Loud whining sound coming from engine. The dealership confirmed a MGU Alternator failure.
Ram 1500 whining noise problems
39 of the 11,934 owner complaints about the Ram 1500 describe whining or grinding noise, most of them for the 2020 model year.
- owner complaints
- 39
- worst model year
- 2020
- typical repair cost reported
- $2,000
- typical mileage
- 100,000
Is there a fix? There are 13 recalls for this area of the car. See below
By model year
Often reported together
Loss of power 8Grinding brakes 5Stalling 4Check engine light 4Power steering loss 3Won't shift 2Steering noise 2Steering lock-up 2
Trouble codes mentioned
P0190 1P0087 1
What owners say
This is in regards to well known issue with the E-Torque MGU generator equipped on this vehicle. The internal bearing is failing causing a whining and grinding sound and results in a loss of electrical power that causes the vehicle to stall and not restart when the auto start/stop feature is engaged, which has happened to me once. I have had a dealer confirm this component failure and the vehicle is now unsafe to drive and is parked for an undetermined amount of time because the part is on national backorder per Stellantis.
The contact owns a 2009 Ram 1500. The contact stated that upon purchasing the vehicle, it was discovered that there were two open recalls on the VIN, the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 13V038000 (Power Train) and 17V821000 (Power Train). The contact scheduled an appointment with a dealer, and the vehicle was repaired under the recall. Upon picking the vehicle and exiting the parking lot, the contact heard an abnormal whining sound coming from the vehicle, and the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer and remained with the dealer. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
The contact owns a 2014 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, his wife heard an abnormal whining sound coming from the rear end of the vehicle. The contact pulled over and discovered fluid leaking from the pinion gasket. Upon discovery of the failure, the contact started driving to an independent mechanic; however, the rear wheels locked up. There was no warning light illuminated. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to the independent mechanic, who discovered that the pinion nut had detached from the vehicle, causing the pinion shaft to drop into the rear differential, which caused the rear wheels to lock up. The dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure, but the contact had not yet received a response. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 122,000.
Have had several issues with this truck and there seems to be a lot of similar issues: 1. Hemi tick - Had to have the exhaust manifolds replaced because they were cracked for no apparent reason... happened right after warranty was up 2. Alternator (etorque) started whining and had to get it replaced after 100k miles gently driven. Could have left me stranded. 3. Visor falling out (Very Dangerous) No t only in my truck, but when I had 2 rentals from dealership, same truck different years (2021 & 2023) they had the same issue. All of these seem to be a widespread issue!
The contact owns a 2019 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was a whining sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. The contact stated that later, while driving the vehicle, there was a clucking sound coming from the vehicle, and the vehicle lost power to the rear axle. The vehicle was towed to the local mechanic, who examined the vehicle. After removing the rear axle casing, the mechanic discovered metal shavings and bearings inside the rear axle casing. The contact was advised that the rear axle needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact indicated that the VIN was not included in the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 18V556000 (POWER TRAIN); however, the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The local dealer and manufacturer were not contacted regarding the failure. The failure mileage was 84,000.
The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH or slower, there was an abnormal whining sound coming from the engine compartment. While attempting to accelerate, the vehicle intermittently hesitated and slightly surged forward before accelerating. The failure had become more persistent over time. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact found information related to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V265000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was taken to be diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the motor generator had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was in the process of replacing the motor generator unit. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.
1. The Motor Generator Unit (MGU) failed on my 2021 Ram 1500. The component is still installed in the vehicle and is available for inspection upon request. 2. The MGU failure caused a loud whining noise that worsened over two weeks, raising concern that the part could seize or fail while driving. A sudden failure could result in loss of vehicle power or drivability, creating a dangerous situation for me and others on the road. 3. Yes. A certified Ram dealership inspected my vehicle and officially diagnosed the MGU as defective. 4. Yes, the dealership confirmed the failure. To my knowledge, it has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives. 5. There were no warning lamps or dashboard messages. The only symptom was a whining noise that started faintly and gradually increased over the course of approximately two weeks before the dealer diagnosis.
RAM has a bad design on MGU's, new ones and old ones are failing, whining, causing engine spudder and no movement at times. Can't purchase one because RAM has them on "Engineering HOLD". Therefore they no they have an issue, not offer a replacement. I have been advised if they become available I'm looking at $2,000 for an alternator. That is insane.
Failure of the Motor Generator Unit (MGU). This part is available for inspection and review. The failure of this component can result in complete immobilization of the vehicle which poses a significant safety risk for users and pedestrians alike. The problem has been a wide-spread issue for the Ram 1500 series. This issue was acknowledged by Ram and Stelantis. Ram has reviewed my MGU and confirmed that the component is faulty. The only warning was a whining noise and then the vehicle became completely incapacitated.
Related recalls
Power train: manual transmission
- What is wrong
- Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2023 Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500 vehicles. An insufficient weld in the transmission control unit can allow transmission fluid to leak on to electrical components, resulting in a loss of drive power or loss of park function.
- Risk
- A loss of drive power or a loss of park function increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the valve body and control unit, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expecting to be mailed July 26, 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 63B.
Recall number 24V413000 · Recall details
Power train: automatic transmission: control module (TCM/PCM/tecm)
- What is wrong
- Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021 Ram 1500 vehicles equipped with 5.7L eTorque engines. The powertrain control module software may cause an incorrect fuel mixture condition in the engine, and result in an engine stall.
- Risk
- An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will update the Powertrain Control Module calibration software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 27, 2023. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 37A.
Recall number 23V265000 · Recall details
Power train: transfer case (4-wheel drive)
- What is wrong
- Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019 Ram 1500 pickup trucks equipped with four-wheel drive. A gear within the transfer case may not have been installed correctly, possibly causing the vehicle to become stuck in neutral. If this occurs while driving, there could be a sudden loss of power. Additionally, a loss of 'PARK' function may occur.
- Risk
- A sudden loss of power or a loss of 'PARK' function may increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the transfer case, free of charge. The recall began March 10, 2020. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is W06.
Recall number 20V080000 · Recall details
Power train: driveline: driveshaft
- What is wrong
- Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Ram 1500 pickup trucks. The rear driveshaft may have an incomplete weld fusion between the tube and tube yoke, which may lead to weld cracking or the driveshaft fracturing.
- Risk
- A fractured rear driveshaft could detach from the vehicle and become a road hazard, or it may result in a loss of drive power, both of which can increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- FCA US will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear driveshaft, free of charge. The recall began June 13, 2019. Owners may contact FCA US customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. The FCA US recall number is V48.
Recall number 19V324000 · Recall details
Power train: axle assembly
- What is wrong
- Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018-2019 RAM 1500 trucks. The rear differential may have been insufficiently filled, possibly resulting in its failure.
- Risk
- If the rear axle assembly fails, it can cause a loss of drive or the rear wheels may lock up. Either scenario increases the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rear axle oil level. Rear axles with an insufficient amount of oil will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began September 26, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U88.
Recall number 18V556000 · Recall details
Power train: automatic transmission
- What is wrong
- Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Dodge Charger, Durango and Challenger, Jeep Grand Cherokee and Wrangler, Chrysler 300, and RAM 1500 vehicles. An incorrect transmission park lock rod may have been installed in the transmission.
- Risk
- If the incorrect park lock rod is installed, the transmission may not shift into 'PARK' and keep the vehicle from moving, increasing the risk of unintended vehicle movement and the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will install the correct park lock rod, free of charge. The recall began June 28, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U43.
Recall number 18V280000 · Recall details
Power train: automatic transmission
- What is wrong
- Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2017-2018 RAM 1500, 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis, 4500 Cab Chassis, and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles, all equipped with a column shifter. Pushing the brake pedal for prolonged periods when the vehicle is running and in PARK may cause the Brake Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI) pin to stick in the open position. With the pin in the open position, the transmission can be shifted out of PARK into any gear without pushing the brake pedal or having the key in the ignition.
- Risk
- Being able to shift the transmission without pushing the brake pedal and/or without a key in the ignition can increase the risk of an unintended vehicle rollaway that may result in personal injury or a crash.
- Remedy
- Chrysler will notify owners and dealers will update the Body Control Module software. Dealers will also test the BTSI operation, replacing the solenoid as necessary. The recall began February 26, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U11.
Recall number 18V100000 · Recall details
Power train: automatic transmission: lever and linkage: column shift
- What is wrong
- Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Ram 3500 Cab Chassis with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of less than 10,000 lbs, 2011-2017 Ram 3500, 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles, 2009-2017 Ram 1500 and 2010-2017 Ram 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks, all equipped with a column shifter. Pushing the brake pedal for prolonged periods when the vehicle is running and in PARK may cause the Brake Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI) pin to stick in the open position. With the pin in the open position, the transmission can be shifted out of PARK into any gear without pushing the brake pedal or having the key in the ignition.
- Risk
- Being able to shift the transmission without pushing the brake pedal and/or without a key in the ignition can increase the risk of an unintended vehicle rollaway that may result in personal injury or a crash.
- Remedy
- Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update the vehicle software, inspect the BTSI, and, as necessary, replace it, free of charge. The recall began February 26, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T79.
Recall number 17V821000 · Recall details
Power train: driveline: differential unit
- What is wrong
- Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Ram 1500 trucks. The differential pin retaining screw may come loose while driving, potentially causing the differential to break or lock up.
- Risk
- A broken or locked up differential may result in a loss of motive power and possibly a loss of vehicle control. Either scenario increases the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the differential retaining pin, free of charge. The recall began April 24, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T20.
Recall number 17V198000 · Recall details
Power train: axle assembly: axle shaft
- What is wrong
- Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2016 RAM 1500 trucks manufactured February 19, 2016, to March 3, 2016. The front halfshafts may have been incorrectly manufactured causing them to fracture without warning.
- Risk
- A fractured halfshaft may damage underbody components and create road debris, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace both front halfshafts, free of charge. The recall began on July 5, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S32.
Recall number 16V301000 · Recall details
Questions about the Ram 1500 whining noise
Which Ram 1500 years have whining or grinding noise problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2020 (10 complaints), 2019 (9 complaints) and 2021 (5 complaints).
How much does it cost to fix whining or grinding noise on the Ram 1500?
Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $2,000 (median of 5 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.
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