The 2017 RAM 1500 has a documented 5.7L HEMI lifter tick problem, often blamed on the MDS cylinder deactivation system. The ZF 8HP70 8-speed is generally good but has TCM tuning quirks. EcoDiesel had a major emissions scandal and recall.
The 5.7L HEMI with MDS develops lifter tick and ultimately collapse on cylinders 1 and 4. Class action settlement covers 2009-2019 HEMI on certain VINs. Many owners disable MDS via tuner.
MDS cylinder deactivation collapses lifters in cylinders 1 and 4. Tick on cold start, eventually misfire and damage. Repair requires head removal. Disable MDS as preventative.
Misfire Diagnosis →ZF 8HP70 (badged 8HP) shows harsh shifts, gear hunting. FCA TSB updates TCM calibration. Generally reliable transmission otherwise.
P0700 Diagnosis →NHTSA 19V-220 covers EcoDiesel emissions software defeat. FCA paid $800M settlement. Affects 2014-2016 most heavily; some 2017 builds also.
Run an AI diagnosis →Tie rod ends and drag links wear, causing wandering and clunks. Common on heavily-used trucks.
Run an AI diagnosis →Uconnect 8.4 freezes or fails to boot. Hold volume + tune for 10 seconds to reset. Firmware updates available.
Run an AI diagnosis →Optional air suspension compressor fails; rear sags overnight. Replace compressor and check airbag bladders.
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FCA settled $800M for emissions software defeat on 3.0L EcoDiesel. Software update and warranty extension available.
TCM reflash to address harsh shifts and gear hunting on 8HP70/8HP75 transmissions.
Pending/active class action covering 2009-2019 5.7L HEMI lifter collapse with MDS. Some VINs eligible for repair coverage.
If your RAM 1500 is throwing a check engine light, these are the codes most commonly tied to the problems above. Click any code for full diagnosis steps and typical repair costs.
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Mid-pack. The HEMI lifter risk and EcoDiesel emissions issues are the main concerns. The 8HP70 transmission is generally durable.
MDS cylinder deactivation collapses lifters in cylinders 1 and 4, causing tick and misfire. Repair runs $3-5K. Many owners disable MDS preventatively.
Yes. NHTSA 19V-220 covers emissions defeat software. FCA paid $800M settlement. Verify the software update has been applied.
Only with the HEMI lifter risk in mind (or budget to disable MDS) and EcoDiesel emissions recall completed if applicable. 8HP70 trucks generally hold up well.
250K+ if the HEMI lifter issue is addressed and the 8HP70 is serviced every 60K. The chassis is durable.
Pentastar avoids the MDS lifter risk and has a cleaner long-term reliability record. HEMI delivers more capability. Pick based on use case.