YearToAvoid

2010 Dodge Ram 3500 Engine Problems

NHTSA lists 24 engine complaints for the 2010 Dodge Ram 3500, 16% of the 150 total complaints filed for the year. Median mileage at failure was 54,657 miles, and one recall (14V635000) covers an engine wiring connector issue tied to fire risk.

Engine complaints
24
16% of 150
Crashes reported
1
Fires reported
3
Injuries reported
2
Median mileage
54,657 mi
Related recalls
1

Typical engine symptoms owners report

  • Sudden engine stall while driving at highway speed, followed by abnormal noise, smoke, and fire from the engine bay.
  • Electrical short under the hood produces a burnt odor and smoke or fire near the fuse panel, sometimes recurring after earlier repairs.
  • Diesel exhaust and raw fuel fumes enter the cabin during the regeneration process or when the heater, defroster, or exhaust brake is used.
  • Owners with the 14V635000 recall notice report being unable to get the replacement part, leaving the engine wiring issue unrepaired for an extended period.
  • Check engine light triggered by failed oxygen sensors and related wiring needing replacement.

When 2010 Dodge Ram 3500 engine complaints were filed

First complaint Jun 27, 2011, latest Jun 12, 2022.

2010 Dodge Ram 3500 engine complaints: complaints filed per month2Jun 2011Jan 2014Mar 2015Aug 2015Mar 2016Dec 2017Nov 2021
24 complaints filed with NHTSA from Jun 2011 to Jun 2022; peak Feb 2015 (2).

Engine recalls for the 2010 Dodge Ram 3500

  1. NHTSA 14V635000Oct 8, 2014Engine315,325 vehicles

    Engine and engine cooling:engine:diesel

    Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2010-2014 Ram 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500 trucks manufactured March 27, 2009, to September 5, 2013. In the affected vehicles, the electrical connectors of the diesel fuel heater may overheat.

    Risk: If the connectors overheat, the fuel heater may leak fuel, increasing the risk of a fire.

    Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the harness side connector with a silver plated beryllium copper terminal service kit, and inspect the fuel heater for leaks, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. Chrysler issued interim notification to owners on December 8, 2014. The recall began on April 27, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is P65.

Engine complaints by Ram 3500 model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

  1. 200518 (9%)
  2. 200614 (5%)
  3. 200736 (17%)
  4. 200825 (14%)
  5. 20092 (2%)
  6. 201024 (16%)
  7. 201126 (12%)
  8. 201247 (13%)

Frequently asked questions

How common are engine problems on the 2010 Dodge Ram 3500?
NHTSA shows 24 engine complaints for the 2010 Ram 3500, which is 16% of that year's 150 total complaints. Median mileage at failure was 54,657 miles.
Is there a recall for the 2010 Ram 3500 engine?
Yes. Recall 14V635000, reported in 2014, covers 2010-2014 Ram 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5,500 trucks with electrical connector issues in the engine area; Chrysler's remedy was to replace the harness side connector.
Did the engine complaints involve fires or injuries?
NHTSA records show 3 fires, 2 injuries, and 1 crash among the reported engine-related complaints for the 2010 Ram 3500.
How does 2010 compare to other Ram 3500 years for engine complaints?
NHTSA lists 24 engine complaints (16% share) for 2010, versus 26 complaints (12% share) for 2011 and 47 complaints (13% share) for 2012.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.