The Ram 2500 HD is the Ram Truck brand’s best-selling heavy-duty pickup. Known for its powerful towing capabilities, comfortable interior, and work-a-day strengths, the Ram 2500 has also had several known problems addressed through recalls and service bulletins.
Ram 2500 Engine & Transmission Issues
There are three engines for the fifth-generation Ram 2500 HD, each with an accompanying transmission. These include a 6.4-liter Hemi V8 paired with an eight-speed Torqueflite ZF trans, a 6.7-liter Cummins inline-six turbodiesel engine combined with a six-speed automatic transmission, and a 6.7-liter Cummins inline-six high-output (HO) turbodiesel paired with an eight-speed Torqueflite Powerline transmission.The Cummins HO replaced the previous diesel in the 2025 model year.
Powertrain Speed Limit Bug (26V-227 / 26V-225): A software error in the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) can improperly allow the truck to exceed its maximum tire speed rating, potentially causing a tire blowout and subsequent loss of control.
High-Pressure Fuel Pump (HPFP) Failure (21V-880): Affecting 2019–2020 models equipped with the 6.7L Cummins Diesel engine. The Bosch CP4 high-pressure fuel pump can wear prematurely, generating metal shavings that stall the engine or cause fuel leaks.
Transmission Fluid Leak & Fire Risk (22V-835): Affecting 2020–2023 models with the 6.7L Cummins. Built-up pressure inside the 68RFE automatic transmission can force fluid out of the dipstick tube onto hot engine components, presenting a severe fire risk.
Major Recalls for the Ram 2500
The following non-powertrain recalls on the Ram 2500 that affected the most units. These are listed newest to oldest by NHTSA file number, given in parentheses.
Trailer Tow Module Failure (26V-059): An improperly designed trailer tow electrical module can fail internally. This results in a complete loss of trailer lighting and trailer brake functionality, drastically increasing crash risks.
Instrument Panel Software Failure (26V-225 / 25V-826): A software defect can cause the 3.5-inch or digital instrument cluster to go entirely blank or fail while driving. This cuts off the driver’s access to speed, gear selection, and critical warning alerts.
Incorrect Brake Warning Light (25V-530): The instrument panel display incorrectly illuminates an ISO symbol instead of the required word “BRAKE” during a brake system warning. This violates federal motor vehicle safety standards.
Rearview Camera Display Failure (24V-199 / 23V-655): Affecting 2022–2024 models, radio and central vision processing module software glitches prevent the backup camera image from displaying when reversing.
Accessory Bed Step Failure (20V-341): Affecting 2019–2020 trucks built with the Mopar bed step accessory. Side-loading conditions can cause the step to unexpectedly break or fail during use
Steering Linkage Separation (19V-043): Affecting early 2019 models. The drag link assembly jam nut can loosen, completely separating the steering linkage and causing an immediate loss of steering control.
Ram 2500 HD Technical Service Bulletins
Most technical service bulletins (TSBs) are issued by the manufacturer to guide dealerships and technicians in repairing commonly-encountered problems with the Ram 2500. Some are related to warranty repairs while others are sometimes adjacent to recalls. These are the most common TSBs for this generation of the Ram 2500 HD.
HVAC / A/C Performance: TSB #24-001-20 addresses poor A/C performance on 2019-2020 models, often requiring the replacement of the HVAC housing/heater motor housing with a redesigned part.
Air Suspension: TSB #08-175-21 provides a software update for the Air Suspension Control Module (ASCM) on 2019–2022 models to fix “Service Air Suspension” lights and compressor issues.
Engine & Exhaust Management: TSB #18-056-22 addresses Powertrain Control Module (PCM) software updates, improving smart exhaust brake operation and radiator fan actuation.
Four-Wheel Drive (4WD) Noise: A widely documented service bulletin addresses a ratcheting/clicking noise in 4WD at low turning speeds (caused by an improperly machined front driveshaft) by requiring a revised drive shaft replacement.
Transmission Control: STAR case/bulletin #S2621000003 REV. A outlines diagnostic procedures and software flashes for 8-speed and heavy-duty transmissions exhibiting diagnostic codes such as P07E4, P0716, or P1DB2.
Common Problems for Ram 2500 Heavy Duty
The following are common known problems and that are reported by owners and technicians in forums and on social media.
Hydraulic Lifters: Both diesel and gasoline engines updated with hydraulic roller lifters can experience failures, creating a loud ticking sound that often requires removing the entire cab to repair.
Turbo VGT Actuators: The Variable Geometry Turbo (VGT) actuator frequently gets stuck or fails due to soot buildup in diesel engines.
Emissions & DEF: Clogged EGR valves and frozen Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) sensors are common, especially on 2019-2022 models with the Cummins installed.
Exhaust Manifold Leaks: The factory bolts tend to snap from heat cycling, leading to an audible tick or exhaust leak sound in gasoline models.
68RFE Automatic (6-speed): This transmission is frequently cited as a weak point. Under heavy towing, torque converters can shudder or overheat, and valve body cross-leaks or worn clutch packs can force the truck into “limp mode”.
ZF 8-Speed: Some owners of the Ram 2500 with the gasoline engine note some occasional jerky, erratic, or delayed shifts.
How To Check For Recalls On Your Ram Truck
The easiest way to check for current recalls that may affect your 2500 HD is to visit the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) Recalls page and enter your license plate or 17-digit vehicle identification number (VIN) to run a search. You can also do this at the Ram Truck Recall Lookup Page.
