10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
1 / 2
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
26,560 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2014 Ram 3500 engine problems

engine problem

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2014 Ram 3500 Owner Comments (Page 1 of 2)

problem #29

Nov 152023

3500

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Turbocharger actuator failure. Recognized as known issue for vehicles manufactured one year later (2015). All replacement cost covered by manufacturer and warranty extended. The replacement part for the 2014 RAM 3500 turbocharger actuator is MOPAR part 68481772AA and the replacement part for the 2015 RAM 3500 turbocharger actuator is MOPAR part 68481772AA (identical part numbers). Similarly, the turbocharger installation kits for both model years are identical. Multiple online complaints noted about failures in 2014 model years. I incurred $3000 expense to replace. Two detailed letters sent to manufacturer with no response or acknowledgement of receipt.

- Alexandria, VA, USA

problem #28

Dec 042022

3500

  • miles
The Turbo Actuator failed while driving on a two-lane highway without a shoulder to safely pull over. The truck lost power down to a maximum speed of 10mph until I could safely pull off of the highway. The problem has been diagnosed with a OBD2 scanner. No other inspections by police or insurance. The MIL did not turn on until the vehicle was pulled off of the highway and at a stop.

- Half Moon Bay, CA, USA

problem #27

Jun 272021

3500 6-cyl Diesel

  • miles
I experienced a lack of power and I noticed that the engine temperature jumped by 40F immediately. The EVIC coolant temperature jump rapidly, but I never received a low coolant warning. I pulled the truck off of I-25 Northbound just south of the WY border. I waited for the vehicle to cool and added all of the coolant I had on hand, about 1.5 gallons. I carefully limped into Cheyenne, WY, towing my 40' 5th wheel to a spot where we could stay. I contacted Cowboy Dodge to identify the problem and repair it. The technician looked at my vehicle and he indicated the EGR valve was bad and needed replaced. The repair invoice is attached for reference. We departed Cheyenne after the fix, and we only got 44 miles out of town on I-80 when the engine coolant light illuminated, and the temp started to spike again. I coasted down the pass into Laramie, WY, in an attempt to get into cell service range and to get the truck off of the road if possible. We ended up stranded on I-80 just east of the exit for 4-hours waiting on a tow vehicle that could take us back to Cheyenne, WY, with our RV in tow. The same technician at Cowboy looked at the truck again and he indicated that the EGR cooler had failed. The failure allowed coolant to leak, undetected, into the combustion chamber. This caused carbon deposits, coal-like remnants, to be deposited throughout the motor and it was especially noticeable on the heat exchanger (see attached). This issue cased $7,000+ damage to my truck and I'm still finding issues related to the failure. I've had injectors fail, the heater core needed replaced again (3d), and the truck is smoking on startup with diminished power and sputtering at speed. I've included all Ram 2021 servicing invoices. This situation could have resulted in a catastrophic runaway on the motor resulting in fire. I lucked out by watching the gages. Stellantis (FCA) should be held accountable for their modifications to the Cummins motor causing these issues.

- Box Elder, SD, USA

problem #26

Jul 252019

3500 6-cyl Diesel

  • 109,082 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Turbo actuator failed leaving us stranded while on vacation. Vehicle would not restart once power was lost and we had to stop on side of road and wait until the engine would start. We had been taking the vehicle to a Ram dealership to trouble shoot from the beginning but the problem continued to accelerate over a period of time finally ending with the actuator having to be replaced. This engine should be lasting but failed at 109,082 miles. The problem with actuator failed us way too soon for a Ram cummins diesel which should get at least 300,000 miles durable wear. This vehicle has never been abused in any way and has always been properly serviced at an authorized Ram dealership. We came home from vacation and took truck to dealership because of dander of losing power. We had to travel three hours in order to get home from vacation. Then do without vehicle in order to have repaired. The authorized dealer service department has always been excellent, we have absolutely no complaint against their service. I actually saw several actuators waiting to be returned to Ram because they had been replaced. I asked what they were and I was told actuators that had been replaced waiting to be returned under warranty! when this happened to us I was told 2014 vehicles had not been warranted by Ram. The very fact that the actuators were failing speaks volumes to me because obviously there is a problem with the part. After waiting one year for Ram to address this problem it is obvious it is being ignored on 2014 trucks which have been sold for power and durability. If one actuator goes bad there is a responsibility by Ram to back their product. The customer honorably purchased this vehicle with forethought of endurance simply because of the package provided suited for the need of purchase. By the way, this is the first Ram purchased by me!!! what do you think"??"

- Eatonton, GA, USA

problem #25

Mar 062020

3500

  • 69,228 miles
The contact owns a 2014 Ram 3500. The contact stated while driving 5 mph, when smoke and the smell of fuel began to enter the cab of the vehicle. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact state he parked the vehicle at his driveway and saw somke exiting the hood. The contact also stated the fuel heater and electronical connector was covered in diesel fuel and had a burned smell. The vehicle was not drivable. Upon investigation the contact associated the failure with NHTSA campaign number: 14V635000 (engine and engine cooling, fuel system, diesel). The contact called local dealer jeff D'ambrosio Dodge Chrysler Jeep downingtown located at 1221 E lancaster ave, downingtown, pa 19335, were made aware of the failure. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired as of yet. The manufacturer had been informed of failure. The failure mileage was 69,228.

- Collegeville, PA, USA

problem #24

Jul 152019

3500 6-cyl Diesel

  • Automatic transmission
  • 69,000 miles
The contact owns a 2014 Ram 3500. While the vehicle was pulling a load and driving up a hill, it lost power and the check engine warning indicator illuminated. The contact coasted the vehicle over to the side of the road, removed the load, and powered off the engine. The vehicle was restarted, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the egr valve needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the technician cleaned and repaired the valve, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to browning Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram (1983 hamner ave, norco, ca 92860, (951) 272-3110), but no failure was found. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 69,000.

- Corona, CA, USA

problem #23

Mar 202016

3500

  • 97,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Takata recall after we replaced the fuel pump the truck still didn't perform like it should have for a 2 year old dually with less than 100,000 miles on it. Around 1 year ago, we were driving and suddenly were able to smell an extremely foul smell coming from under the dashboard, upon further examination we discovered that the anti freeze was leaking from somewhere and entering the passenger floor board. After this occurred it seemed as if the truck itself just started to fall apart. Both batteries have had to be replaced countless times as well. The radio and A/C do not work and the heater doesn't come close to getting hot.

- Kingston, OK, USA

problem #22

Sep 152014

3500

  • 2,000 miles
The contact owns a 2014 Ram 3500. When the vehicle was placed in park, it did not shut off and "vehicle was not in park" appeared on the instrument panel. The failure recurred multiple times. The vehicle was taken to martin Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep & Ram (262-878-1226, located at 1422 main St, union grove, wi 53182), but the cause of the failure could not be diagnosed. The manufacturer was notified and sent a representative to investigate the failure. The contact was informed that nothing could be done to assist. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 2,000.

- Franksville, WI, USA

problem #21

Oct 022018

3500

  • miles
The contact owns a 2014 Ram 3500. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign numbers: 17V821000 (power train), 17V562000 (engine and engine cooling), and 17V541000 (steering). The dealer (Texas Dodge, 7800 I-40 frontage rd, amarillo, tx 79106, 806-353-6343) was contacted and confirmed that parts were not available for the recall remedy. The manufacturer was not notified. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

- Hereford, TX, USA

problem #20

Oct 092017

3500

  • miles
The contact owns a 2014 Ram 3500. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 17V562000 (engine and engine cooling); however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact called a local dealer (red river Dodge Chrysler Jeep, 1060 heber spring rd, heber springs, ar 72543) and was informed that the part was unavailable. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. The VIN was not available.

- Ash Flat, AR, USA

problem #19

Dec 112017

3500

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2014 Ram 3500. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 17V562000 (engine and engine cooling). The part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. A local dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue, but there was no date as to when the parts would be available. The VIN was not available. The contact had not experienced a failure.

- Kansasville, WI, USA

problem #18

Dec 282017

3500

  • 40,000 miles
Recall T51 I'm deeply concerned that its been two months since I received a letter from the NHTSA in reference to a recall # ( T51 ) that my truck needs to get done, to avoid a potential risk that could lead to injury or even death, for me the driver, or any passenger. NHTSA stated on that letter, that a repair must be done by the manufacturer, as soon as possible, to avoid possible tragedy. It's been two months that I have been calling consistently and very worried about this issue, to my closest Ram dealership, in las vegas, Nevada. Unfortunatelly every time I call, they tell me that I have to wait until the parts are available. I call the manufacturer and they told me tha same, that the parts are not available. So I'm writing to express my great concern that, both the dealership and the manufacturer are not taking this issue seriously enough, because they even told me, that if I'm not experiencing any problems on my car, I should not worry. I guess that I have to wait until there is a fatality to start worrying about it. I have to say that since I received the first letter from NHTSA regarding this issue back in November 2017, it's been 2 months that I feel that I'm driving in a constant fear. The parts that needs to be replaced, is a water pump on the engine, and for the dealership and the manufacturer to tell us after 2 months, that they don't have the part available, is a total lack of respect towards every driver affected. It is a long time that all people affected are still driving at risk of a possible fatality. Please do something about this before it's too late.

- Las Vegas, NV, USA

problem #17

Dec 122017

3500

  • 62,000 miles
While driving, heard loud pop. Lost steering and breaking ability. My husband notice the water pump had blown and the belt was shredded. Dodge said the water pump was on recall. They replaced it with another recalled water pump and refused to replace the belt and any fluids although they were a result of the pump. Concerned that this will happen again and cause wreck.

- Killeen, TX, USA

problem #16

Aug 212017

3500

  • 57,624 miles
Engine code U05A5 dealer says it is not covered under the recall for the 15's. I bought new so this would be my cost.

- Goldendale, WA, USA

problem #15

Jul 292017

3500

  • 42,000 miles
The truck has the "dead pedal" issue. If stopped at a light and you go to take off there is about a 3-5 second delay before you get power to move forward. Also, if you are driving and let off the gas pedal and then have to press the gas pedal to go again there is a long delay there as well. This is a serious safety concern when trying to merge onto a highway or pass a slow vehicle. There have been many that have filed this complaint, when does something actually start to get fixed?

- Colorado Springs, CO, USA

problem #14

Mar 312017

3500

  • 10,000 miles
Low engine RPM throttle response from dead stop or rolling pace (5-35 mph) experiences 3-5 second lag before engine responds and accelerates. This has caused numerous close calls when turning in front of oncoming traffic on clear road conditions. To compensate, my driving habits have resorted to "power brake" the vehicle to increase engine RPM's in order to accelerate and clear oncoming traffic. I have owned/driven 3/4 & 1 ton cummins diesel vehicles prior to my 2014 model with no similar issues. When towing, the issue is much less noticeable. At this point I am ready to sell and buy another brand due to safety concerns. My wife does not feel safe driving or riding in the vehicle and is concerned that I Transport our kids to and from school daily in the vehicle. Online research indicates this is a common issue with this model/year group and has coined the condition as "dead pedal". it seems that this dead pedal condition continues to worsen with my vehicle the more it is driven. Not sure what next steps are here, I explained my experiences to multiple service techs and larry H miller Dodge in sandy ut, where I have the vehicle serviced... it was the "first time they had heard of it" response each time. No help to be found at the dealership. Not sure where else to turn for help with my ~$60K vehicle that myself and family don't feel safe driving.

- Riverton, UT, USA

problem #13

Nov 252016

3500 4WD 6-cyl Diesel

  • 29,000 miles
I have noticed on different occasions a strong smell of diesel exhaust coming into the cab of my truck. It does not smell like the exhaust exiting the rear tailpipe (post dpf/catalyst). Each time it has happened, it has been when I was stopped or moving slow in both forward or reverse (on a street, or backing into a parking spot). The first couple of times I thought it was a smell coming from a different vehicle, but then I found that it was happening when there were no others around. I did a quick internet search, and it seems as though this is a widespread issue.

- Visalia, CA, USA

problem #12

Oct 202016

3500

  • 111,875 miles
There is an absolute dangerous amount of "dead pedal" build into the ECM tuning on the 2011 and up cummins trucks with the 6.7 diesel. Trying to pull out onto the highway or pass someon is downright dangerous. You can put the pedal to the floor and the truck just cuts out and goes nowhere for up to 5 seconds completely losing momentum. Something needs to be done about this I am not the only person with this complaint.

- Monticello, MN, USA

problem #11

Mar 112014

3500

  • 200 miles
Vehicle is a 2014 Ram 3500 turbo diesel. The computer systems have required numerous updates and have failed 3 times when travelling. The brakes failed when new and a computer update fixed that after I had an accident. The PCM engine controller failed at 20,000 and shut us down while towing a large 5th wheel. In July 2016 the PCM failed and the def would not feed; again broken down with a large 5th wheel attached to the truck. On October 8, 2016 at 41,700 miles the def system has failed again leaving us stranded again while on the road. It is extremely dangerous to be stuck beside the highway with a broken down truck due to repeated computer failures. This problem is also limiting our travel plans because of the fear and danger associated with an unreliable truck. I think that this truck should be returned to the dealer and we should be given a new truck.

- Fairfield, CA, USA

problem #10

Mar 132016

3500 4WD 6-cyl Diesel

  • Automatic transmission
  • 30,000 miles
The contact owns a 2014 Ram 3500. While the vehicle was parked, it caught on fire. Prior to the fire, there was no smoke or abnormal odor in the vehicle. The fire department was notified of the failure and extinguished the fire. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the fire originated from the engine compartment. The vehicle was not repaired. A police report was not filed. The manufacturer was notified. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000. Updated 05/10/16

- Somerset, CA, USA

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