Ram 1500 problems and known issues

By CarWhere Research · Updated November 3, 2026

The most-documented Ram 1500 problems are 5.7 Hemi lifter and camshaft wear on 2014–2020 trucks, the 3.0 EcoDiesel EGR cooler recall (19V757) and fuel-pump recalls, and tailgate-latch recalls on both the DS and DT generations. 2025 Hurricane trucks have a misfire bulletin (TSB 09-025-25). Check open recalls by VIN.

CarWhere lists 9 documented Ram 1500 issues, including 7 NHTSA safety recalls, each with affected years, powertrains, symptoms, pre-purchase checks and a source.

Ram 1500 generations at a glance

Ram 1500 generations and the known issues listed for each
Generation	Model years	Issues on this page
DS	2009–2018 (Ram 1500 Classic through 2024)	5.7 Hemi lifter and camshaft wear ("Hemi tick") · 3.0 EcoDiesel EGR cooler can crack (recall 19V757) · 3.0 EcoDiesel high-pressure fuel pump failures (recalls 22V406, 22V767, 23V263) · Power-locking tailgate can open while driving (recalls 18V486, 19V347) · Column shifter can leave Park without the brake (recalls 17V821, 18V100) · Side curtain air bag inflators can rupture (recalls 25V010, 25V592)
DT	2019–present	Misaligned tailgate strikers (recall 22V904) · 5.7 eTorque engine stall from PCM software (recall 23V265) · 3.0 Hurricane HO misfires and stalling complaints (TSB 09-025-25)

DS Ram 1500 problems (2009–2018)

5.7 Hemi lifter and camshaft wear ("Hemi tick") (2014–2020)

Major repair

Generation:: DS and DT (2014–2020)
Years:: 2014–2020
Powertrain:: 5.7L Hemi V8 (incl. eTorque)

Roller lifters on the Gen III 5.7 Hemi can wear or seize, flattening the matching camshaft lobe and sending metal debris through the engine. A lawsuit in Delaware federal court (Petro v. FCA US) covers 2014–2020 Ram 1500s and cites a 2017 Chrysler STAR case report on cam-lobe and lifter wear. In 2024 the judge dismissed the nationwide class claims but let fraud and implied-warranty claims proceed. There is no recall; the usual repair is new lifters and a camshaft.

Symptoms

Ticking from the top of the engine that does not fade when warm
Misfire codes or a flashing check-engine light
Rough idle, surging or a chirp/knock

Check before buying

Listen to a cold start and a warm idle for ticking
Scan for stored misfire codes
Ask for records of any lifter or camshaft replacement

Sources: [1]

3.0 EcoDiesel EGR cooler can crack (recall 19V757) (2014–2019)

Safety recall

Generation:: DS and DT (2014–2019)
Years:: 2014–2019
Powertrain:: 3.0L EcoDiesel V6

FCA recalled 2014–2019 Ram 1500 and 1500 Classic trucks with the 3.0L EcoDiesel because the EGR cooler can crack and let vaporised coolant into the EGR system, where it can ignite in the intake manifold and raise the risk of a fire. Dealers replace the EGR cooler free of charge.

Symptoms

Coolant loss with no visible leak
White exhaust smoke
Check-engine light

Check before buying

Run the VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
Ask for the dealer repair order showing the EGR cooler replacement
Check the coolant level after a test drive

NHTSA recall: 19V757 (2019-10)

Sources: [2][3]

3.0 EcoDiesel high-pressure fuel pump failures (recalls 22V406, 22V767, 23V263) (2014–2023)

Safety recall

Generation:: DS and DT (2014–2023)
Years:: 2014–2023
Powertrain:: 3.0L EcoDiesel V6

Three NHTSA campaigns cover the EcoDiesel high-pressure fuel pump: 22V406 for 2014–2019 Ram 1500 (pump debris can starve the engine of fuel), 22V767 for 2020–2022 Ram 1500 and 23V263 for 2022–2023 Ram 1500 (pump failure can stall the engine). Related campaigns 20V475 and 23V411 address a crankshaft tone wheel that can delaminate on 2014–2019 trucks and also cause a stall.

Symptoms

Engine stall while driving
Hard start or no start
Fuel-pressure warning or reduced power

Check before buying

Run the VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete (several campaigns can apply to one truck)
Ask whether the fuel pump or fuel system was replaced and why

NHTSA recall: 22V406 (2022-06)

Sources: [2][4][5]

Power-locking tailgate can open while driving (recalls 18V486, 19V347) (2013–2018)

Safety recall

Generation:: DS (2013–2018)
Years:: 2013–2018
Powertrain:: All engines

Two campaigns cover DS-generation trucks with a power-locking tailgate. 18V486 covers 2015–2017 trucks whose actuator limiter tab can fracture and let the tailgate unlatch. 19V347, later expanded, covers 2013–2018 Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500 trucks with power-locking tailgates built before April 1, 2018. Cargo can fall into traffic if the gate opens.

Symptoms

Tailgate opens on its own over bumps
Tailgate does not latch firmly

Check before buying

Run the VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
Close the tailgate and pull on it to confirm both latches hold

NHTSA recall: 19V347 (2019-05)

Sources: [6][2]

Column shifter can leave Park without the brake (recalls 17V821, 18V100) (2009–2018)

Safety recall

Generation:: DS (2009–2018)
Years:: 2009–2018
Powertrain:: All engines with column shifter

Holding the brake pedal for a long time with the engine running and the truck in Park can make the brake-transmission shift interlock pin stick open on column-shift trucks. The shifter can then be moved out of Park without pressing the brake. 17V821 covers 2009–2017 Ram 1500 and 2010–2017 Ram 2500/3500; 18V100 covers 2017–2018 trucks.

Symptoms

Shifter moves out of Park without pressing the brake

Check before buying

Run the VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
With the engine running, confirm the shifter will not leave Park unless the brake is pressed

NHTSA recall: 17V821 (2017-12)

Sources: [7][8]

Side curtain air bag inflators can rupture (recalls 25V010, 25V592) (2016–2019)

Safety recall

Generation:: DS (2016–2019, incl. 1500 Classic)
Years:: 2016–2019
Powertrain:: All engines

In January 2025 FCA recalled 2016–2019 Ram 1500 and 3500 and 2016–2020 Ram 2500 trucks because the side curtain air bag inflators may rupture due to a manufacturing defect. A September 2025 campaign (25V592) added certain 2018 Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500 trucks. Ruptures can send metal fragments toward occupants.

Symptoms

No warning signs before a deployment

Check before buying

Run the VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
Confirm whether parts were available and the inflators were actually replaced

NHTSA recall: 25V010 (2025-01)

Sources: [2][8]

DT Ram 1500 problems (2019–present)

Misaligned tailgate strikers (recall 22V904) (2019–2022)

Safety recall

Generation:: DT (2019–2022)
Years:: 2019–2022
Powertrain:: All engines

FCA recalled 2019–2022 Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500 pickups because misaligned tailgate strikers can stop the tailgate latching properly, so it may open while driving.

Symptoms

Tailgate rattles or does not sit flush
Tailgate opens while driving

Check before buying

Run the VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
Open and close the tailgate several times and check that it latches on both sides

NHTSA recall: 22V904 (2022-12)

Sources: [3][4]

5.7 eTorque engine stall from PCM software (recall 23V265) (2021)

Safety recall

Generation:: DT (2021)
Years:: 2021
Powertrain:: 5.7L Hemi V8 eTorque

FCA recalled certain 2021 Ram 1500 trucks with the 5.7L eTorque mild-hybrid V8 because powertrain control module software can cause an incorrect fuel mixture and stall the engine. Dealers reflash the PCM free of charge.

Symptoms

Engine stalls at low speed or when coming to a stop
Check-engine light

Check before buying

Run the VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
Ask whether the PCM software update was performed

NHTSA recall: 23V265 (2023-04)

Sources: [4]

3.0 Hurricane HO misfires and stalling complaints (TSB 09-025-25) (2025)

Moderate

Generation:: DT (2025)
Years:: 2025
Powertrain:: 3.0L Hurricane HO twin-turbo I6

Stellantis service bulletin 09-025-25 (August 2025) covers 2025 Ram 1500 and Wagoneer models with the 3.0L Hurricane HO built between September 16, 2024 and June 7, 2025, where a disconnected purge line can set multiple-cylinder misfire codes. Separately, a proposed class action filed in 2026 (Norberg v. FCA US, E.D. Michigan) alleges engine and powertrain control module defects on 2025 Hurricane trucks cause misfires, hesitation and stalling; no class has been certified and no recall had been issued for it.

Symptoms

Check-engine light with misfire codes (P0300)
Hesitation or loss of power
Stalling, including after remote start

Check before buying

Ask the dealer whether TSB 09-025-25 and any later software bulletins have been applied
Scan for stored misfire codes
Run the VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete

Sources: [9][10]

Related Ram 1500 research

This page explains specific mechanical issues and recalls. Which model years drew the most owner complaints is a different question, answered in the years-to-avoid research from NHTSA complaint counts.

Confirm how a Ram 1500 was built before you buy.

Engine, transmission and packages decide which of these issues apply. 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 is the most common Ram 1500 engine problem?

On 2014–2020 trucks with the 5.7 Hemi, the most-reported problem is lifter and camshaft wear, often heard as a ticking noise. It is the subject of a lawsuit (Petro v. FCA US) but there is no recall, so repairs are not covered once the warranty ends.

Is there a recall on the Ram 1500 EcoDiesel?

Yes, several. 19V757 replaces the EGR cooler on 2014–2019 trucks, and 22V406, 22V767 and 23V263 address high-pressure fuel pump failures on 2014–2023 trucks. 20V475 and 23V411 cover a crankshaft tone wheel that can cause a stall.

Does the Ram 1500 have a tailgate recall?

Yes. 18V486 and 19V347 cover DS trucks with power-locking tailgates (2013–2018), and 22V904 covers 2019–2022 DT trucks with misaligned tailgate strikers. In each case the tailgate may open while driving.

Does the 2025 Ram 1500 Hurricane engine have problems?

Stellantis issued TSB 09-025-25 for a disconnected purge line causing misfires on 2025 Hurricane HO trucks built September 2024 to June 2025, and a proposed class action alleges control-module faults cause stalling. No Hurricane engine recall had been issued as of this update.

How do I check a used Ram 1500 for open recalls?

Enter the 17-digit VIN on NHTSA’s recall lookup or ask a Ram dealer to run it. Recall repairs are free regardless of mileage or ownership, and a dealer repair order proves the work was done.

Sources

Issue descriptions are CarWhere’s own summaries of the sources below. Repair costs are shown only where a source states them and vary by shop and region.

HEMI tick lawsuit includes 5.7-liter and 6.4-liter engines (Petro v. FCA US) — CarComplaints.com
NHTSA recalls: 2016 Ram 1500 — NHTSA
NHTSA recalls: 2019 Ram 1500 — NHTSA
NHTSA recalls: 2021 Ram 1500 — NHTSA
NHTSA recalls: 2022 Ram 1500 — NHTSA
NHTSA recalls: 2014 Ram 1500 — NHTSA
NHTSA recalls: 2012 Ram 1500 — NHTSA
NHTSA recalls: 2018 Ram 1500 — NHTSA
Stellantis TSB 09-025-25: 3.0L Hurricane HO purge line / misfire (2025 Ram 1500, Wagoneer) — NHTSA (manufacturer communication)
Ram Hurricane engine problems lead to lawsuit (Norberg v. FCA US) — CarComplaints.com

More Ram tools

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.