2015 RAM 2500

Typical onset: 60,000-120,000 mi

Symptoms: sudden loss of oil pressure, violent knocking from bottom end, metal shavings in oil, check engine light with low oil pressure codes, engine seizure in extreme cases

Fix: Complete engine rebuild or replacement required. Crankshaft, connecting rod bearings, and often pistons need replacement. 40-60 labor hours for full rebuild; many opt for reman long-block swap at 25-35 hours. This is a known defect in 2013-2016 Cummins engines traced to bearing material and oil passage design.

Estimated cost: $12,000-25,000

Typical onset: 70,000-130,000 mi

Symptoms: transmission fluid in coolant (strawberry milkshake appearance), coolant in transmission, transmission slipping or delayed engagement, overheating transmission, radiator tank cracking at cooler connection

Fix: Replace transmission oil cooler (integrated into radiator) plus full transmission fluid flush and often radiator replacement. If contamination went both ways, transmission rebuild may be necessary. 4-6 hours labor for cooler/radiator, add 18-25 hours if transmission needs rebuild.

Estimated cost: $800-1,200 (cooler only), $3,500-5,500 (if transmission damaged)

Typical onset: 80,000-150,000 mi

Symptoms: clunking when shifting into drive or reverse, vibration at idle in gear, visible sag or separation of rubber mount, harsh engagement, drivetrain shudder under load

Fix: Replace rear transmission mount and crossmember bushings. Heavy-duty trucks destroy these faster due to weight and towing. 2-3 hours labor, straightforward job but requires supporting transmission.

Estimated cost: $300-550

Typical onset: 50,000-100,000 mi

Symptoms: fuel smell in cab or engine bay, visible fuel weeping from filter housing, hard starting when cold, air in fuel system, rough idle or loss of power

Fix: Replace fuel filter housing assembly and seals. The plastic housing cracks or o-rings fail. Some techs upgrade to aftermarket aluminum housing. 1.5-2.5 hours labor including priming system.

Estimated cost: $400-700

Typical onset: 60,000-120,000 mi

Symptoms: violent steering wheel oscillation at highway speeds, triggered by bumps or lane changes, loose or wandering steering feel, clunking from front end over bumps

Fix: Typically caused by worn track bar bushings, ball joints, tie rod ends, or steering stabilizer. Requires systematic inspection of all front end components. Track bar and ball joints are usual culprits. 4-6 hours labor for full front end overhaul with alignment.

Estimated cost: $1,200-2,500

Typical onset: 90,000-150,000 mi

Symptoms: exhaust brake not engaging, check engine light with exhaust brake solenoid codes, lack of engine braking when towing, no change in sound when activating exhaust brake

Fix: Replace exhaust brake solenoid valve on turbo or exhaust system. 1-2 hours labor, accessible but requires working around hot exhaust components.

Estimated cost: $350-600

Symptoms: intermittent no-start, fuel pump not priming, gauges going haywire, random warning lights, wipers or accessories operating on their own, parasitic battery drain

Fix: TIPM is the central fuse/relay box and known weak point in Rams. Sometimes individual relays can be resoldered, but full replacement is typical fix. 2-3 hours labor for R&R and programming.

Estimated cost: $800-1,400