On XXX I purchased the truck from Brandon Dodge, Jeep, Chrysler dealership in [XXX]. I put 2k down and financed 33k. Just over a year when by and on XXX (Sunday night) I heard a loud ticking noise so on XXX I drove it to [XXX] in [XXX] which is where I am stationed. On XXX they called me and said the engine was blown and that I needed a new engine. So on XXXI had the truck towed to Patriot Diesel Services in [XXX] for a second opinion. They confirmed that the engine was blown. I then contacted [XXX] from the Brandon dealership to see what options I had. They told me that I had to get it to one of there locations to confirm if the engine was blown. They also told me that there was nothing they could offer me if the diagnosis was correct. I told them when I Purchased the vehicle it had 105k mileage on it. It now has 138k and the engine is blown. They literally are taking no responsibility or offering any kind of help. I now have estimates for over 24k to fix it. I have now found out that there are class action lawsuits on Ram for these issues on this model. I want to know how are they legally allowed to sell this model when there is a suit against them. Case# 1:[XXX] District [XXX] State of [XXX]. And more suits in different states. I need help please!! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Ram 1500 engine failure problems
316 of the 11,912 owner complaints about the Ram 1500 describe engine failure, most of them for the 2015 model year.
- owner complaints
- 316
- worst model year
- 2015
- typical repair cost reported
- $7,000
- typical mileage
- 81,000
By model year
Often reported together
Steering lock-up 76Check engine light 34Stalling 33Loss of power 33Knocking 22Power steering loss 19Fuel pump 18ABS 13
Trouble codes mentioned
U0594 1U0402 1P0303 1
What owners say
The contact owns a 2015 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving, the vehicle stalled and was towed to the local dealer to be diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the engine had failed due to an EGR cooler malfunction. The engine was replaced but the vehicle later experienced failures with the check engine warning light remaining illuminated and there was exhaust smoke odor inside the vehicle while driving. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who informed the contact that the EGR cooler had failed, and coolant was leaking into the manifold. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 19V757000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 70,000.
The contact owns a 2022 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving, the steering wheel seized and failed to function properly. The contact pulled over safely, and after restarting the vehicle, the vehicle temporarily operated normally however, the failure recurred. Upon restarting and driving the vehicle, the vehicle lost steering functionality, causing the vehicle to leave the roadway and drive up on the embankment on two wheels. The contact stated that the running boards previously failed to operate, creating a concern for passengers exiting the vehicle. While attempting to tow the vehicle to the dealer, a warning light flashed on the instrument panel. The manufacturer was notified, and the vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed with an electric power steering (EPS) internal rack and pinion failure. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was 53,000.
Blown Engine- No prior indicators that were obviously present. Driving on highway and about 40 miles in, loud ticking noises. Truck previously had manifold bolt breaking issues so assumed it was an exhaust leak. Within another 20 miles, the engine light came on and engine noises noticeably increased. Immediately took it to Ram Service and was diagnosed with a failed camshaft and camshaft bearing wear/scoring. Issue was reported to Ram dealership and ultimately fixed at owner cost.
I am reporting a recurring engine defect involving the Multi-Displacement System (MDS) in my 2022 RAM 1500 Big Horn equipped with the 5.7L HEMI eTorque engine. Since purchasing the vehicle in March 2023 with approximately 4,555 miles, the truck has experienced four separate MDS-related failures despite multiple repair attempts by authorized RAM dealerships. On February 7, 2025, at approximately 38,115 miles, a RAM dealership diagnosed an MDS solenoid that had physically separated and required extraction and replacement. On May 1, 2026, at approximately 66,149 miles, another authorized dealership diagnosed an MDS failure involving cylinder No. 1 and performed repairs under warranty. Despite these repairs, the engine experienced another serious failure at approximately 73,000 miles. The most recent failure involved metal contamination and catastrophic internal engine damage, leaving the vehicle completely inoperable. I am concerned that the repeated MDS-related failures indicate a potential defect in the engine's cylinder-deactivation or valvetrain components. Failures involving these components may cause significant engine damage and potentially result in an unexpected loss of engine power while driving, creating a safety risk for the driver, passengers, and surrounding motorists. The vehicle has undergone multiple repairs for recurring MDS-related problems, but the issue has not been permanently resolved. I believe the final engine failure may be connected to the previously documented MDS failures, although the exact mechanical cause has not yet been independently confirmed. I am requesting that the federal safety agency review these recurring failures to determine whether they indicate a broader safety-related defect affecting RAM vehicles equipped with the 5.7L HEMI MDS engine.
Engine seized resulting in loss of propulsion while driving on the freeway Vehicle: 2019 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel Mileage at failure: ~50,000 miles Purchase: Bought brand‑new in April 2020 Maintenance: 8 documented oil changes, all performed on schedule While driving with my family on 7/12, the engine suddenly seized without warning at highway speed. The truck lost power instantly. This is a serious safety concern because the failure happened during normal driving conditions with no prior symptoms. The vehicle has now been at the dealership for nearly 90 days with no teardown, no diagnosis, and no repair plan. Ram/Stellantis has not resolved the issue or approved an engine replacement despite complete maintenance history and the low mileage. A modern diesel engine should not catastrophically fail at 50k miles, especially with proper maintenance. This appears to be a premature and dangerous engine failure that may indicate a defect affecting other EcoDiesel vehicles.
Vehicle Information: 2014 Ram 1500 Quad Cab VIN: [XXX] Manufacturer: Stellantis N.V. / Chrysler Group LLC Selling/Servicing Dealer: First Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram (280 E. Washington St, North Attleboro, MA 02760) Primary Component: Engine / Power Train Systems (Engine Block Corrosion / Oil Leak) Description of Safety Defect & Structural Failure: In December 2025, at approximately 59,000 miles, this vehicle experienced a sudden, severe engine oil leak. The cause was severe corrosion that created a hole through the lower engine block above the oil pan, located behind new transmission lines replaced by the dealership. First Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram acknowledged the severe corrosion and corroded engine block on record. The loss of engine oil created an immediate risk of engine failure, loss of vehicle power while driving, and a severe fire hazard from pressurized engine oil contacting hot exhaust components. The vehicle became completely inoperable and was flatbed towed to First Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram. Current Status & Official Record: The structural engine defect was never repaired. Subsequent third-party state inspection and state-certified used vehicle arbitration confirmed the unrepaired defect, resulting in a binding vehicle buyback decision issued in my favor on September 15, 2026. there are x2 photos of motor. my photo prior to towing to dealership and the dealerships approximately a month later. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The contact owns a 2020 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving 45 MPH, the steering wheel temporarily seized. The message "Service Power Steering" was displayed. The steering functionality returned and the contact continued driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the electric power steering assist had failed and that the rack and pinion assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 56,500.
On XXX, approx. 1615 hours, I was traveling EB on I70 in [XXX]. The cruise control was set at approximately 72MPH. I was in the left lane of travel and both my wife and I heard a revving noise and as I looked at the dashboard, I noticed the RPM gauge was high, I hit the brakes and started to go to the right lane and the entire vehicle shut down. All within a matter of 5-10 seconds. The dash indicated to put the truck in park to start it. I was able to make it to the shoulder and get the vehicle stopped and in park. I popped the hood and looked around the engine compartment. I saw no fluids leaking and no steam or smoke coming from the engine. I then attempted to restart the vehicle and it did absolutely nothing. Vehicle was towed to a RAM dealership, [XXX] CRJD in [XXX]. The did a cursory inspection ad determined that the engine was seized up but gave no indication as to the cause. Recommendation was to replace engine at a cost of nearly 18K dollars. Upon conducting further investigation on my own, I discovered that the Z46 recall of the HPFP, described with total accuracy what I experienced on the highway that day. The recall was performed on my vehicle on XXX. It is fully my belief that the fuel pump that was replace through the recall has now failed in the same manner as described in the recall and was the cause of the complete engine failure. I have notified the dealership of my findings and opinions, and they are unwilling to investigate further without direction from the manufacturer. Notified Service Manager, [XXX]. (XXX) 1302 hours On XXX (1310 hours) I notified the RAM Recall Team, [XXX], of the situation. He advised that it was to be escalated to case/claim and that I would be contacted by a case file agent. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
My local dodge dealer infromed me that my oil pan needs replaced when I took truck in for normal routine maintenance. A $1700.00 repair and my 2019 dodge ram bighorn truck was out of warranty. This is a saftey hazzard that dodge should be responisble for on a 6 year old truck with only 90,000 miles on it. A rusted oil pan can cause sudden oil loss and engine failure, which makes it a safety concern.
Related recalls
Engine and engine cooling
- 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
- What is wrong
- Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Jeep Wrangler, Ram 1500, and 2021-2022 Jeep Gladiator vehicles equipped with 3.0L diesel engines. The high pressure fuel pump (HPFP) may fail, causing an engine stall.
- Risk
- An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the HPFP and inspect and replace additional fuel system components, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 17, 2023. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is Z96.
Recall number 22V767000 · Recall details
Engine and engine cooling: engine: diesel
- 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)
- 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
Engine and engine cooling
- What is wrong
- Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2013 RAM 1500 trucks manufactured manufactured June 25, 2012, through December 12, 2012. In the affected vehicles, the coolant bypass valve may stick in a position that does not allow coolant to flow into the heater core. Thus, these vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Vehicle Motor Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 103, "Windshield Defrosting and Defogging Systems."
- Risk
- Without a properly working windshield defrosting system, a buildup of mositure or ice could limit the driver's ability to see, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace replace the suspect coolant valves along with an updated calibration, free of charge. The recall began on June 25, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1‑800‑247‑9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N25.
Recall number 13V177000 · Recall details
Questions about the Ram 1500 engine failure
Which Ram 1500 years have engine failure problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2015 (60 complaints), 2014 (45 complaints) and 2013 (42 complaints).
How much does it cost to fix engine failure on the Ram 1500?
Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $7,000 (median of 21 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.
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