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full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2014 RAM 1500 engine problems
severe Owners of the 2014 RAM 1500 have filed 225 NHTSA complaints about the engine, typically surfacing around 83,000 miles at roughly $3,100 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
225
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
| Model year | engine complaints |
|---|---|
| 2013 1500 | 94 |
| 2014 1500 (this page) | 225 |
| 2015 1500 | 242 |
| 2016 1500 | 230 |
| 2017 1500 | 136 |
| 2018 1500 | 106 |
2crashes
9fires
10injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 225 engine complaints filed for the 2014 RAM 1500, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Owners have filed 225 engine complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Among the 12 model years of RAM 1500 in our records for engine problems, this one ranks #3 by owner-complaint volume.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering engine on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
CEL (Check Engine Lamp) C006A-49 Multi-Axis Acceleration Sensor Internal Electronic Failure And C10CC-00 ESC Sensors.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Throttle Blade Icing Service Fix Customers may experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination. Upon further investigation the technician may find that one or more of the following Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) have been set: ? P2072 - Electronic Throttle Control System - Ice Blockage. ? P2110 - Electronic Throttle Control - Forced Limited RPM. ? P2118 - Electronic Throttle Control Motor Current Performance - Bank 1. The customer may also comment on the following: ? The vehicle may not start (below freezing conditions - typically -7 °C (-20 °F)) This bulletin involves removing the PCV valve and hose to dry out, drying out the throttle body and installing an updated make-up air h
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Water Quality When Mixed With Engine Coolant
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗wiTECH Small Leak Verification Test (SLVT) - P0456-EVAP SYSTEM SMALL LEAK
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2014 Ram 1500 shows a troubling pattern of engine failure across all powertrain options. Pentastar V6 owners report sudden cylinder 3 misfires followed by blown head gaskets requiring full engine replacement with zero warning signs. EcoDiesel owners describe catastrophic timing chain failures, with some engines seized after just 20,000 miles due to unsecured cam gears.
Stalling is widespread: engines die at stops, in intersections, and on highway ramps, often with no check engine light to guide a repair. Five-point-seven-liter Hemi engines suffer chronic lifter failures and exhaust manifold bolt breakage, both producing loud ticking that dealerships claim is normal until metal shavings appear in the oil. Tone wheel cracks cause loss of power at highway speeds—sometimes unresolved because certain VINs fall outside the recall scope.
Post-EPA emissions repairs (especially the AEM update on EcoDiesels) leave owners with 2- to 6-second turbo lag that creates merge hazards, plus a 5 MPG fuel economy penalty. Coolant leaks from EGR coolers go undetected because coolant burns off internally. A plastic oil cooler housing cracks regularly in cold weather, with dealers reporting 37,700+ back orders as of 2021. Multiple recalls sit inactive because parts remain unavailable for months, leaving trucks parked and inoperable. Engine fires linked to intake manifold failure have been reported at highway speeds.
Same RAM 1500 engine reports on nearby years: 2013 · 2015 · 2016 · 2017
Failure modes owners describe
Cylinder 3 Misfire / Blown Head Gasket
Engine head gasket fails, allowing coolant to enter cylinder 3. Owners report the initial symptom is a misfire code on cylinder 3 appearing suddenly with no prior warning signs. The head gasket failure often leads to catastrophic engine damage requiring complete engine replacement.
When: 100,000–145,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine temperature light illumination; P0303 cylinder 3 misfire code; No prior warnings or coolant system issues; Coolant entering combustion chamber
Codes mentioned: P0303
Repairs/costs cited: Rebuilt or new engine replacement required; costs $13,000+ for engine plus installation. One owner replaced rebuilt Pentastar 3.6L V6 from Jasper Engines.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealerships acknowledge the issue as a known problem with the Pentastar 3.6L engine. No recalls or TSBs specific to this failure are mentioned.
3.0L VM Motori Twin Turbo EcoDiesel Engine Failure
Cam gear is not securely fastened to camshaft; timing chain torque is the only thing holding it. Once the gear slips and the timing chain jumps, valves collide with pistons, destroying the engine. One owner reports internal Chrysler document stating failure rate as high as 19 per week across 198,000 units sold in the U.S. and Canada.
When: As low as 20,000 miles; failure occurred at 83,000 miles in reported case
Symptoms owners cite: Brief roaring sound from engine; Engine dies with no warning; Large oil leak underneath truck; Engine runs perfectly until sudden failure
Repairs/costs cited: Complete engine replacement; quoted cost $13,219.40+ depending on additional damage.
High-Pressure Fuel Pump (HPFP) Recall Failure and Secondary Engine Damage
Replacement HPFP installed under recall Z46 / NHTSA 22V406 failed again 19 months later. Metal contamination from HPFP failure spread throughout fuel system. After fuel system component replacement, vehicle developed rod knock and connecting rod bearing damage requiring complete engine replacement. Engine damage appears acute following contamination event, not from routine wear.
When: 19 months after recall repair
Symptoms owners cite: Bottom-end engine noise (rod knock); Loss of fuel pressure risk; Risk of engine stall or loss of motive power
Repairs/costs cited: Complete engine replacement recommended; fuel system components already replaced.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall Z46 / Campaign 22V406 replacement part failed; owner questioning adequacy of recall remedy.
Coolant System Odor / Chemical Fumes in Cabin
Strong chemical smell in cabin identified as reaction between new coolant type and interior lining of coolant hoses. Smell emanates from engine bay and is pulled into cabin via heating system, strongest when engine is warm. Owners describe nauseating odor, taste of residue, and concern about health risks.
When: Evident within two months of ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Abnormally strong chemical smell in cabin; Nauseating odor forcing windows open; Taste of residue in mouth after sitting in vehicle; Foul odor from heating system, especially at idle; Smell strongest when engine is warm
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership flushed cooling system and replaced hoses per TSB. Additional coolant system flushes performed with no resolution.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Technical Service Document cited chemical reaction between new coolant and hose lining. Manufacturer directed owner to call; multiple visits to dealership and frustrating delays reported.
Plastic Oil Cooler/Filter Housing Cracking and Leaking
Plastic oil cooler/filter housing assembly cracks and leaks oil, a known issue affecting many V6 Pentastar engines for several years. Problem is widespread during cold weather; one report noted 37,700 back orders for the OEM part as of February 2021, with aftermarket parts also unavailable.
When: Cold weather conditions; reported at 3 weeks into cold snap
Symptoms owners cite: Oil leaks from cracked plastic housing; Vehicle becomes undrivable due to oil leak
Repairs/costs cited: Part replacement required; severe supply shortage reported (37,700+ back orders as of Feb 2021). Owners unable to drive vehicles while waiting for parts.
Unexplained Engine Stalling at Low Speed / Stop
Engine stalls at low speeds, during turning, or at stops with no check engine light illumination. Multiple dealers report inability to reproduce issue or find diagnostic codes. Problem occurs early in vehicle life (as low as 200 miles) and recurs repeatedly. Owners report safety risk, especially when stalling occurs in busy intersections or on highway entrance ramps.
When: As early as 200 miles; 35,000–145,000 miles across various reports
Symptoms owners cite: Stalling when slowing to stop or turning; Stalling during coasting; No check engine light or active diagnostic codes; Multiple stalls in single outing; Engine restarts after multiple attempts or automatically
Codes mentioned: P0884 (stored code not triggering warranty repair)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers unable to diagnose or repair due to inability to reproduce issue or identify active fault codes.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers report no known similar issues in other customers.
Turbo Lag / Delayed Acceleration Post-EPA Repair (EcoDiesel)
After EPA-mandated emissions repairs (AEM software update), EcoDiesel owners report severe turbo lag with 2–6 second delay before engine responds to throttle input. Problem creates dangerous driving situations during highway merging, left turns from stop, and freeway on-ramps. Fuel economy also drops 3–5 MPG. Dealers state no known fix is being considered.
When: Post-AEM (emissions) repair
Symptoms owners cite: 2–6 second delay in throttle response; Vehicle hesitation when accelerating from stop; Difficulty merging into traffic; Delayed acceleration on highway on-ramps; Transmission refuses to downshift in roundabouts; Fuel economy drop of 3–5 MPG
Repairs/costs cited: No known remedy offered by FCA or dealerships.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers state no current fix is being considered by FCA.
Electronic Throttle Body / Limp Mode Failures
Vehicle enters limp mode, displays 'Service Electronic Throttle Body' message, and decelerates to 40 MPH or lower. Multiple failures over short periods despite numerous repair attempts across multiple dealers and independent shops. Owners report diagnostic codes are cleared but failure recurs, sometimes within days.
When: 50,000–145,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle enters limp mode; Deceleration to 40–50 MPH; Service Electronic Throttle Body message displayed; Repeated failures despite code clearing
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple repair attempts including powertrain control module replacement, fuel pump work, intake manifold replacement, and EGR/cooler replacement have not resolved issue.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: FCA working with dealerships but stating parts are unavailable and repair solutions not yet sent to dealerships.
EGR Cooler Failure / Coolant Leak
EGR cooler develops hidden leak that burns off coolant internally with no visible evidence except minor dampness. Symptom is loss of heat in cabin despite engine running at normal operating temperature. Coolant level becomes critically low, just enough to prevent overheating. Eventually coolant puddles appear under vehicle.
When: Low mileage reported, during cold weather
Symptoms owners cite: No heat from heating system while engine at normal temperature; Very low coolant level; Heat intermittently works then fails; Coolant burning off with no visible leak; Eventually coolant puddles under vehicle
Repairs/costs cited: EGR cooler replacement required. One owner had to diagnose after reading about issue from other owners on forums.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Related to NHTSA Campaign 19V757000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); part availability issues reported.
Crankshaft Position Sensor / Tone Wheel Failure
Tone wheel (reluctor ring) or crankshaft position sensor fails, causing vehicle to enter limp mode, lose power, or stall without warning. Multiple owners report sudden loss of motive power at highway speeds. Issue is tied to NHTSA Campaign 20V475000, but many vehicle VINs are not included in recall despite having the same failure.
When: 50,000–257,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden loss of motive power; Vehicle stalls without warning; Limp mode engagement; Check engine light illumination; Inability to exceed 3 MPH or slow acceleration; Clicking or clunking sound before failure
Codes mentioned: P0336
Repairs/costs cited: Tone wheel and/or crankshaft position sensor replacement required. Cost varies; one owner faced $24,000+ engine replacement quote. Some repairs covered out of pocket when VIN not included in recall.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 20V475000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) addresses this issue, but many VINs not included. Parts availability issues reported; temporary fixes unavailable until December 2020 in one case.
Manifold Bolt Failure / Exhaust Leak
Bolts holding exhaust manifold to cylinder head break, causing manifold to warp and exhaust gases to leak from manifold. Exhaust can pass through firewall into cabin vent system and heater, exposing occupants to carbon monoxide and dangerous exhaust gases. Problem is common on 5.7L Hemi engines across multiple years.
When: 25,000–70,000 miles; recurring issue
Symptoms owners cite: Loud ticking or knocking noise from engine, especially at cold start; Noise increases over time; Exhaust smell in cabin; Exhaust gases leaking from manifold area; Carbon monoxide exposure risk
Repairs/costs cited: Manifold bolt replacement and/or manifold replacement required; cost $1,000+. One dealership repaired twice with same faulty parts; problem returned. Issue recurs even after repair.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealerships identify as 'common defect' but not covered under warranty, especially for imported vehicles. No recall issued despite years of complaints.
Lifter Failure / Valve Train Damage
Engine lifter fails, causing camshaft lobe to grind down. Metal shavings disperse throughout engine. Typically diagnosed as misfire in cylinder where lifter failed. Problem is widespread on 5.7L Hemi and 6.3L Hemi engines per owner research.
When: 115,000–142,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Ticking or knocking noise from engine; Power loss; Engine will not rev past 4,000 RPM; Misfire code (e.g., P0303, P0305); Engine runs rough; Metal shavings visible in oil
Repairs/costs cited: Engine rebuild or new engine replacement required; cost $5,500–$9,556+. One owner spent nearly half the vehicle purchase price on repairs.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall despite widespread reports of the issue across the web.
Turbo Intercooler Hose Separation
Large turbo intercooler hose separates from steel coupling due to hose clamp failure. Hose disconnection occurs suddenly while driving, causing loud bang and immediate deceleration to ~20 MPH. Engine enters limp mode.
When: Failure occurred while towing trailer at highway speed
Symptoms owners cite: Loud bang noise from under hood; Immediate deceleration to 20 MPH; Check engine indicator illumination; Limp mode engagement
Repairs/costs cited: Complete turbo intercooler hose replacement required. Hose clamp failure was root cause.
Exhaust Smell / Dampener Issue (EcoDiesel)
Exhaust fumes enter cabin when using vehicle heat, linked to recall issue with exhaust dampener. FCA recall parts shipped in batches, not based on customer need. Manufacturer states fume levels do not pose safety threat despite owner identifying distinct exhaust smell. Owner reports health impact including migraines and headaches.
When: Identified during long drives in cold weather
Symptoms owners cite: Exhaust smell when using heat; Migraines and headaches from smell during extended driving; Smell becomes obvious on drives over 30 miles or 1+ hour
Repairs/costs cited: Related to FCA Recall R04 (exhaust dampener); parts unavailable due to batch distribution limitations.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: FCA Recall R04 addresses issue; however, parts availability is limited and shipped in batches. Manufacturer claims levels do not pose safety threat.
Engine Fire / Intake Manifold Failure
Engine catches fire at low speed (35 MPH). Intake manifold melts, causing fire. Related to NHTSA Campaign 19V757000, but recall parts were unavailable at time of failure. Owner extinguished fire with water.
When: 70,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Burning odor from vehicle; Smoke under hood; Flames underneath hood; Melted intake manifold
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle deemed total loss by mechanic; not repaired.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 19V757000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) related; parts unavailable at time of failure. Manufacturer investigated and denied claim.
Engine Catastrophic Failure / Vehicle Fire at Highway Speed
Vehicle catches fire while driving at 60 MPH in mountains with strong antifreeze odor and white smoke visible. Antifreeze comes from tailpipe. After pulling over, vehicle is engulfed in flames. Related to NHTSA Campaign 19V757000 but issue not resolved before failure.
When: 100,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illumination; Abnormally strong antifreeze odor in cabin; Antifreeze coming from tailpipe; White smoke visible on side of vehicle; Vehicle catches fire
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle deemed total loss; no diagnosis or repair performed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 19V757000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) related. Vehicle had been taken to same dealer for this campaign repair prior to fire, but issue not resolved.
Exhaust Flex Pipe Degradation / Exhaust Leak into Cabin
Exhaust flex pipe connecting engine to exhaust system degrades and starts leaking exhaust into cabin. Problem affects all EcoDiesel vehicles 2014–2020 per owner research on online forums. Occurs at very low mileage (43,000 miles reported).
When: As low as 43,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Exhaust smell in cabin; Exhaust leaks into vehicle; Potential carbon monoxide poisoning risk
Repairs/costs cited: Exhaust flex pipe replacement required; cost $7,000 reported for one owner.
EGR and Intake Manifold Recall Issues with Incomplete Repairs and Coolant Leak
EGR and intake manifold replaced under recall due to shifter issue, but replacements create additional problems. Coolant leak appears post-repair and is not covered under warranty because recall work voids warranty coverage for related components. Vehicle requires coolant top-up every 3 days.
When: Post-recall repair
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light and throttle control warning; Fuel pump and fuel line concerns; Coolant leak requiring frequent top-ups; Limp mode and acceleration issues
Repairs/costs cited: EGR and intake manifold replaced under recall; fuel pump, fuel lines, and coolant leak issues remain unresolved after 7+ weeks in shop. Owner advised to add coolant every 3 days and not let fuel level get low.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: FCA/Dodge/Ram states parts not available for outstanding recalls and no repair solution has been sent to dealerships. Warranty does not apply to recall work.
Uncontrolled Engine Surge in Park / Unintended Acceleration
After shifting to Park, engine suddenly revs and truck lurches forward. Occurred after pulling into driveway at slow speed with foot on brake. Dealer unable to find cause. Owner noticed clicking sound under dash when rotating shift dial after pickup, not heard before.
When: Incident while pulling into driveway at low speed
Symptoms owners cite: Engine revving uncontrollably after shift to Park; Vehicle lurches forward despite foot on brake; Clicking sound under dash when shifting gears
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer unable to diagnose cause.
Exhaust Manifold Stud Breakage / Manifold Warping
Exhaust manifold studs break, causing manifold to warp. Broken studs are exposed and dangerous. Problem common on 5.7L Hemi engines since at least 2010–2011. Exhaust gases leak around warped manifold.
When: 22,000–47,000 miles, starting since 2010 model years
Symptoms owners cite: Ticking or knocking noise at cold start; Noise gets louder and longer-lasting over time; Broken studs visible on manifold
Repairs/costs cited: Stud replacement and/or manifold replacement required; cost over $1,000. One owner denied warranty coverage due to vehicle imported from Canada.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealerships confirm common defect but not covered under warranty. Manufacturer warranty department states nothing can be done.
Water Pump Failure at Low Mileage
Water pump fails at only 30,000 miles, covered under warranty. However, dealership charges customer for coolant ($29.98) used during warranty repair, citing policy that liquids are not covered under warranty.
When: 30,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Water pump failure
Repairs/costs cited: Water pump replaced under warranty; customer charged $29.98 for coolant.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dodge dealer policy states liquids (oil, coolant, axle fluid) are not covered under warranty repair.
Emissions System Failure / Boost Sensor Limp Mode
Multiple limp mode activations related to emissions system (boost sensors). Vehicle flashes 'Service Electronic Throttle Control' and loses power. Problem recurs 3+ times on highway, creating safety risk. Engine also develops knocking and oil pressure fluctuation.
When: 118,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Service Electronic Throttle Control warning; Limp mode activation multiple times; Boost sensor issues triggering limp mode; Engine knocking; Oil pressure fluctuation
Repairs/costs cited: Engine quote $24,000+ for replacement; not covered under extended emissions warranty. Owner traded vehicle in at loss due to unrepaired issues.
Recall Parts Unavailability and Vehicle Becoming Inoperable
Multiple recall notifications received (Campaigns 20V475000, 22V406000, 23V411000, 19V757000), but parts consistently unavailable for repair. Vehicles remain inoperable for months while waiting for parts. Manufacturers repeatedly state parts not yet available and timeframes exceeded.
When: Various mileages; delays extend beyond one year in some cases
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle stalls or loses power; Limp mode engagement; Check engine light illumination; Vehicle inoperable pending recall repair
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple recalls identified but parts unavailable. Owners unable to drive vehicles; some in dealer possession for 3+ weeks to 3+ months.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaigns 20V475000, 22V406000, 23V411000, 19V757000 all cite parts not yet available. Manufacturer exceeds reasonable repair timeframe.
Synthesized from 225 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
We have changed the bolts in our engine multiple times. We did it while it was under warranty many times and even ask the dealer about a recall. Other trucks this make and model has had the same issue. Now due to the bolts breaking again we are having to do more work. This has been an issue since we have had the vehicle. We love our truck but think this is a defect in the motor build up. We…
December 16, 2014 check engine light came on. I took it to dealer and they said it was o2 sensor. They reset it and told me to blow 3.0 diesel engine out. Check engine light came back on as well as a message that DEF fluid was wrong. I called dealer and they said bring it back in. Dealer called me back and said I needed new catalytic converter but it was on back order and they couldn't give…
Had engine trouble with your 2014 RAM 1500?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the engine problem on the 2014 RAM 1500?
It's a meaningful issue. 225 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $3,100.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Across the 158 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 45,000 and 111,000 miles, with the median around 83,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 45,000; a quarter make it past 111,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $3,100 for engine repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2014/RAM/1500.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.