RAM 1500 DS

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 failure — fire risk (recall 2019/2020) from 80,000 km

  EGR cooler cracks from thermal fatigue, coolant enters the engine bay — documented vehicle fires. Recall for 2014–2019 RAM 1500 EcoDiesel, free replacement by FCA.

  Symptoms: Coolant loss, overheating warning, white smoke, engine bay fire in severe cases
  0–2,500 $
  Ad EGR cooler 3.0 EcoDiesel RAM 150068239864AA EGR cooler EXF
• !! Oil cooler failure — oil/coolant cross-contamination from 80,000 km

  Oil cooler fails under high temperatures, especially when towing heavy loads. Oil and coolant mix — engine damage. Primarily affects 2014–2016 EcoDiesel.

  Symptoms: Milky white oil, coolant loss, overheating, power loss
  800–2,500 $
  Ad oil cooler 3.0 EcoDiesel RAM 150068367498AA oil cooler EXF
• !! Recall: Emissions software manipulation (Dieselgate)

  EPA violation: NOx emissions in real-world driving manipulated through unauthorized software functions. ~104,000 vehicles affected (2014–2016 RAM 1500 + Jeep Grand Cherokee). $307M settlement 2019, mandatory software update AEM — afterward increased fuel consumption and altered drivability.

  0–0 $

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 failure — cylinder deactivation destroys camshaft from 100,000 km

  MDS deactivates cylinders 1, 4, 6, 7 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. MDS Delete via ECU tuning ($300–500) is the only permanent fix.

  Symptoms: Loud ticking/knocking at operating temperature, misfires, rough running, oil pressure drop
  1,500–5,000 $
  Ad 5038785AD MDS lifter kit 5.7 Hemi53021726AE camshaft lifter bridge 5.7L HemiMDS delete kit 5.7 Hemi RAM 1500
• !! Water pump failure from 100,000 km

  Coolant pump fails from plastic impeller separation (plastic from steel shaft) or bearing wear. Coolant loss gradual or sudden.

  Symptoms: Coolant loss, overheating warning, squealing from the engine bay
  400–1,000 $
  Ad water pump 5.7 Hemi RAM 150053022091AA water pump 5.7L
• ! Hemi Tick — lifter/rocker arm noise from 30,000 km

  Metallic ticking from the valvetrain, especially on cold start. Can be harmless exhaust manifold tick or dangerous MDS lifter tick — the difference matters enormously. Lifter tick that gets louder at operating temperature is a red flag.

  Symptoms: Metallic ticking on cold start, disappears after warmup (harmless) or stays/gets louder (critical)
  0–500 $
  Ad MDS lifter 5.7 Hemi RAM 15005038785AD lifter yoke 5.7L Hemi53021726AE lifter bridge Hemi MDS

+ 1 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.

• !! Rocker arm tick — lifter wear from 60,000 km

  Hydraulic lifters lose lash compensation from oil quality degradation or excessive bore clearance. Rocker arm roller contacts cam lobe, needle bearing wears. 2022 class action lawsuit filed due to systematic frequency.

  Symptoms: Ticking from upper engine area especially on cold start, possible misfire if damage progresses
  500–1,800 $
  Ad 5184296AH rocker arm Pentastar 3.65184332AA hydraulic lifter 3.6L V6rocker arm kit Pentastar RAM 1500
• !! Oil filter housing leaks from 80,000 km

  Plastic oil filter housing becomes brittle from heat and age, seals fail. Oil drips into the engine bay. Dorman metal housing is the recommended permanent fix.

  Symptoms: Oil spots under the vehicle, oil smell while driving, dropping oil level
  200–700 $
  Ad 68105583AF oil filter housing Pentastar 3.6Dorman 926-876 aluminum oil filter housing 3.6Loil filter adapter kit RAM 1500 Pentastar
• !! Timing chain tensioner wear from 120,000 km

  Timing chain tensioners and guides wear at higher mileage. Rattling on cold start until oil pressure builds is characteristic. In the RAM 1500, the heavier vehicle and frequent towing loads stress the chain more than in passenger cars.

  Symptoms: Rattling on cold start that subsides after warmup, check engine light from camshaft position sensor fault
  600–1,500 $
  Ad 5184357AE timing chain idler sprocket Pentastar 3.65184352AF timing chain kit 3.6L V6timing chain tensioner 3.6 RAM 1500