The # 4 cam bearing seized to the camshaft. Upon further investigation the #4 main bearing was damaged from metal chips that were not removed during the manufacture of the engine. This damage from the manufacturing defect left the engine block damaged beyond repair. So a short block was ordered and installed.
2022 RAM 3500 engine problems
moderate 13 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100 · see engine across all vehicles →
Complaints
13
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners of 2022 Ram 3500 diesels report a cluster of serious engine and emissions failures that dealers have struggled to repair. The most widespread complaint involves DPF blockage and failed regeneration cycles, many traced to Recall Y43 (missing PM sensor), which blocks the filter but the recall remedy only installs the sensor—not replacing the ruined filter. Owners at 28,000 miles and beyond report limp mode, power loss, and dealer statements that the system cannot be fixed. Code P2459 (Regeneration Frequency) appears repeatedly; one owner reports the DPF overheating during stuck regen causes burning smells and diesel fumes to pour into the cabin.
Grid heater nuts melting and lodging in cylinders destroy pistons, rods, and cylinder heads, with repair costs running into thousands and engine replacements needed as early as 35,000 miles. Lifter tick (valve train wear) affects the 6.7L engine across multiple model years and demands major repairs.
A critical DEF warning issue strands owners when the system falsely triggers speed limiters despite adequate fluid, one owner left immobilized in a winter snowstorm. One vehicle suffered manufacturing defects—metal chips left in the block during production seized cam bearings and damaged main bearings beyond repair.
Across the board, owners report dealers unable to identify root causes, multiple failed repair attempts, and manufacturer refusal to cover failures beyond warranty mileage. Some dealers have told customers the issues are "not reparable."
Same RAM 3500 engine reports on nearby years: 2019 · 2020
Failure modes owners describe
Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) Blockage & Regeneration Failure
Terminal blockage of the DPF, often attributed to missing or failed PM sensor (Recall Y43), causing repeated regeneration cycles, limp mode, power loss, and inability to clear the filter despite multiple dealer attempts. Code P2459 (Regeneration Frequency) reported. DPF overheating during stuck regen cycles produces burning smell and diesel fumes entering the cabin.
When: As early as 28,000 miles; failures continue across multiple vehicles despite repair attempts
Symptoms owners cite: Filter Full - Power Reduced warning message; Limp mode activation; Loss of engine power during highway driving; Repeated regeneration cycles (stuck in regen); Strong burning trash / diesel fuel smell in cabin; DPF gauge showing Full; Check engine light illumination
Codes mentioned: P2459
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers have replaced DPF multiple times without resolving issue; one dealer stated system is not reparable; another dealership attempted STAR approved diagnostic process without success. Owners report costs in thousands of dollars with repeated failures.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall Y43 (NHTSA Campaign 22V-406) offers PM sensor installation only; manufacturer refuses to replace blocked DPF as part of recall remedy. TSB 09-014-22 (X97) provides 1-year unlimited mile warranty extension on DPF for Y43-affected vehicles. Manufacturer case manager denied claim for DPF replacement.
Grid Heater Nut Failure & Catastrophic Engine Damage
Grid heater nut melts inside the engine and falls into cylinders, causing metal debris to lodge in pistons, rods, and cylinder heads. Results in severe knocking/ticking sounds and complete engine failure requiring full engine replacement or major block work.
When: 35,000 miles to 112,700 miles on 2022 models
Symptoms owners cite: Abnormally loud knocking sound while driving; Loud knocking and ticking during acceleration; Engine will not restart after knocking episode; Check engine light illumination
Repairs/costs cited: One vehicle required full engine assembly replacement (not completed, warranty denied at 112,700 miles). Another required replacement of piston, cylinder head assembly, gaskets, rod, intake, and grid heater retrofit kit at 88,745 miles. One vehicle was towed and repaired after two months due to parts backorder; piston replaced after grid heater bolt melting incident at 35,000 miles.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified but denied warranty coverage at higher mileage (112,700 miles). No additional assistance provided in other cases.
DEF System Warning & Limp Mode Stranding
DEF (Diesel Exhaust Fluid) warning code triggers severe speed limitation (5 mph max) without clear trigger despite adequate DEF fluid level, leaving owners stranded. Issue occurs in winter conditions and creates dangerous roadside situations.
When: Not specified with mileage
Symptoms owners cite: DEF warning light and 'See Dealer' message; Speed limited to 5 mph maximum; DPF gauge at 0 despite adequate DEF tank level (2/3 full); Vehicle immobilized during winter storm
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership reset DEF code; owner towed 135 miles to dealer. Described as 'potentially fatal situation' due to stranding in freezing winter conditions without available roadside help.
Acceleration Hesitation & Check Engine Light (Intermittent)
Vehicle hesitates to accelerate when pedal is depressed, illuminating check engine light. Issue recurs after multiple dealer repair attempts despite unknown repairs being performed.
When: As early as 2,000 miles on 2022 model
Symptoms owners cite: Hesitation during acceleration; Check engine light illumination; Intermittent nature—failure reoccurs after repairs
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle taken to dealer approximately 8 times; loaner vehicle provided; cause of failure not determined despite multiple unknown repairs and warranty coverage applied. Vehicle eventually repaired but issue reoccurred.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer made aware; vehicle previously repaired under warranty.
Lifter Tick & Valve Train Wear
Lifters fail prematurely, causing excessive ticking noise and accelerated wear to valve train components. Known issue across 2019–2024 RAM 6.7L diesel engines requiring major, costly repairs.
When: Affects 2019–2024 model year range
Symptoms owners cite: Lifter tick noise from engine; Excessive valve train wear
Repairs/costs cited: Known issue requiring major, costly valve train repair.
Main Bearing Damage from Manufacturing Defect
Metal chips left in engine block during manufacture were not removed, causing #4 cam bearing to seize to camshaft and #4 main bearing to sustain damage, resulting in engine block damage beyond repair.
When: Manufacturing defect detected during operation
Symptoms owners cite: #4 cam bearing seized to camshaft; #4 main bearing damaged from metal debris
Repairs/costs cited: Short block ordered and installed to replace damaged engine block.
Engine Acceleration Failure & Hub Assembly Malfunction
Vehicle refuses to accelerate while at stop light with check engine warning illuminated. Dealer diagnosis indicated hub assembly kit and snap ring needed replacement, but vehicle not repaired.
When: 200,119 miles on 2022 model
Symptoms owners cite: No acceleration response at stop light; Check engine warning light illuminated
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer diagnosed hub one assembly kit and snap ring replacement needed; vehicle was not repaired.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer contacted but provided no assistance.
Synthesized from 13 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
Lifter tick issue on 2019 to 2024 ram 6.7 engines ....lifters failing casuing excessive wear on valve train known issue major costly repair
Had engine trouble with your 2022 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 engine problem on the 2022 RAM 3500?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 13 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $3,100 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Based on the 13 complaints filed, engine issues most often appear around 87,713 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $3,100 for engine 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 engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine 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/2022/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.