Back to search

2024 RAM 2500

6.7L I6 Cummins Diesel•4WD•AUTOMATIC•diesel•turbo
Be the first sponsor for this vehicle

For $99, we generate the full set of step-by-step repair procedures for this exact vehicle. Free for everyone, forever, with your name on every one.

Sponsor — $99
5-Year Cost of Ownership
$18,306 maintenance + known platform issues
~$3,661/yr · 310¢/mile equivalent · $6,298 maintenance + $9,088 expected platform issues
Compare this engine
vs
6.4L V8 Hemi Gas
Common Problems & Known Issues

The 2024 Ram 2500 is still early in its lifecycle, but documented patterns from the HD platform and engine families show the 6.7 Cummins is generally robust while the 6.4 Hemi exhibits concerning oil consumption and bottom-end failures, particularly under towing stress. Transmission cooler leaks and steering module issues are cross-platform concerns.

6.4 Hemi Lifter Failure and Oil Consumption (MDS-related)

Common · high severity
Typical onset: 40,000-80,000 mi
Symptoms: loud ticking/tapping at idle, especially cold start, misfires on specific cylinders (often 1, 4, 6, 7), check engine light with multiple misfire codes, excessive oil consumption (1 qt per 1,000 mi or worse)
Fix: Collapsed lifters damage cam lobes; requires cylinder head removal both sides, lifter replacement, cam inspection/replacement if scored. Often find rocker arms damaged too. 18-24 labor hours for complete job with both heads off. MDS (cylinder deactivation) system contributes to oil starvation at lifters.
Estimated cost: $4,500-7,500

6.4 Hemi Bottom-End Failure (Spun Bearings)

Occasional · high severity
Typical onset: 60,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: heavy knocking from crankcase under load, sudden loss of oil pressure, metallic debris in oil filter, catastrophic failure while towing or under sustained load
Fix: Rod or main bearings fail, often from oil starvation during sustained high-load operation (towing near GVWR in heat). Requires complete engine rebuild or replacement. Short block replacement is 28-35 hours; full rebuild with machine work adds more. Many owners report failures while towing heavy in hot climates.
Estimated cost: $8,000-15,000

Transmission Oil Cooler Line Leaks (68RFE/AISIN)

Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 50,000-90,000 mi
Symptoms: transmission fluid puddles under truck, burnt transmission fluid smell, low transmission fluid warnings, ATF visible on cooler lines near radiator
Fix: Steel cooler lines corrode at crimp fittings or rubber hose sections crack from heat cycling. Line replacement is straightforward but requires trans fluid flush. 2-3 hours labor. Cooler itself can leak internally (less common but catastrophic—coolant mixes with ATF).
Estimated cost: $400-800

Steering Control Module Failures (NHTSA Recall + Field Issues)

Occasional · high severity
Symptoms: intermittent loss of power steering assist, steering wheel stiffens suddenly at speed, power steering warning light, fault codes for steering angle sensor or module communication
Fix: Electronic steering control module (part of electric-assist or hydraulic control) fails, often from moisture intrusion or internal solder joint failure. Recall addresses some VINs; others pay out-of-pocket. Module replacement is 1.5-2 hours but part is $800-1,200. Dealers often update software first (rarely fixes hardware failure).
Estimated cost: $1,200-2,000

6.7 Cummins Fuel Filter Housing Leaks (Water-in-Fuel Sensor)

Occasional · low severity
Typical onset: 70,000-150,000 mi
Symptoms: fuel smell under hood, small diesel puddles under driver side engine bay, hard starting after sitting overnight, fuel gauge drops faster than expected
Fix: Factory fuel filter housing develops cracks around water-in-fuel sensor or drain valve. Diesel seeps slowly. Aftermarket billet housings (AirDog, FASS) are common permanent fix. OE replacement is 1-1.5 hours; upgraded housing same labor. Not a breakdown risk but wastes fuel and smells.
Estimated cost: $300-600

Airbag Clockspring Failure (NHTSA Recall)

Rare · medium severity
Symptoms: airbag warning light, horn stops working, cruise control buttons on steering wheel inoperative, fault codes for driver airbag circuit
Fix: Clockspring (spiral cable) behind steering wheel fails, disabling airbag deployment and steering wheel controls. Recall covers replacement; outside recall window it's 1.5-2 hours labor plus $250-400 part. Not common but safety-critical.
Estimated cost: $400-700
Owner tips
  • If buying a 6.4 Hemi truck, verify oil consumption history and listen for lifter tick—walk away if present. Extended warranties are wise for gas models used for towing.
  • Diesel buyers: upgrade fuel filtration early (aftermarket housing + lift pump) to protect CP4 injection pump, especially if using biodiesel blends.
  • Check transmission cooler lines every oil change for seepage; catch early before ATF contaminates coolant.
  • Keep software updates current at dealer for steering and transmission control modules—many drivability complaints are flash-fixable.
Buy the Cummins diesel if towing heavy regularly; avoid the 6.4 Hemi for serious work—its bottom-end and lifter failures are expensive and common enough to erode resale value.
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.
550 jobs across 18 categories
🔧 Database maintained under the daily editorial review of Chris Hackleman · Master Technician · 20+ years and Jeff Moore · Master Lexus & Toyota Mechanic · 20+ years.
Stuck on a repair? Take it to The Diag Desk — ask a master tech about this exact car → real human answer within 24h, never AI
Building an app?
Free API access to all this data — 50 requests/day, no card required.
Get an API key →
Run a shop?
Manage repairs, estimates, and customers with ShopBase — $249/mo, all features included. Built by the same team.
Try ShopBase →