What 47 owners told NHTSA about the 2023 Ram 2500 Mega Cab

This complaint notes two separate safety problems for the 2023 Ram 2500 Tradesman. 1) Transmission leak. "Heavy transmission leak" noted by dealer during normal service. Apparently so common that the seals are on back order. Was caught at 35453 miles so covered by warranty, but any issues related to the leak I am told will not be covered once they fix the leak. I have read this common leak has been known to cause pressure issues and fires. 2) Electrical issue related to key fob. Since the truck was brand new, an error message would light up the dash indicating "Key Fob not detected" This would happen when trying to start the truck and while driving. This has left me stranded several times from not starting the truck and having to wait an hour to get truck to recognize key fob. While driving, truck will go into limp mode until you park, turn off the truck, and restart with the same key fob. Have brought to the dealer many times. they state low battery. I pay for them to put in new battery. before I leave the dealership the problem still shows up. They have replaced the key fob twice now. The last time at 35453 miles. Dealer says Problem out of their control after 500 more miles at 36000 when warranty is up. If the truck stops working while driving because of key fob I am out of a truck? Both issues are safety concerns.

NHTSA ODI 11738397

The contact owns a 2023 Ram Promaster 2500. The contact stated that while driving at slow speeds, the vehicle experienced phantom braking. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed the vehicle, but the contact was unsure of the diagnostic results. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

NHTSA ODI 11733551

Airbag clock spring has caused my airbag light to illuminate every time the steering wheel is turned there is clicking as well. There has been no reason my airbag lights should be illuminated.

NHTSA ODI 11732751

I purchased this new ram in 2023. About 18 months just over 36k miles on vehicle drivers side seat belt quit retracting leaving it loose on my chest. I reported this to dealership and apparently Ram would not warranty as it was over 36k miles. I got a quote to repair, and it was over 500.00 dollars to replace the retractor. Now obviously this is a safety concern because my seat belt is loose fitting. I didn't repair as i was upset and felt taken advantage of. Then about a year later my passenger rear seat belt quit working where my [XXX] son rides as it is the safest place in the vehicle. I called my dealer again and same response now the quote is over a thousand dollars. I paid 73K for this vehicle and how is it the most basic safety equipment required by law to wear isn't covered by the Manufactures. I called Ram made a complaint and was given a claim number for cost assistance to replace seat belts only to later get a call back by case supervisor saying there would be no assitance as it was against strict guidelines that RAM was not responible and would not help. Im super frustrated and am looking for any avenue to get help bringing justice to the consumer. THIS IS NEGLIGENT FROM RAM and i will not stop until this is dealt with in a fair and professional matter. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11725799

I own a 2023 Ram 2500 equipped with the 6.7L Cummins diesel and 68RFE automatic transmission. The vehicle has experienced ongoing transmission malfunction issues including extremely harsh shifting, intermittent RPM flare during gear changes, delayed engagement, and sudden lurching during acceleration and deceleration. The issue occurs most commonly during low-speed acceleration and normal driving conditions. The transmission will sometimes flare RPM between gears and then slam into the next gear. At other times the vehicle will lurch forward unexpectedly around approximately 35–45 mph. The behavior is inconsistent and unpredictable. Some drives appear normal while others produce severe shifting events. This condition creates a safety concern because the vehicle can surge or jerk unexpectedly during normal driving and while towing. I regularly tow a small enclosed trailer and these sudden shift events create instability and loss of smooth power delivery. The vehicle has been inspected multiple times by an authorized Ram dealership. The dealer has attempted repairs including transmission diagnostics and valve body replacement. The condition has continued despite repair attempts. The vehicle has also remained out of service at the dealership for extended periods of time while the manufacturer attempts to diagnose the issue. No warning lights consistently appear prior to the failure. The symptoms occur intermittently after the vehicle reaches operating temperature and sometimes after driving several miles. This issue has been confirmed by the dealership and the manufacturer has been involved in the case. The vehicle remains unrepaired after multiple attempts. Because this is a heavy-duty truck that frequently tows loads, the sudden harsh shifting and unpredictable transmission behavior creates a potential safety risk to the driver and surrounding traffic.

NHTSA ODI 11724529

Head on collision on February 19, 2026 in a 2023 Ram 2500 Rebel. Air bags did not deploy anywhere in the vehicle even though driver was traveling 55-60 MPH. Significant damage occurred in front of vehicle as well as all along the passenger side of the vehicle. Pictures will be provided showing damage and no air bags being deployed.

NHTSA ODI 11719613

Vehicle: 2023 Ram 2500 Diesel (6.7L Cummins) – approx. 36,000 miles, under factory warranty Complaint Summary: Our 2023 Ram 2500 diesel is producing visible smoke from the engine bay and a persistent ticking/clicking noise from the engine. This occurs while driving and at idle. We have video evidence of smoke coming from under the hood and recordings of the abnormal engine noise. Safety Concerns: The smoke creates a serious fire hazard and risk of mechanical failure. Engine-bay smoke can indicate an electrical short, fuel or oil leak, overheating component, or exhaust/turbo malfunction. This poses a risk of engine compartment fire, including the possibility of fire after the vehicle is turned off. NHTSA Recall 23V-060 for 2021–2023 Ram HD diesels describes electrical failures that can cause under-hood fires, showing this vehicle line has known fire-related safety issues. The smoke also presents a health and inhalation risk, especially to our children who ride in the vehicle. Diesel/exhaust fumes entering the cabin can cause respiratory irritation and impair driver alertness. A sudden escalation could result in loss of power, breakdown, or fire while driving. Dealer Response: We brought the vehicle to an authorized Ram dealership in February 2026. Despite the truck being fully under warranty, the dealer stated that because there is “no active recall,” they will not repair or further diagnose the problem. No meaningful corrective action was taken. Evidence Available: Videos showing smoke from the engine bay, audio/video of the ticking noise, and dealership service paperwork. We are requesting NHTSA investigate this as a potential safety defect due to fire risk, toxic fume exposure, and the manufacturer’s failure to address a dangerous condition in a nearly new, warrantied vehicle. We are paying on this vehicle monthly, are scared to drive with our children in the car. We have to pull over and not drive the vehicle due to how strong the cabin odor is.

NHTSA ODI 11716921

On Feb 3, 2026, I purchased a used 2023 Ram 2500 with ~40,107 miles from a large national used car dealer for ~$46,000. I drove the vehicle with my son as a passenger. On Feb 4, I had it inspected by a third-party shop. Both upper ball joints were worn beyond spec — the wheel moved in and out by hand on the lift, indicating imminent wheel separation risk. All 4 shocks and both front struts were leaking oil. All 4 tires were cupped from prolonged suspension failure. Front brakes near end of life. Estimated repairs: ~$7,000. These components do not fail at 40K miles under normal use, indicating prior abuse/neglect that existed before sale. The dealer's pre-sale inspection failed to catch an obvious, critical safety defect. I wanted to keep the vehicle and have it repaired. The dealer refused to authorize outside repairs, insisted on doing it themselves, but could not even look at it for over a week. They did not request a copy of the inspection report documenting the defects. I was forced to return the vehicle the same day. The ball joints posed a wheel separation hazard. My son and I were exposed to this risk on public roads. This raises serious concerns about the adequacy of this dealer's vehicle inspection process.

NHTSA ODI 11715691

The contact owned a 2023 Ram 2500. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked in his driveway, it had spontaneously caught fire. The contact had been alerted by a neighbor when the contact observed the vehicle engulfed in flames from the front end into the passenger cabin. The contact stated that the fire department was called and extinguished the fire using water and chemicals. The contact stated that his insurance provider had declared the vehicle a total loss. The vehicle was still in his driveway. The contact stated that the heat from the fire had damaged the driveway and the garage. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The contact had researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V060000 (Electrical System). When the contact checked his VIN, it was not part of the recall selection. The failure mileage was approximately 57,000.

NHTSA ODI 11709743

Bought the truck brand new. After 8k miles front tires started cupping. Took it in and was told it was simply due to "soft" factory tires. After 17k miles tires were gone and bought a more expensive higher mileage warranty tire. Rotated tires at 7k miles, After about 3k miles same thing happened. Had an alignment done prior to the new tires and was told it was perfect. All signs point to alignment or front end suspension, ball joint or tie rods. After 3 days sitting in the shop I was once again told nothing is wrong, alignment is perfect and it was my fault, either driving habits, not rotating tires every 2500 miles, ect. After picking the truck up and driving less than 20 miles the transmission started slipping. Call the dealership about the concern and they have ceased communication. Was advised to go online for an appointment which is more than 2 weeks out. Upon reviewing the specs for the alignment, it appears they are relying on specs for a standard ram 2500 vs a ram rebel which has a factory lift with different specs. I did question this and was told the alignment is perfect. The dealership takes no responsibility nor any urgency with catastrophic issues

NHTSA ODI 11691964

My 2023, Ram 2500 truck with a Cummins 6.7L diesel engine has a known defect with the grid heater bolt. This bolt can loosen or break off, falling into the engine and causing catastophic engine failure. This creates a suddne loss of power, espcially dangerous when towing heavy loads at highway speeds. Numerous owners have reported this issue, yet no recall has been issued. I request investigation and action to protect driver safety.

NHTSA ODI 11685217

There appears to be leaking from the dipstick tube. Transmission lurches when accelerating and decelerating. Eddies Repair in Pagosa Springs Colorado looked at the vehicle and suggested there may be a recall on this issue. When looking up the vin my vehicle is not included in recall ZA3. I purchased this truck in March 2025 and it has been an issue from then.

NHTSA ODI 11676568

The contact owns a 2023 Ram 2500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to slow down, the contact became aware that the brake pedal almost went to the floorboard before the vehicle responded as needed. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the ABS control module. The contact was informed that the ABS control module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 35,000.

NHTSA ODI 11649458

Unknown Constant check engine light related to exhaust system and filters. Many parts replaced by dealer and still not fixed.

NHTSA ODI 11647250

The contact owns a 2023 Ram 2500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V199000 (Air Bags, Steering); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ODI 11647013

The contact owns a 2023 Ram 2500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V199000 (Air Bags, Steering); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ODI 11647015

When left turn signal is activated, it causes the high beams to turn on

NHTSA ODI 11640806

The contact owns a 2023 Ram 2500. The contact stated while driving at approximately 50 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the brake pedal was not responding, and almost went to the floorboard. The contact stated that the parking brake was used to stop the vehicle. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed; however, there was no warning light illuminated and the dealer was unable to duplicate the failure or determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure recurred. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 10,507.

NHTSA ODI 11640286

The brake pedal was soft and sometime would go to the floor. The dealer has changed the master cylinder, the booster, and now the abs module.

NHTSA ODI 11639827

Hood vibrates wildly with high winds/driving over 65mph/ or tractor trailer passing by on a 2 lane rd. Many times I pull over on the side of the highway inspecting the hood to see if its open but no the latch is closed. Upon research on Ram truck forums this appears to be a massive problem. the 1500 series has a recall TSB 23-029-18 issued but not the 2500, 3500 series. The aluminum hood is flimsy and after some time vibrating it looks like the latch could eventually give way and the hood could open while driving. I would not have bought a newer Ram 2500 had I known of this issue. Just stopping on the side of the highway to inspect the hood is dangerous enough. my intention was to buy a solid truck not a paper tiger of a truck. Mark my words this will end up being a class action lawsuit. hopefully no dies from this faulty engineering.

NHTSA ODI 11636128

Subject: Complaint Regarding Delay in DPF TSB Repair for RAM 2500 To Whom It May Concern, I am filing this complaint regarding an extended delay in repairing my 2023 RAM 2500 (VIN: [XXX] ) under Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 25-005-24 REV. A, which addresses a manufacturing defect in the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) system. My truck has been at the dealership for over two weeks, and I have been informed that the necessary parts are on backorder with no estimated time of arrival. The issue began when my vehicle's Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illuminated, and the vehicle exhibited symptoms as described in the TSB (frequent DPF regenerations and performance derate mode). The dealership confirmed the issue aligns with the conditions outlined in the TSB and stated that the DPF replacement is required. Despite their acknowledgment of the issue, the dealership has been unable to provide a timeline for the part's arrival, explaining that the parts “just show up.” This lack of information and prolonged delay is unacceptable for a repair covered under warranty and related to a known manufacturing defect. The delay has significantly disrupted my daily life, as this vehicle is crucial for [personal/work purposes, towing, etc.]. Additionally, the lack of communication from both the dealership and RAM Customer Care has only added to the frustration. I have attempted to contact RAM Customer Care at multiple numbers, but either no operators were available, or the calls were disconnected after a brief hold. I respectfully request that the appropriate agencies investigate this delay and hold FCA (Stellantis) accountable for ensuring timely repairs for vehicles affected by manufacturing defects. Please feel free to contact me for further details or documentation, including the TSB, service records, and communication history. Thank you for your time and assistance. Sincerely, [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11632847

I was in a bad frontal/passenger front wreck and none of my airbags deployed

NHTSA ODI 11629822

Grid Heater Relay failure. From my understanding this problem is an issue across the United States. The grid heater on the 6.7L diesels has a bolt that welds itself off and can go into the intake causing an engine failure. Recently Dodge has told me that this is not covered under a power train warranty. There is no other remedy they provide other than spending $800+ for a aftermarket part to replace the OEM grid heater.

NHTSA ODI 11623749

The truck would not start it just clicked. This was at a remote location. After it was towed to a dealership the starter was replaced. There were no warning indicators ahead of the failure.

NHTSA ODI 11618896

Truck would not start, there was no prior warning of issues with the starter. After being towed to a dealership the starter was replaced.

NHTSA ODI 11618897