Check a vehicle VIN check Latest recalls Latest complaints Common problems Rankings Compare vehicles Recall roundups All makes Guides Share your experience
Theme

Engine & cooling

Ram 1500 Classic Engine problems by year

700 complaints filed with NHTSA about the Ram 1500 Classic's engine & cooling. Stalling, loss of power, oil consumption, overheating, head gaskets, timing chains and engine failure.

Engine complaints by model year

YearEngine complaintsCrashesInjuriesRecalls
2021282160
2020166100
2019252520

Latest 1500 Classic engine complaints

2021 Ram 1500 ClassicTransmission & drivetrainElectrical systemEngine & cooling

Complainant [[redacted]], a licensed contractor, master plumber, and master craftsman in [[redacted]], reports an unresolved, hazardous defect pattern on a 2021 RAM 1500 TRX (odometer: ~27,842). The vehicle features a 702-hp supercharged 6.2L V8 requiring specialized auxiliary cooling to prevent acute thermal derating, engine shutdown, and loss of motive power at highway speeds. BeginningXXX, recurring check-engine lights, "Intercooler Coolant Low" warnings, and confirmed DTCs P026E (Charge Air Cooler Coolant Pump...

Read the full complaint

Performance) and P0EA7 (Auxiliary Coolant Pump Control Circuit Performance) emerged, governed by Stellantis TSB 07-003-22. The vehicle was brought repeatedly to authorized dealer [[redacted]] CDJR ([[redacted]]) under Service Director [[redacted]] for safety remediation. Instead of curing the root electrical and cooling failures, the dealer engaged in a 5-month cycle of clearing codes, withholding Wi-Tech diagnostic logs, and holding the truck across multiple visits for over 45 cumulative days. During these extended holds, the vehicle suffered multiple deep-discharge battery cycles and parasitic drains, further degrading safety-critical electrical modules. The dealer then refused to release the vehicle without payment of an unsubstantiated $1,796.98 balance, unlawfully grounding a compromised vehicle while withholding proof of diagnostic repairs. Despite exhaustive pre-suit efforts, dealer management stonewalled all resolution. Formal complaints were logged with the WA Attorney General (File [redacted]), WA Dept. of Licensing (File [redacted]), and FTC (Report [redacted]). Active civil litigation is pending in Clark County Superior Court (Case [redacted]) with a 12-person jury pursuit. Chronic auxiliary cooling pump failure creates severe sudden shutdown risks in traffic. Federal defect investigation is urgently requested. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Incident Power train · Electrical system · EngineNHTSA 11776429
2019 Ram 1500 ClassicEngine & cooling

On [redacted] I purchased the truck from Brandon Dodge, Jeep, Chrysler dealership in [[redacted]]. I put 2k down and financed 33k. Just over a year when by and on [redacted] (Sunday night) I heard a loud ticking noise so on [redacted] I drove it to [[redacted]] in [[redacted]] which is where I am stationed. On [redacted] they called me and said the engine was blown and that I needed a new engine. So on XXXI had the truck towed to Patriot Diesel Services in [[redacted]] for a second opinion. They confirmed that the...

Read the full complaint

engine was blown. I then contacted [[redacted]] from the Brandon dealership to see what options I had. They told me that I had to get it to one of there locations to confirm if the engine was blown. They also told me that there was nothing they could offer me if the diagnosis was correct. I told them when I Purchased the vehicle it had 105k mileage on it. It now has 138k and the engine is blown. They literally are taking no responsibility or offering any kind of help. I now have estimates for over 24k to fix it. I have now found out that there are class action lawsuits on Ram for these issues on this model. I want to know how are they legally allowed to sell this model when there is a suit against them. Case# 1:[[redacted]] District [[redacted]] State of [[redacted]]. And more suits in different states. I need help please!! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11775894
2020 Ram 1500 ClassicElectrical systemEngine & coolingFire

Truck burned down. Reported problems earlier to you with stellantis/ram having issues with the etorque and not helping to resolve, along with not producing parts. Etorque failed in beginning of 2026, replaced OEM for $5,000(5 times the price it should have been) with no help of ram/stellantis. Now, somewhere in the engine caught on fire and burned the whole truck. Insurance has done investigation and I have received the claim. Safety concern:my wife and [[redacted]] were in the vehicle, started it and it caught...

Read the full complaint

fire. Lucky to have gotten out safe. Total loss of vehicle. The ram rebel 2020 and specifically etorque and electrical all should be looked into and proper action be taken with ram/stellantis to its customers. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Incident Electrical system · EngineNHTSA 11775549
2021 Ram 1500 ClassicEngine & cooling

The engine oil pan severely corroded and over 30% of the 18 gauge steel scaled away. For an 18-gauge steel oil pan (nominal thickness of 0.0478 inches or 1.2 mm), the threshold where rust becomes hazardous is remarkably thin - literally and figuratively. Because an oil pan holds hot, chemically active fluid and is subjected to constant vibration and thermal cycling, the margin for corrosion safety is very small: 1. The Pinhole and Leak Threshold (25% to 30% Loss) * The Limit: If deep rust pitting or scaling eats...

Read the full complaint

away more than 0.012 to 0.015 inches (roughly 25% to 30% of the wall thickness), the metal is no longer structurally sound enough to contain the oil under thermal expansion and vibration. * The Hazard: At this stage, microscopic or sudden pinhole leaks will form. Even a slow weep can drain enough oil over time to starve the engine, or worse, spray atomized oil onto a hot exhaust pipe, creating a severe fire hazard.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11774477
2019 Ram 1500 ClassicEngine & cooling

The contact owns a 2019 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle had a slight loss of automotive power, and the vehicle decelerated to 20 MPH. The vehicle was restarted, and the failure ceased. The contact continued driving and the vehicle was taken to a dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was retrieved from the dealer and while driving the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where the contact was...

Read the full complaint

advised that additional diagnostic tests were required to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 65,000.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11773994
2019 Ram 1500 ClassicEngine & cooling

Blown Engine- No prior indicators that were obviously present. Driving on highway and about 40 miles in, loud ticking noises. Truck previously had manifold bolt breaking issues so assumed it was an exhaust leak. Within another 20 miles, the engine light came on and engine noises noticeably increased. Immediately took it to Ram Service and was diagnosed with a failed camshaft and camshaft bearing wear/scoring. Issue was reported to Ram dealership and ultimately fixed at owner cost.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11772884
2019 Ram 1500 ClassicEngine & cooling

Engine seized resulting in loss of propulsion while driving on the freeway Vehicle: 2019 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel Mileage at failure: ~50,000 miles Purchase: Bought brand-new in April 2020 Maintenance: 8 documented oil changes, all performed on schedule While driving with my family on 7/12, the engine suddenly seized without warning at highway speed. The truck lost power instantly. This is a serious safety concern because the failure happened during normal driving conditions with no prior symptoms. The vehicle has...

Read the full complaint

now been at the dealership for nearly 90 days with no teardown, no diagnosis, and no repair plan. Ram/Stellantis has not resolved the issue or approved an engine replacement despite complete maintenance history and the low mileage. A modern diesel engine should not catastrophically fail at 50k miles, especially with proper maintenance. This appears to be a premature and dangerous engine failure that may indicate a defect affecting other EcoDiesel vehicles.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11770808
2019 Ram 1500 ClassicTransmission & drivetrainElectrical systemEngine & cooling

The manufacturer defect involving stress cracks in the rear window structure (TSB 23-042-24) caused water to flood the rear cab wall along with the leaking rear cab air pressure vents. This water has short-circuited the CAN-bus network/RF Hub, causing active dashboard failures including 'Service Shifter' and 'ParkSense Temporarily Unavailable.' The vehicle is at immediate risk of locking in Park, stalling, or failing to shift while driving, creating an immediate crash hazard. Additionally, the exhaust manifolds are...

Read the full complaint

leaking, risking exhaust gas intrusion into the cabin. The dealership, Earnhardt Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram at 1521 E Drivers Way, Gilbert, AZ 85297, has failed to resolve the water leaks over 4 separate visits this month." I was told a software update fixed the issue. Then at the last visit something electrical was replaced, the issue is still happening. The leaking rear cab air pressure vents have not been addressed in the previous 2 service appointments. This also allows water to leak onto the RF Hub

Filed Incident Power train · Electrical system · EngineNHTSA 11770589
2019 Ram 1500 ClassicEngine & cooling

I am filing this complaint regarding a known, widespread, and concealed defect in the 5.7L HEMI engine with Multi-Displacement System (MDS) installed in my 2019 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4. I have maintained this vehicle with oil changes every 3,000 miles. Despite this, at every consecutive oil change I have discovered significant metal debris in the drained oil, including chunks and shards, some curved in a distinctive pigtail or coil shape consistent with lifter roller bearing cage material and cam lobe debris as...

Read the full complaint

documented in the known HEMI cam and lifter failure pattern confirmed by dealer technicians nationwide. Symptoms include intermittent cold start tick occurring multiple times over the past year, loss of power in tow haul mode at high RPM, and a power loss event following extended towing while idling afterward. My consistent 3,000 mile oil change schedule directly contradicts FCA's standard defense that this failure results from owner neglect. A class action covering all 2014 and newer Gen III 5.7L and 6.4L HEMI engines received preliminary court approval June 29, 2026, with filings alleging FCA knew of this defect since 2012 and actively concealed it. No recall has been issued despite thousands of complaints. The camshaft sits above the oil splash zone receiving inadequate lubrication at idle. When MDS lifters fail, metal debris circulates through the entire oiling system causing catastrophic damage costing $3,500 to over $8,000. This poses a serious public safety risk. I am requesting NHTSA open a formal investigation and consider mandating a safety recall across all affected vehicles.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11770163
2019 Ram 1500 ClassicEngine & coolingFuel system

On [redacted], approx. 1615 hours, I was traveling EB on I70 in [[redacted]]. The cruise control was set at approximately 72MPH. I was in the left lane of travel and both my wife and I heard a revving noise and as I looked at the dashboard, I noticed the RPM gauge was high, I hit the brakes and started to go to the right lane and the entire vehicle shut down. All within a matter of 5-10 seconds. The dash indicated to put the truck in park to start it. I was able to make it to the shoulder and get the vehicle...

Read the full complaint

stopped and in park. I popped the hood and looked around the engine compartment. I saw no fluids leaking and no steam or smoke coming from the engine. I then attempted to restart the vehicle and it did absolutely nothing. Vehicle was towed to a RAM dealership, [[redacted]] CRJD in [[redacted]]. The did a cursory inspection ad determined that the engine was seized up but gave no indication as to the cause. Recommendation was to replace engine at a cost of nearly 18K dollars. Upon conducting further investigation on my own, I discovered that the Z46 recall of the HPFP, described with total accuracy what I experienced on the highway that day. The recall was performed on my vehicle on [redacted]. It is fully my belief that the fuel pump that was replace through the recall has now failed in the same manner as described in the recall and was the cause of the complete engine failure. I have notified the dealership of my findings and opinions, and they are unwilling to investigate further without direction from the manufacturer. Notified Service Manager, [[redacted]]. ([redacted]) 1302 hours On [redacted] (1310 hours) I notified the RAM Recall Team, [[redacted]], of the situation. He advised that it was to be escalated to case/claim and that I would be contacted by a case file agent. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Incident Engine · Fuel / propulsion systemNHTSA 11768572
2019 Ram 1500 ClassicEngine & cooling

My local dodge dealer infromed me that my oil pan needs replaced when I took truck in for normal routine maintenance. A 1700.00 Repair and my 2019 dodge ram bighorn truck was out of warranty. This is a saftey hazzard that dodge should be responisble for on a 6 year old truck with only 90,000 miles on it. A rusted oil pan can cause sudden oil loss and engine failure, which makes it a safety concern.

Filed Incident Engine and engine coolingNHTSA 11765870
2019 Ram 1500 ClassicEngine & coolingCrash

The vehicle loses power unexpectedly without triggering a MIF indicator or logging a OBDII diagnostic code. The problem is the crankshaft position sensor temporarily fails causing the vehicle to stall, in my case, in stop and go traffic, which caused an accident. Once the 'Heat Soak' effect passes, the vehicle start and drives normally again. The fix, to preventing it from happening again and solving the heat soak problem, is to replace the crankshaft position sensor with an OEM part which is less susceptible to...

Read the full complaint

the ambient heat (heat soak) due the proximity to the exhaust manifold. And, to have the software in the PCM 'Flashed' or upgraded to allow for a greater signal tolerance from the crankshaft position sensor. The problem and fix where confirmed by Auto-Nation Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM, [[redacted]], where I purchased the OEM part and had their service department 'Flash' the PCM for the software upgrade. The service department and the parts clerk agreed that TSB 18-020-26 applied, dated [redacted]. Upon further research I discovered a recall report: 18v-049 Part 573 Safety recall report. It is proof FCA US LLC (Manufacturer of my 2019 Dodge RAM 1500 Classic) knew about the problem with the Pentastar 3.6L engine. The same 3.6L engine in the recall. Or, they should have know about the potential problem. Although my vehicle was not part of the 18v-049 recall, it has the same 3.6L engine and exhibited the same engineering shortcomings as the recalled engine? As a concerned citizen I felt compelled to bring the public safety problem to your attention, even though I feel I am not the only one who has complained about the problem. And, because I feel strongly about this, I am planning to file suite in small claim court against the manufacture: FCA US LLC. I would like to update your office with a copy of the filing as soon as I am issued a court date. Thank you for your time and consideration. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11765672
2020 Ram 1500 ClassicEngine & cooling

I bought this used truck with 60K miles on it in 2024. It is a 2020 truck. At 136K the engine failed.........with the infamous [[redacted]]. I have an excel summary spread sheet on all maintenance I had done since I owned this truck and I did not pull or haul anything. I heard a tick for about 10 days before I took it to my dealer whom I bought it from and they stated after "scoping" that the # 8 cylinder misfired and cylinder wall scored and the lifter pin bearing failed thus cam shaft damaged and exhaust...

Read the full complaint

manifold cracked. They had to replace the engine with a remanufactured engine from [[redacted]] and replaced intake and exhaust Manifold at a cost of $ 15,021 out of my pocket. I was stuck with no options logically. I do not have a problem with the Dealership - [[redacted]]. I have a problem with Ram Engineering, Stalantis design. To me there is no excuse to have a big cast iron block v-8 fail at 136K miles. There are many more ram owners who have this same problem I just stated that I had. If I knew then what I know now i would have never bought this truck with this 5.7L engine. There were no warnings, messages or anything displayed to alert there was a problem. I expect that there was not enough oil flow to # 8 cylinder ( which is all the way back to the left rear ( passenger side) of the engine ) looking from the front of the truck as I read many Ram forums on line. I changed to oil every 5K miles with Mobil 1 full synthetic oil along with the filter - either Mobil 1 or WIX filters. some of the best on the market. I do not know what I can do now but this is rediculous. I won't get burned again. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11764777
2019 Ram 1500 ClassicEngine & cooling

My 2019 ram 1500 had the hemi tick sound. Took it in to the dealership to check and verified it was a failed lifter and had metal shavings inside the motor. Dealership said I needed a whole new engine costing around 18,000 dollars. They also refused to warranty it even though there was a bulletin on this specific issue. It had 113k when I brought it in. My certified pre owned warranty lasted until 100k but still didn't want to warranty it. I went ahead and rebuilt the engine myself costing around 10k. Now I'm hearing clunking noise when I'm in a low gear taking off again around 20mph possibly my transmission now. Has 130k miles now.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11763724
2021 Ram 1500 ClassicEngine & cooling

I own a 2021 Ram 1500 with the 3.0L EcoDiesel Gen 3 engine. The vehicle has experienced diagnostic trouble code P00AF, indicating a turbocharger/variable geometry turbocharger (VGT) boost-control performance problem. I have already taken the vehicle to a Ram dealership for this same issue. The dealership performed a computer/software update in an attempt to correct the problem, but the P00AF issue continued afterward. I returned to the dealership and was told they could not reproduce the problem during their test...

Read the full complaint

drive and therefore could not repair it. The problem remains unresolved. I am concerned this may involve a premature failure or defect involving the turbocharger, electronic VGT actuator, or VGT control mechanism on the Gen 3 EcoDiesel. This is particularly concerning because I use the vehicle to tow an approximately 8,000-pound travel trailer. A turbocharger/VGT failure while towing could cause sudden loss of engine power, particularly under heavy load or while climbing grades, potentially creating a dangerous situation in traffic. The intermittent nature of the problem makes it difficult for the dealership to reproduce, but the fault continues to occur during actual vehicle operation. A software update has already been attempted without resolving the issue. I request that NHTSA investigate whether there is a pattern of premature turbocharger/VGT actuator or VGT mechanism failures resulting in P00AF on 2020-2023 Ram 1500 3.0L EcoDiesel Gen 3 vehicles. I can provide dealership repair documentation, diagnostic information, photographs, mileage, and other supporting information if requested.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11762650

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked daily. Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data

Owners helping owners

Know before you drive.

Every experience you share - good or bad - shows on that vehicle's page and helps the next owner and buyer. Two minutes, anonymous.

Share your experience