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2015 Ram 1500: engine knocking or ticking

28 of the 1,461 complaints about the 2015 Ram 1500 describe engine knocking or ticking.

owner complaints
28
of this car's complaints
2%
typical repair cost reported
$4,000
typical mileage
60,137
recalls
3
Is there a fix? There are 3 recalls and 81 service bulletins for this area of the car. See below

Engine knocking or ticking by model year

What owners say

Filed Aug 24, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · 30,000 miles · SC

The contact owns a 2015 Ram 1500. The contact stated that the dealer performed an unknown software update associated with an unknown class-action lawsuit settlement without the owner's consent. Following the software update, the vehicle experienced cooling system failures, including oil intrusion in the coolant reservoir and brown and burnt coolant. The vehicle was taken to the dealer on several occasions and was eventually diagnosed with a turbocharger oil leak. The turbocharger was replaced under warranty; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer several times, and the diesel particulate filter (DPF) was replaced. Additionally, while driving 68 MPH, the vehicle stalled, and the low oil pressure warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where the engine oil and oil filter were replaced; however, the failure worsened, and the engine made an abnormal knocking sound. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, and was diagnosed with a blown head gasket, and the engine was replaced; however, the failure persisted, resulting in additional failures, including emissions failures. The vehicle was towed to an independent diesel mechanic, where no diagnostic trouble codes were found. The contact stated that the new engine failed at 100,000 miles. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failures, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.

Filed Jul 7, 2026 · Engine · IL

Exhaust bolts broken. Exhaust leak and loud ticking noise and smell

Filed Mar 9, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · GA

I have a 2015 dodge ram 1500 slt 3.6 vvt I purchased the vehicle.I paid full price $18,768 when I first got the truck it has being ticking noise and in has a faulty oil pump also the truck was infected with roaches. I got the truck from dodge ram dealership in morrow ga they just vacuum out the roaches.I bring having problems with this truck since I got it.Any solution y’all going to fix this problem

Filed Nov 7, 2025 · Engine · OH

I'm the 2nd owner in the vehicle I still owe $4,000 on it. I take very and I mean very good care of it even put a new rear-end in it. I was driving it no.lights came on and it started knocking. When I pulled over I popped the hood and was looking it over went to check the oil pulled the diptych out and it had some coming out of it. I jus very disappointed and to come to find out this is a known problem. Just come from a single momma now with out a vehicle I had to have AAA tow it home

Filed Jun 9, 2025 · Engine · FL

I experienced an issue with a ticking noise coming from the engine. I took the truck to a local repair shop and they indicated that the problem was an issue with the valves not getting enough lubrication. The repair shop indicated that this is an issue with the 2010 - 2015 Ram trucks that they see multiple times every month. They indicated that a company has patented a change to the part that squirts oil onto the valves to correct the issue. To fix the issue I had to have the engine replaced. If I had not replaced the engine to correct the issue the engine could have seized or broken down while I was driving.

Filed Jan 3, 2025 · Engine · WA

Exhaust manifold bolts failed resulting in a separation of the manifold from the engine block. Resulting in a loud “ticking” noise coming from the engine compartment. Vehicle was driven to a mechanic were new bolts were installed resulting in a several hundred dollar repair cost.

Filed Nov 12, 2024 · Engine, Transmission · TN

Subject: Complaint Regarding Camshaft and Lifter Failure in 2015 Ram 1500 5.7L V8 To Whom It May Concern, I am writing to formally submit a complaint regarding the camshaft and lifter failure in my 2015 Ram 1500 5.7L V8, which has only 141,000 miles. This issue began as a faint ticking sound—known commonly as the “Hemi tick”—and has progressively worsened, leading to severe internal engine damage. Now, I am faced with the need for a complete engine replacement. The “Hemi tick” is a widely recognized issue that often starts with a minor noise but is known to develop into serious mechanical failure in Hemi engines. Despite its prevalence, this issue is frequently dismissed until it causes significant and costly engine damage. In my situation, what began as a ticking noise has led to camshaft and lifter failure, which I now understand is a recurring defect in these vehicles. This situation presents a major safety concern. With these parts deteriorating from what appears to be a design flaw, there is a high risk of sudden engine failure while driving. The failure of the camshaft and lifters can lead to immediate loss of power, which could leave drivers stranded or in dangerous situations on highways and busy roads. Additionally, sudden engine failure at higher speeds could lead to loss of vehicle control, endangering not only the driver and passengers but also other motorists. I recently experienced this firsthand. Luckily, my family and I, were able to maintain control and get to safety. I believe that this widespread defect requires attention to ensure the safety of those on the road. I respectfully request that the federal safety agency investigate the durability and reliability of the camshaft and lifters in Dodge Ram vehicles with Hemi engines and take appropriate action to address this safety risk. Thank you for your attention to this matter. I trust that the federal safety agency will act in the best interest of all drivers affected by this issue.

Filed Oct 2, 2024 · Engine · 30,000 miles · NY

The contact owns a 2015 Ram 1500. The contact stated that on several occasions while starting the vehicle, there was an abnormally loud ticking sound coming from the engine. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer several times and the exhaust manifold bolts were replaced under warranty. The contact stated that since owning the vehicle, the bolts had been replaced almost every two years. Recently, the failure reoccurred; however, the contact was informed by the dealer that the warranty had expired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.

Filed Jan 9, 2024 · Engine, Fuel system · CA

Good morning! I own a 2015 Ram Ecodiesel. I am not the original owner. I am in California. The truck is not under warranty and the FCC will not help me nor the dealership. A few months ago I was towing my horses in a trailer and the truck started to lose acceleration, started to over heat, black smoke was coming out from under the hood, and it almost lost power going up a hill. It was very scary and it almost caused an accident and my horses were terrified. I barely got it to drive up the hill and pulled over to safe place. The truck was smoking black smoke, smelled terrible, and we felt in danger. I took truck to dealership in San Luis Obispo CA. It was diagnosed with a bad intake manifold, bad fuel lines, bad egr cooler. The estimate in costs was about $7,000. Luckily my husband is a mechanic and he performed the repairs. Than the truck was back up and running, no more black smoke, and it sounded better. On [XXX] I was hauling my horses and small only 2 horse trailer, same trailer, it’s small, not oversized or too big for my truck….. the truck started to lag, lose acceleration and drive slow, then it started a knocking sound….. then a high pitch noise….. this was terrifying as we were on a very busy freeway. I pulled over and the engine started to smoke and make horrible noises like knocking and high pitch screeches. My husband and I and our two horses were once again stranded with a broken down truck. This time on a very busy freeway, highway [XXX] in California. The truck was towed to the dealership that day. We were stranded for hours with horses and no water on side of a freeway. The truck was diagnosed by Santa maria, CA dodge ram Chrysler with a blown up engine, that must be completely replaced. The repair is $20,000 or more. This is a common issue in these trucks. This truck is dangerous and needs to be recalled and taken off the road. All of these engines are bad and they should all be bought back. They were ruined after the emissions scandal. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFOR

Filed Jan 5, 2024 · Transmission · TX

The lifter is ticking for no reason I always use royal purple in my 2015 ram 1500 now for no reason out of no where it started to tick just driving to work. Now the more I research I find out that these hemi 5.7 engines are well known to tick because of the lift. If these lifters are well known to go out why haven't a recall been activated to fix the problem. I love my ram truck but now I'm going to have to spend money to fix it that I don't not have. That should recall these vehicles because this how they will lose customers.

Filed Nov 6, 2023 · Engine · 109,000 miles · KY

The contact owns a 2015 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving approximately 20 MPH and making a right turn, the vehicle jerked twice. There was white smoke coming from under the hood. The smoke was thick and obstructed the driver’s view before the vehicle stalled. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the rod bearing had become inoperable, and an engine replacement was needed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and the contact was referred to the federal safety agency Hotline, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 109,000.

Filed Oct 25, 2023 · Acceleration, Engine · ME

My truck is experiencing the “hemi tick”. Upon research, this tick is a common defect in RAM trucks that was supposed to be fixed in later models. Not true. Not only do I need to pay thousands for replacing the manifold, it will be a problem again. The hot/cold engine melds the aluminum and steel, creating a warped or split manifold. To replace it is immense labor, hence costly fees, as the bolts are too small to adequately remove and snap. If drilling out, metal could get into other parts of the engine causing severe damage. I bought this used at $30,000 miles (approx). Per my mechanic, the manifold has already been altered once. They claim it’s a safety concern, which includes “loss of power … especially at highway speeds. This is in addition to the repair costa and loss of value. The earliest appointment is a month away. Yes, it could be inspected upon request. It has been inspected by Arbos and G&D auto repair. Both whom are unable to remove the bolts and referred me to a dealership. I have an appointment with Hights Chrysler in Madison, Maine on Nov. 30th. The quotes I have received range from $500 to $2,000. The ‘warning’ is the ticking sound during idle.

Service bulletins that may apply

Related recalls

Engine and engine coolingReported June 8, 2023 · 80,629 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2019 Ram 1500 and 2014-2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles equipped with 3.0L Diesel engines. The crankshaft position sensor tone wheel may delaminate, causing the engine to lose its ability to synchronize the fuel injector pulses and cam shaft timing, possibly resulting in an engine stall.
Risk
An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will update the powertrain control module software to maintain vehicle propulsion, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed August 3, 2023. Some owner notification letters were mailed October 31, 2023. The remaining owner notification letters will be mailed at a future date, anticipated July 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 66A. This recall is an expansion of recall 20V‑475.

Recall number 23V411000 · Recall details

Engine and engine cooling: engine: dieselReported August 13, 2020 · 58,016 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Ram 1500 and 2014-2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles equipped with 3.0L diesel engines. The crankshaft position sensor tone wheel may delaminate causing the engine to lose its ability to synchronize the fuel injector pulses and cam shaft timing, possibly resulting in an engine stall.
Risk
An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
FCA US will notify owners, and dealers will update the powertrain control module software to maintain vehicle propulsion by reading the camshaft position signal in the event that the crankshaft position signal is lost, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 13, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US customer service at 1‑800‑853‑2002. FCA US's number for this recall is W58.

Recall number 20V475000 · Recall details

Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control: gas recirculation valve (EGR valve)Reported October 24, 2019 · 107,980 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2019 Ram 1500 and 1500 Classic Pickup trucks equipped with 3.0L Eco Diesel engines. The Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) cooler may crack and allow pre-heated vaporized coolant to enter the EGR system. This mixture may combust inside the intake manifold.
Risk
Combustion in the intake manifold can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the EGR cooler, free of charge. Dealers will also inspect and, as necessary, replace the intake manifold. The recall began April 16, 2020. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is VB1.

Recall number 19V757000 · Recall details

Questions about the 2015 Ram 1500 knocking

Is engine knocking or ticking a common problem on the 2015 Ram 1500?

28 of 1,461 owner complaints about the 2015 Ram 1500 (2%) mention engine knocking or ticking. The model year with the most reports is 2014.

How much does it cost to fix engine knocking or ticking on the 2015 Ram 1500?

Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $4,000 (median of 5 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.

Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2015 Ram 1500?

There are 3 recalls and 81 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.

Other symptoms on the 2015 Ram 1500

Check engine light 143ABS 138Power steering loss 117Loss of power 106Stalling 92Engine failure 60Fire or smoke 57Adaptive cruise 52Fuel pump 49Won't shift 40Fuel gauge 29Steering lock-up 29Jerking 28No deployment 27Hesitation 26Headlights 25Won't start 18Overheating 12Grinding brakes 10Fuel smell 10Misfire 9Rollaway 9Water leak 8Airbag light 7Brake failure 7Warning lights 7Fuel leak 6Key fob 5Transmission failure 5

All model years of the Ram 1500

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