The 2014 Ram 1500 is a solid workhorse across all three engine options, but the 3.0L EcoDiesel has severe longevity issues that make it a financial time bomb, while the 3.6L and 5.7L are generally reliable with transmission cooler and mount problems being the main platform-wide concerns.
Symptoms: Excessive oil consumption (quart per 1,000 mi or worse), Knocking or ticking from bottom end, Metal shavings in oil filter, Sudden loss of oil pressure and seizure
Fix: Complete engine rebuild or replacement required — crankshaft, main bearings, rod bearings, and often pistons/rings all compromised due to inadequate oiling in the VM Motori design. Expect 25-35 hours labor for short block swap, more for full teardown/rebuild. This is the EcoDiesel's Achilles heel.
Estimated cost: $8,000-15,000
Transmission Oil Cooler Line Failure (All Engines)
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: Transmission fluid in coolant (strawberry milkshake in overflow tank), Coolant in transmission (slipping, erratic shifts), External leak at radiator connections, Transmission overheating
Fix: The cooler integrated into the radiator develops internal leaks, cross-contaminating fluids. Requires radiator replacement, transmission flush (sometimes multiple flushes), and often torque converter replacement if coolant got into trans. 6-10 hours labor depending on contamination severity. Catch it early or you're buying a transmission.
Estimated cost: $1,200-3,500
Transmission Mount Failure (8-Speed Automatic)
Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 70,000-110,000 mi
Symptoms: Clunk or thud on 1-2 or 2-1 shifts, Vibration at idle in gear, Visible sagging or tearing of rubber mount, Drivetrain movement during acceleration
Fix: The rear transmission mount tears or collapses, allowing excessive drivetrain movement. Straightforward replacement, 1.5-2 hours labor. OEM mount recommended — aftermarket rubber compounds don't last.
Fix: The TIPM (fuse/relay box under hood) develops internal corrosion or failed relays, causing bizarre electrical gremlins. Chrysler issued recalls for some batches, but many fall outside recall scope. Replacement is plug-and-play but requires programming. 2-3 hours labor plus module cost. Used modules are a gamble.
Estimated cost: $800-1,400
3.6L Pentastar Left Cylinder Head Failure
Occasional · high severity
Typical onset: 90,000-140,000 mi
Symptoms: Coolant loss with no external leak, White smoke from exhaust on cold start, Misfires on cylinders 1, 3, or 5, Coolant in oil (milky dipstick)
Fix: Left head develops cracks between valve seats or in coolant passages, mixing coolant and combustion. Requires head removal, inspection, and replacement if cracked (casting defect). 12-16 hours labor. Right head rarely fails. Some got warranty extensions, check service history.
Estimated cost: $2,800-4,200
Exhaust Manifold Bolt Failure (5.7L Hemi)
Common · low severity
Typical onset: 50,000-90,000 mi
Symptoms: Ticking or tapping from engine bay, louder on cold start, Exhaust leak smell, Visible soot streaks on manifold, Check engine light (small EVAP or O2 sensor codes sometimes)
Fix: Manifold bolts snap due to heat cycles, allowing exhaust leaks. If caught early, extract broken studs and replace bolts — 3-4 hours. If manifold warped, add manifold replacement (dorman or OEM). Annoying but not dangerous.
Estimated cost: $400-900
EcoDiesel EGR Cooler and DEF System Issues
Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: Check engine light with EGR codes (P0401, P0404), Reduced power / limp mode, DEF quality or level errors despite full tank, Black smoke under load
Fix: EGR cooler clogs with soot, EGR valve sticks, or DEF injector/heater fails. EGR cooler replacement is 6-8 hours (cab-back disassembly), DEF components 2-4 hours. Emissions equipment on this diesel is fragile and expensive. Use quality DEF and don't ignore regeneration cycles.
Estimated cost: $1,200-2,800
Owner tips
If buying a 3.0L EcoDiesel, budget $10k for an engine rebuild or walk away — it's not 'if' but 'when' the bottom end fails past 100k miles.
Check coolant overflow tank for ANY pink tint or milky appearance — sign of transmission cooler leak. Catch it early or you're replacing the transmission.
TIPM issues often start subtle (fuel pump hum after key-off, intermittent wiper operation). Address early before you're stranded.
5.7L Hemi is the most bulletproof choice — exhaust manifold bolts are a nuisance, not a deal-breaker. 3.6L is solid if head hasn't failed yet.
Avoid EcoDiesels with short-trip/city-only history — they need highway miles to complete DPF regeneration cycles or emissions systems clog.
Buy the 5.7L Hemi with confidence, take a chance on the 3.6L Pentastar, but RUN from the 3.0L EcoDiesel unless the engine has already been replaced under warranty.
AI-assisted summary drawn from NHTSA recall data, our labor-times database, and platform knowledge. Not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on a specific vehicle.
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2019 Ram 1500 and 2014-2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles equipped with 3.0L Diesel engines. The crankshaft position sensor tone wheel may delaminate, causing the engine to lose its ability to synchronize the fuel injector pulses and cam shaft timing, possibly resulting in an engine stall.
Consequence: An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the powertrain control module software to maintain vehicle propulsion, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed August 3, 2023. Some owner notification letters were mailed October 31, 2023. The remaining owner notification letters will be mailed at a future date, anticipated July 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 66A. This recall is an expansion of recall 20V-475.
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee, and 2014-2019 Ram 1500 vehicles equipped with 3.0L diesel engines. A high pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failure may introduce internal debris into the fuel system, potentially resulting in fuel starvation.
Consequence: Fuel starvation may result in an unexpected loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the HPFP, and inspect and replace, if necessary, additional fuel system components, free of charge. Interim notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed July 21, 2022. Owner notification letters for were mailed for Jeep Grand Cherokee owners starting January 11, 2024. Owner notification letters for Ram 1500 owners were mailed March 7, 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLS's number for this recall is Z46.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:DIESEL · 20V475000
2020-08-13
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Ram 1500 and 2014-2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles equipped with 3.0L diesel engines. The crankshaft position sensor tone wheel may delaminate causing the engine to lose its ability to synchronize the fuel injector pulses and cam shaft timing, possibly resulting in an engine stall.
Consequence: An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: FCA US will notify owners, and dealers will update the powertrain control module software to maintain vehicle propulsion by reading the camshaft position signal in the event that the crankshaft position signal is lost, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 13, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US customer service at 1-800-853-2002. FCA US's number for this recall is W58.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2019 Ram 1500 and 1500 Classic Pickup trucks equipped with 3.0L Eco Diesel engines. The Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) cooler may crack and allow pre-heated vaporized coolant to enter the EGR system. This mixture may combust inside the intake manifold.
Consequence: Combustion in the intake manifold can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the EGR cooler, free of charge. Dealers will also inspect and, as necessary, replace the intake manifold. The recall began April 16, 2020. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is VB1.
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TAILGATE:LATCH · 19V347000
2019-05-09
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks equipped with an 8 foot bed and a power locking tailgate. Chrysler is also recalling all 2013-2014 and 2018 Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks built before April 1, 2018 with a 6 or 8 foot bed and a power locking tailgate. On August 29, 2019 Chrysler expanded the recall to include an additional 693,128 model year 2013-2014 Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks. The tailgate actuator limiter tab may fracture and cause the tailgate to unlatch and open while driving.
Consequence: If the tailgate opens while the vehicle is being driven, cargo may fall out the vehicle and create a road hazard, increasing the risk of crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will repair the tailgate latch, free of charge. The recall began May 23, 2019. Chrysler is expected to notify owners of the expanded population on October 18, 2019. Owners may contact FCA US customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US's number for this recall is V44. Note: 2015-2017 MY Ram 1500 pickup trucks with truck beds other than 8 foot, are currently covered under NHTSA recall 18V-486 for this issue.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING · 18V332000
2018-05-17
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Dodge Journey, Charger and Durango, RAM 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis (more than 10,000lb), 4500 Cab Chassis and 5500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee and Chrysler 300, 2014-2019 RAM 1500, 2015-2018 Dodge Challenger, 2015-2017 Chrysler 200, 2016-2018 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis (less than 10,000 lb), 2017-2018 Chrysler Pacifica and 2018 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. These vehicles are being recalled to address a defect that could prevent the cruise control system from disengaging. If, when using cruise control, there is a short circuit within the vehicle's wiring, the driver may not be able to shut off the cruise control either by depressing the brake pedal or manually turning the system off once it has been engaged, resulting in either the vehicle maintaining its current speed or possibly accelerating.
Consequence: If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the software, and perform a software flash on the engine or powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began June 4, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Note: Owners are advised to stop using cruise control until the software update has been performed. In the event that cruise control cannot be disengaged while driving, owners should firmly and steadily apply the brakes and shift the transmission to neutral, placing the vehicle in park once it has stopped.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:COLUMN SHIFT · 17V821000
2017-12-20
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Ram 3500 Cab Chassis with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of less than 10,000 lbs, 2011-2017 Ram 3500, 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles, 2009-2017 Ram 1500 and 2010-2017 Ram 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks, all equipped with a column shifter. Pushing the brake pedal for prolonged periods when the vehicle is running and in PARK may cause the Brake Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI) pin to stick in the open position. With the pin in the open position, the transmission can be shifted out of PARK into any gear without pushing the brake pedal or having the key in the ignition.
Consequence: Being able to shift the transmission without pushing the brake pedal and/or without a key in the ignition can increase the risk of an unintended vehicle rollaway that may result in personal injury or a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update the vehicle software, inspect the BTSI, and, as necessary, replace it, free of charge. The recall began February 26, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T79.
AIR BAGS · 17V302000
2017-05-09
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2013-2016 Ram 1500, Ram 2500, and 2014-2016 Ram 3500 vehicles. Certain driving conditions, such as driving off-road or debris striking the vehicle may cause the roll rate sensor to trigger a fault within the Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC). If this fault occurs, the rollover side curtain air bag and the seat belt pretensioner will be disabled from deploying.
Consequence: If the rollover side curtain air bags and seat belt pretensioners are disabled, there is an increased risk of injury to the vehicle occupants in the event of a crash that necessitates activation of these safety systems.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update the ORC software, free of charge. The recall began June 26, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T25.
EQUIPMENT · 16E041000
2016-05-16
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling aftermarket Mopar Canvas Seat Covers for certain 2012-2016 RAM 1500, 2500, and 3500 trucks. These Mopar canvas seat covers were sold through Chrysler dealerships beginning October 15, 2015. The seat covers can impede the deployment of the seat thorax airbags.
Consequence: If the seat cover impedes the air bag deployment, the seat thorax air bags may not provide adequate protection in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of a injury.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners to remove the front seat covers and return them for a full refund. The recall began on July 1, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S30.
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW · 15V534000
2015-08-21
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Ram 1500 Quad Cab trucks manufactured August 26, 2013, to August 8, 2015. The affected vehicles are equipped with side air bag inflatable curtains (SABIC) that may not fully overlap the C-pillars in the event of a vehicle crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 226, "Ejection Mitigation."
Consequence: In the event of a vehicle crash, if a SABIC does not inflate as intended, there is an increased risk of injury to the rear seat occupant.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, dealers will inspect the right and left side air bag inflatable curtains (SABIC) for proper orientation and a foil patch will be installed on both sides of the headliner. One or both of the air bag inflatable curtains (SABIC) will be replaced if necessary. The recall began on October 7, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R47.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Ram 1500 diesel 4x2 trucks manufactured August 8, 2013, to July 2, 2015. The affected vehicles have a battery harness that may rub against the frame bracket for the right engine mount resulting in an electrical short.
Consequence: If the harness shorts, the vehicle may stall and there is an increased risk of a fire.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles to confirm that the battery harness is correctly routed and secured. Any harness that shows evidence of wear will be replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on October 8, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R43.
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC. · 15V461000
2015-07-23
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Ram 1500, 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500, 2015 Chrysler 200, Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger, and Dodge Challenger, 2014-2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee, Cherokee, and Dodge Durango, and 2013-2015 Dodge Viper vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with radios that have software vulnerabilities that can allow third-party access to certain networked vehicle control systems.
Consequence: Exploitation of the software vulnerability may result in unauthorized remote modification and control of certain vehicle systems, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify and mail affected owners a USB drive that includes a software update that eliminates the vulnerability, free of charge. Optionally, owners may download the update to their own USB drive from http://www.driveuconnect.com/software-update/ or take their vehicle to a Chrysler dealer for immediate installation. In an effort to mitigate the effects of this security vulnerability, Chrysler has had the wireless service provider close the open cellular connection to the vehicle that provided unauthorized access to the vehicle network. This measure may not have been implemented on all vehicles and does not address access by other means that will be remedied by the software update. The recall began on August 25, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R40.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL · 15V459000
2015-07-22
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 Ram 1500, 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500 trucks manufactured January 18, 2011, to October 7, 2014, and equipped with the Electronic Vehicle Information Center option. The affected vehicles have a steering wheel wiring harness that may rub against the driver air bag module retainer spring.
Consequence: This abrasion may result in an electrical short that could cause driver's frontal air bag to unexpectedly deploy. Inadvertent deployment of the air bag may increase the risk of injury and the possibility of a vehicle crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect, repair as necessary, and secure the steering wheel wiring harness. Additionally, protective caps will be added to the air bag retainer spring ends. These repairs will be done free of charge. The recall began on September 18, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R36.
SEAT BELTS · 15V460000
2015-07-22
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500 trucks manufactured June 20, 2012, to January 26, 2015. In the affected vehicles, the side impact sensor calibrations may be overly sensitive, and as a result, the side air bag inflatable curtains and seat air bags may unexpectedly deploy and the seat belt pre-tensioners may activate.
Consequence: Air bags that unexpectedly deploy increase the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update the Occupant Restraint Control module calibration, free of charge. The recall began on September 8, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R23.
SUSPENSION:REAR:SHOCK ABSORBER · 14V392000
2014-07-02
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2014 Jeep Cherokee and Ram 1500 and 2015 Chrysler 200 vehicles. Due to an insufficient weld, the rear shocks may detach from the vehicle at one end and possibly damage other chassis components, the tire or result in reduced braking.
Consequence: Damage to the tire or reduced braking increases the risk of a vehicle crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rear shocks and replace any affected ones, free of charge. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is P37.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION · 14V161000
2014-04-01
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2014 Ram 1500 4x4 vehicles manufactured January 24, 2014, through February 5, 2014. In the affected vehicles, the transmission case may have been improperly machined which can result in the park pawl not properly engaging when the transmission is in the 'Park' position.
Consequence: If the park pawl does not properly engage, the vehicle may rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash and occupant or pedestrian injuries.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the transmission, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on May 21, 2014. Owners may contract Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is P13.
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2014 RAM 1500, 2500, and 3500 trucks manufactured July 1, 2013, through August 22, 2013. Randomly, the warning lights in the instrument cluster may fail to illuminate as designed.
Consequence: Inoperative warning lights may not properly warn the driver of vehicle problems, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update the instrument cluster software, free of charge. The recall began on November 25, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N59.
Size-standard part numbers — verify your connector type before buying. Rear blades are model-specific; check the package's vehicle list.
Fuel economy figures are EPA data via fueleconomy.gov (median across matching trims). Performance figures are compiled estimates for the 2014 Ram 1500 3.6L V6 Pentastar and can vary by trim.
🔧 Built by master technician Chris Hackleman · Master Technician · 20+ years.