5 Ram EcoDiesel Years to Avoid: Guide to Dodging Costly Models

Understanding which Ram EcoDiesel years to avoid can save potential buyers from significant headaches and expensive repairs.

When I first encountered the Ram EcoDiesel, I was intrigued by its promise of combining diesel efficiency with light-duty truck capability.

However, my years of experience working with these vehicles have revealed a more complex reality that every potential buyer should understand.

What many don’t realize is that the early Ram EcoDiesel models became notorious for their mechanical issues, with some owners facing repair bills exceeding $7,000 before reaching 80,000 miles.

These challenges have made certain model years particularly problematic, creating a legacy that continues to impact the used truck market today.

2014 Ram EcoDiesel

Mechanical and Safety Concerns

The fuel system in the 2014 model has shown multiple points of failure. The high-pressure fuel pump is especially troublesome, as its failure can send metal debris throughout the entire fuel system.

I’ve seen cases where this has led to complete engine failure, requiring either a full rebuild or replacement – both extremely costly repairs.

I’ve found the 2014 Ram EcoDiesel to be particularly problematic, with several serious mechanical issues that owners should be aware of. The EGR cooler system stands out as one of the most concerning components.

When this part fails, it can leak coolant into the engine bay, creating not just performance issues but also a significant fire hazard that puts driver safety at risk.

Another critical issue I’ve identified is the oil cooler system. When this component fails, it allows coolant to mix with engine oil, leading to severe engine damage.

Many owners have reported complete engine failure around the 10,000-mile mark due to this problem, necessitating full engine replacement under warranty when possible.

The transmission pairing issues are equally concerning. I’ve observed numerous cases of abnormal shifting patterns and RPM fluctuations that significantly impact driveability.

These problems often manifest as rough shifting, unexpected gear changes, and poor overall performance.

Beyond these major issues, the 2014 model suffers from electrical system problems, particularly with the crankshaft position sensor. This malfunction can cause unexpected stalling or failure to start – issues that create serious safety concerns for drivers.

The Diesel Particulate Filter and Selective Catalytic Reduction systems have also shown reliability issues. I’ve noted that these emissions control components frequently malfunction, leading to reduced performance and costly repairs, especially after the vehicle passes 100,000 miles.

Many of these problems persist into the following model year, making both the 2014 and 2015 EcoDiesel models ones that potential buyers should approach with caution.

The frequency and severity of these issues, combined with the high cost of repairs, make this particular model year one of the most problematic in the Ram EcoDiesel lineup.

2015 Ram EcoDiesel

Carry-Over Issues and New Challenges

I’ve found that the 2015 Ram EcoDiesel continued to face significant reliability challenges, carrying forward many problems from the previous year while introducing new concerns.

The EGR cooler system remained particularly troublesome, with cracking issues that could lead to engine fires and costly repairs. This persistent problem required extensive maintenance and often complete component replacement.

The turbocharger system in the 2015 model showed multiple failure points. I’ve seen numerous cases of turbo underboost conditions and wastegate actuator failures that severely impacted engine performance.

Even after initial repairs, these issues often recurred, leading to ongoing maintenance headaches for owners.

The fuel system presented its own set of challenges. High-pressure fuel pump failures became increasingly common, contaminating the entire fuel system and requiring extensive repairs. The fuel crossover tube also proved problematic, necessitating replacement along with various seals and gaskets.

One particularly frustrating aspect of the 2015 model was its tendency to experience problems without triggering diagnostic codes.

I’ve encountered numerous cases where the DEF gauge would show “full” continuously, traction control would fail, and engines would misfire – all without throwing any codes. This made diagnosis extremely challenging, even for experienced technicians.

The electrical and technology systems also showed significant weaknesses. The GPS and Uconnect systems frequently malfunctioned, while transmission shifting anomalies became more prevalent. These issues contributed to higher ownership costs and decreased reliability.

With 17 recalls and numerous documented problems affecting engine performance, fuel delivery, and electrical systems, the 2015 EcoDiesel proved to be one of the more problematic years. The frequency of these issues, combined with the difficulty in diagnosing them, made ownership particularly challenging. Many owners faced significant repair costs, especially after warranty expiration.

These ongoing reliability concerns and mechanical issues continued to plague the Ram EcoDiesel line, making the 2015 model year one that potential buyers should carefully consider before purchasing.

2016 Ram EcoDiesel

Mechanical and System Failures

I’ve observed that the 2016 Ram EcoDiesel faced significant mechanical challenges, with engine failures being particularly concerning. The average repair cost for engine-related issues reached approximately $7,180, typically occurring around 78,900 miles.

Many owners found themselves needing complete engine replacements, highlighting the severity of these problems.

The SCR catalyst system proved especially troublesome in the 2016 model. I’ve seen numerous cases where this emissions control component failed, leading to reduced performance and expensive repairs. The system’s complexity made diagnostics difficult, often resulting in multiple repair attempts before resolving the issue.

Bottom end mechanical failures were another significant concern. Rod bearings and crankshaft issues emerged as common problems, often manifesting through unusual engine noises and decreased performance. These failures typically resulted in catastrophic engine damage when left unaddressed.

The cooling system continued to present challenges, with persistent oil cooler failures being particularly problematic. When towing heavy loads, these failures became more frequent, leading to coolant contamination and potential engine damage.

The EGR system also remained troublesome, with cooler failures potentially causing coolant to leak into critical engine components.

Additional issues plagued the 2016 model, including problematic power door locks and intermittent cruise control malfunctions.

While these weren’t as severe as the engine-related problems, they contributed to overall ownership frustration and increased maintenance costs.

Compared to earlier model years, the 2016 EcoDiesel showed some improvements in emission system reliability, though recalls still affected many units. The high-pressure fuel pump issues remained, continuing the pattern seen in previous years where metal debris could contaminate the entire fuel system upon failure.

These persistent mechanical issues, combined with the high repair costs and frequency of failures, make the 2016 Ram EcoDiesel a model year that requires careful consideration before purchase. The potential for significant repair expenses, particularly after warranty expiration, suggests that thorough pre-purchase inspections are essential.

General Issues Across Early Model Years (2014-2016)

Emissions and Systemic Problems

I’ve found that the early Ram EcoDiesel models faced significant challenges with their emissions systems. The EPA-mandated recalls, particularly the V08 emissions recall, drastically affected vehicle performance. Many owners reported noticeable changes after the required software updates, including sluggish acceleration and louder engine noise, especially in lower gears.

A major ongoing concern has been the Z46 recall affecting the high-pressure fuel pump in 2014-2019 models. Despite the recall announcement, replacement parts remained unavailable for extended periods, leaving many owners in limbo. This situation created significant reliability concerns and frustrated many EcoDiesel owners who couldn’t get their vehicles properly repaired.

The Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) and Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) systems consistently showed problems across these model years. After the emissions update, many owners experienced a significant change in their vehicle’s driving characteristics. I’ve observed that the most common complaints include a slight hesitation in acceleration after engine start and reduced overall performance.

The emissions control system modifications required reprogramming of both the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) and Transmission Control Module (TCM). While these updates were necessary for compliance with federal and California emissions standards, they introduced new challenges for owners. The Approved Emissions Modification, while meeting regulatory requirements, often resulted in compromised vehicle performance and drivability.

Beyond the model-specific issues, these early EcoDiesels shared common problems that affected the ownership experience. The combination of emissions-related recalls, performance modifications, and parts availability issues created a complex web of challenges that many owners continue to face. These systemic problems have significantly impacted the reliability and desirability of early model year Ram EcoDiesels.

Additional Considerations

Emission System and Maintenance

I’ve found that the DEF (Diesel Exhaust Fluid) system is a critical point of concern across multiple Ram EcoDiesel model years. The system is particularly sensitive to contamination, which can trigger the dreaded “Engine will not restart” warning. This issue often stems from improper DEF handling, especially when overfilling at truck stops, where spillage can contaminate the fuel system.

The DEF injectors are prone to crystallization, requiring regular maintenance to prevent clogging. I’ve seen many cases where crystallized DEF leads to system failures, triggering various error codes and potentially leaving owners stranded. Regular cleaning of the DEF injector should be part of routine maintenance to avoid these issues.

Another critical point is the reagent heater control module, which often experiences problems leading to insufficient reagent quality warnings. When this occurs, the truck may enter a limited operation mode, severely restricting performance. The fix typically requires professional diagnosis using specialized equipment like the WiTECH computer.

Maintenance costs can escalate quickly when DEF system problems arise. A contaminated system might require a complete flush, and in severe cases, replacement of the entire fuel system. I’ve noticed these issues are particularly prevalent in the 2014 and 2015 models, which already suffer from other significant mechanical problems.

To minimize these risks, I recommend following a strict maintenance schedule and using only high-quality DEF from reputable sources. It’s also crucial to avoid overfilling the DEF tank and to address any warning lights promptly before they escalate into more serious issues. Regular inspection of exhaust flange bolts and DEF-related components can help catch potential problems early, potentially saving thousands in repair costs.

Ram Ecodiesel Years to Avoid: Making an Informed Decision

After thoroughly examining the early Ram EcoDiesel models, I’ve found that the 2014-2016 model years present significant risks for potential buyers.

The combination of mechanical failures, emissions system issues, and high repair costs make these years particularly challenging for ownership.

For those considering a Ram EcoDiesel, I strongly recommend looking at later model years or exploring alternative options.

While these trucks offered impressive fuel economy, the potential for expensive repairs and reliability issues often outweighed the benefits, especially in the problematic early years I’ve discussed.