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Ram 1500 knocking problems

207 of the 11,912 owner complaints about the Ram 1500 describe engine knocking or ticking, most of them for the 2014 model year.

owner complaints
207
worst model year
2014
typical repair cost reported
$3,200
typical mileage
70,000
Is there a fix? There are 5 recalls for this area of the car. See below

By model year

What owners say

Filed Nov 5, 2026 · Engine · WY

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)

Filed Oct 22, 2026 · Engine · GA

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.

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 Aug 5, 2026 · Electrical · NJ

Engine ticking and trunk lock latch not opening

Filed Jul 7, 2026 · Engine · IL

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

Filed May 21, 2026 · Engine · 161,292 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2016 RAM 1500 The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, occupied with her husband in the vehicle they could hear a knocking and shatter noise coming from the engine. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified on the failure, and they informed her they will give her cash value for the vehicle and they can run a report until warranty in cancel. The approximate failure mileage was 161,292.

Filed Apr 20, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · MD

On March, while I was leaving to take my children to school, I discovered a loud, heavy metallic knocking sound coming from the engine of my 2019 Ram 1500 Classic. As I depressed the gas pedal, the knocking frequency increased immediately with the engine RPMs. Prior to this total failure, I had noticed the truck feeling hesitant and "stuttering" when I was trying to accelerate from red lights in the days leading up to the incident. ​Because I was concerned the engine would stall or fail completely while my children were in the vehicle, I immediately stopped driving it. A subsequent inspection at Don White’s CDJR confirmed DTC P051B-00 (Crankcase Pressure Sensor Performance). This fault is a recognized indicator of excessive crankcase pressure, which the federal safety agency has identified as a precursor to sudden engine stalling and fire risks in 3.0L EcoDiesel engines (Ref: Recall 19V‑757).

Filed Apr 19, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · TX

This complaint concerns failure of the remedy for Safety Recall Z46 / the federal safety agency Campaign 22V406 involving the high pressure fuel pump (HPFP) on a 3.0L diesel pickup. The HPFP had previously been replaced under the recall by an authorized dealer. About 19 months later, while the vehicle was at a dealership for service, the replacement HPFP failed again during dealer testing. The dealer documented metal contamination throughout the fuel system caused by the HPFP failure. The dealer then replaced the contaminated fuel system components. After those repairs and during post-repair test driving, the vehicle developed new bottom-end engine noise. The dealer later documented connecting rod bearing damage / rod knock and recommended complete engine replacement. The vehicle had been brought in with no bottom-end engine noise, and the dealer’s intake inspection documented oil condition as OK. An independent oil analysis later showed the engine oil was normal and did not indicate long-term lubrication failure. This suggests the engine damage occurred acutely after the HPFP failure and resulting contamination event, not from routine wear. This condition creates a serious safety risk because HPFP failure can cause loss of fuel pressure, engine stall, or loss of motive power, and the subsequent engine damage raises the risk of sudden engine failure or seizure while driving. That could increase the risk of a crash, especially in traffic or at highway speeds. The failure was confirmed by the dealer and is documented in the repair order. The vehicle remains inoperable and is available for inspection upon request. I am requesting investigation into whether the recall remedy was adequate, since the recall replacement HPFP failed again and the resulting contamination appears to have led to catastrophic secondary engine damage.

Filed Mar 19, 2026 · Engine · IA

I have my vehicle at the dealership to check a ticking noise from the 5.7L engine in my truck. I was told that there are broken exhaust bolts causing the noise. I see online that this is a common issue and that there is a recall for this issue, but my vehicle is not included in the recall list. I feel that the recall should cover my vehicle as well. Since it is the same issue of the current recall.

Filed Mar 11, 2026 · Engine · TX

Customer states his vehicle is ticking more when the vehicle is warmed up. Customer is aware of 250.00 on diag. Customer is aware of 3-5 days out on diag. Cause: heard the ticking noise is coming from the right side of engine. Need to remove right cylinder head to inspect lifters. Found cylinder 6 has a slight misfire which is corresponding to the ticking noise. Line #b cause: pulled vvt from motor and found a lot of metal shavings on it. As shown in video and picture. Found tsb s1709000010 - rev b. Customer complaints may include abnormal engine noise, rough idle, lack of power, misfire. As per tsb, need to replace motor due to metal shavings inside oiling system. The debris may clog oil ports inside motor and create issues in the future. Correction: need to replace long block all notes from dodge dealership service

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

EngineReported October 13, 2022 · 60,413 vehicles affected
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: 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

Engine and engine coolingReported May 7, 2013 · 498 vehicles affected
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 knocking

Which Ram 1500 years have engine knocking or ticking problems?

The model years with the most reports are 2014 (38 complaints), 2019 (33 complaints) and 2013 (28 complaints).

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

Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $3,200 (median of 22 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.

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