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One week old 2026 Ram 3500 DRW DEF system warning

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RElliott

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I am new to this site but have been searching for people with the same issue that I'm having and a possible solution. I purchased my new 3500 on Monday 11/17. When the sales rep returned from filling the tank up, he said that the "Service DEF System" message was on but that the service department had already replaced a sensor that fixed the issue and had forgotten to reset the code. Because I had to return on Tuesday to drop off the registration for my trade in, he said that they would clear it then. I drove twenty five minutes home and of course the kids were excited so I drove them around for an hour or so. When we pulled in the driveway, the CEL illuminated and said that my truck speed would be limited to 5 MPH after 150 miles. I took it back Tuesday and was told that this was a new issue that wasn't present before I drove it home. They checked "everything" and found that it has a bad NOX sensor and of course it is back ordered. I called today and was told that they should have the part sometime next week.

I'm curious to see if anyone else has had this problem with less than 50 miles on their brand new truck.

By the way, I have always bought GM products but decided on Ram this time because of the 8-speed transmission and we will be full time RV living soon. I hope I didn't make a bad choice.
 
I always had Fords, but once I bought the first Ram, I never looked back. This is my third one and very pleased with it so far
 
The Ram is definitely more reliable long term, but the diesel emissions systems are destroying everyone. That is the main reason I stay away from diesels. I just don't want to deal with all that. Your problem sounds un common, but it sure feels like they are loading the parts cannon on this one. Seems like everyone is quick to condemn sensors, but how often is that really the issue?
 
SolidAxleorBust said:
The Ram is definitely more reliable long term, but the diesel emissions systems are destroying everyone. That is the main reason I stay away from diesels. I just don't want to deal with all that. Your problem sounds un common, but it sure feels like they are loading the parts cannon on this one. Seems like everyone is quick to condemn sensors, but how often is that really the issue?
Click to expand...
This is my first diesel and I did my research for two months before deciding on the Ram. I read many forums where people talked about the 2025 electrical issues but was told that Ram had worked most of those bugs out. I wish that we didn’t need a diesel but we are selling our house and will be traveling full time and living in a fifth wheel with our six kids.
I agree, they seem to blame the sensors because they are unsure. I woke up this morning and had an alert from the Ram app that says the anti lock braking system isn’t functioning now. What’s next?
 
I was told by our sales rep yesterday that the NOX sensor had arrived and that the mechanic was going to get it taken care of today (11/26/25). However, I called the service department this morning and was told that the part had not arrived yet and that there is a NEW PROBLEM with the truck. He said that when they tried to move it, the truck would not shift from Park and also would not turn off. I'm being told that they "hope" the NOX sensor arrives today or Friday because they aren't able to diagnose the new issue until it is replaced. To make matters worse, he said that they have four more trucks in line before mine. He implied that those trucks are having similar problems but that they are having trouble getting parts. If this is a widespread issue, Ram should have their stop shipping new trucks until they figure out the issues. I have been in the HVAC industry for twenty years so I know that these things can happen but when they do, we remove the parts needed from another new piece of equipment and fix the issue for the homeowner or, rip out the faulty unit and install another new one. I have been very patient but I bought this new Ram because we need something that I can count on to tow my fifth wheel around the country. I have found so many people with these problems on the 2025 but was reassured by the dealership that Ram had solved the problem on the 2026 models. To say that I'm having buyers remorse is a huge understatement. Should I have gone with GM or Ford? I want to think not, but I have serious doubts about this truck. I honestly don't know if I will ever feel completely confident in this truck even after they say that everything is fixed. At this point, I'm not sure what my next steps should be. Does anyone have any suggestions?
 
In case anyone reads this, I got my truck back this afternoon after I insisted that the dealership replace the Rear Wheel Speed Sensor. They called and said that all codes were gone, and they drove it for an hour with no issue. I drove it 67 miles after picking it up and so far so good. If anything changes, I will make a new update. I think the solution to the truck not shutting off and staying in Park is to replace the Rear Wheel Speed Sensor. Thank for allowing me to vent and good luck to anyone still having trouble.
 
DISREGARD - Just saw your last post. Good luck with the truck!
Sadly lemon law might be your only resort.
 
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