Thinking about buying a used RAM 1500 (2003–2018) in New Zealand? We've documented 5 known faults for this model spanning engine and suspension. Each researched and verified before it's published. The most serious issues here are rated critical. Two are set out in full below — the rest, with the symptoms, repair costs and checks for each, are free with an account.
5
Documented faults
Critical
Most serious
$1,500–$6,000
Typical repair
2
Systems covered
Known RAM 1500 faults
Every fault below is documented specifically for this model — researched and verified before it’s published.
015.7L Hemi MDS Multi-Displacement Lifter and Cam Lobe Failure
CriticalCommonEngine $3,500–$9,000 to fix
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.
Symptoms to 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
What to check
Warm idle and listen for valve train tick. Scan for MDS or camshaft fault codes. Check oil for metallic contamination. Ask specifically if an MDS delete (lifter replacement + cam) has been done – this is a known pre-sale repair.
Where to look: Valve train, 5.7L Hemi V8 engine block
Ask the seller
“Has an MDS delete been performed – lifters and camshaft replaced?”
“Any ticking from the engine or oil consumption beyond 1L per 5,000 km?”
“Has the camshaft or lifters been replaced under any warranty or recall?”
025.7L Hemi Spark Plug Thread Stripout in Alloy Heads
MajorOccasionalEngine $700–$2,500 to fix
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
Inspect all spark plug wells for carbon or oil fouling suggesting prior ejection. Check plug torque (should be 20 Nm; overtorquing strips threads). Ask about service history and who performed plug changes.
Where to look: Spark plug threads, aluminium cylinder heads, both banks
Ask the seller
“Have the spark plugs been changed, and by whom?”
“Any sudden misfires or check engine lights related to a single cylinder?”
EngineCritical
EngineMajor
SuspensionMajor
3 more documented faults on the RAM 1500
Symptoms, what to check, where to look and what to ask the seller — for every fault above. Free with an account, no card needed. One account covers one vehicle, so make it the car you’re actually looking at.
This page covers the model. Enter the plate of the actual car you’re looking at and see its year, engine, safety rating and register flags — free, no account needed.
RAM 1500 buyer questions
Is the RAM 1500 reliable?
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Like any used car, it depends on the specific example and its service history. Across the 5 documented faults for the RAM 1500, the recurring problem areas are engine and suspension. 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?
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We've catalogued 5 known faults for the RAM 1500, covering engine and suspension. Two are written out in full on this page. The rest — with the symptoms to notice, what to inspect, and typical repair costs for each — are free once you create an account.
How much do repairs cost on a RAM 1500?
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Most single repairs on the RAM 1500 fall between $1,500–$6,000 at NZ independent-workshop rates. Some of the 5 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?
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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 $17.90 far less than the cost of missing one of the faults on this page.