Scr system has failed twice with only 75700 miles on. Needing full replacement of the scr system. Symptoms include constant exhaust regeneration and engine fault codes on OBD.
2014 RAM 3500 powertrain problems
moderate 31 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
31
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
When does it fail?
Of the 31 powertrain complaints filed for the 2014 RAM 3500, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 75,000-100,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Owners have filed 31 powertrain complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Among the 12 model years of RAM 3500 in our records for powertrain problems, this one ranks #2 by owner-complaint volume.
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: A 2014 RAM 3500 from this complaint cluster carries serious risks: a factory throttle-lag issue acknowledged by Chrysler but unrepaired, EGR cooler leaks that can destroy the engine during towing, and transmission defects causing bucking or inadvertent neutral shifts. Avoid this model year if you tow or need reliable low-speed drivability; dealer fixes are limited and manufacturer warranty coverage is denied for known issues.
Owners of the 2014 RAM 3500 report a cluster of powertrain faults that fall into distinct categories. Most widespread is the "dead pedal"—a 2–5 second delay in throttle response when accelerating from a stop or after coasting, especially between 25–45 mph. Multiple owners report this creates dangerous merge and passing situations; one stalled mid-merge. Dealerships confirm it's Chrysler's torque management system; the manufacturer has classified it as normal operation for speeds under 45 mph.
EGR and cooling system failures appear in towing-duty vehicles. One owner's EGR cooler failed, leaking coolant into the combustion chamber undetected, causing $7,000+ in engine damage and cascading injector and heater core failures. A second owner reports the fan shroud tearing under load despite Chrysler acknowledging this as a known issue.
Transmission problems include persistent bucking at low speeds (one lemon-law case, with the replacement truck showing identical behavior), inadvertent neutral engagement (some while parked), and limp-mode failures with check engine lights. One owner was charged for TIPM/fuse box replacement that didn't resolve the issue.
Additional reports include engine brake dropout during downhill operation, SCR system failures requiring full replacement before 75,700 miles, and one rough-idle/stall issue at red lights. Owners consistently report dealers cannot duplicate or resolve these issues, or that Chrysler engineering claims anomalies are normal.
Same RAM 3500 powertrain reports on nearby years: 2015 · 2016 · 2017
Failure modes owners describe
Dead Pedal — Delayed Throttle Response
Electronic throttle lag of 2–5 seconds when accelerating from a stop or after coasting, especially in the 25–45 mph range. Owners report the engine does not respond to pedal input when merging, passing, or crossing traffic. Dealerships attribute it to Chrysler's torque management system. Multiple owners cite this as a factory ECM tuning issue affecting 2011–2014 6.7L Cummins trucks. The delay can be mitigated by keeping the powertrain engaged (light throttle + light brake simultaneously), but this is not a reliable or safe workaround. Owners report near-miss collisions and in at least one case, a stall during merge attempt that nearly caused injury.
When: From new or early in ownership; worsens with mileage
Symptoms owners cite: 2–5 second delay in throttle response from stop or low speed; Longest delay occurs in 25–45 mph range; Conditions worsen after coasting and reapplying throttle; Engine does not respond to pedal input during merges or passing maneuvers; Stalling on accelerator input in two instances; Rough idle and RPM fluctuation at lights; Delay particularly noticeable in cold conditions
Repairs/costs cited: No factory repair available. Dealerships confirm issue is by design (torque management system) and deny warranty coverage. Owners report dealers have stated this is 'normal driving condition' even when acknowledged on service invoices. No successful fix identified in any narrative.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler has acknowledged this is a 'normal driving condition' when occurring at speeds under 45 mph. No recall, TSB, or service bulletin issued.
EGR Cooler Failure with Coolant Bypass into Combustion
EGR cooler develops internal leak, allowing coolant to enter combustion chamber undetected (no low-coolant warning). This causes severe carbon and sludge buildup throughout engine, especially on heat exchanger, leading to injector failures, heater core leaks, smoking on startup, diminished power, and sputtering at speed. One owner experienced catastrophic damage exceeding $7,000 and cascading failures including three heater core replacements and multiple injector failures. The owner states the failure occurred after factory EGR valve replacement, suggesting a design or installation defect.
When: During towing; initially at unknown mileage, recurrence at approximately 61,000 miles on second vehicle
Symptoms owners cite: Rapid engine temperature spike (40°F jump observed); Coolant light illumination without prior low-coolant warning; Loss of power during towing; No warning light despite coolant depletion; Carbon/coal-like deposits throughout engine; Injector failures; Heater core leaks (repeated failures); Smoking on startup; Diminished power and sputtering at speed; Second coolant spike 44 miles after initial EGR repair
Repairs/costs cited: Owner paid for multiple repairs including EGR valve replacement (~$1,500), EGR cooler replacement, injector replacement, and heater core replacement (third replacement noted). Total documented damage exceeded $7,000 and ongoing issues persist.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall or warranty coverage mentioned. Dealer (Cowboy Dodge) diagnosed and attempted repair but issue recurred, suggesting root cause not addressed.
Transmission Bucking/Jerking — AISIN Transmission (2013–2015)
Persistent bucking and jerking at speeds under 45 mph, particularly noticeable during low-speed driving in traffic. Multiple software updates and torque converter replacement failed to resolve issue. One owner's 2013 RAM was returned under lemon law, but the replacement 2014 RAM 3500 exhibited identical bucking within days of purchase. Dealership and Chrysler regional representative confirmed the problem occurs on multiple 2014–2015 trucks on the lot. Chrysler ultimately classified the issue as 'normal driving condition' for speeds under 45 mph, effectively denying any defect. Owner reports the truck is unsafe to drive in normal traffic.
When: Occurs at speeds under 45 mph; on 2013 model from new; on replacement 2014 model within days of purchase (November 27, 2014)
Symptoms owners cite: Bucking and jerking at speeds under 45 mph; Occurs during low-speed traffic driving; Affects multiple vehicles of the same model year; Persists across multiple software updates; Issue not resolved by torque converter replacement
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple software updates attempted without success. Torque converter replacement performed but failed to resolve bucking. No other repairs completed. Chrysler classified issue as normal and denied further warranty service.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler advised dealers that bucking/jerking at speeds under 45 mph is a 'normal driving condition.' Chrysler regional manager confirmed issue on multiple 2014–2015 trucks and reclassified speeds under 45 mph as 'abnormal driving condition,' making the bucking acceptable. No recall or TSB issued.
Fan Shroud Failure — Contact with Cooling Fan
Rubber fan shroud (bottom portion) tears and comes apart during fan engagement while downshifting under load (towing). Contact with engine cooling fan causes severe vibration and noise. Chrysler acknowledged this as an internally known issue (STAR case S1307000002) and stated the shroud may have been installed incorrectly at the factory. Owner reports this is widespread, with some instances causing more severe engine damage. Manufacturer refused to cover failure under factory warranty despite acknowledging the known defect and possible factory installation error.
When: While towing uphill with fan clutch engaged; mileage not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Strong vibration and noise from front of vehicle; Vibration and noise occur intermittently during fan engagement; Bottom portion of fan shroud torn apart; Evidence of contact between shroud and cooling fan
Repairs/costs cited: Owner reports failure was confirmed at dealership but repair cost not disclosed. Online research cited by owner suggests some cases result in more severe engine and component damage.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler acknowledged the issue via STAR case S1307000002 and admitted possible factory installation error. However, manufacturer refused to cover repair under warranty and has not implemented a fix. Owner states this is an internally well-known issue.
Transmission Shift Failure — Inadvertent Neutral Engagement
Transmission shifts from Drive into Neutral without operator input or warning. One case occurred while driving at unknown speed; another while stopped. In one instance, the vehicle rolled down a hill after unintended neutral shift while parked. Restart restores normal function temporarily, but suggests a recurring electronic or mechanical defect. One failure occurred at 284,000 miles; another at 61,000 miles (with recall parts unavailable). Related to NHTSA campaign 17V821000.
When: One case at approximately 61,000 miles (parked); another at 284,000 miles (driving at unknown speed)
Symptoms owners cite: Gear shifter switches into Neutral without input; No warning lights or indicators present; Vehicle rolls or loses propulsion when shift occurs; Restart restores normal function
Repairs/costs cited: One case reported transmission replacement needed, but parts were unavailable via NHTSA campaign 17V821000 for extended period (no timeline provided for parts availability). Vehicle not repaired in either documented case.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA campaign 17V821000 issued for powertrain. Recall parts unavailable; manufacturer unable to confirm availability timeline. One case noted manufacturer was not made aware of the failure.
Transmission Failure — Limp Mode / Multiple Electrical Faults
Transmission fails to function, enters limp mode, and triggers check engine light. One case involved transmission solenoid pack failure during towing (independent mechanic repair). Another case involved transmission requiring full replacement at 30,000 miles, with failure recurrence after repair and secondary failures in TPM, A/C, and unexplained abnormal noise. A third case reports transmission going into limp mode with check engine light; owner charged for TIPM/fuse box replacement and reprogramming without resolution. These cases suggest electrical or hydraulic control system defects affecting transmission operation.
When: One case at unknown mileage during towing; one case at 30,000 miles; one case at approximately 400 miles (initial failure with recurrence)
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission fails to function or shifts erratically; Vehicle enters limp mode; Check engine light illuminates; Loss of drive or reduced power during towing; TPM and A/C failures (secondary); Abnormal noise from vehicle; Transmission does not respond to input after restart attempt
Repairs/costs cited: Solenoid pack replacement ($unknown); transmission replacement at 30,000 miles (cost unknown); TIPM/fuse box replacement and reprogramming ($unknown) attempted without resolution. One failure required full transmission replacement but issue recurred.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One case noted manufacturer indicated vehicle was excluded from powertrain recalls. No TSB or warranty extension mentioned. One case charged customer for diagnostic and repair attempts that did not resolve issue.
Engine Brake and Transmission Neutral Dropout — Downhill Operation
Engine brake works intermittently when driving downhill. Transmission occasionally drops into Neutral without input, requiring engine RPM increase of ~1,000 to re-engage. Technicians confirm behavior is anomalous but state Chrysler engineering reports the condition is normal. This suggests a defect in engine brake control logic or transmission electronic control module (TCM) programming that causes unintended neutral engagement during load-braking operation.
When: Occurs during downhill driving; mileage not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Engine brake engages and disengages intermittently on downhill grades; Transmission unexpectedly drops into Neutral; Requires engine RPM increase (~1,000 RPM minimum) to re-engage transmission
Repairs/costs cited: Technicians unable to repair; advised customer that Chrysler engineering confirms condition is normal operation.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler engineering advised that the condition is normal; no repair offered.
SCR System Failures — Exhaust Regeneration and Engine Faults
Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) system fails twice before 75,700 miles, requiring full system replacement both times. Symptoms include constant or excessive exhaust regeneration cycles and multiple engine fault codes. This suggests either a defective SCR component (likely the SCR canister or injector) or a sensor/control module fault causing repeated regeneration attempts and system overload.
When: Twice before 75,700 miles; first failure and second failure timing not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Constant exhaust regeneration; Multiple engine fault codes on OBD; Reduced power or limp mode operation
Repairs/costs cited: Full SCR system replacement performed twice (cost not specified); issue recurred after first repair.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall, TSB, or warranty program mentioned.
Synthesized from 31 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
Tl* the contact owns a 2014 Ram 3500. The contact stated that the transmission failed to function when hauling a trailer, which caused the vehicle to switch into limp mode. The independent mechanic replaced the solenoid pack and the vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer indicated that the vehicle was excluded from any power train recalls. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The dealer…
I bought a brand new 2013 Ram laramie longhorn 1 ton 4x4 truck with the aisin transmission in july 2013. The truck would buck/jerk . It went back to the dealer numerous times. Each time I was told that there was a "software update," that might fix the problem. After numerous updates & no fix, the dealer consulted w/ the engineers at Ram, in which it was advised for the dealer to try & replace…
Had powertrain trouble with your 2014 RAM 3500?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the powertrain problem on the 2014 RAM 3500?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 31 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $2,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 19 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 18,000 and 61,000 miles, with the median around 35,750. A quarter of owners report trouble before 18,000; a quarter make it past 61,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $2,500 for powertrain repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2014/RAM/3500.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.