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
The 2019-2024 Ram 2500 offered a 6.4-liter Hemi V8 with an eight-speed automatic or the standard-output 6.7-liter Cummins diesel with the 68RFE six-speed automatic. For 2025, Ram replaced the previous diesel combination with a 430-horsepower high-output Cummins and TorqueFlite HD eight-speed automatic.
Tire Speed-Rating Software Error (26V-288): Certain 2023-2026 Ram 2500 Rebel and Warlock trucks were programmed with an incorrect vehicle-speed calibration that could allow them to exceed the maximum speed rating of their tires. NHTSA says exceeding the tire rating can reduce tire integrity and compromise vehicle control. Ram recalled 12,736 trucks and will reprogram the powertrain control module.
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 are some of the most significant non-powertrain recalls affecting the current-generation Ram 2500.
Electronic Stability Control Warning Failure (22V-140): Approximately 370,437 vehicles, primarily 2019-2022 Ram 2500 trucks, were recalled because faulty ABS control-module software could prevent the electronic stability control warning light from illuminating properly.
ABS Software Can Disable Electronic Stability Control (24V-415): This covered about 157,890 2022 Ram 2500 trucks. Failure of the ESC system when intervention is expected and/or relied upon could cause a crash.
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.
12-Inch Instrument Cluster Failure (25V-826): Certain 2025-2026 Ram 2500 trucks equipped with the 12-inch digital instrument cluster can experience a software failure that causes the display to go blank at startup or while driving. This can prevent the driver from seeing the gear position, vehicle speed and important safety warnings.
3.5-Inch Instrument Cluster Failure (26V-225): Certain 2025-2026 Ram 2500 trucks equipped with the smaller 3.5-inch instrument cluster can experience a similar software failure. Ram recalled 32,371 Ram 2500 trucks under this campaign because the cluster may fail to display required indicators and warnings.
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
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 problems reported by owners and technicians in forums and on social media.
Cummins Hydraulic Lifters: The redesigned 2019 6.7-liter Cummins replaced its previous solid flat-tappet valvetrain with hydraulic lifters. Stellantis engineer Doug Killian said early versions experienced a supplier-quality problem, which the company addressed. Cummins has continued refining the hydraulic lifters, which are also used in the updated 2025 engine.
Stellantis also warns that using 15W-40 oil in a 2019 or newer 6.7-liter Cummins can cause deposits in the hydraulic valve lash adjusters, potentially resulting in valvetrain noise or engine damage.
Hemi Lifter and Camshaft Wear: Some owners of trucks equipped with the 6.4-liter Hemi V8 report persistent ticking (the infamous Hemi Tick) associated with lifter or camshaft wear. Repairs can require extensive engine disassembly.
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 Traffic 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.
