The 2023 Ram 3500 with the 6.7L Cummins is a workhorse diesel, but this generation shows concerning patterns with transmission cooler failures and some serious engine internal issues that can show up surprisingly early for a modern diesel.
Transmission Oil Cooler Failure
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 30,000-80,000 mi
Symptoms: Transmission fluid in coolant or coolant in transmission (milky fluid), Transmission overheating warnings, Harsh shifting or slipping after coolant contamination, Pink or strawberry milkshake appearance in coolant reservoir
Fix: Replace transmission oil cooler, flush both cooling system and transmission completely, replace transmission fluid and filter. If contamination went unnoticed, internal transmission damage may require rebuild. Labor is 4-6 hours for cooler replacement alone, 15-25 hours if transmission needs rebuild due to coolant damage.
Estimated cost: $1,200-2,500 for cooler replacement; $4,500-8,000 if transmission rebuild required
Airbag Clockspring Failure
Occasional · medium severity
Symptoms: Airbag warning light illuminated, Cruise control buttons on steering wheel not working, Horn intermittent or inoperative, May occur after steering wheel removal or at random
Fix: Replace clockspring assembly behind steering wheel. Requires steering wheel removal, airbag module disconnection, and proper initialization. 2-3 hours labor. Recall exists for some VINs, check eligibility first.
Estimated cost: $450-750
Cummins 6.7L Piston and Ring Failure
Rare · high severity
Typical onset: 40,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: Excessive blow-by or crankcase pressure, Blue smoke on acceleration, Significant oil consumption (quart per 500-1,000 miles), Loss of power under load, Metallic knocking or rattling from lower engine
Fix: Complete engine rebuild with new pistons, rings, rod bearings, and often main bearings. Some cases require crankshaft machining or replacement. In severe cases, short block replacement is more cost-effective. This is unusual for a 2023 but documented failures exist, likely related to defective piston ring tension or installation issues. 30-45 hours labor for in-chassis rebuild.
Estimated cost: $8,000-15,000
Fuel System Contamination and Filter Clogging
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 20,000-60,000 mi
Symptoms: Hard starting or extended cranking when cold, Loss of power under load, Rough idle or surging, Fuel filter housing leaking at head, DEF contamination in diesel fuel (catastrophic if occurs)
Fix: Replace fuel filters (primary and secondary), inspect and possibly replace fuel filter housing if cracked or leaking. If DEF contamination occurred, complete fuel system purge required including tank drop, injector replacement, CP4 pump replacement. Standard filter service is 1-1.5 hours; DEF contamination is 20-30 hours.
Estimated cost: $250-500 for filter service; $12,000-18,000 for DEF contamination cleanup
Transmission Mount Failure
Common · low severity
Typical onset: 40,000-80,000 mi
Symptoms: Clunking when shifting from park to drive or reverse, Excessive vibration at idle in gear, Visible sagging or cracking of rubber mount, Shifter vibration during acceleration
Fix: Replace transmission mount(s). These trucks are heavy and tow heavy, mounts wear faster than light-duty trucks. Straightforward job requiring transmission support while swapping mount. 1.5-2.5 hours labor depending on 2WD or 4WD configuration.
Estimated cost: $350-650
Steering Control Module Communication Faults
Occasional · medium severity
Symptoms: Electric power steering warning light, Intermittent loss of power steering assist, Steering wheel hard to turn at low speeds, Multiple communication codes in steering system
Fix: Diagnose communication fault, often requires steering control module replacement and software update. Some cases tied to wiring harness chafing or relay issues (subject of recall). 2-3 hours for module replacement including programming.
Estimated cost: $800-1,400
Owner tips
Change transmission fluid every 60,000 miles regardless of 'lifetime fluid' claims—transmission cooler contamination is real
Monitor coolant and transmission fluid religiously for cross-contamination; catch it early before transmission damage
Use quality diesel fuel from high-turnover stations; water/contamination kills the CP4 injection pump
Keep detailed oil consumption records—excessive consumption early is your warning for internal engine issues
Replace fuel filters every 15,000-20,000 miles in dusty or dirty fuel conditions
Buy with caution—great capability when healthy, but transmission cooler and rare engine failures are expensive gambles; insist on full service records and oil consumption history before purchase.
AI-assisted summary drawn from NHTSA recall data, our labor-times database, and platform knowledge. Not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on a specific vehicle.
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Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2023 Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500 vehicles. An insufficient weld in the transmission control unit can allow transmission fluid to leak on to electrical components, resulting in a loss of drive power or loss of park function.
Consequence: A loss of drive power or a loss of park function increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the valve body and control unit, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expecting to be mailed July 26, 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 63B.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER CLOCKSPRING/SPIRAL CASSETTE · 24V199000
2024-03-14
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) (Stellantis) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Ram 1500, Jeep Wrangler, Jeep Wagoneer, Jeep Grand Wagoneer, Chrysler Pacifica, Ram 3500, Ram 3500 cab chassis, Ram 2500, Ram 4500 cab chassis, Ram 5500 cab chassis, 2023 Jeep Gladiator, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep Grand Cherokee L, Ram 3500 Cab Chassis with a GVWR less than 10,000 lbs., and Chrysler Voyager vehicles. The steering column control module may not be welded properly, which can prevent the driver's air bag from deploying in a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Consequence: An air bag that does not deploy in a crash can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the steering column control module, as necessary free of charge. Some owner notification letters were mailed April 11, 2024 through June 20, 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's numbers for this recall are 14B, 33B, 34B, 35B, 36B.
STEERING:STEERING CONTROL MODULE · 23V799000
2023-11-28
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2023 Ram 1500 Classic, Ram 3500 Classic, 3500 Cab Chassis, 2023-2024 Ram 2500, 4500/5500 Cab Chassis, and Ram 3500 vehicles. The steering column control module may cause the high beams to activate when the turn signal is used or activate the turn signal when the high beams are used. In addition, the turn signal self-canceling feature may not function properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Consequence: Turn signals and/or high beams that do not function as intended may cause confusion or reduced visibility to other road users, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the steering column control module (SCCM) software, and inspect and replace the module, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 19, 2023. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's numbers for this recall are B2A and D5A.
BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION · 23V654000
2023-09-28
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Ram 1500, Ram 3500 Cab Chassis with GVWR less than 10,000 lbs., and 2022-2024 Ram 2500 vehicles. The radio software may prevent the rearview image from displaying. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Consequence: A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the radio software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 24, 2023. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 97A.
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Ram 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis, and 4500, 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles equipped with a Cummins 6.7L Turbo Diesel engine. An electrical short may occur in the heater grid relay with the ignition on or off.
Consequence: An electrical short in the relay can result in an engine compartment fire with the ignition on or off, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the relay, free of charge. This will be a Phased campaign. Phase 1 will include 2023 model year vehicles. FCA US will notify dealers on or about 3/23/2023 and begin notifying owners on or about 4/5/2023. Phase 2 will include 2022 model year vehicles and Phase 3 will include 2021 model year vehicles. FCA US will notify dealers and owners on or about 4/27/2023 for Phase 2 and 5/11/2023 for Phase 3. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed March 28, 2023. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed April 5, 2023. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 13A. This recall is an expansion of and supersedes recall number 21V-798.
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