3.0 EcoDiesel: years, specs & known problems

By CarWhere Research · Updated

The 3.0 EcoDiesel is a VM Motori turbo-diesel V6 used in the Ram 1500 from 2014 to 2023, the Jeep Grand Cherokee, and the Wrangler and Gladiator. Early engines made 240 hp and 420 lb-ft; the 2020 third generation made 260 hp and 480 lb-ft in the Ram and 442 lb-ft in the Jeeps.

The EcoDiesel arrived in the 2014 Ram 1500 and Grand Cherokee as a 3.0-liter V6 built by Italy's VM Motori, with a compacted-graphite-iron block. It made 240 hp and 420 lb-ft, and EPA rated the two-wheel-drive Ram at 28 mpg highway, a record for a full-size pickup at the time. A redesigned third-generation engine for 2020 raised the Ram 1500 to 260 hp and 480 lb-ft and went into the Wrangler and Gladiator at 260 hp and 442 lb-ft.

The engine ended with the 2023 model year in the Ram 1500, Wrangler and Gladiator. Its record includes the 2019 EPA and California emissions settlement covering about 100,000 2014–2016 trucks and SUVs, plus NHTSA recalls for cracked EGR coolers, high-pressure fuel pump failures and crankshaft tone-wheel delamination. Buyers should confirm every open campaign is closed by VIN.

3.0 EcoDiesel at a glance

VM Motori 3.0L EcoDiesel turbo-diesel V6: model years, fuel and peak Stellantis-published output by version
EngineModel yearsFuelPeak hpPeak torque (lb-ft)Documented problemsRecalls
2014–2019 EcoDiesel (Gen 2)2014–2019Diesel24042036
2020–2023 EcoDiesel (Gen 3)2020–2023Diesel26048012

CarWhere lists 4 documented problems and 8 NHTSA recalls for the 3.0 EcoDiesel, each with a source.

2014–2019 EcoDiesel (Gen 2)

First EcoDiesel offered in U.S. Ram and Jeep models, rated 240 hp and 420 lb-ft, in the Ram 1500 (including 2019 Ram 1500 Classic) and the WK2 Grand Cherokee.

2014–2019 EcoDiesel (Gen 2) specifications

2014–2019 EcoDiesel (Gen 2): design facts (2014–2019)
SpecificationValue
SupplierVM Motori (Italy)[1]
BlockCompacted graphite iron with bedplate[1]
EPA highway rating (2014 Ram 1500 4x2)28 mpg[1]

2014–2019 EcoDiesel (Gen 2) horsepower and torque by year

2014–2019 EcoDiesel (Gen 2): Stellantis-published horsepower (hp) and torque (lb-ft) by model year and application
Model yearsApplicationHorsepower (hp)Torque (lb-ft)Source
2014–2019Ram 1500 and Grand Cherokee240420[1]

"—" means we could not confirm the figure from a primary source.

Which vehicles have the 2014–2019 EcoDiesel (Gen 2)?

Models and model years offered with the 2014–2019 EcoDiesel (Gen 2)
ModelModel yearsNotes
Ram 1500 / 1500 Classic2014–2019
Jeep Grand Cherokee2014–2019NHTSA recall populations include some 2020-model-year units

2014–2019 EcoDiesel (Gen 2) problems and what to check

EGR cooler cracking (recalled) (2014–2019)

Major repair

On second-generation engines the exhaust gas recirculation cooler can crack and let hot, vaporized coolant into the intake, where NHTSA's recall summaries say it can ignite inside the intake manifold. Recalls 19V757 (Ram 1500) and 20V699 (Grand Cherokee) replace the cooler and inspect the intake manifold free of charge.[2][3]

Symptoms

  • Coolant level dropping with no external leak
  • White exhaust smoke
  • Check-engine light for EGR faults

Check before buying

  • Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup for 19V757 or 20V699
  • Ask for proof the EGR cooler was replaced
  • Check coolant level and history of overheating

Stellantis program: NHTSA recalls 19V757 and 20V699

Crankshaft position tone wheel delamination (recalled) (2014–2020)

Moderate

The tone wheel the crankshaft position sensor reads can delaminate, so the engine loses fuel-injection timing and can stall. Recalls 20V475 and the later 23V411 update engine software so the truck keeps running from the camshaft signal if the crank signal is lost.[4][5]

Symptoms

  • Stalling while driving
  • Crank-no-start
  • Crankshaft position sensor codes

Check before buying

  • Confirm 20V475 and 23V411 completion by VIN
  • Ask about any stall events or towing history

Stellantis program: NHTSA recalls 20V475 and 23V411

Emissions software settlement (2014–2016) (2014–2016)

Minor

In January 2019 FCA settled U.S. EPA and California claims that about 100,000 2014–2016 Ram 1500 and Jeep Grand Cherokee EcoDiesels had undisclosed emissions software. The consent decree carried a $305 million civil penalty, required a free software update recall with an extended warranty, and owners who had the fix applied were eligible for payments of up to $3,075.[6][7]

Symptoms

  • No driver-noticeable symptom; affected trucks need the emissions software update

Check before buying

  • Ask whether the emissions modification was performed (some states require it for registration)
  • Confirm completion of the emissions recall by VIN at a Ram or Jeep dealer

Stellantis program: U.S./California v. FCA US LLC consent decree (2019)

2014–2019 EcoDiesel (Gen 2) recalls

NHTSA safety recalls related to the 2014–2019 EcoDiesel (Gen 2) (campaign numbers link to NHTSA)
NHTSA campaignReportedVehiclesSummary
19V7572019-102014–2019 Ram 1500 and 1500 Classic with the 3.0L EcoDiesel107,980 vehiclesThe EGR cooler can crack and let vaporized coolant into the EGR system, where it may combust in the intake manifold. Dealers replace the cooler and inspect the manifold.
20V6992020-112014–2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee with the 3.0L EcoDiesel28,884 vehiclesSame EGR cooler cracking condition as 19V757; dealers replace the cooler and inspect the intake manifold.
20V4752020-082014–2018 Ram 1500 and 2014–2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee with the 3.0L diesel58,016 vehiclesThe crankshaft position sensor tone wheel can delaminate, causing loss of fuel timing and a stall. Dealers update PCM software to run on the camshaft signal.
23V4112023-062014–2019 Ram 1500 and 2014–2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee with the 3.0L diesel80,629 vehiclesExpanded tone-wheel delamination campaign; dealers update PCM software to maintain propulsion.
22V4062022-062014–2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee and 2014–2019 Ram 1500 with the 3.0L diesel138,645 vehiclesA failing high-pressure fuel pump can push debris into the fuel system and stall the engine. Dealers replace the pump and other fuel parts as needed.
15V5172015-082014–2015 Ram 1500 diesel 4x21,655 vehiclesA battery harness can rub against the right engine mount bracket and short, creating a fire risk.

2020–2023 EcoDiesel (Gen 3)

Redesigned third-generation engine with more power and torque, offered in the DT Ram 1500 and in the Wrangler and Gladiator until all three dropped it after the 2023 model year.

2020–2023 EcoDiesel (Gen 3) specifications

2020–2023 EcoDiesel (Gen 3): design facts (2020–2023)
SpecificationValue
RedesignThird-generation engine raised Ram output from 240 hp/420 lb-ft to 260 hp/480 lb-ft[8]
End of productionRam 1500 diesel dropped during the 2023 model year; Wrangler and Gladiator ended with 2023[9]

2020–2023 EcoDiesel (Gen 3) horsepower and torque by year

2020–2023 EcoDiesel (Gen 3): Stellantis-published horsepower (hp) and torque (lb-ft) by model year and application
Model yearsApplicationHorsepower (hp)Torque (lb-ft)Source
2020–2023Ram 1500260480[8]
2020–2023Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator260442[8]

"—" means we could not confirm the figure from a primary source.

Which vehicles have the 2020–2023 EcoDiesel (Gen 3)?

Models and model years offered with the 2020–2023 EcoDiesel (Gen 3)
ModelModel yearsNotes
Ram 15002020–2023
Jeep Wrangler2020–2023
Jeep Gladiator2021–2023

2020–2023 EcoDiesel (Gen 3) problems and what to check

High-pressure fuel pump failure (recalled) (2014–2023)

Major repair

Three NHTSA recalls cover high-pressure fuel pump failures that can stall the engine or send debris through the fuel system: 22V406 for 2014–2020 Grand Cherokee and 2014–2019 Ram 1500, 22V767 for 2020–2022 Wrangler and Ram 1500 and 2021–2022 Gladiator, and 23V263 for 2021–2023 Wrangler and Gladiator and 2022–2023 Ram 1500. Dealers replace the pump and inspect related fuel parts.[10][11][12]

Symptoms

  • Sudden stall or no-restart
  • Hard starting or rough running
  • Fuel-pressure-related check-engine codes

Check before buying

  • Confirm completion of 22V406, 22V767 or 23V263 by VIN
  • Ask whether injectors or fuel rails were replaced with the pump
  • Inspect for fuel-system debris history in service records

Stellantis program: NHTSA recalls 22V406, 22V767 and 23V263

2020–2023 EcoDiesel (Gen 3) recalls

NHTSA safety recalls related to the 2020–2023 EcoDiesel (Gen 3) (campaign numbers link to NHTSA)
NHTSA campaignReportedVehiclesSummary
22V7672022-102020–2022 Jeep Wrangler and Ram 1500 and 2021–2022 Jeep Gladiator with the 3.0L diesel60,413 vehiclesThe high-pressure fuel pump can fail and stall the engine. Dealers replace the pump and inspect other fuel parts.
23V2632023-042021–2023 Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator and 2022–2023 Ram 1500 with the 3.0L diesel45,832 vehiclesThe high-pressure fuel pump can fail. Dealers replace the pump and related fuel system parts as needed.

3.0 EcoDiesel issues by model

The same engine shows up on these known-issues pages, with model-specific details.

Related Ram, Jeep and Dodge research

Confirm a vehicle really has the 3.0 EcoDiesel.

The engine a Ram left the factory with is part of its build record. The CarWhere Ram build sheet reconstructs factory colors, options and packages from licensed VIN-level build data — availability is checked free, and it is $9.99 only when detailed build data is found for that VIN.

Ram build sheet by VIN

Frequently asked questions

What years did the Ram 1500 have the EcoDiesel?

2014 through 2023. The 2014–2019 trucks used the 240-hp second-generation engine, and the 2020–2023 DT Ram 1500 used the 260-hp, 480 lb-ft third-generation engine.

Who makes the 3.0 EcoDiesel?

VM Motori, an Italian diesel engine maker that had supplied engines to Chrysler-era products since 1992.

What was the EcoDiesel emissions settlement?

In January 2019 FCA settled U.S. and California claims over emissions software in about 100,000 2014–2016 Ram 1500 and Grand Cherokee diesels, paying a $305 million civil penalty and offering a software fix, extended warranty and owner payments up to $3,075.

What are common 3.0 EcoDiesel problems?

The documented ones are NHTSA recalls for cracking EGR coolers (2014–2019), high-pressure fuel pump failures (2014–2023) and crankshaft tone-wheel delamination (2014–2020).

Was the EcoDiesel in the Jeep Wrangler?

Yes. The Wrangler offered it for 2020–2023 and the Gladiator for 2021–2023, rated 260 hp and 442 lb-ft.

Sources

Ratings are Stellantis-published figures as cited; descriptions are CarWhere’s own summaries of the sources below. Repair costs appear only where a source states them and vary by shop and region.

  1. 2014 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel is the most fuel-efficient half-ton pickup ever with 28 mpg highway rating from EPA — Equipment World
  2. Safety Recall 19V757: 2014–2019 Ram 1500 3.0L EcoDiesel (EGR cooler) — National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
  3. Safety Recall 20V699: 2014–2019 Grand Cherokee 3.0L EcoDiesel (EGR cooler) — National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
  4. Safety Recall 20V475: 2014–2018 Ram 1500 and 2014–2016 Grand Cherokee 3.0L diesel (crankshaft tone wheel) — National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
  5. Safety Recall 23V411: 2014–2019 Ram 1500 and 2014–2020 Grand Cherokee 3.0L diesel (crankshaft tone wheel) — National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
  6. Jeep, Ram diesel owners can get $3,075 in emissions settlement (May 2019) — Autoblog
  7. Looking Back at the 3.0L EcoDiesel V6 Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator — Diesel Army
  8. The 2023 Jeep Gladiator EcoDiesel Keeps Going as the Wrangler Diesel Winds Down — TFLtruck
  9. Safety Recall 22V406: 2014–2020 Grand Cherokee and 2014–2019 Ram 1500 3.0L diesel (high-pressure fuel pump) — National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
  10. Safety Recall 22V767: 2020–2022 Wrangler, Ram 1500 and 2021–2022 Gladiator 3.0L diesel (high-pressure fuel pump) — National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
  11. Safety Recall 23V263: 2021–2023 Wrangler, Gladiator and 2022–2023 Ram 1500 3.0L diesel (high-pressure fuel pump) — National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)

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Independent reference compiled by CarWhere — not affiliated with or endorsed by Stellantis or Cummins Inc. Ram, Jeep, Dodge, HEMI, SRT, Hellcat, Hurricane and the model names are trademarks of their owners.