Engine
3.9L 6-cyl
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.
Fault profile
Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.
When it fails
The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.
Vehicle age when the failure occurred
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 196 of 225 complaints with a usable failure date.
Odometer when the failure occurred
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 77 of 225 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).
Known issues
The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.
Brakes
56 complaint records1 crash report
"THE CONSUMER HEARD GRINDING IN THE BRAKES, NEW BRAKES WERE INSTALLED, THE BRAKE ROTOR, CALIPER, AND ROTORS WERE INSTALLED. *SLC..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse brakes parts in the directory →
Power train
33 complaint records1 crash report
"WHILE TRAVELING AT 60 MPH -70 MPH VEHICLE POPPED OUT OF GEAR AND HAD NO POWER IN 5TH GEAR. DEALER STATED THAT 5TH GEAR NUT DISCONNECTED. PLEASE PROVVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse power train parts in the directory →
Steering
27 complaint records2 crash reports
"DEFECTIVE STEERING COMPONENTS LEADING TO DIFFICULTY IN CONTROL. PROBLEM BEGAN SOON AFTER PURCHASE AND CONTINUE TO DATE. *JB..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse steering parts in the directory →
Transport Canada recalls
Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.
| Recall | System | Units (CA) | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2001055 2001-03-08 | Structure | 73,167 | On certain pickup trucks located in Ontario, Quebec and the Maritime provinces, corrosion of the hood secondary latch return spring may cause the hood secondary latch to become inoperative, possibly allowing the hood to open unexpectedly... |
| 2000106 2000-04-17 | Structure | 22,881 | On certain pickup trucks, the trailer hitch side brackets were manufactured using materials with insufficient physical properties (i.e. yield and tensile strength). |
| 1999132 1999-06-28 | Structure | 687 | On certain 4 x 4 pickups equipped with an 8.0 litre V10 engine, Under certain heavy duty applications, such as driving up a steep grade in four wheel drive with a full load, the local exhaust temperature proximate to the hydraulic clutch... |
| 1999092 1999-05-18 | Emissions | 123 | Certain vehicles equipped with the 5.9L Heavy Duty gasoline engine do not comply with the requirements of CMVSS 1101 - Emission Device. |
| 1999033 1999-03-03 | Emissions | 6,432 | Certain full size pickups equipped with the Cummins Encore 24 valve diesel engine do not comply with the requirements of CMVSS 1103 - Exhaust Emissions. |
Show 7 more Canadian recalls
| Recall | System | Units (CA) | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1998187 1998-09-22 | Engine | 5,314 | On certain vehicles, a malfunction of the vehicle speed sensor can result in an intermittent high idle condition with speeds higher than expected by the operator. This could result in loss of vehicle control. |
| 1998185 1998-09-21 | Fuel System | 4,508 | On certain vehicles, the low pressure diesel fuel supply tube located in the engine compartment between the filter and the high pressure pump may fracture and leak, possibly resulting in an engine compartment fire. |
| 1998186 1998-09-21 | Structure | 766 | On certain vehicles, the bolts which attach the passenger cab and the heater core support to the frame may not have been properly hardened. |
| 1998166 1998-08-26 | Fuel System | 771 | On certain vehicles, an exhaust system heat shield attaching screw is too close to the underbody fuel line. Vibration and vehicle motion during normal vehicle operation may cause the fuel line to rub against the screw eventually resulting... |
| 1998113 1998-06-03 | Seats And Restraints | 183 | On certain Club Cab and Quad Cab vehicles, the front outer seat belt buckles may not have been properly riveted to the support strap. This could result in a seat belt assembly with reduced strength. |
| 1998074 1998-04-20 | Brakes | 141 | On certain vehicles, the brake rotor material strength may be below engineering specifications which could result in low fatigue life. |
| 1998032 1998-02-20 | Emissions | 40 | Certain Ram 3500 vehicles do not comply with CMVSS 1101 - emission device. The Vehicle emission control information (VECI) label incorrectly identifies the trucks as 1997 models. |
Service bulletins and warranty extensions
Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9004275 Jul 2020 | Electrical System | KEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC level part number. The "AB" NIC level will not program to these platforms. | |
| 08-049-20 Apr 2020 | Equipment | Charging System, Battery Diagnostic Tools and Warranty This information only bulletin discusses using the correct test equipment for testing batteries and charging systems, and also warranty reimbursement when battery replacements are necessary. | |
| DOR-X6W2U-06 Mar 2020 | Air Bags | This SKU is a Clock Spring. The customer communication requested return of unsold inventory to inspect the internal spring. If the internal spring is not seated, the electrical circuit for the horn is disconnected and the horn will not function. | |
| 31-006-19 Nov 2019 | Structure | Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage. | |
| 31-003-19 Nov 2019 | Equipment | Use of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts. |
Show 13 more bulletins
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 31-005-19 Nov 2019 | Equipment | Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts. | |
| 3100619 Nov 2019 | Structure | Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage. | |
| 3100319 Nov 2019 | Structure | Use of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts. | |
| 3100519 Nov 2019 | Structure | Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts. | |
| DOR-S3Q5A-11 Jun 2018 | Power Train | This SKU is an Automatic Transmission Oil Cooler Line. The Customer communication requested return of unsold inventory to inspect for improperly crimped hose fittings. Improperly crimped hose fittings could cause a potential fluid leak at the crimp. | |
| DOR-F7R3P-11 Jun 2018 | Suspension | This SKU is a front upper ball joint. The Customer communication requested return of unsold inventory to inspect for ball studs with excessive rotational friction in the ball joint assembly. | |
| 1807717 Aug 2017 | Equipment | Connecting to the DRB III Emulator for Cummins Engines | |
| 68332810 Sep 2016 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Service - Four Piece Oil Pan Gasket All Cummins Equipped Vehicles ONLY - The replacement oil pan gasket can be a four piece gasket rather than a single piece gasket. This applies to Cummins 5.9L and 6.7L engines only. Installation: 1. Clean the oil pan T-joints.~ 2. | |
| 68332810A Sep 2016 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Cummins Equipped Vehicles ONLY - The replacement oil pan gasket can be a four piece gasket rather than a single piece gasket. This applies to Cummins 5.9L and 6.7L engines only. | |
| R2118796A Feb 2016 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Valve Body. These may cause over drive cycling. | |
| 9002849 Sep 2014 | Equipment | Part Description: Insulator on Lever Assy Manual Valve - Valve Body - RWD Transmission Issue Description: The manual valve insulator, attaching rivet and instruction sheet are now available as a kit. If the insulator requires replacement please order kit 68253161AA. | |
| 9002688 Feb 2013 | Electrical System | 68069384A$, R8069384A$, 68086182A$, R8027067A$, RL002012A$ - Gasket, Cylinder Head Cover Before replacing injectors for Diagnostic Trouble Codes P0201, P0202, P0203, P0204, P0205, and/or P0206, please make sure that the wiring loom and/or connector in the valve cover gasket is... | |
| 0200101 Jan 2001 | Suspension | SOME CUSTOMERS MAY EXPERIENCE A SITUATION IN WHICH THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE SITS TOO HIGH TO ATTACH THEIR FIFTH WHEEL OR GOOSE NECK TRAILER TO THE TRAILER HITCH TURNABLE. *JB |
Before you buy this vehicle
A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.
- Brake hard once from speed on an empty road.A pull to one side, a pulsing pedal, a pedal that sinks at a stop, or an ABS light that stays lit are the brake complaints on this vehicle presenting themselves.
- Drive it from a dead stop, twice, on a hill if you can.Shudder, hesitation, or a lurch under light throttle is how this vehicle's largest complaint cluster shows itself. Then ask for the transmission service history in writing; repeat repairs are a pattern, not a fluke.
- Drive one straight highway stretch and one slow parking lot.Wander or a shimmy over bumps at speed, and heavy or dropped assist at low speed, are the two faces of this vehicle's steering cluster. A clunk on turn-in points at the linkage.
- Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.
Parts search directory
The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.
Open the parts directory for this Dodge Ram 2500 →