The Ram 1500 is loved for its ride quality and Hemi V8, but the 5.7L Hemi MDS lifter, exhaust manifold bolt failure, EcoDiesel emissions issues, and 8-speed transmission shudder are all well-documented. The 2014-2017 EcoDiesel also has a major class-action history.
The 2014-2017 Ram with the 3.0L EcoDiesel has emissions class-action history. The 5.7L Hemi MDS lifter and exhaust manifold bolts are common across years.
Multi-Displacement System lifters collapse, damaging the camshaft. Loud ticking, misfires, eventually no-start. MDS-disable tunes are popular preventive measures.
View P0300 Diagnosis →Exhaust manifold bolts shear off, causing a tick that sounds like a lifter and an exhaust leak. Common across all Hemi V8s. Repair involves drilling out broken bolts.
Run free diagnosis →The 3.0L EcoDiesel had emissions defeat-device issues and EGR cooler failures. Class-action settled in 2019. Many trucks need expensive emissions repairs.
View P0401 Diagnosis →The 8-speed (ZF 8HP) shudders and hesitates. Many fixed by software reflash and fluid flush; some need valve body or rebuild.
View P0700 Diagnosis →Optional air suspension (Active-Level) struts and compressors fail, causing sag, leaks, and complete suspension failure. Coil conversion kits are popular.
Run free diagnosis →Steering wheel could detach from the steering column on certain Rams. Recall - verify completion on any used Ram in this range.
Run free diagnosis →Run a free AI diagnosis tailored to your exact vehicle. Get the most likely cause and repair estimate in under 30 seconds.
Run a Free Diagnosis on My 1500100% free · No signup needed · Powered by NHTSA + AI
2014-2017 EcoDiesel (emissions class action), 2014-2015 with 8-speed first-year shudder, and any Hemi without documented MDS lifter inspection
2019+ Ram 1500 (DT generation) with refined powertrains and the eTorque mild-hybrid Hemi. The 5.7L without air suspension is the most reliable Ram choice.
$800-1,400/year routine. Lifetime non-routine $7,000-13,000+ depending on engine and option choices. EcoDiesel and air suspension trims are most expensive.
If your 1500 is throwing a check engine light, these are the codes most often associated with the problems above. Click any code for full diagnosis steps and typical repair costs.
Yes, with care. Avoid 2014-2017 EcoDiesel unless emissions work has been completed under the class action. Hemi 5.7L is reliable but plan for potential MDS lifter work. Skip air suspension trims for less complexity.
2019+ Ram 1500 (DT generation) with the 5.7L Hemi (no air suspension). Refined platform, better transmission calibration, and improved interior.
Multi-Displacement System deactivates 4 of 8 cylinders. The lifters that enable this fail catastrophically, similar to the GM AFM issue. Damages the camshaft and often the engine. Disabling MDS via tune is a popular preventive measure.
The 2014-2017 EcoDiesel had emissions defeat-device issues, EGR cooler failures, and oil cooler issues. The 3.0L EcoDiesel improved in later years (2020+) but still has higher repair costs than the Hemi.
A maintained Hemi Ram (without air suspension and with MDS attended to) can reach 200,000+ miles. EcoDiesel models are unpredictable due to emissions complexity.