RAM 1500 DS
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
The RAM 1500 on the DS platform (roughly 2009 to 2018/2019, and later carried over as the 1500 Classic) is the quintessential American full-size pickup: big presence, living-room cab, and depending on the engine anything from a bare-bones work truck to a genuinely comfortable cruiser. It's a full lineup where the drivetrain choice, far more than the trim, decides whether you're getting a keeper or a headache. Anyone shopping one should look past the chrome and focus on which engine is under the hood and how well it was maintained.
The 5.7L Hemi V8 with 395 hp is the character engine and generally durable, but it has two well-known weak spots. The MDS cylinder-deactivation system can collapse a lifter, and once that happens the damage can chew right into the camshaft — the infamous HEMI tick is often the first warning. The exhaust manifold bolts also like to shear off and cause leaks, and with 16 spark plugs and dual coils, the ignition system becomes a real maintenance line item. The 3.6L Pentastar V6 with 305 hp is the sensible base engine: solid, everywhere, but no thrills. Early builds saw valve-seat wear on the left head, plus oil leaks at the filter housing and timing-chain stretch at higher mileage. The 3.0L EcoDiesel V6 with 240 hp, built by VM Motori, is the problem child: EGR cooler cracks with a genuine intake-fire risk, the fragile Bosch CP4.2 high-pressure pump that sends metal debris through the whole system, oil-cooler failures that mix oil and coolant, and on top of all that the Dieselgate emissions software recall. Without a complete recall and repair history, the EcoDiesel is a gamble.
Regardless of engine, a few chassis issues follow this truck around. The TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module) is a known failure point that can take out half the electrical system. The optional air suspension suffers compressor and bag failures, the fuel-tank straps rust through in the salt belt (recall), the ZF 8HP automatic is prone to torque-converter shudder, and the UConnect 8.4 screen freezes or delaminates.
Bottom line: the Pentastar is the lowest-risk pick for anyone who just wants a dependable truck. The Hemi earns its keep with sound and grunt but demands attention to the MDS and manifold bolts. I'd only touch the EcoDiesel with a documented history and clear eyes about repair costs. Check the TIPM and electrical system thoroughly before you buy either way.
395 PS
1500 · Benzin
Hemi 5.7 — the sound that can cost you ,000
Fun to Drive!239 PS
3.0L EcoDiesel V6 Diesel
6 weaknesses
Stay Away!Generations
Engine Overview
The RAM 1500 DS is available with 3 engine variants — from 240 to 395 hp. 1 variants had engine changes — the model year is crucial.
VM Motori diesel with 240 hp — same base engine as in the Jeep Grand Cherokee. Emissions scandal 2014–2016: NOx values manipulated in real-world driving, $307M FCA settlement. EGR cooler cracks from thermal fatigue, coolant escapes — fire risk. Recall 2019/2020, free repair. Software update (AEM) worsens fuel economy and drivability. Cheap on the used market due to Dieselgate fallout — fundamentally solid engine for buyers who can verify recall completion.
- !! EGR cooler cracks — intake manifold fire risk
Thermal fatigue causes hairline cracks in the EGR cooler. Vaporized coolant enters the intake and can combust inside the manifold. Large FCA recall VB1 (NHTSA 19V-757) covering ~108,000 trucks, four reported minor injuries.
Symptoms: Dropping coolant level, overheating, white smoke, power loss, in extreme cases engine fire; often fault code P0299 (underboost). - !! Bosch CP4.2 high-pressure pump — metal debris contamination from 120,000 km
The poorly lubricated roller tappet of the Bosch CP4.2 wears with US diesel and sends metal shavings through lines, rail and injectors. Fuel starvation and power loss follow. Recall Z46 (NHTSA 22V-406) covering ~139,000 vehicles.
Symptoms: Check engine light, electronic throttle control warning, loud pump noise, hard starting, sudden power loss; fault code P0087. - !! Oil cooler failure — oil-coolant intermixing from 130,000 km
Manufacturing metal shavings from the VM Motori plant wear through the oil cooler. Oil and coolant mix into a milky emulsion, contaminating the whole circuit and promoting main bearing damage. Mainly 2014–2016 under load/towing.
Symptoms: Milky oil, coolant loss, overheating especially when towing, black smoke, oil traces in the expansion tank.
+ 3 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
The classic 5.7L Hemi with 395 hp — same base engine as in the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango. MDS (Multi-Displacement System) deactivates 4 cylinders at part throttle: deactivated lifters receive no oil, needle bearing surfaces run dry on the cam lobes. Metal shavings contaminate the entire oil supply, camshaft destruction follows. Hemi Tick on cold start sounds minor — it's not always. Exhaust manifold bolts snap from thermal cycling (aluminum head, steel bolts), TSB 09-001-24 issued January 2024. MDS Delete via ECU tuning is the only permanent solution.
- !! MDS lifter collapse and camshaft destruction from 172,000 km
The cylinder deactivation (MDS) starves individual lifters of oil at idle, and the undersized needle bearings fail. The lifter grinds into the camshaft, sending metal shavings through the engine up to total failure.
Symptoms: Ticking or tapping that rises with RPM, cylinder misfires (P0300/P0305), stumbling and power loss under acceleration, rough idle. Can progress to engine failure with little warning. - !! HEMI tick (valvetrain ticking) from 130,000 km
The famous HEMI tick from the valvetrain: early roller-bearing or lifter noise. Often harmless, but it can be the precursor to lifter/camshaft failure and should be monitored.
Symptoms: Metallic, rhythmic ticking that varies with engine speed, audible at idle and when warm. Unlike a manifold leak, it persists once the engine is hot. - !! Excessive oil consumption from 160,000 km
Many 5.7 HEMIs burn significant oil past 100,000 miles, sometimes over 1 quart per 1,000 miles. Causes include piston-ring and valve-stem-seal wear plus a clogged PCV/CCV breather.
Symptoms: Dropping oil level without visible leaks, low-oil warning, bluish smoke under acceleration, oil-fouled spark plugs.
+ 3 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
FCA workhorse V6 with 305 hp — most-produced Stellantis engine, same unit as in Jeep, Dodge and Chrysler vehicles. In the RAM 1500 it's the base engine without excitement, highway cruising is fine. Rocker arm tick from ~60k miles is classic, parts are cheap, labor is not. Plastic oil filter housing becomes brittle, leaks — oil and coolant can mix. Dorman metal housing is the recommended permanent fix. On early units (2013) check cylinder heads for cracking.
- !! Left cylinder head valve-seat wear (early build) from 110,000 km
Early 3.6 Pentastar (2011–2013) suffer valve-seat/guide wear in the left head (Bank 2), notably cylinder 2. Result: lost compression and misfires. Chrysler extended warranty to 10yr/150k miles on the left head.
Symptoms: Engine ticking, misfires, rough running, check-engine light with codes P0300/P0302/P0304/P0306, loss of power. - !! Pentastar tick – worn rocker arms/rollers from 90,000 km
On 2014–2020 3.6 Pentastar the rocker-arm rollers wear, loosen and drop, shifting the rocker out of alignment, creating metal debris and risking camshaft damage. Design was revised by 2019.
Symptoms: Metallic tick, often on cold start and around 1500–2000 rpm, later constant; can progress to misfires, surging and power loss. - !! Timing chain stretch (higher mileage) from 190,000 km
At high mileage (from ~120,000 miles) the timing chains stretch and cam-to-crank correlation drifts. Extended oil intervals or low oil accelerate wear because the tensioners are oil-fed.
Symptoms: Chain rattle on cold start (first seconds), tick from the top end, check-engine light with P0016/P0017/P0018/P0019, sometimes misfires.
+ 2 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| TIPM failure — Totally Integrated Power Module The TIPM is the central control module for the vehicle's electrical system. Moisture corrodes internal components — result: intermittent failure of fuel pump, headlights, windshield washers, door locks. Replacement required, repair rarely permanent. Symptoms: Vehicle won't start or has starting issues, headlights or turn signals don't work, wipers inoperative, doors lock spontaneously from 80,000 km | Medium |
Top Reported Issues
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Known Problems and Issues +
A total of 22 weaknesses have been documented for the RAM 1500 DS (2009–2019) — 17 engine-related and 5 vehicle-related. One problem engine: EXF-DS (3.0L EcoDiesel V6). Typical issues affect Electronics, Suspension, Rust, Gearbox.
1500 (EXF-DS, 2014–2019) — Stay Away!: EGR cooler cracks — intake manifold fire risk, Bosch CP4.2 high-pressure pump — metal debris contamination, Oil cooler failure — oil-coolant intermixing. Power: 240 PS.
1500 (Hemi-5.7-DS, 2009–2018) — Be Careful: MDS lifter collapse and camshaft destruction, HEMI tick (valvetrain ticking), Excessive oil consumption. Power: 395 PS.
1500 (Pentastar-3.6-DS, 2013–2018) — Be Careful: Left cylinder head valve-seat wear (early build), Pentastar tick – worn rocker arms/rollers, Timing chain stretch (higher mileage). Power: 305 PS.
What to watch out for with the RAM 1500? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.
Frequently Asked Questions
What problems and weaknesses does the RAM 1500 DS have? +
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Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee