2013–2018 Ram 2500 / 3500 common problems and fixes

In 2013, Ram added diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) to the 6.7L Cummins diesel, and in 2014 the 6.4L Hemi gas V8 joined the 5.7L Hemi. 2014 Ram 2500s also switched to coil springs in the rear.

We counted 5,896 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for 2013–2018 Ram 2500s and 3500s (retrieved October 5, 2026; each complaint counted once): 4,406 from diesel trucks, 1,154 from 6.4L Hemi trucks and 179 from 5.7L Hemi trucks, identified by VIN; the rest (157) couldn't be matched to an engine. We left out 89 whose VIN belongs to another vehicle (78 Ram ProMaster vans, plus a few Ram 1500s and others). Most of them (4,365) are from 2017–2018 trucks, driven by the brake issue below. Complaint counts show what owners report most often, not how many trucks have a problem.

At a glance

• Anti-lock brake (ABS) unit failures on 2017–2018 trucks are the most reported problem by far, and were recalled.
• The 6.7L Cummins: DEF heaters, NOx sensors and EGR coolers are the commonly reported repairs.
• Steering recalls cover the drag link and track bar brackets.
• A water pump recall on certain 2013–2017 diesels addresses a fire risk.

2017–2018: ABS and stability control failures

About 2,900 diesel and 890 6.4L Hemi complaints mention brakes, ABS or stability control, mostly from 2017–2018 trucks. Owners describe ABS, traction control and "service electronic brake system" warning lights. Chrysler recalled certain 2017–2018 trucks because the ABS hydraulic control unit may fail, disabling anti-lock brakes and stability control (recall 24V896000). Many complaints say replacement parts took a long time to arrive, and the remedy is still partly pending: NHTSA says the remaining owner letters are expected in October 2026.

When buying: confirm this recall is done. Any ABS or stability control warning light on the dash is a reason to walk away or get it fixed first.

Steering and front end

• The drag link can separate if a jam nut loosens on certain 2013–2018 trucks (recall 19V021000).
• Track bar frame bracket welds on certain 2015 trucks (recall 16V559000).
• Front-end shake is reported far less than on older Rams, but still check the track bar, tie rods and ball joints.

6.7L Cummins

Commonly reported repairs:

• DEF heater failures that cause reduced power, especially in cold weather, and NOx and DEF quality sensors
• EGR cooler leaks (white smoke or coolant loss)
• Turbo actuator failures at higher mileage
• A water pump recall on certain 2013–2017 trucks with Concentric-brand pumps that can leak coolant and raise the risk of an engine compartment fire (recall 17V562000)

6.4L Hemi

Owners on Ram forums discuss camshaft and lifter failures on the 6.4L, often announced by a ticking noise. A tick can also come from broken exhaust manifold bolts, which is a much cheaper fix. Have a mechanic diagnose any tick before buying.

Other recalls

Side curtain airbag inflators on certain 2016–2018 trucks (recalls 25V010000 and 25V592000), power locking tailgates (18V486000, 19V347000), and a rear camera display on certain 2018 trucks (18V398000).

Before you buy

• Check open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls with the VIN.
• Get a pre-purchase inspection, including a scan for ABS and emissions codes.
• Bring our used truck inspection checklist.