5 Dodge Ram EcoDiesel Years To Avoid- Know Why!

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Well, the Dodge Ram 1500 is well known for its 3.0L V6 and V8 EcoDiesel engines. However, because it was a radical concept, not all Ram EcoDiesel model years had the same engine performance.

That’s why you should understand well which Ram EcoDiesel years to avoid to make an informed decision. This article will walk you through which years of Ram 1500 EcoDiesel you should avoid and why before getting a new or refurbished one.

Dodge Ram EcoDiesel Years To Avoid

Some years of Ram EcoDiese l were top of the class and caught the attention of the drivers towards the eco-friendly engine. But due to Ram EcoDiesel problems, the vehicles were forced to be recalled.

That is why those model years of Ram 1500 should be avoided. But what are the Ram EcoDiesel years to avoid? The following list shows the Ram 1500 EcoDiesel years to avoid.

• 2003
• 2010
• 2013 & 2014
• 2015
• 2016

Issues with 3rd Gen Model- 2003 Ram EcoDiesel

Reports say that Ram 1500 were encountered with random “Check engine light on” more often than usual. The occurrence of the light turning on was too much that the drivers had to avoid the light.

Recent news from car complaints statistical report shows that,

A 2003 Dodge Ram 1500 owner who was riding in the front passenger seat was killed when the Takata airbag inflator exploded in a crash that occurred May 13, 2023.

FCA (Fiat Chrysler Automobiles) has issued a “Do Not Drive” warning for the 2003 year model where the Takata airbags have not been replaced yet.

The check engine light is turned on, specifically pointing at major or minor issues within the engine or its assisting components. It can cause fatal accidents and be very expensive to repair as well.

Moreover, the 2003 Ram 1500 had a very fragile dashboard and interior design material. However, it’s a cosmetic issue but was expensive to repair before taking out the road.

Issues with 4th Gen Model- 2010 Ram EcoDiesel

Engine troubles are the most frequent complaints with the 2010 Ram EcoDiesel. These problems include the engine cutting off while driving, costly camshaft wear caused by lifters, and the engine cranking but not starting.

Apart from these, as time passes, owners have also reported experiencing troubles with the vehicles’ drivetrain, gearbox, suspension, and electrical systems. For example, when doors are opened, Dodge Ram interior lights won’t turn on. However, there can be other reasons standing behind.

The horsepower to MPG ratio is another cause that most buyers would agree with. The standard 5.7-liter engine just doesn’t appear to be able to generate what other vehicles of the same year can. For a truck that is meant to be able to perform a lot of towing became disappointing.

Issues with 2013 & 2014 Ram EcoDiesel

According to NHTSA, there have been 680 Complaints for the 2013 RAM 1500, and the most recalls were for the electrical system.

For the RAM’s 2014 models, there have been found 14 recalls. And not all the recalls were engine related. The major issue with this model year was the transmission.

It includes shifting out while cruising, harsh cold starts, loud low speeds, revving without acceleration, and gearbox bumping while releasing the pedal or accelerating. Besides, power steering failure is the most acute issue with the 2014 year Ram Ecodiesel.

Many of them might appear to be small issues, and they very well could also be the issues that are causing the transmission to fail.

Issues with 2015 Ram EcoDiesel

Just for the electrical, gearbox, engine, and fuel system, Ram 1500 faced 14 recalls. Massive failures in the EcoDiesel engine platform are the main cause of these recalls.

Other issues often reported by the owners were radio, dashboard warning light, screen display, and issues with Ram’s GPS and UConnect. The mechanics had no idea why these problems arise; importantly, these issues automatically reoccur after getting the repair done.

Issues with 2016 Ram EcoDiesel

Ram EcoDiesel problems escalated in the 2016 model year and resulted in 11 recalls when power locks broke down, and trucks’ tailgates and latch malfunctioned. Additional issues with the 2016 Ram 1500 included issues with the shifter linkage, cruise control system, and airbag depletion.

According to Car Complaints, 2016 is the worst model year for its engine problems.

Besides all these years, newer models also faced some major engine problems. 2021 Ram EcoDiesel problems included oil cooler leakage, EGR cooler leakage, fuel pump malfunctioning, and exhaust coupler failure. Still, these year models are worth buying.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Conclusion

Although the Ram 1500 EcoDiesel has a few minor issues, it also offers many advantages, such as remarkably lower fuel consumption than a usual diesel engine.

Ram trucks are ideal vehicles because of their good body stability, passenger safety, and electrical systems. You need to be more careful while picking up the truck while buying a new or used one.

The years which showed engine issues reportedly and recalls should be avoided at any cost. We hope this article has been informative and useful to help you decide which Ram EcoDiesel years to avoid to stay away from hassle.

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Stephen Sahriyar

There is no twist if you drive your favorite on-road or off-road beast without feeling the performance tune-up.And Stephen is here, the founder of this site, helping you all by finding the answers to your questions regarding your vehicle performance. Stephen has done his masters in ASE from Aims College in Colorado. Now is working with a renowned aftermarket company in Colorado as well as sharing his knowledge through Motormav’s content.