2023 RAM 2500 — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data

Head on collision on February 19, 2026 in a 2023 Ram 2500 Rebel. Air bags did not deploy anywhere in the vehicle even though driver was traveling 55-60 MPH. Significant damage occurred in front of vehicle as well as all along the passenger side of the vehicle. Pictures will be provided showing damage and no air bags being deployed.

Vehicle: 2023 Ram 2500 Diesel (6.7L Cummins) – approx. 36,000 miles, under factory warranty Complaint Summary: Our 2023 Ram 2500 diesel is producing visible smoke from the engine bay and a persistent ticking/clicking noise from the engine. This occurs while driving and at idle. We have video evidence of smoke coming from under the hood and recordings of the abnormal engine noise. Safety Concerns: The smoke creates a serious fire hazard and risk of mechanical failure. Engine-bay smoke can indicate an electrical short, fuel or oil leak, overheating component, or exhaust/turbo malfunction. This poses a risk of engine compartment fire, including the possibility of fire after the vehicle is turned off. NHTSA Recall 23V-060 for 2021–2023 Ram HD diesels describes electrical failures that can cause under-hood fires, showing this vehicle line has known fire-related safety issues. The smoke also presents a health and inhalation risk, especially to our children who ride in the vehicle. Diesel/exhaust fumes entering the cabin can cause respiratory irritation and impair driver alertness. A sudden escalation could result in loss of power, breakdown, or fire while driving. Dealer Response: We brought the vehicle to an authorized Ram dealership in February 2026. Despite the truck being fully under warranty, the dealer stated that because there is “no active recall,” they will not repair or further diagnose the problem. No meaningful corrective action was taken. Evidence Available: Videos showing smoke from the engine bay, audio/video of the ticking noise, and dealership service paperwork. We are requesting NHTSA investigate this as a potential safety defect due to fire risk, toxic fume exposure, and the manufacturer’s failure to address a dangerous condition in a nearly new, warrantied vehicle. We are paying on this vehicle monthly, are scared to drive with our children in the car. We have to pull over and not drive the vehicle due to how strong the cabin odor is.

On Feb 3, 2026, I purchased a used 2023 Ram 2500 with ~40,107 miles from a large national used car dealer for ~$46,000. I drove the vehicle with my son as a passenger. On Feb 4, I had it inspected by a third-party shop. Both upper ball joints were worn beyond spec — the wheel moved in and out by hand on the lift, indicating imminent wheel separation risk. All 4 shocks and both front struts were leaking oil. All 4 tires were cupped from prolonged suspension failure. Front brakes near end of life. Estimated repairs: ~$7,000. These components do not fail at 40K miles under normal use, indicating prior abuse/neglect that existed before sale. The dealer's pre-sale inspection failed to catch an obvious, critical safety defect. I wanted to keep the vehicle and have it repaired. The dealer refused to authorize outside repairs, insisted on doing it themselves, but could not even look at it for over a week. They did not request a copy of the inspection report documenting the defects. I was forced to return the vehicle the same day. The ball joints posed a wheel separation hazard. My son and I were exposed to this risk on public roads. This raises serious concerns about the adequacy of this dealer's vehicle inspection process.

On Feb 3, 2026, I purchased a used 2023 Ram 2500 with ~40,107 miles from a large national used car dealer for ~$46,000. I drove the vehicle with my son as a passenger. On Feb 4, I had it inspected by a third-party shop. Both upper ball joints were worn beyond spec — the wheel moved in and out by hand on the lift, indicating imminent wheel separation risk. All 4 shocks and both front struts were leaking oil. All 4 tires were cupped from prolonged suspension failure. Front brakes near end of life. Estimated repairs: ~$7,000. These components do not fail at 40K miles under normal use, indicating prior abuse/neglect that existed before sale. The dealer's pre-sale inspection failed to catch an obvious, critical safety defect. I wanted to keep the vehicle and have it repaired. The dealer refused to authorize outside repairs, insisted on doing it themselves, but could not even look at it for over a week. They did not request a copy of the inspection report documenting the defects. I was forced to return the vehicle the same day. The ball joints posed a wheel separation hazard. My son and I were exposed to this risk on public roads. This raises serious concerns about the adequacy of this dealer's vehicle inspection process.

On Feb 3, 2026, I purchased a used 2023 Ram 2500 with ~40,107 miles from a large national used car dealer for ~$46,000. I drove the vehicle with my son as a passenger. On Feb 4, I had it inspected by a third-party shop. Both upper ball joints were worn beyond spec — the wheel moved in and out by hand on the lift, indicating imminent wheel separation risk. All 4 shocks and both front struts were leaking oil. All 4 tires were cupped from prolonged suspension failure. Front brakes near end of life. Estimated repairs: ~$7,000. These components do not fail at 40K miles under normal use, indicating prior abuse/neglect that existed before sale. The dealer's pre-sale inspection failed to catch an obvious, critical safety defect. I wanted to keep the vehicle and have it repaired. The dealer refused to authorize outside repairs, insisted on doing it themselves, but could not even look at it for over a week. They did not request a copy of the inspection report documenting the defects. I was forced to return the vehicle the same day. The ball joints posed a wheel separation hazard. My son and I were exposed to this risk on public roads. This raises serious concerns about the adequacy of this dealer's vehicle inspection process.