Look — RAM's engine story is well-documented in the NHTSA file, and it ain't pretty. 1,729 complaints across 38 year-model entries from 2013 to 2025. Not a small number. 2015 RAM 1500 leads the list, but the same issue shows up across multiple years on the same platform. 93 fire reports on the federal record — not common in this category but documented and worth weight. Repair exposure averages $3,100, which is meaningful money outside warranty. Across the 828 complaints reporting odometer mileage, the median failure lands at about 74,145 miles. Budget for a real pre-purchase inspection — compression and leakdown test, not just a code scan. Both are cheap and tell you what is left in the engine.
ProblemsByVin RAM / ENGINE
38 model-year entries · 2013–2025
RAM engine problems
1,729 owner complaints filed with NHTSA against RAM vehicles for engine issues. 9 active recall campaigns. See engine across all makes →
Complaints
1,729
Recalls
9
Year-models
38
Avg fix
$3,100
8crashes
93fires
23injuries
Worst-affected RAM model-years for engine Top 25 by complaint volume
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25
2015 RAM 1500
241 complaints · ~$3,100 severe
2016 RAM 1500
226 complaints · ~$3,100 severe
2014 RAM 1500
224 complaints · ~$3,100 severe
2017 RAM 1500
135 complaints · ~$3,100 severe
2019 RAM 1500
114 complaints · 1 recall · ~$3,100 moderate
2018 RAM 1500
105 complaints · 1 recall · ~$3,100 moderate
2021 RAM 1500
97 complaints · ~$3,100 moderate
2013 RAM 1500
94 complaints · 1 recall · ~$3,100 moderate
2020 RAM 1500
68 complaints · ~$3,100 moderate
2014 RAM 2500
36 complaints · 1 recall · ~$3,100 moderate
2017 RAM 2500
29 complaints · 1 recall · ~$3,100 severe
2016 RAM 2500
28 complaints · 1 recall · ~$3,100 moderate
2013 RAM 2500
28 complaints · 1 recall · ~$3,100 moderate
2019 RAM 2500
24 complaints · ~$3,100 severe
2015 RAM 2500
22 complaints · ~$3,100 moderate
2020 RAM 3500
19 complaints · 2 recalls · ~$3,100 severe
2025 RAM 1500
18 complaints · ~$3,100 moderate
2019 RAM 3500
18 complaints · ~$3,100 severe
2017 RAM 3500
18 complaints · ~$3,100 moderate
2014 RAM 3500
18 complaints · ~$3,100 severe
2020 RAM 2500
17 complaints · ~$3,100 moderate
2017 RAM Promaster City
17 complaints · ~$3,100 severe
2013 RAM 3500
17 complaints · ~$3,100 severe
2015 RAM Promaster City
14 complaints · ~$3,100 moderate
2022 RAM 3500
13 complaints · ~$3,100 moderate
Active recalls — RAM engine 10 on file
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ram 3500, 4500 and 5500 cab chassis built with a Cummins 6
A damaged engine block may leak oil, which can contact hot engine or exhaust components, increasing the risk of a fire.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will flash the engine calibration software to enhance the engine warm up protection, free of charge. The recall began September 10, 2020. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is W57.
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
An internal loss of communication can result in a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the ECM, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 20, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is Z87.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2019 Ram 1500 and 1500 Classic Pickup trucks equipped with 3
Combustion in the intake manifold can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the EGR cooler, free of charge. Dealers will also inspect and, as necessary, replace the intake manifold. The recall began April 16, 2020. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is VB1.
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
An engine that stalls without warning increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ECM, free of charge. The recall began on December 21, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R52.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Ram 1500 and 2014-2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles equipped with 3
An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: FCA US will notify owners, and dealers will update the powertrain control module software to maintain vehicle propulsion by reading the camshaft position signal in the event that the crankshaft position signal is lost, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 13, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US customer service at 1-800-853-2002. FCA US's number for this recall is W58.
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
The leaking water pump can increase the risk of an engine compartment fire.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the water pumps, free of charge. The recall began February 26, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T51.
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ram 3500, 4500, and 5500 cab chassis vehicles equipped with a Cummins 6
Low oil can damage the engine, causing an oil leak or a punctured engine block, increasing the risk of a fire.
Fix: Dealers will update the engine calibration software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 25, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US LLC's number for this recall is Y21.
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2010-2014 Ram 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500 trucks manufactured March 27, 2009, to September 5, 2013
If the connectors overheat, the fuel heater may leak fuel, increasing the risk of a fire.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the harness side connector with a silver plated beryllium copper terminal service kit, and inspect the fuel heater for leaks, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. Chrysler issued interim notification to owners on December 8, 2014. The recall began on April 27, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is P65.
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2013 RAM 1500 trucks manufactured manufactured June 25, 2012, through December 12, 2012
Without a properly working windshield defrosting system, a buildup of mositure or ice could limit the driver's ability to see, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace replace the suspect coolant valves along with an updated calibration, free of charge. The recall began on June 25, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N25.
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2013 Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500 trucks manufactured January 7, 2013, through March 6, 2013
The excessive heat under the engine cover may result in an under hood fire.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the existing engine cover with one that is a different design, free of charge. An interim letter was mailed on May 31, 2013. A second letter was mailed to owners with instructions on how to obtain the free remedy on August 15, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N19.
Common questions
How many RAM engine complaints are on file with NHTSA?
1,729 complaints across 38 model-year entries from 2013 to 2025. 9 active recall campaigns cover engine issues across the RAM lineup.
Which RAM model has the most engine complaints?
The 2015 RAM 1500 leads with 241 complaints in this category. Next: 2016 1500 (226) and 2014 1500 (224).
What does it cost to fix RAM engine problems?
Independent shops average $3,100 for engine repairs across the RAM lineup. Dealer pricing tends to run twenty to forty percent higher. Specific cost depends on the failure mode and parts availability.
Are there RAM engine recalls?
Yes — 10 active recall campaigns cover engine on RAM vehicles. Recall fixes are free regardless of mileage or warranty status. The list below shows current campaigns with their NHTSA numbers.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database.
Editorial commentary written by Tony Marino, an independent contributor to ProblemsByVin
and not affiliated with RAM.
Severity ratings derive from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities on the NHTSA complaint and recall record.
Repair cost averages reflect independent-shop pricing and may differ in your area.