What is the 2003-2025 RAM 2500 Front End "Death Wobble" Steering Oscillation?

The RAM 2500 (and 3500) with solid front axle experiences a violent front-end oscillation known as "death wobble" that occurs at highway speeds (45-65 mph), typically triggered by hitting a bump or pothole. The steering wheel shakes uncontrollably and the entire front end vibrate… Repairs typically run $500-$3,000. Severity: high.

What is the 2013-2025 RAM 2500 Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) System Failures?

The 2013+ RAM 2500 6.7L Cummins diesel DEF (Diesel Exhaust Fluid) system is plagued with failures of the DEF heater, DEF pump, DEF injector, NOx sensors, and SCR catalyst. The DEF system is required for emissions compliance, and when it fails, the truck enters a "limp mode" that… Repairs typically run $300-$3,500. Severity: high.

What is the 2003-2025 RAM 2500 Steering Gear Box Leak and Excessive Play?

The RAM 2500/3500 steering gear box (power steering box) develops fluid leaks from the input shaft seal and sector shaft seal, and excessive play in the steering. The leak starts as a slow drip and worsens over time, eventually causing low power steering fluid and potential pump… Repairs typically run $100-$1,500. Severity: high.

What is the 2019-2025 RAM 2500 6.7L Cummins CP4.2 High-Pressure Fuel Pump Catastrophic Failure?

The 2019+ RAM 2500 with the 6.7L Cummins diesel uses a Bosch CP4.2 high-pressure fuel injection pump that is prone to catastrophic self-destruction. The CP4.2 relies on diesel fuel for internal lubrication, and any contamination, water intrusion, or low fuel levels cause the pump… Repairs typically run $8,000-$12,000. Severity: high.

What is the 2010-2025 RAM 2500 Rear Axle U-Joint Premature Failure?

The rear driveshaft U-joints in the RAM 2500 fail prematurely, particularly on trucks used for towing. The factory U-joints are undersized for sustained heavy load use, and the grease fittings (where present) are often overlooked during maintenance. Symptoms start with a clicking… Repairs typically run $200-$600. Severity: high.

What is the 2007-2024 RAM 2500 6.7L Cummins EGR Cooler Clogging and Cracking?

The EGR cooler routes hot exhaust through a coolant-jacketed heat exchanger before recirculating it into the intake. Heavy soot loading progressively plugs the cooler and EGR valve, first showing as slight off-idle hesitation and rising EGTs, then triggering EGR flow/performance… Repairs typically run $500-$1,800. Severity: high.

What is the 2007-2024 RAM 2500 68RFE Torque Converter Shudder and TCC Failure?

The 68RFE 6-speed automatic behind the Cummins is prone to torque converter shudder and lockup failure. The factory converter's clutch material and heat control are marginal for the Cummins' torque, so the torque converter clutch (TCC) chatters, slips, or refuses to hold lockup,… Repairs typically run $1,500-$4,800. Severity: high.

What is the 2007-2024 RAM 2500 6.7L Cummins VGT Turbo Actuator Failure?

The Holset HE351VE variable-geometry turbocharger uses an electronically controlled actuator (the geartrain and control board that moves the vane sliding ring) that is a well-documented failure point, often before 100k miles. Soot and carbon buildup, rust/corrosion binding the va… Repairs typically run $450-$1,900. Severity: high.

What is the 2014-2024 RAM 2500 6.4L HEMI Valvetrain Failure (Roller Lifter/Camshaft Wear, "HEMI Tick")?

Gas RAM 2500s with the 6.4L (392) HEMI V8 suffer a documented valvetrain defect in which the roller lifter needle bearings fail, the roller stops rolling and drags across the camshaft lobe, wiping out the lobe. The failure is linked to the truck's Multi-Displacement System (MDS/c… Repairs typically run $4,000-$12,000. Severity: high.

What is the 2013-2018 RAM 2500 6.7L Cummins Water Pump Coolant Leak (Fire Hazard Recall 17V562000)?

The concentric (belt-driven) water pump on 6.7L Cummins trucks can leak coolant and suffer bearing failure. NHTSA recall 17V562000 covered 2013-2017 Ram 2500/3500 and cab-chassis trucks whose water pump lacked a vent hole, allowing coolant to leak onto hot engine components and c… Repairs typically run $250-$700. Severity: high.

What is the 2007-2024 RAM 2500 6.7L Cummins Grid Heater Bolt Failure (Bolt Drops Into Cylinder #6)?

The intake grid (air) heater warms incoming air for cold starts and carries up to ~200 amps through a small threaded stud/bolt secured by a 10mm nut on the intake plenum. Over years of high-current heat cycling the bolt/nut connection deteriorates, arcs, and can break loose. Beca… Repairs typically run $300-$18,000. Severity: high.

What is the 2006-2018 RAM 2500 TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module) Failure?

The TIPM is the central under-hood fuse/relay and power-distribution computer that controls the fuel pump, lighting, wipers, door locks, horn, and trailer-tow circuits. It is a widespread failure point on 2007-2016 Ram trucks. The most common complaint is the internal fuel pump r… Repairs typically run $300-$1,200. Severity: high.

What is the 2014-2018 RAM 2500 Cruise Control May Stay Engaged — Wiring Short Circuit Recall 18V332000?

2014-2018 RAM 2500 heavy-duty pickups are covered by FCA recall 18V332000. The recall addresses a defect that could prevent the cruise control system from disengaging: if a short circuit occurs within the truck's wiring while cruise control is engaged, the driver may not be able… Severity: high.

What is the 2010-2025 RAM 2500 Transfer Case Fluid Leak (BW4470/BW4494)?

The BorgWarner BW4470 (part-time 4WD) and BW4494 (full-time 4WD) transfer cases develop fluid leaks at the front and rear output shaft seals and at the case halves. The leaks are often slow and go unnoticed until the fluid level drops enough to cause whine, grinding, or failure t… Repairs typically run $200-$500. Severity: medium.

What is the 2013-2015 RAM 2500 Radio Software Security Flaw Permits Remote Access to Vehicle Systems (Recall 15V461000)?

2013-2015 RAM 2500 pickups were included in FCA US LLC's recall of vehicles fitted with radios containing software vulnerabilities. The defect allows third-party access to certain networked vehicle control systems, and NHTSA's consequence statement is blunt: exploitation can resu… Severity: medium.

What is the 2014-2022 RAM 2500 Center High-Mount Stop Lamp (Third Brake Light) Water Leak Into Cab?

The center high-mounted third brake light on RAM 2500 trucks is a chronic water-leak point across both the 4th (2010-2018) and 5th (2019+) generations. The thin foam gasket sealing the lamp housing to the cab roof compresses, dries out and degrades, letting rainwater pass through… Repairs typically run $30-$900. Severity: medium.

What is the 2010-2025 RAM 2500 Exhaust Manifold Cracking (6.7L Cummins)?

The cast iron exhaust manifold on the 6.7L Cummins turbo diesel cracks due to thermal cycling stress, particularly near the center cylinders (#3 and #4). Cracks allow exhaust gases to escape, creating a ticking noise on cold start that diminishes as the manifold expands when warm… Repairs typically run $600-$1,500. Severity: medium.

RAM · Known Issues

2003-2025 RAM 2500 Problems: 25 Known Issues

2003-2025 model years · 16,600+ owner reports · Updated August 2026

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According to Au7o's analysis of 16,600+ owner reports, the 2003-2025 RAM 2500 has 25 documented known issues, with 16 rated critical. The most serious are Front End "Death Wobble" Steering Oscillation ($500-$3,000 repair), Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) System Failures ($300-$3,500 repair), Steering Gear Box Leak and Excessive Play ($100-$1,500 repair), 6.7L Cummins CP4.2 High-Pressure Fuel Pump Catastrophic Failure ($8,000-$12,000 repair), Rear Axle U-Joint Premature Failure ($200-$600 repair), 6.7L Cummins EGR Cooler Clogging and Cracking ($500-$1,800 repair), 68RFE Torque Converter Shudder and TCC Failure ($1,500-$4,800 repair), 6.7L Cummins VGT Turbo Actuator Failure ($450-$1,900 repair), 6.4L HEMI Valvetrain Failure (Roller Lifter/Camshaft Wear, "HEMI Tick") ($4,000-$12,000 repair), 6.7L Cummins Water Pump Coolant Leak (Fire Hazard Recall 17V562000). at .

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common RAM 2500 problems?

According to Au7o's analysis of 16,600+ owner reports, the 2003-2025 RAM 2500 has 25 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Front End "Death Wobble" Steering Oscillation, Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) System Failures, Steering Gear Box Leak and Excessive Play. Of these, 16 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the RAM 2500 reliable?

The 2003-2025 RAM 2500 has 25 known issues documented across 16,600+ owner reports. 16 issues are rated critical: Front End "Death Wobble" Steering Oscillation and Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) System Failures and Steering Gear Box Leak and Excessive Play and 6.7L Cummins CP4.2 High-Pressure Fuel Pump Catastrophic Failure and Rear Axle U-Joint Premature Failure and 6.7L Cummins EGR Cooler Clogging and Cracking and 68RFE Torque Converter Shudder and TCC Failure and 6.7L Cummins VGT Turbo Actuator Failure and 6.4L HEMI Valvetrain Failure (Roller Lifter/Camshaft Wear, "HEMI Tick") and 6.7L Cummins Water Pump Coolant Leak (Fire Hazard Recall 17V562000) and 6.7L Cummins Grid Heater Bolt Failure (Bolt Drops Into Cylinder #6) and TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module) Failure and Radio Software Defect Blanks the Backup Camera on 2022 Ram 2500 — Recall 24V436000 and Cruise Control May Stay Engaged — Wiring Short Circuit Recall 18V332000 and Recall 24V199 — Steering Column Control Module Weld Can Disable the Driver Air Bag and Recall 17V824000: Kidde Plastic-Handle / 'Pindicator' Extinguisher Can Clog or Lose Its Nozzle. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common RAM 2500 problems?

Repair costs for known RAM 2500 issues range from $0 to $18,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Front End "Death Wobble" Steering Oscillation, typically costs $500-$3,000 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What year RAM 2500 is the most reliable?

Reliability varies across model years of the RAM 2500. Based on documented issues, problems are most commonly reported in earlier model years. Au7o recommends checking the specific known issues for your target year before purchasing, and having a pre-purchase inspection performed by a qualified mechanic. Our known issues database covers the 2003-2025 RAM 2500 with 25 documented issues documented across 16,600+ owner reports.

All 25 Known Issues

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common RAM 2500 problems?

Is the RAM 2500 reliable?

How much does it cost to fix common RAM 2500 problems?

What year RAM 2500 is the most reliable?

Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) System Failures#

6.7L Cummins VGT Turbo Actuator Failure#

6.4L HEMI Valvetrain Failure (Roller Lifter/Camshaft Wear, "HEMI Tick")#

6.7L Cummins Grid Heater Bolt Failure (Bolt Drops Into Cylinder #6)#

Radio Software Defect Blanks the Backup Camera on 2022 Ram 2500 — Recall 24V436000#

Recall 24V199 — Steering Column Control Module Weld Can Disable the Driver Air Bag#

Recall 17V824000: Kidde Plastic-Handle / 'Pindicator' Extinguisher Can Clog or Lose Its Nozzle#

TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module) Failure#

Cruise Control May Stay Engaged — Wiring Short Circuit Recall 18V332000#

Radio Software Security Flaw Permits Remote Access to Vehicle Systems (Recall 15V461000)#

Uconnect 8.4 Infotainment Freezing, Ghost-Touch and Reboot Loops#

Front End "Death Wobble" Steering Oscillation#

Steering Gear Box Leak and Excessive Play#

Front Ball Joint Premature Wear (AAM 9.25 Front Axle)#

Rear Axle U-Joint Premature Failure#

Transfer Case Fluid Leak (BW4470/BW4494)#

Front Axle Pinion Seal Leak (AAM Front Differential)#

6.7L Cummins CP4.2 High-Pressure Fuel Pump Catastrophic Failure#

6.7L Cummins EGR Cooler Clogging and Cracking#

68RFE Torque Converter Shudder and TCC Failure#

6.7L Cummins Water Pump Coolant Leak (Fire Hazard Recall 17V562000)#

Center High-Mount Stop Lamp (Third Brake Light) Water Leak Into Cab#

Exhaust Manifold Cracking (6.7L Cummins)#

Cracking Dashboard#

HVAC Blend Door Actuator Failure (Clicking Dash, Uneven Cabin Temperature)#