RAM 1500 EcoDiesel
Third-generation VM Motori EcoDiesel with 260 hp — improved emissions controls post-scandal. Oil cooler remains a weak point, worst case oil/coolant cross-contamination. Early 2020 production with connecting rod bearing failures documented below 20,000 miles. DPF regeneration incomplete with frequent short trips — minimum highway mileage required. Much better than predecessor, but not a carefree choice without complete service history.
3.0 EcoDiesel Gen3 — better but not trouble-free
260 hp and 442 lb-ft after the fresh start. Improved emissions system, but oil cooler remains a weak point. Early 2020 units with bearing failures below 20,000 miles documented. The most economical choice for high-mileage towers — with service records.
Engine Weaknesses 3
Oil cooler fails, oil and coolant mix — worst case engine damage. 3rd-gen EcoDiesel shows same fundamental weakness as predecessor. Documented on vehicles below 30,000 miles.
Symptoms: Milky white oil, coolant loss, overheating warning
Manufacturing-related bearing failures on connecting rod and crankshaft bearings, some occurring below 20,000 miles. Suspected cause: assembly tolerances. Most repairs completed under warranty.
Symptoms: Knocking noise from engine internals, oil pressure drop, engine warning light
Diesel particulate filter clogs with frequent short-trip driving. Engine doesn't reach regeneration temperature, soot accumulates. Forced regeneration via extended highway driving helps short-term.
Symptoms: Power loss, increased fuel consumption, DPF warning light, engine protection mode
Vehicle Weaknesses 7
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.
Active Level air suspension on 5th-gen RAM shows same cold-weather vulnerability as predecessor. Compressor and air bags fail regularly in salt belt states after a few years. Coil spring conversion recommended once warranty expires.
Same issue as 4th-gen: ZF 8HP70 torque converter lockup clutch shudders on engagement. Fluid change every 60,000 miles recommended (against RAM's 'Lifetime Fill' claim). Early fluid change resolves the shudder in many cases permanently.
12-inch UConnect 5 display freezes, goes black, or becomes unresponsive to touch. Backup camera may not display during reversing — recall Z47 (NHTSA 22V-407) covered 272,911 trucks. Class action lawsuit McNeely v. FCA filed July 2024 alleges systemic defect across Stellantis vehicles. Software reflash at dealer resolves most cases, hardware replacement if screen physically fails.
Electronic modules fail to enter sleep mode after shutdown, drawing 1-6 amps instead of the specified 50 mA maximum. Battery dies within 2-3 days of sitting. Common culprits: corroded ground connection G2A, ABS module staying awake, gauge cluster not shutting off. TSB PIT5745D addresses diagnostic procedure. Error code P068A frequently appears. Cleaning ground connections with conductive grease resolves many cases.
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.
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.