RAM 1500
Pentastar 3.6 with eTorque in the 5th-gen RAM 1500 — 305 hp plus 48V system for torque fill off the line. Rocker arm tick remains the classic weakness. eTorque components on the V6 show fewer issues than the V8 variant because the system is less heavily loaded. Everyday engine without character — reliable when maintenance is current.
3.6 Pentastar eTorque — V6 with mild hybrid assist
305 hp with eTorque torque fill. Fewer eTorque issues than the V8 variant. Base engine of the 5th-gen RAM — adequate for light-duty use without ambitions. Rocker arm tick remains the known weakness.
Engine Weaknesses 3
Same fundamental weakness as DS Pentastar — hydraulic lifters lose lash compensation. In the eTorque V6, additional stress from frequent stop-start cycles.
Symptoms: Ticking from upper engine area especially on cold start and after stop-start operation
Pentastar 3.6 water pump fails from internal seal degradation or impeller separation. In the 5th-gen RAM 1500 with eTorque, frequent stop-start cycles add thermal stress. Coolant loss can be gradual or sudden. Part number 68261224AG for 2019+ models.
Symptoms: Coolant loss without visible external leak, overheating warning, squealing from the belt area, elevated coolant temps on gauge
Plastic oil filter housing with integrated oil cooler becomes brittle from heat cycling. O-ring seals harden, housing cracks at the cap threads or at the block mating surface. Oil accumulates in the engine valley and runs down the bellhousing. Dorman aluminum replacement housing recommended as permanent fix. Intake manifold removal required for access.
Symptoms: Oil spots under the vehicle, burning oil smell, oil pooling in engine valley visible from above, dropping oil level between changes
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.