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RAM · Pickup Truck · 2009–2019

RAM 1500 DS

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

★★★★★
2.3 / 5.0 · Based on 3 engine variants
Most Fun Engine

396 PS

5.7L Hemi V8 Benzin

Hemi 5.7 — the sound that can cost you ,000

Fun to Drive!
Problem Engine

239 PS

3.0L EcoDiesel V6 Diesel

3 weaknesses

Stay Away!

Generations

Engine Overview

The RAM 1500 DS is available with 2 engine variants — from 239 to 396 hp. 1 variants had engine changes — the model year is crucial.

1500 EcoDiesel · Diesel· 240 PS
2014 2019
Stay Away! 3 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →
1500 · Petrol· 305–395 PS Engine Change
2009 2018
Be Careful 4 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →
2013 2018
Be Careful 3 weaknesses

The RAM 1500 EcoDiesel (Diesel, 240 PS) has the EXF-DS (3.0L EcoDiesel V6) — rated: "Stay Away!", 3 known weaknesses.

The RAM 1500 (Petrol, 305–395 PS) comes with 2 different engines: Hemi-5.7-DS (2009–2018, Be Careful) und Pentastar-3.6-DS (2013–2018, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the 1500!

Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
✖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
Ad 68089323AF TIPM RAM 1500 DS 201268243748 TIPM RAM 1500 2013+totally integrated power module RAM 1500
 Medium
NHTSA Owner Complaints
Below average
10,907 complaints · 2009–2018
Engine
2067 ⚠ 6
Steering
1829 ⚠ 30
Electrical
1226 ⚠ 14
Fuel System
1179 ⚠ 4
Powertrain
1130 ⚠ 2

Top Reported Issues

⚠ Engine (2067 complaints)
⚠ Steering (1829 complaints)
⚠ Electrical (1226 complaints)
Source: NHTSA (nhtsa.gov) · 2026-04

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Known Problems and Issues

A total of 15 weaknesses have been documented for the RAM 1500 DS (2009–2019) — 10 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 failure — fire risk (recall 2019/2020), Oil cooler failure — oil/coolant cross-contamination, Recall: Emissions software manipulation (Dieselgate). Power: 240 PS.

1500 (Hemi-5.7-DS, 2009–2018) — Be Careful: MDS lifter failure — cylinder deactivation destroys camshaft, Water pump failure, Hemi Tick — lifter/rocker arm noise. Power: 395 PS.

1500 (Pentastar-3.6-DS, 2013–2018) — Be Careful: Rocker arm tick — lifter wear, Oil filter housing leaks, Timing chain tensioner wear. 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? +
The RAM 1500 DS has 10 known engine weaknesses and 5 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used RAM 1500 DS? +
faq.watch_a_avoid
Which engine is recommended? +
Be careful: Hemi-5.7-DS (5.7L Hemi V8), Pentastar-3.6-DS (3.6L V6). No engine is rated 'Good Choice'. The most fun to drive is the Hemi-5.7-DS (5.7L Hemi V8). Problem engine: EXF-DS (3.0L EcoDiesel V6) — stay away!
Which RAM 1500 DS engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the RAM 1500 DS — rated: "Fun to Drive!". {description} 395 hp V8 with that unmistakable Hemi burble on startup. MDS cylinder deactivation is the sword of Damocles — lifters fail from dry-running needle bearings. ,200-5,000 repair. Exhaust manifold bolts break universally (TSB 09-001-24). "Change oil every 5,000 miles with synthetic or pay the price" — the RAM community sums it up.
Is the RAM 1500 DS worth buying used? +
Caution is advised with the RAM 1500 DS — 1 of 3 engine variants are rated 'Stay Away!'. The engine choice is crucial.
What horsepower variants are available for the RAM 1500 DS? +
The RAM 1500 DS is available with engine variants from 239 to 396 hp. Petrol: Hemi-5.7-DS (5.7L Hemi V8), Pentastar-3.6-DS (3.6L V6). Diesel: EXF-DS (3.0L EcoDiesel V6).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee