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RAM1994–2025 Critical issues documented

RAM 1500: common faults & what to check

Thinking about buying a used RAM 1500 (1994–2025) in New Zealand? We've documented 22 known faults for this model spanning engine, cooling, transmission, and electrical. Each researched and verified before it's published. The most serious issues here are rated critical. Every one is listed below with its symptoms and repair cost, and each has its own page with where to look and what to ask the seller. Free, no account needed.

Check this exact RAM 1500

  • Odometer history
  • Money owing
  • Reported stolen
  • Ownership history
  • Official NZ vehicle register data
  • NZ owned and operated

Type the plate for the free basics. The full record is a paid check from $13.49, one car at a time, no subscription.

No NZ plate yet, or buying in Australia? Pick the generation and engine and start a free check below. New to KickTyres? How the check works →

22

Documented faults

Critical

Most serious

$600–$6,000

Typical repair

7

Systems covered

Which RAM 1500 are you looking at?

3 generation variants documented. Pick the shape you recognise: the faults, the servicing and the timeline below all narrow to it. Free, no account needed.

Now narrow it to the engine

A 1.8 and a 2.4 of the same car do not fail the same way, so the faults below narrow to the engine as well as the year. Free, no account needed.

Which engine is in it? These cover every year of this model.

3.0 V6 diesel· 3.0 litre diesel5.7 V8 petrol· 5.7 litre petrol

Start your free check on this RAM 1500

No plate needed. You get the risk score, the buyer's checklist and the guided inspection for the exact car you picked above — not the whole nameplate.

RAM 1500Engine not picked yet

Pick the engine above first: the 1500 came with 2, and without it the report has to show all of their faults. Pick the engine

Free. The paid plate check is separate, and stays optional.

Can't confirm for this car

RAM 1500

Nothing has been narrowed yet, so nothing below is a claim about a particular car. Pick a year and an engine to see which faults apply.

Tell us the engine, or check the engine code on the car, before relying on this.

matched on no vehicle context

What to look out for

The checks worth doing on a RAM 1500 before you hand over any money. Every documented fault is listed below, each with its own page.

  • Serious issue

    Warm idle and listen for valve train tick.

    See why

    5.7L Hemi MDS Multi-Displacement Lifter and Cam Lobe Failure

    RAM's Multi-Displacement System (MDS) on the 5.7L Hemi operates identically to GM's AFM – collapsing lifters deactivate four cylinders under light load. The same failure mode applies: oil passages to MDS lifters restrict, lifters stick in the collapsed position, and associated camshaft lobes wear rapidly. NHTSA received hundreds of complaints. The failure progresses from a cold-start tick to full cam destruction and engine contamination with metal debris. Affects a high proportion of 2009-2018 Hemi-equipped RAM 1500s in NZ/AU used market.

    What you would notice

    • Persistent lifter tick at idle, often worse when cold
    • Cylinder-specific misfire codes on OBD scan
    • Elevated oil consumption alongside engine tick
    • MDS system diagnostic fault codes
    • Metal contamination visible in oil

    Typically $3,500–$9,000 to put right.

  • Serious issue

    With the engine cold, look at the coolant reservoir level against the min and max marks and ask when it was last topped up.

    See why

    EGR cooler cracking, coolant loss and intake fire risk recall (DS 3.0 EcoDiesel V6)

    The exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) cooler on the DS Ram 1500 3.0 EcoDiesel can crack from heat cycling and let hot, vaporised coolant into the EGR system, where it can ignite inside the intake manifold. FCA recalled 107,979 US 2014 to 2019 Ram 1500 and 1500 Classic EcoDiesels (NHTSA 19V-757, Chrysler recall VB1) to replace the EGR cooler and inspect or replace the intake manifold, and American Special Vehicles recalled 438 Australian-converted 2014 to 2019 Ram 1500 diesels for the same fire risk. Owners on EcoDiesel forums report coolant loss continuing or returning after the recall repair, so a truck that keeps using coolant needs checking even with the recall done. Ignored, it can mean overheating, a damaged intake or an engine-bay fire, and out-of-recall EGR cooler and intake work is costly.

    What you would notice

    • Coolant level dropping with no visible leak on the ground
    • Sweet coolant smell from the engine bay or exhaust
    • White smoke from the exhaust, especially on start-up
    • Engine temperature warning or overheating when towing

    Typically $0–$6,000 to put right.

  • Serious issue

    Ask to see the truck with a cold engine and feel the top radiator hose to confirm it has not been run.

    See why

    Overheating and dropped exhaust valve seats (3rd gen DR 4.7 V8)

    The 4.7 V8 used in the 2002 to 2007 Ram 1500 has aluminium heads with pressed-in powdered metal valve seats. The engine is much less tolerant of overheating than the older iron-headed Magnum V8s, and when it runs hot the seats can loosen and drop into the cylinder, where the piston smashes them. The engine then misfires with no compression on that cylinder and usually needs heads or a replacement engine. Overheating also blows head gaskets on this engine. The risk is highest on earlier heads and on trucks with a neglected cooling system, including water pump, thermostat, radiator and fan clutch faults. There was no recall. Rebuilders fit all-steel seats to cure it.

    What you would notice

    • Temperature gauge rising above normal in traffic or when towing
    • Coolant loss or steam from under the bonnet
    • Sudden misfire, loss of power and rough running
    • Ticking or knocking from one bank after an overheat
    • White smoke or sweet coolant smell from the exhaust

    Typically $500–$10,000 to put right.

  • Serious issue

    Ask for the engine to be cold when you arrive and feel the top radiator hose to confirm it has not been warmed up.

    See why

    Cracked cast iron cylinder heads after overheating (2nd gen and early 3rd gen, 5.2 and 5.9 Magnum V8)

    The Magnum 5.2 and 5.9 V8 cast iron heads are known to crack, typically between the intake and exhaust valve seats, and engine builders report finding cracks in a large share of used heads. The usual trigger is overheating from coolant loss, a failed water pump, a clogged radiator or a snapped serpentine belt. A cracked head leaks coolant into the cylinders or oil, causing unexplained coolant loss, misfires and white smoke, and ignoring it can end in a ruined engine. There was no recall. The fix is replacement heads, and most rebuilders fit aftermarket heads with stronger valve seats rather than used factory ones.

    What you would notice

    • Coolant level drops with no visible external leak
    • White smoke or a sweet coolant smell from the exhaust
    • Temperature gauge climbing on hills or while towing
    • Milky or frothy residue under the oil filler cap
    • Misfire on a cold start that clears as the engine warms

    Typically $3,500–$7,500 to put right.

  • Serious issue

    Ask whether it's the 3.0 EcoDiesel and, crucially, whether the EGR cooler recall has been completed - get the paperwork.

    See why

    3.0 EcoDiesel EGR cooler cracking (recall / fire risk) and coolant loss

    The 3.0 V6 EcoDiesel RAM 1500 has a serious weak point in its EGR cooler, which can crack from thermal fatigue and let vaporised coolant into the intake, where it can ignite - the subject of a recall covering a range of EcoDiesel trucks over fire risk. Some owners had coolant loss and even repeat failures after the recall repair. Beyond that, the EcoDiesel is known for EGR faults, high-pressure fuel pump and injector issues. On a used one, confirm the EGR recall was done and that it isn't quietly losing coolant.

    What you would notice

    • Coolant loss with no obvious leak
    • Sweet coolant smell or white smoke
    • Check-engine light / reduced power
    • Overheating

    Typically $1,500–$6,000 to put right.

  • Costly issue

    Start the truck cold and make sure the check engine light goes out.

    See why

    Solenoid pack failure, limp mode and slipping (3rd gen 45RFE/545RFE auto)

    The 2002 to 2008 Ram 1500 V8 uses Chrysler's electronically controlled 45RFE and later 545RFE automatic. A common fault is the internal solenoid pack, which sets codes such as P0755 or a solenoid circuit fault and drops the gearbox into limp mode, holding second or third gear with no shifting. The fix is replacing the whole solenoid block, not one solenoid. These gearboxes also suffer from slipping, flare and delayed engagement as clutches wear, especially under towing, which ends in a rebuild. Driving on in limp mode overheats and further damages the gearbox. There was no recall.

    What you would notice

    • Stuck in one gear with high revs at speed (limp mode)
    • Check engine light with a harsh or no shift
    • Delayed engagement when selecting Drive or Reverse
    • Slipping or flaring between gears, especially when towing
    • Problem clears after switching off and restarting, then returns

    Typically $900–$8,000 to put right.

See all 22 documented issuesEverything researched for the RAM 1500, including 7 rated critical.
Depends on which engine this RAM 1500 has — 22Each of these is documented for one particular engine. Pick the year and engine above to see which of them apply.
Engine, transmission & cooling14

01High-pressure fuel pump failure and crank-signal stall recalls (DS 3.0 EcoDiesel V6)

DS Ram 1500s with the 3.0 EcoDiesel V6 have two separate loss-of-power recalls that also apply to Australian-converted trucks.diesel2014–2019Engine
OccasionalEngine $0–$15,000 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

DS Ram 1500s with the 3.0 EcoDiesel V6 have two separate loss-of-power recalls that also apply to Australian-converted trucks. The high-pressure fuel pump can fail early and send metal debris through the injectors and fuel rails, stopping the engine (US recall 22V-406 / Stellantis Z46; Australian recall REC-005756 of August 2023 for 437 DS diesels built 2014 to 2019). Separately, the crankshaft position sensor tone wheel can delaminate so the engine loses its timing signal and stalls without restarting; Stellantis recall 66A adds a PCM software fix, and Ram Trucks Australia recalled 423 DS diesels built 2017 to 2019 for this in 2025. Recall work is free, but a pump failure that has already contaminated the fuel system out of warranty is one of the most expensive diesel repairs there is.

Symptoms to notice

  • Sudden loss of power or engine cutting out while driving
  • Long cranking or no start after a stall
  • Check-engine light with fuel-pressure or crank-position warnings
  • Rough running or knocking after a fuel-system repair

What to check

  1. Confirm it is the diesel by the EcoDiesel badging and the diesel-only fuel filler, then ask for dealer records showing both the high-pressure fuel pump recall and the stalling software recall have been completed, with dates.
  2. Start the engine from cold and watch how quickly it fires; long cranking is a warning sign.
  3. On the test drive accelerate firmly from low speed and at motorway speed and make sure power is smooth and continuous with no cut-out or warning light.
  4. Ask whether it has ever stalled, lost power or been towed, and whether any injectors or the fuel pump have been replaced.
  5. If a workshop inspection is possible: have a Ram dealer run the VIN for open recalls and a workshop scan for stored fuel-pressure and crankshaft-position codes.

Where to look: High-pressure fuel pump in the engine valley of the V6 diesel; crankshaft position sensor and tone wheel at the rear of the engine

Parts involved: High-pressure fuel pump.

Ask the seller

  • “Have the high-pressure fuel pump recall and the stalling software recall both been done?”
  • “Has it ever stalled or lost power while driving?”
  • “Have the fuel pump or injectors ever been replaced, and why?”

02Lifter roller and camshaft lobe failure, the HEMI tick (DT 5.7 HEMI and 5.7 eTorque V8)

petrol2019 onwardEngine
OccasionalEngine $5,000–$14,000 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

The fifth-generation DT Ram 1500 kept the 5.7 HEMI with cylinder deactivation (MDS), and the same roller-lifter failure seen on earlier trucks carries on: a lifter's roller stops turning or its needle bearings break up, the roller then flat-spots and grinds the camshaft lobe, and metal is spread through the oil. It starts as a persistent tick and a misfire code on one cylinder and ends, if ignored, with a wiped camshaft and debris through the engine. The US 'Hemi tick' lawsuit in the District of Delaware (case 1:22-cv-00621) names Ram 1500s up to 2020, which includes early DT trucks, and Stellantis issued a 2021 DT bulletin (TSB listed by CarComplaints as 9100229) on deactivating lifters. There is no recall or extended warranty, so an out-of-warranty repair means new camshaft and lifters at the owner's cost, and a full engine if debris has done more damage.

Symptoms to notice

  • Ticking or tapping from the top of the engine that stays or gets louder once warm
  • Rough idle or a shake at low speed
  • Check-engine light, sometimes flashing, with loss of power
  • Glitter or metal flakes in the engine oil

What to check

  1. Let the engine warm up fully on the test drive, then open the bonnet at idle and listen at the top and centre of the engine: a tick that stays or grows louder when hot is the warning sign, whereas a tick that fades as it warms is more likely the exhaust manifold.
  2. Watch the dash for a check-engine light, and feel for a shake or stumble at idle and at light throttle around 60 to 80 km/h where cylinder deactivation switches in and out.
  3. Pull the dipstick and look at the oil on a white tissue in daylight for metallic glitter.
  4. Ask for the full service history with the oil grade and change intervals, as long intervals and wrong oil are blamed for these failures.
  5. Ask directly whether the camshaft or lifters have ever been replaced.
  6. If a workshop inspection is possible: have a scan for stored misfire codes on individual cylinders, and ask the workshop to listen with a stethoscope along the valley cover.

Where to look: Roller lifters and camshaft in the centre valley of the V8 block, under the intake manifold

Ask the seller

  • “Have the camshaft or lifters ever been replaced, and do you have the invoice?”
  • “What oil grade was used and how often was it changed?”
  • “Has it ever had a flashing check-engine light or a misfire?”

03Overheating and dropped exhaust valve seats (3rd gen DR 4.7 V8)

Ask to see the truck with a cold engine and feel the top radiator hose to confirm it has not been run.petrol2002–2007Engine
OccasionalEngine $500–$10,000 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

The 4.7 V8 used in the 2002 to 2007 Ram 1500 has aluminium heads with pressed-in powdered metal valve seats. The engine is much less tolerant of overheating than the older iron-headed Magnum V8s, and when it runs hot the seats can loosen and drop into the cylinder, where the piston smashes them. The engine then misfires with no compression on that cylinder and usually needs heads or a replacement engine. Overheating also blows head gaskets on this engine. The risk is highest on earlier heads and on trucks with a neglected cooling system, including water pump, thermostat, radiator and fan clutch faults. There was no recall. Rebuilders fit all-steel seats to cure it.

Symptoms to notice

  • Temperature gauge rising above normal in traffic or when towing
  • Coolant loss or steam from under the bonnet
  • Sudden misfire, loss of power and rough running
  • Ticking or knocking from one bank after an overheat
  • White smoke or sweet coolant smell from the exhaust

What to check

  1. Ask to see the truck with a cold engine and feel the top radiator hose to confirm it has not been run.
  2. Check the coolant reservoir level and colour, and look under the oil filler cap for milky residue.
  3. Start it and listen for a lumpy idle or ticking.
  4. On the test drive, sit in traffic and then climb a hill while watching the temperature gauge; it should hold steady just below the middle.
  5. After the drive, look and smell for coolant around the water pump at the front of the engine and the radiator.
  6. Ask whether it has ever overheated, and whether the water pump, radiator, thermostat, heads or engine have been replaced.
  7. If a workshop inspection is possible: scan for misfire codes, run a compression test and a combustion gas test on the coolant.

Where to look: Cylinder heads of the 4.7 V8; cooling system at the front of the engine (water pump, thermostat, radiator, fan clutch)

Parts involved: Head gasket, Water pump, Thermostat.

Ask the seller

  • “Has the engine ever overheated?”
  • “Has the water pump, radiator or thermostat been replaced?”
  • “Have the heads or the engine been replaced or rebuilt?”

045.7L Hemi MDS Multi-Displacement Lifter and Cam Lobe Failure

Warm idle and listen for valve train tick.petrol2009–2018EngineRead the full fault: symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller

05Cracked cast iron cylinder heads after overheating (2nd gen and early 3rd gen, 5.2 and 5.9 Magnum V8)

Ask for the engine to be cold when you arrive and feel the top radiator hose to confirm it has not been warmed up.petrol1994–2003Cooling
OccasionalCooling $3,500–$7,500 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

The Magnum 5.2 and 5.9 V8 cast iron heads are known to crack, typically between the intake and exhaust valve seats, and engine builders report finding cracks in a large share of used heads. The usual trigger is overheating from coolant loss, a failed water pump, a clogged radiator or a snapped serpentine belt. A cracked head leaks coolant into the cylinders or oil, causing unexplained coolant loss, misfires and white smoke, and ignoring it can end in a ruined engine. There was no recall. The fix is replacement heads, and most rebuilders fit aftermarket heads with stronger valve seats rather than used factory ones.

A removed six-cylinder diesel engine cylinder head on cardboard, valve-gear side facing up.Example of the part — not this vehicle

A six-cylinder diesel head off the engine, valve-gear side up. Cracks run between the valve seats on the face beneath.

Ll1324 · CC0 · Wikimedia Commons

Symptoms to notice

  • Coolant level drops with no visible external leak
  • White smoke or a sweet coolant smell from the exhaust
  • Temperature gauge climbing on hills or while towing
  • Milky or frothy residue under the oil filler cap
  • Misfire on a cold start that clears as the engine warms

What to check

  1. Ask for the engine to be cold when you arrive and feel the top radiator hose to confirm it has not been warmed up.
  2. With the engine cold, check the coolant reservoir level and colour and look for rusty or oily coolant.
  3. Look under the oil filler cap for milky residue.
  4. Start it and watch the exhaust for persistent white smoke and smell for coolant.
  5. On a long test drive with a hill, watch the temperature gauge; it should settle just below the middle and stay there.
  6. Ask whether it has ever overheated and whether the water pump, radiator or heads have been replaced.
  7. If a workshop inspection is possible: pressure-test the cooling system, run a combustion gas (block) test on the coolant, and do a compression or leak-down test.

Where to look: Both cylinder heads, between the valve seats inside the combustion chambers

Parts involved: Cylinder head.

Ask the seller

  • “Has the engine ever overheated?”
  • “Have the heads, head gaskets, water pump or radiator ever been replaced?”
  • “Do you have to top up the coolant?”

063.0 EcoDiesel EGR cooler cracking (recall / fire risk) and coolant loss

Ask whether it's the 3.0 EcoDiesel and, crucially, whether the EGR cooler recall has been completed - get the paperwork.diesel2015 onwardEngine
OccasionalEngine $1,500–$6,000 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

The 3.0 V6 EcoDiesel RAM 1500 has a serious weak point in its EGR cooler, which can crack from thermal fatigue and let vaporised coolant into the intake, where it can ignite - the subject of a recall covering a range of EcoDiesel trucks over fire risk. Some owners had coolant loss and even repeat failures after the recall repair. Beyond that, the EcoDiesel is known for EGR faults, high-pressure fuel pump and injector issues. On a used one, confirm the EGR recall was done and that it isn't quietly losing coolant.

Symptoms to notice

  • Coolant loss with no obvious leak
  • Sweet coolant smell or white smoke
  • Check-engine light / reduced power
  • Overheating

What to check

  1. Ask whether it's the 3.0 EcoDiesel and, crucially, whether the EGR cooler recall has been completed - get the paperwork.
  2. Check the coolant level and for any coolant smell or white smoke.
  3. Have it scanned for EGR and diesel-system codes.

Where to look: EGR cooler on the diesel engine; feeds the intake

Parts involved: EGR valve.

Ask the seller

  • “Is this the EcoDiesel, and has the EGR cooler recall been completed?”
  • “Does the coolant ever need topping up?”

07EGR cooler cracking, coolant loss and intake fire risk recall (DS 3.0 EcoDiesel V6)

With the engine cold, look at the coolant reservoir level against the min and max marks and ask when it was last topped up.diesel2014–2019EngineRead the full fault: symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller

088-speed automatic D-clutch failure and limp mode (DS Classic and DT, 8HP75 and 850RE)

2020–2025Transmission
OccasionalTransmission $3,000–$11,000 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

The 8-speed automatic in the DT Ram 1500 (8HP75) and the 850RE 8-speed used in the DS Ram 1500 Classic can suffer failure of the internal D clutch, which shows up as a check-engine light, incorrect gear ratio codes such as P0733 or P1DA8, harsh or missing third gear and the transmission dropping into limp-home mode. Stellantis issued TSB 21-029-25 for 2020 to 2023 DT Ram 1500s with the 8HP75 and the TSB 21-039-24 / 21-009-25 series for the 850RE covering the 2021 to 2024 Ram 1500 Classic and 2020 to 2025 DT, all instructing dealers to replace the D clutch; the bulletins list Asia Pacific market applicability. This is a warranty bulletin, not a recall, so an out-of-warranty truck pays for the clutch pack work or a replacement transmission.

Symptoms to notice

  • Check-engine light with the transmission holding one gear (limp mode)
  • Harsh, slipping or missing shift into or out of third gear
  • Flare in revs between gears under light throttle
  • Clunk or bump on upshifts at low speed

What to check

  1. Drive the truck from cold and pay attention through the first four gears at light and moderate throttle: every shift should be quick and smooth, with no flare in revs, slip or thump, especially around the 2-3 and 3-4 changes.
  2. Use the steering-wheel or dial manual gear select if fitted and check each gear engages.
  3. Watch for a check-engine light or a transmission warning and for the truck suddenly refusing to shift above one gear.
  4. Ask whether the transmission has had any warranty work or a D-clutch repair, and ask for the invoices.
  5. If a workshop inspection is possible: have a scan for stored transmission codes, particularly P0733, P1DA8 and P1D92, and a check of the transmission adaptation values.

Where to look: Eight-speed automatic transmission behind the engine, D clutch pack inside the gearbox

Parts involved: Clutch.

Ask the seller

  • “Has the transmission ever gone into limp mode or shown a warning light?”
  • “Has a D-clutch repair or transmission replacement been done, and do you have the paperwork?”
  • “Is the truck still inside any transmission warranty?”

09Solenoid pack failure, limp mode and slipping (3rd gen 45RFE/545RFE auto)

Start the truck cold and make sure the check engine light goes out.petrol2002–2008TransmissionRead the full fault: symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller

10RE-series 4-speed auto governor solenoid faults, overdrive wear and overheating (2nd gen 42RE/46RE/47RE)

With the engine warm and running in Park, pull the transmission dipstick and check the fluid is red and does not smell burnt.petrol1994–2003TransmissionRead the full fault: symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller

11Cracked exhaust manifold and broken manifold bolts (DS, DS Classic and DT 5.7 HEMI V8)

Ask the seller not to start the truck before you arrive, and put your hand on the bonnet to confirm the engine is cold.petrol2009 onwardEngineRead the full fault: symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller

125.7L Hemi Spark Plug Thread Stripout in Alloy Heads

Inspect all spark plug wells for carbon or oil fouling suggesting prior ejection.petrol2003–2018Engine
OccasionalEngine $700–$2,500 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

The 5.7L Hemi uses aluminium cylinder heads with steel spark plug threads that strip when plugs are overtightened or removed without proper heat-soaking. Once stripped, the plug can eject under compression, causing a sudden misfire and potentially damaging the coil and plug well. Documented extensively on US Hemi forums and by Australian mechanics servicing grey-import RAM trucks. The repair requires thread insert installation (Heli-Coil or Time-Sert) per cylinder, which is labour-intensive.

Symptoms to notice

  • Sudden single-cylinder misfire
  • Rattling or loose spark plug visible in well
  • Air escape noise from plug hole at idle
  • P030X single-cylinder misfire code

What to check

  1. Inspect all spark plug wells for carbon or oil fouling suggesting prior ejection.
  2. Check plug torque (should be 20 Nm; overtorquing strips threads).
  3. Ask about service history and who performed plug changes.

Where to look: Spark plug threads, aluminium cylinder heads, both banks

Parts involved: Cylinder head.

Ask the seller

  • “Have the spark plugs been changed, and by whom?”
  • “Any sudden misfires or check engine lights related to a single cylinder?”

13Intake plenum pan gasket leak causing oil burning (2nd gen and early 3rd gen, 5.2 and 5.9 Magnum V8)

Check the dipstick level and ask how much oil the truck uses between services.petrol1994–2003EngineRead the full fault: symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller

14Broken exhaust manifold bolts and cold start tick (3rd gen 5.7 HEMI V8)

Arrange to hear the engine start from cold.petrol2003–2008Engine
CommonEngine $600–$2,500 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

On the 5.7 HEMI, the exhaust manifold bolts at the rear of each head (most often the passenger side) snap from heat cycling and the manifold warps, opening an exhaust leak. It shows up as a sharp ticking on a cold start that fades as the manifold heats up and seals, and it is often mistaken for the more serious HEMI lifter tick. Owners of 2003 to 2008 trucks report it, sometimes with only one or two bolts gone. Left alone the leak grows, gets louder and can let exhaust fumes into the cab. Snapped bolts often need drilling out, which pushes up labour. There was no recall.

Symptoms to notice

  • Loud ticking on a cold start that quietens as the engine warms
  • Ticking loudest near the rear of the engine by the front wheels
  • Exhaust smell in the cab
  • Black soot marks near the manifold joints

What to check

Arrange to hear the engine start from cold. Stand by each front wheel with the bonnet open and listen for a sharp tick near the back of the engine that fades within a few minutes; a tick that stays constant when warm is more worrying and points to lifters. Use a phone torch through the wheel arch and down behind the engine to look for black soot around the manifold ends and for missing bolt heads. On the test drive, check for exhaust smell in the cab with the windows up and the fan on. Ask whether the manifold bolts or gaskets have been done. If a workshop inspection is possible: put the truck on a hoist and inspect both manifolds for broken studs and warping.

Where to look: Exhaust manifolds on both sides of the 5.7 HEMI, rear bolts nearest the firewall

Parts involved: Exhaust manifold.

Ask the seller

  • “Does it tick when started cold?”
  • “Have the exhaust manifold bolts or gaskets ever been replaced?”
  • “Has anyone diagnosed a lifter or cam problem?”
Electrical2

01eTorque 48V motor-generator and battery faults causing stall or no-start (DT 5.7 eTorque)

Check the badging or ask the seller whether the truck has eTorque.petrol2019 onwardElectrical
OccasionalElectrical $400–$6,500 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

DT Ram 1500s sold in Australia and New Zealand use the 5.7 HEMI with eTorque, a 48-volt mild-hybrid system where a belt-driven motor-generator unit (MGU) replaces the alternator and a 48-volt battery behind the rear seat charges the normal 12-volt system. When the MGU or its electronics fail the truck stops charging, shows a battery or low-voltage warning, and can run only 15 to 40 minutes before stalling and refusing to restart, which FCA itself described in Customer Satisfaction Notification V87 for 2019 trucks with an unlatched MGU flex cable. Other recalls on this system include NHTSA 19V-142 (loose 48-volt battery terminal that can overheat and start a fire) and 23V-265 (2021 5.7 eTorque stall from PCM software), and NHTSA opened investigation PE24018 in 2024 into 2022 5.7 eTorque trucks stalling from an electrical fault. Recall work is free at a dealer, but an out-of-warranty MGU or 48-volt battery is an expensive part.

Symptoms to notice

  • Battery light, low-voltage or 'Battery Saver Mode' warning on the dash
  • Auto stop-start not working or 'Service Stop/Start System' message
  • Engine stalling at low speed and struggling to restart
  • Whine or chirp from the front drive belt area

What to check

  1. Check the badging or ask the seller whether the truck has eTorque.
  2. Watch the dash at start-up and throughout the test drive for any battery, low-voltage or stop-start warning.
  3. In town traffic, see that auto stop-start shuts the engine off at a standstill and restarts it smoothly and instantly when you lift off the brake; a harsh or failed restart is a warning sign.
  4. Listen at the front of the engine with the bonnet open for belt squeal or whine from the motor-generator.
  5. Ask whether the truck has ever stalled, lost power or needed a tow, and ask for proof that recall and service campaigns on the eTorque system have been done.
  6. If a workshop inspection is possible: have a dealer run the VIN for open recalls and campaigns and ask for a scan of the charging-system and 48-volt battery codes.

Where to look: Motor-generator unit on the front of the engine driven by the accessory belt; 48-volt battery pack behind the rear seat

Parts involved: Alternator.

Ask the seller

  • “Has it ever stalled, shown a battery warning or failed to restart?”
  • “Have the motor-generator unit or 48-volt battery been replaced?”
  • “Can you show that all recalls and service campaigns have been completed?”

02Open software safety recalls on stability control and power steering (DT, AU converted trucks)

Several DT Ram 1500 recalls are fixed by software, so an unrepaired truck looks and drives normally until the fault appears.2019 onwardElectricalRead the full fault: symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller
Body, brakes, suspension & interior6

01Cab corner, rocker panel and rear wheel arch rust (2nd gen and 3rd gen Ram 1500)

1994–2008Body & RustRead the full fault: symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller

02Four-corner air suspension air spring leaks and compressor failure (DS and DT with air suspension)

Check for ride-height buttons on the dash, which show the truck has air suspension.2013 onwardSuspensionRead the full fault: symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller

03Four-corner air suspension leaks and failures (compressor, bags)

First check whether the truck has air suspension.2015 onwardSuspension
OccasionalSuspension $800–$4,500 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

RAM 1500s optioned with the four-corner air suspension are known for air-spring (bag) leaks, compressor failures and height-sensor faults, especially as the truck ages and in cold conditions - the subject of owner class-action complaints. When it fails the truck can sag on one corner, sit low, or throw a suspension warning and refuse to raise/lower. Air-suspension parts are expensive, and not every RAM has it, so first work out which system the truck you're looking at uses.

Symptoms to notice

  • Truck sitting low or leaning on one corner, especially after sitting overnight
  • 'Service air suspension' warning
  • Compressor running constantly or not at all
  • Won't raise/lower at the button

What to check

First check whether the truck has air suspension. If it does, look at it after it's been parked a while - a corner that's sagged overnight suggests a leaking bag. Cycle the ride-height settings and listen for the compressor working. Watch for a suspension warning at start-up.

Where to look: Air springs at each corner, compressor and height sensors

Parts involved: Air suspension strut.

Ask the seller

  • “Does this truck have air suspension, and has it ever leaked or thrown a warning?”
  • “Have any air bags or the compressor been replaced?”

04Steering wander from worn steering box, track bar and ball joints (2nd gen BR/BE Ram 1500)

Second generation Rams are known for vague, wandering steering.1994–2001SuspensionRead the full fault: symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller

05Tailgate can open while driving from misaligned strikers (DT, AU recall)

Close the tailgate normally and check it sits evenly and flush with both bed sides, with equal gaps left and right.2019–2022Body & Rust
OccasionalBody & Rust $0–$800 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

On 2019 to 2022 DT Ram 1500s one or both tailgate strikers could be misaligned when the truck was built, so the tailgate may not latch properly and can open while driving or parked, dropping cargo onto the road. Ram Trucks Australia recalled 3,014 locally converted Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500 trucks in January 2023 (vehiclerecalls.gov.au REC-005602), matching US recall NHTSA 22V-904 covering over 1.2 million trucks. Dealers inspect and adjust the striker alignment free of charge. Trucks with the split multifunction tailgate and DS Ram 1500 Classics were not included in the Australian recall. A US-market truck imported privately to New Zealand will only be fixed if the recall is actioned through a dealer.

Symptoms to notice

  • Tailgate not sitting flush with the bed sides when closed
  • Tailgate warning light or message on the dash
  • Rattle or knock from the tailgate over bumps
  • Tailgate that needs slamming, or opens with a light tug when locked

What to check

Close the tailgate normally and check it sits evenly and flush with both bed sides, with equal gaps left and right. Give it a firm tug at each top corner to make sure both sides are properly latched, then lock the truck and try the tailgate handle again. Look at the striker pins on the inside of each bed pillar for fresh scrape marks or an off-centre wear pattern. Drive over some bumps and listen for a knock or rattle from the rear, and watch for a tailgate-open warning on the dash. Ask for proof that the tailgate striker recall has been completed. If a workshop inspection is possible: have a Ram dealer check the VIN for the open striker recall and confirm alignment.

Where to look: Tailgate latches and striker pins on the rear bed pillars, both sides

Ask the seller

  • “Has the tailgate striker recall been done, and is there a dealer record?”
  • “Has the tailgate ever opened by itself?”
  • “Is this an Australian-converted truck or a private US import?”

06Cracked dashboard top (2nd gen BR/BE Ram 1500, all engines)

Lift any dash mat or cover and look at the whole dash top in good light, including right up against the windscreen with a phone torch.1994–2001Interior
Very commonInterior $250–$2,500 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

The one-piece moulded dash top on the 1994 to 2001 second generation Ram cracks and splits with age and sun exposure, usually starting around the defrost vents, the instrument hood and the passenger airbag area. It is so common that aftermarket overlay caps and complete replacement dash tops are sold specifically for these trucks. The cracks are mostly cosmetic, but broken pieces can fall into the dash and foul wiring or HVAC vacuum lines, and owners and dash suppliers warn that loose sharp plastic near the airbag is a hazard if the bag deploys. There was no recall or extended warranty for this. A 1998 to 2001 truck uses a different dash from a 1994 to 1997 truck, so parts are not interchangeable between the two halves of the generation.

Symptoms to notice

  • Visible splits across the dash top, often near the windscreen and defrost vents
  • Cracked or lifting plastic around the instrument cluster hood
  • Dash mat or glued-on overlay cap hiding the top of the dash
  • Rattles or loose pieces around the passenger airbag door

What to check

  1. Lift any dash mat or cover and look at the whole dash top in good light, including right up against the windscreen with a phone torch.
  2. Check whether a plastic overlay cap has been glued over the original dash, and press gently on its edges to see if it is lifting.
  3. Look closely at the passenger airbag door and the instrument hood for cracks or missing pieces.
  4. Turn the fan to the windscreen and floor settings and make sure air comes out where it should, as debris in the dash can foul the vent flaps and vacuum lines.
  5. Ask the seller whether the dash has been replaced or capped and when.

Where to look: Top of the dashboard, especially along the windscreen, defrost vents, instrument hood and passenger airbag door

Ask the seller

  • “Is there a dash mat or overlay cap hiding cracks?”
  • “Has the dash ever been replaced?”
  • “Do all the ventilation settings (screen, face, floor) work?”

RAM 1500 faults in detail

Each of these has its own page: the symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller and what the repair costs. Free, no account needed.

5.7L Hemi MDS Multi-Displacement Lifter and Cam Lobe FailureCritical · EngineCab corner, rocker panel and rear wheel arch rust (2nd gen and 3rd gen Ram 1500)Major · Body & RustCracked exhaust manifold and broken manifold bolts (DS, DS Classic and DT 5.7 HEMI V8)Major · EngineEGR cooler cracking, coolant loss and intake fire risk recall (DS 3.0 EcoDiesel V6)Critical · EngineFour-corner air suspension air spring leaks and compressor failure (DS and DT with air suspension)Major · SuspensionIntake plenum pan gasket leak causing oil burning (2nd gen and early 3rd gen, 5.2 and 5.9 Magnum V8)Major · EngineOpen software safety recalls on stability control and power steering (DT, AU converted trucks)Major · ElectricalRE-series 4-speed auto governor solenoid faults, overdrive wear and overheating (2nd gen 42RE/46RE/47RE)Major · TransmissionSolenoid pack failure, limp mode and slipping (3rd gen 45RFE/545RFE auto)Major · TransmissionSteering wander from worn steering box, track bar and ball joints (2nd gen BR/BE Ram 1500)Major · Suspension

What these repairs cost on other cars

Some of the RAM 1500’s documented faults are repairs other models share. Each page lists the documented NZ cost for every model it affects.

RAM 1500 buyer questions

Is the RAM 1500 reliable?

Like any used car, it depends on the specific example and its service history. Across the 22 documented faults for the RAM 1500, the recurring problem areas are engine, cooling, and transmission. A RAM 1500 with a full service history and no signs of the issues listed on this page can be a sound buy but each one needs to be checked individually before you commit.

What are the most common problems with a used RAM 1500?

We've catalogued 22 known faults for the RAM 1500, covering engine, cooling, and transmission. All 22 are written out in full on this page, with the symptoms to notice, what to inspect, and typical repair costs for each. Free to read, no account needed.

How much do repairs cost on a RAM 1500?

Most single repairs on the RAM 1500 fall between $600–$6,000 at NZ independent-workshop rates. Some of the 22 documented faults cost less and a few cost considerably more, and no one car needs them all. Knowing which ones to look for before you view is what lets you negotiate the price down or walk away.

Should I get a pre-purchase inspection on a RAM 1500?

Yes. A RAM 1500 inspection focused on its known weak points is the single best way to avoid an expensive mistake. KickTyres gives you a guided, model-specific inspection plus a market valuation and negotiation figure for $24.90 far less than the cost of missing one of the faults on this page.