5 Dodge Ram EcoDiesel Years To Avoid- Know Why!
Wondering what are the Ram EcoDiesel years to avoid? The quick answer is that you should avoid getting the Ram 1500 model from 2014 to 2016. There are some minor engine problems in the 2011-2013 model years of Ram as well.
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 for making 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.
Ram EcoDiesel Years To Avoid
Some years of Ram EcoDiesel 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. The following list shows the Ram 1500 EcoDiesel years to avoid.
- 2003
- 2010
- 2014
- 2015
- 2016
Issues with 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.
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 can 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 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, as well.
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 2014 Ram EcoDiesel
For the RAM’s 2014 models, there were 14 recalls; while not all of them included engines, most of them did. 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.
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 2106 Ram EcoDiesel
Ram EcoDiesel problems escalated in the 2016 model year and resulted in 11 recalls when power locks broke down, trucks’ tailgates, and latch malfunctioned. Additional issues with the 2016 Ram 1500 included issues with the shifter linkage, cruise control system, and airbag depletion.
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)
Is The Ram EcoDiesel A Good Truck?
Truck lovers adored the Ram EcoDiesel concept as it had the potential to use up less fuel than usual diesel engine trucks. It is a good truck, but some years of the Ram EcoDiesel had shown major engine issues, for which you should avoid getting those at first hand.
Is Ram EcoDiesel Worth It?
The Ram EcoDiesel can be worth the price if you avoid the model years, which showed massive engine issues. You will get an equivalent amount of HP similar to other trucks but with lower fuel consumption.
Is The 2018 Ram EcoDiesel Reliable?
Yes, 2018 year Echodiesel is reliable. The Ram EcoDiesel had problems with the engine up to 2016. The 2016 and later EcoDiesels are remarkably dependable and powerful. All these engines can run for a minimum of 300,000 miles and beyond with adequate maintenance.
What Year Did Ram Fix The EcoDiesel?
Ram 1500 models had some serious engine issues from 20013 to 2015. The 2016 and later Ram 1500 EcoDiesel trucks came up with minimal engines issue due to fixation.
Why Did Ram Discontinue The EcoDiesel?
Jeep discontinued using the Ram EcoDiesel engines due to overheating and fire risks. The coolant leakage problem could not be fixed, which was a major cause of this discontinuation. Currently, this engine is only used in the Ram 1500 models.
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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- What To Do If Your Ram Tailgate Won’t Latch? See Every Possible Ways To Fix

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. He does not get his peace if he fails to research something in a day. Each day is a new challenge for him; that is where he gets the entire sparking gist to make your journey bump-free.