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Free used car buyer guide / DS fourth generation / 2009-2018

Ram 1500 common problems and best years

By BYBA Research - how we score cars

Updated 2026-06-12

BYBA Buy Score

3.3/10

Avoid unless inspected

4 walk-away risks, 6 serious faults documented for this generation, weighted by severity and repair cost. Biggest factor: 5.7 hemi lifter and camshaft failure. Score methodology.

The 2009-2018 Ram 1500 is a comfortable, useful truck, but it punishes buyers who confuse a nice cabin with cheap mechanical risk. The traps are the 5.7 Hemi's two different ticks, EcoDiesel EGR/HPFP/tone-wheel campaigns, 2013-2018 air suspension leaks, 8HP service neglect, tailgate latch recall, and BTSI rollaway risk on column-shift trucks. The safest buy for most people is a 2016-2018 5.7 Hemi or 3.6 Pentastar with the 8-speed, no air suspension, no hot tick, and a full recall printout. EcoDiesel can work for long-distance users, but only after the recall stack is proven. For owners, the expensive lesson is early diagnosis: a manifold tick, lifter tick, diesel coolant loss and air leak all start small before becoming the bill everyone complains about.

Faults covered

10

Highest risk

5.7 Hemi lifter and

Best years

2016-2018

Best buys

  • 2016-2018 5.7 Hemi 8HP with repaired manifold bolts, no hot misfire tick and clean recalls
  • 2015-2018 3.6 Pentastar 8HP for lighter-duty buyers who want lower fuel and repair risk
  • Steel-spring trucks with matching tyres, documented fluids and no tow-abuse history

Inspect hard

  • 2009-2014 Hemi trucks: separate manifold leak from internal lifter/cam noise
  • 2014-2018 EcoDiesel: verify VB1, Z46 and W58/66A before road-testing
  • 2013-2018 air suspension trucks: inspect after overnight parking
  • Column-shift trucks: confirm T79/U11 BTSI recall completion

Avoid

  • Hemi with persistent hot tick plus P030x misfire
  • EcoDiesel with coolant loss, low rail pressure, open campaigns or emissions delete
  • Air-suspension truck sitting low or sold with service suspension message
  • 8-speed truck that delays Drive/Reverse and has no ZF-spec service history

Next checks

Before you contact the seller

Check the car's history first. Then bring the right tools if it still looks worth viewing.

Primary next step

Check history, title, and recall status

The faults above matter more if the car also has accident history, finance flags, missing service records, or open safety recalls.

carVerticalPaid history report - EU/UK fitVinAuditPaid history report - US fitNHTSA recallsFree recall lookup

Viewing kit

Bring the right tools

Four cheap tools catch most of the faults on this page at a Ram 1500 viewing.

Bluetooth OBD2 scannerRead fault-code history before trusting a clear dashboard.Paint thickness gaugeSpots resprays and hidden accident repair in seconds.Brake fluid testerHigh moisture means neglected maintenance everywhere else too.LED inspection lightEngine bay, sills, and underbody never lie under real light.

Printable workflow

Take the inspection pack

The PDF is the ordered checklist for the viewing: documents, walk-around, test drive, and scan.

Open PDF option

Some links here are partner links. If you buy through one, BYBA earns a commission. The price you pay does not change. How we make money.

Engines and trims

Which Ram 1500 should you buy?

On most used cars, the engine and trim choice changes the risk more than the mileage does. Narrow this down before you start viewing cars.

5.7 Hemi V8

2009-2018

GOOD IF DIAGNOSED QUIET

The Hemi is the Ram engine people want, but the buyer must separate three sounds: cold manifold leak, normal injector/valvetrain noise, and real lifter/cam failure. A clean Hemi with oil history is strong. A hot tick with misfire can erase the value of the truck.

3.6 Pentastar V6

2013-2018

BEST LOW-RISK DAILY

The Pentastar cannot tow like a Hemi, but it avoids EcoDiesel recall anxiety and Hemi cam cost. Its main ageing check is the oil cooler/filter housing and ordinary ignition/misfire behaviour. For commuters and light truck work, this is the rational DS choice.

3.0 EcoDiesel V6

2014-2018 in this guide

ONLY WITH RECALL PROOF

The diesel is fuel-efficient and torquey, but it carries three major campaigns: EGR cooler, HPFP and crank tone wheel. It belongs with high-mileage motorway/towing users who keep records, not short-trip buyers hoping for cheap fuel.

4.7 PowerTech V8

2009-2013

OLDER VALUE ONLY

The 4.7 is mostly an early-DS budget engine. It is simpler than the later diesel story but less desirable than the Hemi and less efficient than buyers expect. Only buy if condition and price are genuinely better.

ZF/TorqueFlite 8HP automatic

2013-2018 depending engine

GOOD WITH FLUID HISTORY

The 8HP made the Ram feel modern, but "lifetime fluid" thinking hurts used trucks. A smooth 8HP with pan/fluid service proof is a strength; a delayed or shuddering box without invoices is expensive uncertainty.

Year notes

Year-by-year buyer advice

Use this to narrow the search before you spend time travelling to view a car.

2009

DS fourth generation launches with new body, coil-spring rear suspension and Hemi focus. Early trucks use older transmissions and pre-facelift interiors.

Buyer: Buy for condition only. A cheap 2009 Hemi with cold tick needs careful hot-idle scan before you assume it is only manifold bolts.

Owner: Keep rust, exhaust bolts and fluids ahead of schedule. At this age, neglect is more important than trim.

2010

Second production year, still early DS architecture with 5/6-speed automatic depending engine.

Buyer: Good work-truck value if the Hemi is quiet hot and the chassis is not rusty. Do not overpay for cosmetics.

Owner: Service differentials and transmission if history is unknown; old fluid is the silent cost on early trucks.

2011

DS matures but still pre-facelift. Hemi manifold and general age-related suspension/brake checks dominate.

Buyer: Look harder at frame/body condition and tow wear than options. A basic steel-spring truck can be smarter than a loaded but neglected one.

Owner: Start documenting repairs now; older Ram resale depends on proof that the common issues were handled.

2012

Final pre-2013 major update year. Cabin and drivetrain feel older than later trucks.

Buyer: Buy only with a price advantage. The 2013+ 8-speed trucks are nicer, so a 2012 needs to win on condition and service.

Owner: If keeping long term, address manifold bolts and suspension wear before spending on accessories.

2013

Facelift introduces updated interior/electronics, 3.6 Pentastar availability, 8-speed automatic rollout and optional air suspension.

Buyer: This is the first modern-feeling DS. Test 8HP engagement carefully and inspect air suspension if fitted.

Owner: Do not treat 8HP fluid as magic lifetime oil if towing or keeping the truck past 160,000 km.

2014

EcoDiesel arrives. Air suspension and 8-speed become more common in desirable trims.

Buyer: The diesel needs recall homework from day one. A 2014 EcoDiesel without campaign proof should not be priced like a fuel-saving prize.

Owner: Keep every diesel campaign letter and invoice. Later buyers will ask for VB1, Z46 and tone-wheel proof.

2015

Mature facelift production. Hemi, Pentastar and EcoDiesel all have clear used-market personalities by now.

Buyer: Good year for Hemi/Pentastar if scan and road test are clean. Diesel buyers still need EGR/coolant and rail-pressure checks.

Owner: Inspect tailgate and shifter recall coverage even if no symptom exists; recall proof is part of resale.

2016

Later DS trucks get better equipment and continued 8HP refinement. Differential pin and other VIN-specific recalls affect some trucks.

Buyer: One of the better DS years if no air suspension issues. Scan all modules, not just engine.

Owner: Keep tyres matched and rotate regularly on 4x4 trucks; driveline wind-up is avoidable.

2017

Column-shift BTSI recall populations and tailgate/differential recalls can affect specific trucks. Late DS values remain strong.

Buyer: A 2017 Hemi with clean recalls and no hot tick is a strong buy. Confirm T79/U11 if column-shift equipped.

Owner: Recall completion matters even on a truck that feels normal. Tailgate and park-interlock faults are safety items.

2018

Final year before the new DT generation, with DS-style trucks still widely sold. Tailgate latch, U11, cruise-control and diesel recalls vary by VIN.

Buyer: Best end-year DS buys are petrol steel-spring trucks with full recall file. An EcoDiesel still needs the same campaign scrutiny as earlier years.

Owner: Preserve late-DS value with boring maintenance: fluids, recall paperwork, brakes and tyres beat cosmetic mods.

Common problems

Faults to check before buying

What fails, what it looks like, what it costs, and the quick checks you can do at the viewing - ranked by how badly each one can hurt you.

Fault 1

5.7 Hemi exhaust manifold bolts and cold tick

SERIOUS / $$

Affects

2009-2018 Ram 1500 5.7 Hemi.

Symptoms

Tick/tap from wheel-well area on cold start, exhaust smell, noise fading as the engine warms.

Typical repair cost

EUR 500-1,200 per side; EUR 1,200-2,000 both sides or with difficult bolt extraction.

Codes / scan clues

Usually none; fuel-trim or oxygen-sensor codes possible with severe leaks.

Root cause: Heat cycling warps manifolds and stresses fasteners until bolts snap or gaskets leak.

Quick check

  • Cold-start and listen near both front wheel wells.
  • Check whether the tick fades warm.
  • Inspect bolt heads and manifold gaps.
  • Smell for exhaust near engine bay.
  • Separate this from hot lifter noise.

Buyer note

A cold-only manifold tick is negotiable, not terrifying. Price the repair and make sure it is not hiding internal noise.

Owner note

Repair before more bolts snap. Drilling broken studs costs more than replacing a leaking gasket early.

Fault 2

5.7 Hemi lifter and camshaft failure

WALK AWAY / $$$

Affects

2009-2018 5.7 Hemi, especially high-idle, poor-oil-history and high-mileage trucks.

Symptoms

Persistent hot tick or chirp, rough idle, cylinder misfire, metal in oil/control screens, power loss.

Typical repair cost

EUR 2,500-5,500 for cam/lifter repair; EUR 6,000-10,000+ for engine replacement.

Codes / scan clues

P0300-P0308 misfire codes; possible cam/crank or MDS solenoid codes.

Root cause: Roller lifter wear can damage cam lobes; long idle time and poor lubrication are common risk multipliers.

Quick check

  • Listen after full warm-up.
  • Scan pending misfire counters.
  • Check oil history and idle/tow use.
  • If a mechanic inspects, check oil-control valve screens for metal.
  • Avoid hot tick plus misfire.

Buyer note

This is the Hemi fault that stops the purchase. A truck needing cam and lifters is not a small discount.

Owner note

Investigate early chirp/tick before the cam lobe is gone. Continuing to tow with misfires compounds the repair.

Fault 3

EcoDiesel EGR cooler fire and coolant ingestion

WALK AWAY / $$$

Affects

2014-2018 Ram 1500 3.0 EcoDiesel in this guide, under VB1 / NHTSA 19V757.

Symptoms

Coolant loss, white steam, sweet smell, EGR/DPF warning, overheating, intake smoke/fire risk.

Typical repair cost

EUR 0 under recall; EUR 900-2,000 EGR cooler; EUR 2,500-5,500 if intake/emissions parts are damaged.

Codes / scan clues

P0401, P0402, coolant temperature and DPF/regeneration faults.

Root cause: EGR cooler can crack, allowing pre-heated vaporised coolant into the EGR/intake stream.

Quick check

  • Run VIN for VB1 / 19V757.
  • Check coolant cold and after test drive.
  • Look for white exhaust smoke.
  • Ask if intake manifold was inspected.
  • Avoid emissions-deleted trucks.

Buyer note

EcoDiesel coolant loss is a recall-path problem until proven otherwise. Do not treat it like a normal hose leak.

Owner note

Keep coolant logs and recall paperwork. The earlier you catch loss, the less likely the intake and DPF become involved.

Fault 4

EcoDiesel HPFP failure and fuel-system debris

WALK AWAY / $$$

Affects

2014-2018 Ram 1500 3.0 EcoDiesel under Z46 / NHTSA 22V406.

Symptoms

Long crank, low rail pressure, limp mode, stall, no-start, metal contamination.

Typical repair cost

EUR 0 under recall; EUR 3,000-8,000+ retail fuel-system repair.

Codes / scan clues

P0087, P0191, P2293 and low rail-pressure data mismatch.

Root cause: High-pressure fuel pump failure can send debris through injectors, rails and lines.

Quick check

  • Run VIN for Z46 / 22V406.
  • Confirm HPFP replacement invoice.
  • Load the engine uphill.
  • Read desired versus actual rail pressure.
  • Reject 'just needs filter' claims with low-pressure codes.

Buyer note

HPFP proof is non-negotiable on an EcoDiesel. Without it, you are pricing a fuel-system contamination risk.

Owner note

After recall work, treat any new rail-pressure fault as urgent. Do not keep driving until it stalls.

Fault 5

EcoDiesel crank tone-wheel delamination

SERIOUS / $$

Affects

2014-2018 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel under W58 / 20V475 and expanded 66A / 23V411.

Symptoms

Random stall, no-start, crank signal loss, cam/crank sync codes.

Typical repair cost

EUR 0 recall software; EUR 1,500-3,500+ if hardware repair is needed.

Codes / scan clues

P0335, P0336 and cam/crank synchronisation codes.

Root cause: The crankshaft-position sensor tone wheel can delaminate and the PCM loses injection timing synchronisation.

Quick check

  • Run VIN for W58 and 66A.
  • Confirm PCM update.
  • Hot restart repeatedly.
  • Scan crank/cam sync history.
  • Avoid unexplained stalls.

Buyer note

A software recall helps the failure mode, but a truck with real stall history still needs diagnosis before purchase.

Owner note

Save freeze-frame data. Cleared crank codes are lost evidence.

Fault 6

3.6 Pentastar oil cooler / filter housing leak

SERIOUS / $$

Affects

2013-2018 Ram 1500 3.6 Pentastar.

Symptoms

Oil smell, oil pooling under intake, oil down bellhousing, coolant/oil mess around filter housing.

Typical repair cost

EUR 500-1,200; EUR 1,200-1,800 with coil/plug/coolant cleanup.

Codes / scan clues

Usually none; misfire codes if oil reaches ignition parts.

Root cause: Plastic oil cooler/filter housing cracks or seal package hardens with heat.

Quick check

  • Inspect valley under intake with a light.
  • Look at bellhousing for oil.
  • Smell after hot drive.
  • Ask whether revised housing was fitted.
  • Budget repair if wet.

Buyer note

This is common enough to inspect every Pentastar. A dry engine is a positive buying signal.

Owner note

Fix it before oil contaminates coils and plugs. The later you wait, the messier the job gets.

Fault 7

Factory air suspension leaks and compressor wear

SERIOUS / $$$

Affects

2013-2018 Ram 1500 with factory air suspension.

Symptoms

Truck low after parking, service air suspension message, slow height changes, compressor cycling often.

Typical repair cost

EUR 300-900 leak/line/valve diagnosis; EUR 700-1,500 per air spring/strut; EUR 1,200-2,500 compressor/valve block; EUR 2,000-4,000 full refresh/conversion.

Codes / scan clues

C15xx-style suspension pressure and height faults.

Root cause: Air bags, fittings, lines or valve block leak; compressor runs excessively and wears out.

Quick check

  • View after overnight parking.
  • Cycle all ride heights.
  • Listen for compressor run time.
  • Scan suspension module.
  • Ask about cold-weather failure.

Buyer note

Air ride is comfortable until it leaks. A sagging truck should be priced as a system repair, not a sensor glitch.

Owner note

Find leaks before replacing the compressor. A new compressor on a leaking system is a temporary expense.

Fault 8

8HP automatic harsh shifts and fluid neglect

SERIOUS / $$$

Affects

2013-2018 trucks with ZF/TorqueFlite 8-speed automatic.

Symptoms

Delayed Drive/Reverse, harsh 2-1 or 3-2 downshift, shudder, flare, clunk, pan seep.

Typical repair cost

EUR 450-900 for correct fluid/pan service; EUR 900-2,000 valve body/mechatronic; EUR 3,500-6,500 replacement/rebuild.

Codes / scan clues

P0730 and P07xx gear ratio/pressure families; scan transmission adaptations.

Root cause: Fluid degradation, adaptation issues, valve-body wear or pan/filter leakage; towing accelerates wear.

Quick check

  • Test cold P-R-D engagement.
  • Drive hot low-speed downshifts.
  • Check for ZF-spec fluid/pan invoice.
  • Inspect pan for leaks.
  • Avoid slipping/flaring with no diagnosis.

Buyer note

The 8HP should be a strength. If it feels confused and the seller has no fluid proof, the risk is yours.

Owner note

Service it if you tow or keep the truck. A clean shift file sells a Ram faster than a lift kit.

Fault 9

Tailgate latch opens while driving

SERIOUS / $

Affects

Specific 2013-2018 Ram 1500 bed/power-lock populations under V44 / NHTSA 19V347 and related tailgate recalls.

Symptoms

Tailgate opens unexpectedly, power lock not holding, cargo loss, loose latch feel.

Typical repair cost

EUR 0 under recall; EUR 150-500 latch/actuator repair retail.

Codes / scan clues

Usually none.

Root cause: Tailgate actuator limiter tab can fracture and allow the latch to release.

Quick check

  • Run VIN for V44 / 19V347.
  • Open, close and slam tailgate repeatedly.
  • Test power lock.
  • Inspect latch for non-factory repair.
  • Confirm recall before hauling cargo.

Buyer note

This is easy to verify and silly to ignore. A truck that drops cargo is not ready for work.

Owner note

Get the recall done even if the latch feels fine. The failure can appear under vibration and load.

Fault 10

BTSI park-interlock rollaway risk on column-shift trucks

WALK AWAY / $

Affects

2009-2017 Ram 1500 with column shifter under T79 / 17V821 and some 2017-2018 under U11 / 18V100.

Symptoms

Vehicle can shift out of Park without brake/key conditions, odd park interlock behaviour, recall open.

Typical repair cost

EUR 0 under recall; EUR 200-700 BTSI/BCM software/solenoid retail.

Codes / scan clues

Body/shift interlock codes possible; often no engine code.

Root cause: Brake Transmission Shift Interlock pin can stick open after prolonged brake-pedal application while running in Park.

Quick check

  • Run VIN for T79/U11.
  • Verify software update and BTSI inspection.
  • Safely confirm shifter cannot leave Park without brake.
  • Check column shifter feel.
  • Reject bypassed interlocks.

Buyer note

Park-interlock recalls are not optional. A truck that can leave Park incorrectly is a safety problem before it is a repair bill.

Owner note

Use the parking brake and complete the recall. Do not defeat the interlock to work around a sticking shifter.

Inspection pack

Printable checklist for the viewing

The free page helps you decide whether the car is worth seeing. The paid guide is the ordered, printable checklist you use at the car.

Documents

  • VIN recall printout covering VB1, Z46, W58/66A, V44, T79/U11 and cruise/airbag campaigns.
  • Oil service records for Hemi or Pentastar.
  • 8HP transmission pan/fluid service record.
  • Air suspension invoices if fitted.

Walk around

  • Inspect tailgate latch and power lock operation.
  • Check ride height before the truck has moved.
  • Look for manifold bolt heads/gaps around Hemi exhaust manifolds.
  • Inspect tyres for matching size/tread and uneven wear.

In the car

  • Check shifter/interlock operation safely.
  • Verify no suspension, ABS, diesel emissions or check-engine warnings.
  • Test HVAC, camera, parking sensors and trailer wiring.
  • Review idle hours if available.

Test drive

  • Listen to Hemi cold, then again hot.
  • Test 8HP cold engagement and hot low-speed downshifts.
  • Load EcoDiesel uphill and watch rail pressure/limp symptoms.
  • Cycle air suspension ride heights if fitted.

Scan tool

  • Scan engine, transmission, ABS/body and suspension modules.
  • Read P030x misfires on Hemi.
  • Read diesel rail pressure, EGR and crank/cam sync codes.
  • Check body module for tailgate/interlock faults.

Bottom line

Buy: Buy a late DS 5.7 Hemi or 3.6 Pentastar with the 8-speed, steel springs and complete recall/service proof. The best Ram is the one that sounds boring on a cold and hot test.

Avoid: Avoid EcoDiesels without campaign proof, air-ride trucks already sagging, and any Hemi with hot tick plus misfire. These are the DS faults that make the purchase price irrelevant.

Quick answers

Ram 1500 buyer questions

The short versions of what this page answers in full.

What are the most common Ram 1500 2009-2018 problems?

The highest-impact documented faults are: 5.7 Hemi exhaust manifold bolts and cold tick; 5.7 Hemi lifter and camshaft failure; EcoDiesel EGR cooler fire and coolant ingestion. This guide covers 10 faults in total, each with symptoms, typical repair costs, and checks you can do at a viewing.

Which Ram 1500 years are the best to buy?

2016-2018 stand out in this generation. Buy a late DS 5.7 Hemi or 3.6 Pentastar with the 8-speed, steel springs and complete recall/service proof. The best Ram is the one that sounds boring on a cold and hot test.

Which Ram 1500 should I avoid?

Avoid EcoDiesels without campaign proof, air-ride trucks already sagging, and any Hemi with hot tick plus misfire. These are the DS faults that make the purchase price irrelevant.

Is the Ram 1500 2009-2018 a reliable used buy?

BYBA scores it 3.3/10 (avoid unless inspected). 4 walk-away risks, 6 serious faults documented for this generation, weighted by severity and repair cost. Biggest factor: 5.7 hemi lifter and camshaft failure.

Get updates when this guide changes

Recalls get added, repair costs shift, and new fault patterns show up in the data. Leave an email and we'll tell you when the Ram 1500 guide gets a meaningful revision. Nothing else, no selling your address.

Research basis

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