Ram 2500 engine problems, 2016–2026
316 of the 4,388 complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the Ram 2500 2016–2026 name the engine (NHTSA’s “Engine” heading — the engine and its cooling system). The loudest years: 2016 (60), 2017 (48), 2018 (42). Filed under the same heading across these years: 10 manufacturer bulletins, 3 recall campaigns. Every figure is a linked federal record; none is a failure rate, none a repair cost, and none a verdict on one car.
Ram 2500 engine problems by model year
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer communicationsOne row per model year on file, newest first. A year marked in depth has its own page: the complaints, the owners’ words and every document under this heading for that year.
| Model year | Complaints naming the engine | Share of the year’s | Typically at | On file under the heading | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 4 | 15% | — | 24 TSBs | the year → |
| 2025 | 10 | 16% | — | 34 TSBs | the year → |
| 2024 | 9 | 15% | — | 46 TSBs | the year → |
| 2023 | 12 | 24% | — | 54 TSBs | the year → |
| 2022 | 35 | 19% | — | 90 TSBs · 1 recall | the year → |
| 2021 | 28 | 26% | — | 92 TSBs | the year → |
| 2020 | 34 | 21% | 18k | 110 TSBs | the year → |
| 2019 | 34 | 18% | 6k | 141 TSBs | the year → |
| 2018 | 42 | 2% | — | 78 TSBs | the year → |
| 2017 | 48 | 7% | 72k | 75 TSBs · 1 recall | the year → |
| 2016 in depth | 60 | 23% | 6k | 86 TSBs · 2 recalls | the record → |
Two things the counts carry that are not the car: how many of each year were sold, and how long each has been on the road — an older year out-counts a newer one before anything is wrong with it. The share column is the honest comparison across years: what part of that year’s complaints named the engine. Nothing here is a rate.
When the engine complaints were filed, and at what mileage
Source: NHTSA complaint databaseFiled per calendar year, every model year together: 2015: 2 · 2016: 8 · 2017: 9 · 2018: 25 · 2019: 6 · 2020: 29 · 2021: 24 · 2022: 26 · 2023: 41 · 2024: 45 · 2025: 54 · 2026: 47
Across the model years, half of the 96 owners who gave an odometer reading reported the engine problem between 6,000 and 72,000 miles. A median of reports, not the life of a part.
In owners’ own words
Source: NHTSA complaint databaseFiled with NHTSA by the people who own these cars, about the engine, from the model years with the most to say. Quoted as written, with anything identifying removed; unverified reports — what was said, not a finding that it was true.
I feel I my complain is on par with so many others with a newer Ram diesel. The dead pedal. I have nearly been hit more than 5 times now on several....several occasions due to no immediate acceleration at a light crossing an intersection, or going on the highway, switching lanes and trying to accelerate again.
Dead accelerator pedal. If driving with steady pedal and let up on accelerator pedal and then step back on the accurate, the truck doesn't move/no response for 5-10 seconds, then the truck speeds off. Happens numerous times.
The throttle is not responding. It is accelerating on its own. During regular driving the vehicle accelerates on its own. This happens at all speeds. And continued to accelerate during braking. In addition there are 2 potentially life threatening recalls on this vehicle that have no remedies
The contact owns a 2017 Ram 2500. The contact particulate and nox sensor failed in the vehicle. The check engine warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to louisville chrysler dodge jeep Ram dealer, (5311 dixie hwy, louisville, ky 40216) and was informed that the particulate and nox sensor were no longer being…
The brake anti lock warning light comes on intermittently causing cruise control to be turned off. Yes it can be inspected. I feel this is a safety issue when driving at highway speeds
What is on file about the engine, across the years
Source: NHTSA recalls, investigations and manufacturer communicationsRecall campaigns filed under this heading, any model year
- 22V642000 HighAug 26, 2022 · 4,907 vehicles
- Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2022 Ram 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis, Ram 2500, and 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles equipped with Cummins 6.7L turbo diesel engines. The engine control module (ECM) may have been built with a misaligned capacitor that can short-circuit, resulting in an internal loss of communication.
- 17V562000 HighSep 12, 2017 · 443,874 vehicles
- Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2013-2017 RAM 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis, 4500 Cab Chassis, and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles, equipped with Cummins 6.7L Turbo Diesel engines that have Concentric-brand water pumps without a vent hole. These water pumps may leak coolant.
- 15V592000 HighSep 23, 2015 · 41 vehicles
- Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2016 Ram 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis and 4500/5500 Cab Chassis trucks manufactured July 31, 2015, to August 13, 2015 and equipped with a 6.7L Cummins Diesel engine. In the affected vehicles, the Engine Control Module (ECM) may short circuit, causing the engine to stall without warning.
10 manufacturer bulletins filed under this heading, any model year
- Sep 23, 2026
- Exhaust Gas Temperature (EGT) Sensor Water Intrusion ’s VIN MUST be listed in VIP or your RSU VIN list. NOTE: This bulletin applies to ● The Vehicle MUST be built on or before February 16, 2026 (MDH North America, Enlarged 0216XX). Europe, Middle East & ● The vehicle MUST be equipped with a 6.7L I6 Cummins Turbo Africa, and India & Asia Diesel Engine (Sales Codes ETM or ETN). Pacific markets. CUST
- Sep 21, 2026
- AIR CLEANER - NONE Instruction to Dealers while ordering the PN# 68137142AD. 1. If the Air Cleaner Assembly is functional and only the MAF Sensor has failed, the dealer should order and replace only the MAF Sensor(68002441AC). 2. If the Air Cleaner Assembly has failed and the MAF Sensor remains functional, the dealer should order the new Air Cleaner Assembly PN(68137142AD) and reuse the existing M
- Sep 1, 2026
- Engine Overheat Customers may comment on the following: SYMPTOM: ● Vehicle overheating. ● Temperature gauge is reading hot. ● Overheat symbol is illuminated in Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC). This bulletin involves inspecting the thermostat housing part number and, if necessary, replacing the thermostat.
- Aug 26, 2026
- RADIATOR - ENGINE COOLING
- Aug 26, 2026
- RADIATOR - ENGINE COOLING
- Jul 29, 2026
- SENSOR - TURBOCHARGER SPEED
- Jul 29, 2026
- SENSOR - TURBOCHARGER SPEED
- Jul 8, 2026
- INJECTOR - FUEL
The 8 newest are listed; each model year’s page lists every one filed on that year. Quote the document number at a service desk — it is a diagnosis the maker has already written down.
Other systems with a record on the Ram 2500
Source: the same filesCommon questions
Source: NHTSA complaint database, recalls and manufacturer communicationsWhich Ram 2500 years have the most engine complaints?
2016, 60; 2017, 48; 2018, 42. Raw counts, and an older year has had longer to collect them; by share of each year's own complaints the loudest is the 2021 (26%).
Is there a recall for the engine on the Ram 2500?
Yes — 3 campaigns are filed under this heading across these model years: 22V642000 (2022), 17V562000 (2017), 15V592000 (2016). A recall is matched by VIN, and applies to specific years; check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
When do engine problems show up on the Ram 2500?
Owners who gave an odometer reading reported it at a median of 24,000 miles across the model years; half of them between 6,000 and 72,000. That is when reports cluster, not the life of a part.
What does NHTSA's "Engine" heading cover?
The engine and its cooling system. Owners choose the heading when they file, so it says which area of the vehicle the complaint is about, not which part failed.