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2018 Ram 1500: engine knocking or ticking

16 of the 667 complaints about the 2018 Ram 1500 describe engine knocking or ticking.

owner complaints
16
of this car's complaints
2%
recalls
3
Is there a fix? There are 3 recalls and 71 service bulletins for this area of the car. See below

Engine knocking or ticking by model year

What owners say

Filed Aug 1, 2025 · Engine · CA

While driving heard Clicking/Knocking noise then low oil pressure light came on we pulled over and turned truck off then truck would not restart. truck was towed to Dealer which has check truck and decided it was a complete engine failure main bearing. Truck only had 45,000 mile on Engine

Filed Mar 12, 2025 · Engine · 77,000 miles · IL

The contact owns a 2018 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal ticking sound coming from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to two separate independent mechanics who both stated that the exhaust manifold was warped due to a fractured bolt. The contact was informed that the exhaust manifold needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and was informed that there were no recalls on the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 77,000.

Filed Jan 2, 2025 · Engine · AL

my vehicle started knocking loudly, the all of a sudden I lost power on a 4 lane highway causing other vehicles to swerve around me. this could have been a accident if the road conditions were icy such as they are in Alberta. I had the vehicle towed to the dealership, the connecting Rods were in the bottom of the oil pan. since this incident I have learned of 2 other Eco diesels that had the same thing happen to them. These people are my friends and close aquaintances. So there must be more if I know 3 Eco diesels personally on my town.

Filed Dec 30, 2024 · Engine · OR

Engine started knocking at 65mph. Slowed to find a safe place to pull out of traffic lane. Before pulling over engine stopped but was able to get completely off the road. My safety was not directly at risk but had to wait at the side of the road for 4 hours waiting for tow. The dealer stated they have no idea what failed. The engine has not been inspected. The dealer told me I would have to pay to have it torn apart to find out what failed. There were no warnings except the engine knock. Oil pressure was normal, was not overheating and no check engine light. My safety could have been at risk had I been trying to pull out into traffic. Dealer has been doing all of the scheduled oil changes and inspections. I thought this may have something to do with recall 66A/the federal safety agency 23V‑411. Dealer stated that could not be the reason as that recall fix is a software update?

Filed Dec 6, 2024 · Engine · NY

I have a 2018 Ram, with the 5.7 hemi. I purchased it new in November 2017. I currently have just over 53,000 miles and began to hear a ticking sound on startup that lessened upon driving but never completely gone and could smell exhaust fumes in the passenger compartment. I took this to an independent service center and they reported that two or the rear bolts have broken off that secure the exhaust manifold and the gasket has been damaged. The mechanic states that this is quite common but not a recalled area from the manufacturer. The repair will cost close to $1,000.00 to repair. I do not understand that if this is a common and well known and documented problem and can be a huge safety risk due to the leaking of carbon monoxide into the passenger compartment, why hasn't this t been listed as a safety recall. I now understand that RAM is also discontinuing the production of the 5.7 hemi engine, are these type problems related?

Filed Oct 16, 2024 · Electrical, Engine · NC

The engine ticking constantly as well as an electrical issue with the radio, heating, ac unit, control panel in dash that has all of this in it constantly changes goes haywire, won't let you do anything to fix it. It flips from setting to setting as well as different screens and the cargo lights have a habit of staying on an draining the battery. The engine tick has been like that for i dont know how long but it seems all the ram 1500s have that same tick, the control panel started acting crazy about 2 months ago, the battery being drained this is the 2nd battery I bought in 2 yrs due to this issue. Not sure about the cargo light when that started. It's pretty crappy we use out hard earned money to purchase what we believe to be a great vehicle only to find its made so bad to have all these issues and no recalls on them. I'm sure I speak for all ram 1500 owners ram should take better care of their customers and the issues in which their products malfunction and fix the issue instead of leaving us high an dry, broke down along the road due to poor production. I'd like to see these issues fixed but not on my experience since the issue comes straight from the manufacturer.

Filed Aug 24, 2024 · Engine, Transmission · AL

My warranty work is being delayed until my warranty expires. The dealership said I could take my vehicle to another location, but that would mean leaving it there for several weeks just to get it inspected. This other dealership is about an hour away, and I live alone, so this isn't feasible. Am I really expected to accommodate the dealership just to get them to honor my warranty? The engine is ticking at idle, which I understand could indicate a failing engine. My truck also has a transmission issue—it slams into first gear when coming to a stop. The dealership looked at it early this summer but said I’d be without a vehicle for a significant amount of time if I left it, and they didn’t offer a loaner. This truck was originally purchased for $38,000 and came with a Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) warranty. Additionally, the headliner leaked within the first few months of ownership. The dealership (Champion Ram of Athens, Alabama) tried to get me to pay a third-party contractor for the repair, but it was clear they were trying to sell me unnecessary services, so I declined. I took it to a body shop friend, who found that the cab seams were leaking due to what seemed to be a manufacturing defect. This issue causes moisture to affect the 10-inch Uconnect system, which malfunctions when exposed to water. My warranty expires very soon, and it feels like they're just trying to avoid fixing these issues. The truck currently has around 93,000 miles on it. Please help in any way you can, because getting help from Ram has been like chasing a chipmunk!

Filed Jul 22, 2024 · Engine · 98,000 miles · MO

The contact owns a 2018 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving at undisclosed speeds, there was an abnormal ticking sound coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that while the vehicle was inside the garage, the contact noticed an abnormal exhaust odor. After inspecting the vehicle, the contact became aware that the exhaust manifold bolts were fractured. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the manifold and bolts needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and the contact was referred to the federal safety agency Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 98,000.

Filed May 6, 2024 · Engine · CA

I bought this Dodge truck in 2018 from a certified Dodge Dealership in California. On March [XXX] this year around [XXX] I was driving on the freeway when experienced an engine stall, had to move the vehicle to the shoulder and almost got hit by a semi-truck. Got the car towed to the nearest Dodge dealership where the car was later inspected by a certified service advisor. He stated that the reason for the engine stall was a rod bearing failure. After looking it up on the federal safety agency's website, I found out that there were 2 open safety recall for this truck which Dodge has failed to notify me about and get it fixed. One of the open safety recall is: 664- LOSS OF CRANKSHAFT POS. Although a failure in the crankshaft position can usually not directly cause damage to the rod bearing, If there is a failure in the crankshaft position sensor, this can lead to synchronization problems in the engine and If these conditions are severe enough and persist for an extended period, they can eventually lead to engine damage, including damage to the rod bearings. I've contacted Dodge directly and they refused to provide any assistance for this matter and closed the case alleging that the truck is past its warranty and there is nothing they can do about it. The cost of repair is over $33k which I absolutely cannot afford to pay. Insurance company won't cover it either because it was a 'mechanical breakdown'. Upon talking to the California Department of Consumer Affairs, they advised me to contact the federal safety agency regarding this matter. Thank you so much in advance, I hope you guys can help me fighting this case. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Jan 30, 2024 · Engine · KS

In the last 12 months my engine began to have a ticking sound which started out as a slight ticking to now a loud ticking sound. I am afraid that it may lose power or fail all together. I could be driving in heavy traffic or cause a chain effect of crashes. This vehicle is my primary "good" vehicle that I drive. I will be taking my truck to the dealer very soon for inspection.

Filed May 14, 2023 · Engine · ID

I bought this vehicle around 2 years ago from a local dealer. A week or so after purchase, I heard a small rattling sound at start up and a continuous ticking sound whle running. My sales rep said "that is normal, mine does it too and its nothing to worry about." 5 days ago, the sound at start was way louder than after purchase and lasted a bit longer. My extensive research, including talking to a Dodge service tech, it is broken bolts in the manifold due to excessive heat and warping of the manifold. Apparently this issue has been going on for years and has affected many Dodge/Ram owners. My vehicle is 3 months past its 5 year warranty and now I am left holding the bag to repair something that should be covered under a recall. This "ticking" and "rattling" sound is actually an exhaust leak and is potentially deathly dangerous to anyone occupying a vehicle (while its running) with this issue. Current possible cost for replacement of parts would be around $750 per side. Plus, with the install of all new parts, this even would occur again, at some point, resulting in getting it repaired again, and again, and again. I think, as do many others, that the Mopar company shouldbe liable for these repairs with a permanent fix so it doesnt continue happening.

Filed Sep 24, 2021 · Engine · 61,174 miles · OH

The contact owns a 2018 Ram 1500. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, an abnormal ticking noise was heard. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and diagnosed that the manifold had warped and damaged the manifold bolts. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was out of warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 61,174.

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 2018 Ram 1500 knocking

Is engine knocking or ticking a common problem on the 2018 Ram 1500?

16 of 667 owner complaints about the 2018 Ram 1500 (2%) mention engine knocking or ticking. The model year with the most reports is 2014.

Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2018 Ram 1500?

There are 3 recalls and 71 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.

Other symptoms on the 2018 Ram 1500

Backup camera 60ABS 38Loss of power 36Fuel pump 35Stalling 34Power steering loss 32Check engine light 30Adaptive cruise 20Engine failure 20No deployment 12Fire or smoke 11Wipers 11Overheating 10Screen failure 8Won't start 8Headlights 7Jerking 7Hesitation 6Won't shift 6Seat belt 5

All model years of the Ram 1500

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