… Severity: high.
2014-2018 RAM 2500 heavy-duty pickups are covered by FCA recall 18V332000. The recall addresses a defect that could prevent the cruise control system from disengaging: if a short circuit occurs within the truck's wiring while cruise control is engaged, the driver may not be able… Severity: high.
The 2023-2024 Ram 2500 is included in FCA US (Stellantis) recall campaign 24V199000. The concern is manufacturing: the steering column control module may not have been welded properly, and that faulty weld can prevent the driver's air bag from deploying in a crash. Trucks with th… Severity: high.
Heavy-duty 2014-2018 RAM 2500 pickups delivered with a Kidde plastic-handle or push-button 'Pindicator' fire extinguisher fall under NHTSA recall 17V824000. Kidde found that these extinguishers can clog internally. A clogged unit either fails to discharge at all or takes excessiv… Severity: high.
Gas RAM 2500s with the 6.4L (392) HEMI V8 suffer a documented valvetrain defect in which the roller lifter needle bearings fail, the roller stops rolling and drags across the camshaft lobe, wiping out the lobe. The failure is linked to the truck's Multi-Displacement System (MDS/c… Repairs typically run $4,000-$12,000. Severity: high.
2019 Ram 2500 and 3500 pickups with the 6.7L I6 Cummins — both the standard Turbo Diesel and the High Output Turbo Diesel — set P061B-00 as part of a documented cluster of calibration-related faults. Stellantis addressed the pattern in service bulletin 18-066-23 (Group 18, Vehicl… Repairs typically run $0-$300. Severity: medium.
The BorgWarner BW4470 (part-time 4WD) and BW4494 (full-time 4WD) transfer cases develop fluid leaks at the front and rear output shaft seals and at the case halves. The leaks are often slow and go unnoticed until the fluid level drops enough to cause whine, grinding, or failure t… Repairs typically run $200-$500. Severity: medium.
2013-2015 RAM 2500 pickups were included in FCA US LLC's recall of vehicles fitted with radios containing software vulnerabilities. The defect allows third-party access to certain networked vehicle control systems, and NHTSA's consequence statement is blunt: exploitation can resu… Severity: medium.
The center high-mounted third brake light on RAM 2500 trucks is a chronic water-leak point across both the 4th (2010-2018) and 5th (2019+) generations. The thin foam gasket sealing the lamp housing to the cab roof compresses, dries out and degrades, letting rainwater pass through… Repairs typically run $30-$900. Severity: medium.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.