Engine issues with new truck

TexasBlackRam · Oct 18, 2022

Hello, All! New member. I purchased my first Ram just over 3 months ago. 2022 Big Horn edition, 5.7 Hemi, 4x2. 2 Sundays ago as I was driving, I heard a clicking noise, similar to trying to start with a dead battery. I looked at the dash and saw a message stating to move the selector to Park to start. I coasted to the side of the road and tried to start the truck several times. No luck. Another message appeared referencing the Electronic Throttle Control and the warning light (backwards parenthesis with a lightning bolt in the middle) was on.

Truck was towed to the dealer who has informed me that the truck will need a new engine. With only about 1400 miles on the truck, I am shocked and very disappointed with my experience. Service adviser told me that he had seen this with another truck at 600 miles. I am told that the engine seized. I am not an engine guy by any stretch, but if an engine seized at 75 mph on a highway, I would expect more than a few clicks and would definitely expect to see some parts and/or fluids or other damage. Maybe someone can help me here with a better understanding of how that could occur. I am familiar with a known issue with the Ram where the engine will stall while driving, but all of the examples of that occurring that I have found state that the truck was able to be restarted.

Two questions: Has anyone else had or heard of a similar issue? Any reason why I shouldn't dump this truck when I get it back? Truck is sitting at the dealer waiting for the paperwork and approvals to process. Estimate is "a few weeks" before I get it back. I appreciate the comments and knowledge. Thanks!

Tinman454 · Oct 18, 2022

Sounds exactly like my very first 2002 Dodge Ram 1500 it was a complete lemon if I were you I would do everything I could to get into another new truck. I loved mine to much and put up with the problems as it was covered under warranty but it’s still a major pain in the ass. the Truck just kept having more and more problems till finally it burned in my laneway at 65,000 km in hind site it was the best thing that could have happened to me. I have had over 20 new trucks and if they get to 20,000km with no problems your good if you have any major issues before that get rid of it as track record proves you will have more issues with those vehicles down the road. this has been my experience with trucks over the last 25 years. And this goes for all brands of trucks not just ram.

Rlaf75 · Oct 18, 2022

Did they say what caused the problem? It's an unfortunate situation but this is precisely why they give warranties with new vehicles. No vehicle from any manufacturer is perfect. I would let them do what's needed and covered under warranty then drive the truck. If it bothers you that much then sell or trade it for something you're more comfortable with. Hopefully you can get a loaner to drive until yours is fixed because that "few weeks" will more than likely turn into a few months. Good luck

Farmer Fran · Oct 18, 2022

Lemon it if you can

I assume you are in TX

Texas Lemon Law | TxDMV.gov

www.txdmv.gov

Dean2 · Oct 18, 2022

Farmer Fran said:
Lemon it if you can

I assume you are in TX

Texas Lemon Law | TxDMV.gov

www.txdmv.gov

What he said. Man I wish there were lemon laws in Canada. Haven't needed one personally but a couple of my buddies sure could have used it.

Lemon it if you can, or just trade it to the dealer on a new one, let them wait for the fix. You don't want this one anyhow.

TexasBlackRam · Oct 18, 2022

Rlaf75 said:
Did they say what caused the problem? It's an unfortunate situation but this is precisely why they give warranties with new vehicles. No vehicle from any manufacturer is perfect. I would let them do what's needed and covered under warranty then drive the truck. If it bothers you that much then sell or trade it for something you're more comfortable with. Hopefully you can get a loaner to drive until yours is fixed because that "few weeks" will more than likely turn into a few months. Good luck

The SA has not given a clear reason for the failure, just tells me that a new engine will be needed. When pressed, he stumbles and gives the impression that he does not know or is not willing to say. Trying to get a loaner, but has not come through yet. Thankful for the warranty, but extremely disappointed to have this type of issue so quickly. I believe Ram is a good truck, but having this type of issue on my first one will probably mean it will also be my last. Thanks for the response.

TexasBlackRam · Oct 18, 2022

Farmer Fran said:
Lemon it if you can

I assume you are in TX

Texas Lemon Law | TxDMV.gov

www.txdmv.gov

Thanks for the info. I'll have to check into this. Appreciate your response.

Rlaf75 · Oct 18, 2022

TexasBlackRam said:
The SA has not given a clear reason for the failure, just tells me that a new engine will be needed. When pressed, he stumbles and gives the impression that he does not know or is not willing to say. Trying to get a loaner, but has not come through yet. Thankful for the warranty, but extremely disappointed to have this type of issue so quickly. I believe Ram is a good truck, but having this type of issue on my first one will probably mean it will also be my last. Thanks for the response.

Believe me I get your frustration. Hopefully you'll be able to get the loaner.

TexasBlackRam · Oct 18, 2022

Tinman454 said:
Sounds exactly like my very first 2002 Dodge Ram 1500 it was a complete lemon if I were you I would do everything I could to get into another new truck. I loved mine to much and put up with the problems as it was covered under warranty but it’s still a major pain in the ass. the Truck just kept having more and more problems till finally it burned in my laneway at 65,000 km in hind site it was the best thing that could have happened to me. I have had over 20 new trucks and if they get to 20,000km with no problems your good if you have any major issues before that get rid of it as track record proves you will have more issues with those vehicles down the road. this has been my experience with trucks over the last 25 years. And this goes for all brands of trucks not just ram.

That is my concern exactly. An issue like this seems to never go away. I had issues with my wife's Chrysler 200 that kept it at the shop more than our driveway and was hoping the experience would be different with a Ram. While stranded on the side of the road, I kept catching a whiff of an electrical burn, so I was watching for a fire to start. SA told me it was the starter, but I found little comfort in that information. Thanks, Tinman454.

Zorin · Oct 18, 2022

Not all engine failures result in a loud bang, with fluids puking everywhere. In the race and repair world, that would be called "grenading the engine". That also typically makes a LOT more racket.....think of a midget in the oil pan with a jackhammer.

From your description, what it sounds to me like that you most likely spun a rod bearing. Rod bearings are semi circular pieces of babbitt steel, and when the clearances get to an excessive degree, one bearing will ride up into the other one. Right before this happens, you will hear a clicking, then once it's good and wedged, it will seize the engine up.

Why would this happen on such a fresh engine, you might ask. Well, the most common cause is when the engine block is cast, they likely didn't get it perfectly clean and free of casting flash, sand, etc. These impurities will find their way into the engine bearings, and cause big problems. This is EXACTLY why Hyundai and Kia are replacing so many engines right now.

I wouldn't be so quick to get rid of the truck, either. I WOULD lemon law it if the repair time will be over 30 days. But a blown engine is a very easy problem to solve, as long as they can get the parts. I would however INSIST on a brand new engine. Don't let them talk you into a remanufactured engine, as your truck has such low mileage on it.

yakalong · Oct 18, 2022

I would let them put the new engine in it. Drive it, it still has a lot of warranty left on it. If you have more problems then look at getting rid of it. All vehicles can have problems. Hopefully this will fix it and you will have a trouble-free truck after this episode.

TexasBlackRam · Oct 18, 2022

Thank you for the information and tip, Zorin. I did not consider that an engine would be used that was not new. I will call the SA tomorrow and ensure that a new engine is used. I appreciate the help and explanation,

GTyankee · Oct 18, 2022

You never know ...

Your SA drives a Toyota & has never owned a wrench

How would he know whether it is a bad engine or just electronics

Most mechanics are so backed up, they would have you leaving the truck at least over night & that would be for something simple, like using a borescope

frag · Oct 20, 2022

Had the same happen years ago to a new ford i bought. Picked it up at the dealers and drove to a town 20 miles away. Stopped at a store on the way home and wouldn't start when i came out. Had it towed to the dealers (they at least paid for the tow) and 2 weeks later had a new engine. Never had a problem with the truck after that.

Marshall · Oct 20, 2022

If a motor is going to go, I would be glad it was almost new.
I do know of a new motor that did not get fixed under werrenty , because of brain dead owner.
That was a Chev.
Never had a motor go out myself.

Dodge 1500 4X4 · Oct 20, 2022

Marshall said:
That was a Chev.

Can't Hold Enough Value Yearly!!!

farout75 · Oct 21, 2022

TexasBlackRam said:
Hello, All! New member. I purchased my first Ram just over 3 months ago. 2022 Big Horn edition, 5.7 Hemi, 4x2. 2 Sundays ago as I was driving, I heard a clicking noise, similar to trying to start with a dead battery. I looked at the dash and saw a message stating to move the selector to Park to start. I coasted to the side of the road and tried to start the truck several times. No luck. Another message appeared referencing the Electronic Throttle Control and the warning light (backwards parenthesis with a lightning bolt in the middle) was on.

Truck was towed to the dealer who has informed me that the truck will need a new engine. With only about 1400 miles on the truck, I am shocked and very disappointed with my experience. Service adviser told me that he had seen this with another truck at 600 miles. I am told that the engine seized. I am not an engine guy by any stretch, but if an engine seized at 75 mph on a highway, I would expect more than a few clicks and would definitely expect to see some parts and/or fluids or other damage. Maybe someone can help me here with a better understanding of how that could occur. I am familiar with a known issue with the Ram where the engine will stall while driving, but all of the examples of that occurring that I have found state that the truck was able to be restarted.

Two questions: Has anyone else had or heard of a similar issue? Any reason why I shouldn't dump this truck when I get it back? Truck is sitting at the dealer waiting for the paperwork and approvals to process. Estimate is "a few weeks" before I get it back. I appreciate the comments and knowledge. Thanks!

THIS IS NOT COMMON, BUT IT HAPPENS. Engines are mainly machined by machines, but human hands still are involved in the process, and thus mistakes can happen by either one. Consider it a major inconvenience, but the dealer should supply you with a loaner while yours is bing fixed. This will turn out ok.

TexasBlackRam · Oct 21, 2022

farout75 said:
THIS IS NOT COMMON, BUT IT HAPPENS. Engines are mainly machined by machines, but human hands still are involved in the process, and thus mistakes can happen by either one. Consider it a major inconvenience, but the dealer should supply you with a loaner while yours is bing fixed. This will turn out ok.

Thanks for the response. I have been asking for a loaner, but have not been provided one yet. Major inconvenience is correct, especially without a loaner. As of yesterday, the new engine had not yet been approved by Ram. I was supposed to hear from the SA today regarding status on both, but no word.

njjeff201 · Oct 23, 2022

Yep!! You do not want someone’s screwup under your hood. New engine only. Try: 800-LEMON-LAW

1979PowerWagon360 · Oct 23, 2022

You can't Lemon Law something due to one problem, albeit major problem! You have to document ongoing problems and not just one. This does not even come close to qualifying.
I'm sorry you had this happen, and the 5.7 is overall a good engine so as another typed this is not common, but can happen. Lemon Law thoughts are very premature. Keep good documentation JUST IN CASE but this in itself certainly doesn't mean you bought a lemon.

And as for the person with the 2002 with same problem, that was 20 years ago, non Eagle Head engine and I wouldn't use that one incident of yours and this one 20 years later to condemn these engines, nor his truck as a lemon.

I would insist on rental/loaner though.

Also if it does indeed require a new engine, I would bet big money a NEW engine is what it gets. The dealership isn't going to save by finding a scrap yard engine. They bill corporate for parts and labor for warranty issues and get their profit too. You'll pop the hood and see that you clearly have a new engine.

Engine issues with new truck

Junior Member

Senior Member

Senior Member

Senior Member

Senior Member

Junior Member

Junior Member

Senior Member

Junior Member

Member

Senior Member

Junior Member

Senior Member

Junior Member

Senior Member

Senior Member

Senior Member

Junior Member

Senior Member

Senior Member

Similar threads

Forum statistics

Share this page