RAM 1500 DT
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
396 PS
5.7L Hemi V8 eTorque Benzin
5.7 Hemi eTorque — classic V8 with 48V assist
Fun to Drive!Generations
Engine Overview
The RAM 1500 DT is available with 2 engine variants — from 264 to 396 hp. 1 variants had engine changes — the model year is crucial.
The RAM 1500 EcoDiesel (Diesel, 260 PS) has the EXF-DT (3.0L EcoDiesel V6 Gen3) — rated: "Be Careful", 3 known weaknesses.
The RAM 1500 (Petrol Mild-Hybrid, 305–395 PS) comes with 2 different engines: Hemi-5.7-DT (2019–2025, Be Careful) und Pentastar-3.6-DT (2019–2025, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the 1500!
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Rear window leaks — water intrusion into cab Seal on the sliding rear window and CHMSL gasket at the rear roofline allows water entry. Primarily affects 2019–2021, often associated with the sliding glass window. TSB exists, sealant kit available under warranty. Symptoms: Wet carpet behind rear seat, damp headliner, mold smell from 30,000 km | Low | |
| Paint chipping and orange peel — thin clear coat Owners report 50-150+ paint chips within the first year, primarily on hood, bumper, and grille. Orange peel texture visible and tactile on darker colors (Graphite Gray, Patriot Blue, Black Diamond). 2022+ models significantly worse than 2019-2021 builds. Generally not covered under warranty — dealers classify as road damage. PPF (paint protection film) recommended on new purchases. Symptoms: Visible paint chips clustered on front bumper and hood, textured orange peel surface on body panels, paint peeling near front sensors on bumper fascia from 15,000 km | Medium | |
| Aluminum hood corrosion — paint bubbling from inside Aluminum hood develops oxidation corrosion beneath the paint layer, visible as bubbling on the surface. Not traditional rust — aluminum oxide forms from moisture trapped between paint and bare aluminum. Palpable from both sides of the hood. Similar issue documented on Ford aluminum-body vehicles. Warranty coverage under 5-year corrosion warranty if caught early, but RAM has denied claims on older vehicles. Symptoms: Paint bubbling on hood surface, bumps felt on underside of hood, no visible paint chips or cracks at onset from 80,000 km | Medium |
Top Reported Issues
Alternatives
Ford Maverick I
Pickup (2022–2025)
Nissan Frontier D41
Pickup (2022–2025)
Toyota Tundra 3rd Gen
Pickup (2022–2025)
Ford F-150 14th Gen
Pickup (2021–2024)
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 T1XX
Pickup (2019–2025)
GMC Sierra 1500 T1XX
Pickup (2019–2025)
Known Problems and Issues
A total of 18 weaknesses have been documented for the RAM 1500 DT (2019–2025) — 11 engine-related and 7 vehicle-related. Typical issues affect Body, Suspension, Gearbox, Electronics.
1500 (EXF-DT, 2020–2024) — Be Careful: Oil cooler failure — oil/coolant cross-contamination, Connecting rod / crankshaft bearing failure — early failure, DPF clogging — short-trip problem. Power: 260 PS.
1500 (Hemi-5.7-DT, 2019–2025) — Be Careful: MDS lifter failure — cylinder deactivation destroys camshaft, eTorque — engine stall (2023 recall), eTorque 48V battery failure. Power: 395 PS.
1500 (Pentastar-3.6-DT, 2019–2025) — Be Careful: Rocker arm tick — lifter wear, Water pump failure, Oil filter housing leaks — plastic housing cracks. 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 DT have? +
What should I look for when buying a used RAM 1500 DT? +
Which engine is recommended? +
Which RAM 1500 DT engine is the most fun? +
Is the RAM 1500 DT worth buying used? +
What horsepower variants are available for the RAM 1500 DT? +
Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee