2018 ECO DIESEL ENGINE FAILURE...help

[Marshall]

My youngest Granddaughter had a Grand Cherokee 2008? with that motor.
Got it on trade for a old ratty truck she had.
Very nice unit, The money light was covered with tape, framer fix for I don't G.A.F. but motor ran nice, thought I never drove it on the hiway.

The transmission went south after a while, Her other half put a used one in and
they sold it, cheap.

At that age it may have had some more miles in it , body was exc., but they have a little one on the way any day and don't need it .

On the farm it may have made a good tool truck, lunch wagon, I don't know how much stupid emission stuff you could pull off on these, where no one sees them/ cares.

 

[Hootbro]

Sucks to hear but you took on a risk buying used and out of warranty. In the end, somebody has to absorb that loss.

 

[jimboschnitz]

As many others have stated, 2nd opinion is always good when someone tells you the new engine
you need to solve this problem is $19,000. I've been on this forum for a few years as well as the Ram Diesel forum. I am a proud owner of my second Ecodiesel and can sympathize regarding your issue but believe not all the problem you are experiencing is the fault of the mfg. Between the two Rams I've owned with the Ecodiesel I have accumulated a little over 200,000 miles on them and the only issue I've experience aside from a couple of software updates and High Pressure Fuel Pump recall has been an EGR cooler failure on the 2016 Used Ecodiesel I purchased. It had 30,000 miles when I purchased it and immediately bought a Extended Mileage Service Contract thru Stellantis that covered me to 125,000 miles. Have some knowledge of diesel engines and just normal vehicle maintenance I noticed immediately that I was loosing coolant. I took it to the dealer and indeed the EGR cooler was leaking. Repair done, problem solved and that was it. Point being, buying a used vehicle with no knowledge of the history is always a "crap shoot". Because you purchased a used vehicle and the original power train warranty expired at 5 years/100,000 miles I believe you are out of luck regarding assistance from the mfg. As for all the people out there bad mouthing the Ecodiesel many of the problems people experience with them is they operate the diesel like they would a gas engine and that is not how to operate a diesel. Others think the Baby Diesel has the available power of the bigger 6.7L diesels, Duramax, Power Stroke etc and expect the Ecodiesel to that type of work. It doesn't have the displacement to do the heavier lifting. Nuff Said.

 

[ktspence00]

My husband has ALWAYS wanted a DODGE RAM truck. So we saved up and purchased a used 2018 DODGE RAM 1500 ECO DIESEL with 65K last year. Pristine condition. With advertisements from DODGE RAM eco diesel lasting 300-400K miles....we were truly excited to own one and loved the truck and believed it would last us for years to come. Less than 1 year later at 90K miles we had an engine light go off. We read posts about possible problems so decided to tow in to have looked at. Given bad news that it needs a new engine at a cost of $19,000. Shocked, disappointed, don't have 19K to fix. Upside down. Don't know what to do next. No warranty. Power Train expired last year. Need some advice? What is the average price for engine replacement? What have some of you others who have experienced this done? Honestly....at this time we will never ever ever own another Dodge vehicle. We had 2 other Dodge vehicles that had major issues before 100K miles. Dodge RAM if you truly care for your reputation and customers and want us back as a customer and to reconsider buying another DODGE vehicle....can you do something to help change our perspective of your vehicles and customer service? Can you help with repair costs of this failed engine? From my understanding this was an engine from China that should have never been in a truck like this. If this is the case....I believe you owe your customers buybacks, or repairs or recalls. OPEN TO any ADVICE and DIRECTION. Thanks so much.

Information that may help
Contacted Strellantis CEO by email on July 8th. explaining my situation : blown engine 91,000 miles, extended warranty paying $16,000 toward new factory engine on a $23,000 install at the dealership, requesting assistance financially, buyback or extended warranty on the powertrain beyond the factory warranty of 3 year unlimited miles on the new engine. Response within 2 days from an Executive Referral Manager by phone. Could not help financially due to being out of warranty, no buyback but they did offer a Pre Owned Powertrain Extended Warranty 3 years / 45,000 miles through Mopar Flex Care Vehicle Protection at no expense to us.. Both the Engine and all components covered for 3 years. The Engine unlimited miles and the Extended Warranty to cover; Engine, Rear Wheel Drive,, Transmission, Steering, Air Conditioning and Instrument Panel. Which gives confidence going forward. Still considering selling or trading to an F150 or 2500 with both warranty's transferrable.


The person I email is the CEO of the Ram Division and his email : [email protected]


Hoping this may help someone in the futureI

 

[Marshall]

So this is the same truck as the May post? Different name .
We still don't know what broke.
So they are giving you $16K to replace the motor it sounds like and some coverage.

 

[Jason knapp]

My husband has ALWAYS wanted a DODGE RAM truck. So we saved up and purchased a used 2018 DODGE RAM 1500 ECO DIESEL with 65K last year. Pristine condition. With advertisements from DODGE RAM eco diesel lasting 300-400K miles....we were truly excited to own one and loved the truck and believed it would last us for years to come. Less than 1 year later at 90K miles we had an engine light go off. We read posts about possible problems so decided to tow in to have looked at. Given bad news that it needs a new engine at a cost of $19,000. Shocked, disappointed, don't have 19K to fix. Upside down. Don't know what to do next. No warranty. Power Train expired last year. Need some advice? What is the average price for engine replacement? What have some of you others who have experienced this done? Honestly....at this time we will never ever ever own another Dodge vehicle. We had 2 other Dodge vehicles that had major issues before 100K miles. Dodge RAM if you truly care for your reputation and customers and want us back as a customer and to reconsider buying another DODGE vehicle....can you do something to help change our perspective of your vehicles and customer service? Can you help with repair costs of this failed engine? From my understanding this was an engine from China that should have never been in a truck like this. If this is the case....I believe you owe your customers buybacks, or repairs or recalls. OPEN TO any ADVICE and DIRECTION. Thanks so much.

 

[Jason knapp]

I have a 2018 ram EcoDiesel 3.0 Laramie . I drive the hell outta mine , my foot stays in it. The only issue I've had in the last 5 years is the intake and black suit build up. I regularly have the oil changed, my opinion is key to any motor lasting, the EGR Tube I belive is what its called you need to have cleaned around 75 to 100k miles. In the intake it gets caked up from the regeneration, or recycling of smoot and over time the sprayers that spray the def get clogged up. Anyway im right at 140k miles now. I went ahead and bought a new manifold for a couple hundred bucks with new swirl valves . Anyways my point is the dealership told me I needed a new motor also, that was ********. The swirl valves have these little plastic flaps in it that an actuator on the manifold opens and closes well onside was clogged up completely. Now im no mechanic im a contractor , it was a pain in the ass because all of the electronics on it there's what seemed like 100 clips you have to undo to remove all the plugs to different sensors and what not but after replacing the manifold, map sensor and one other sensor I can't think of the name right off, my truck is back on the road and wow what a difference in power after all that gunk is gone outta there . It can breath again. Like others have said you need to explain exactly what all happend up to the point of taking it to a mechanic.

One piece of advice to anyone that doesn't have one, buy you a bidirectional scanner that can read codes , that can program the ecu and that runs a million test, and you can figure out whats wrong with it exactly yourself. That's what I did. I bought the autell **** pro 808s and 901 tmp I belive is what it is, that thing is awesome. You'll have to remove the security bypass to plug in the OBD into thats behind the radio for it to read it the codes because RAM makes it to where you can't get any info from the standard port under the dash at the base of the steering column, ( money raquet) so you'll have to bring it to them.

Don't know if you got it fixed or what but wanted to put this out there for anyone that may have these issues. like I said mine is the 2018 1500 3.0 Laramie and its a fckn beast of a truck. Get a pedal commander and put in it if its not fast enough for you. Night and day the response time. Good luck

 

[ZenViking1500]

Looking for some knowledge as I'm not more than average mechanically inclined. I have been the original owner of my 2018 Dodge ecodiesel currently 58,700 miles on it. I've done all servicing and recalls at the dealership and babied this truck from day 1. I rarely tow and if I do I nothing beyond its capabilities. The only thing aftermarket on this car is a Carli suspension that I installed within the last year. I drive at or barely above the speed limit and put less than 7500 miles a year on the car.
2 weeks ago Saturday, while doing a calm 55 on a rural straight away, I heard a loud knocking, had no warning lights on the dash and was able to pull into a service station within a mile and found oil underneath the vehicle but not in the amount that I would assume had my oil pan failed. Was able to tow it to the dealer where it was purchased and last Monday was I informed my engine was toast, most likely a rod through the block. I'm fortunate in that I had purchased the extended warranty which has the truck fully covered tip to tail until November of this year. My service mgr said that my policy will cover a new engine minus my deductible and he's doing everything he can to tear the engine apart as I type and will document the issue and get back to me.
So, now the question and the rub. Back in 2018 I got rid of my '07 5.9 Cummins powered mega cab in order to get this truck. I did so because I didn't need such a ginormous vehicle that could pull my house down the street and wanted something a little bit more practical. The truck has been a dream and I've babied it as mentioned earlier since I bought it. I realized the Fiat engine is not a Cummins but I figured with regular maintenance care and not driving it like a formula 1 car I might actually push this thing far enough that I'd never need to have another vehicle.
So my question is, what would cause such catastrophic failure that would force it to throw a rod? Is this purely just a failing piece of fatigued equipment within the engine or is it possible that my driving style and increasingly limited access to straight #2 Diesel here in California may have caused the engine to break down in such a way that it threw the rod.
As mentioned I'm fortunate and with my service history, mileage @ <8yrs, driving habits and Mopar extended warranty this should all be a month long $100 inconvenience. With a factory replaced engine and the truck being paid off is there any reason for me to consider replacing it? Not that I want any new debt being retired and living in the great give away state of commifornia.

 

[Hootbro]

Looking for some knowledge as I'm not more than average mechanically inclined. I have been the original owner of my 2018 Dodge ecodiesel currently 58,700 miles on it. I've done all servicing and recalls at the dealership and babied this truck from day 1. I rarely tow and if I do I nothing beyond its capabilities. The only thing aftermarket on this car is a Carli suspension that I installed within the last year. I drive at or barely above the speed limit and put less than 7500 miles a year on the car.
2 weeks ago Saturday, while doing a calm 55 on a rural straight away, I heard a loud knocking, had no warning lights on the dash and was able to pull into a service station within a mile and found oil underneath the vehicle but not in the amount that I would assume had my oil pan failed. Was able to tow it to the dealer where it was purchased and last Monday was I informed my engine was toast, most likely a rod through the block. I'm fortunate in that I had purchased the extended warranty which has the truck fully covered tip to tail until November of this year. My service mgr said that my policy will cover a new engine minus my deductible and he's doing everything he can to tear the engine apart as I type and will document the issue and get back to me.
So, now the question and the rub. Back in 2018 I got rid of my '07 5.9 Cummins powered mega cab in order to get this truck. I did so because I didn't need such a ginormous vehicle that could pull my house down the street and wanted something a little bit more practical. The truck has been a dream and I've babied it as mentioned earlier since I bought it. I realized the Fiat engine is not a Cummins but I figured with regular maintenance care and not driving it like a formula 1 car I might actually push this thing far enough that I'd never need to have another vehicle.
So my question is, what would cause such catastrophic failure that would force it to throw a rod? Is this purely just a failing piece of fatigued equipment within the engine or is it possible that my driving style and increasingly limited access to straight #2 Diesel here in California may have caused the engine to break down in such a way that it threw the rod.
As mentioned I'm fortunate and with my service history, mileage @ <8yrs, driving habits and Mopar extended warranty this should all be a month long $100 inconvenience. With a factory replaced engine and the truck being paid off is there any reason for me to consider replacing it? Not that I want any new debt being retired and living in the great give away state of commifornia.

Sometimes it is just your turn in the barrel. Mine maybe tomorrow.

Plenty of people have put them to use with way more miles and still going strong. I would not get wrapped around the axle about trying to figure out what you did wrong or to prevent it in the future. Nothing is going to give you back any confidence with the replacement engine and you will either need to come to peace with it and soldier on or sell it.

 

[crash68]

I rarely tow and if I do I nothing beyond its capabilities. The only thing aftermarket on this car is a Carli suspension that I installed within the last year. I drive at or barely above the speed limit and put less than 7500 miles a year on the car.

This is not the first time I've read about someone who babied an EcoDiesel and the engine gave out early.
There was someone with extensive knowledge of the platform made light that engines that are subject to high torque/low rpm loads put extra stress on the rotating assembly bearings. Sounds a bit counter intuitive that being gentle on an engine could be it's demise but operating harmonics can do strange things.

 

[Cham-O-Te Lars]

My husband has ALWAYS wanted a DODGE RAM truck. So we saved up and purchased a used 2018 DODGE RAM 1500 ECO DIESEL with 65K last year. Pristine condition. With advertisements from DODGE RAM eco diesel lasting 300-400K miles....we were truly excited to own one and loved the truck and believed it would last us for years to come. Less than 1 year later at 90K miles we had an engine light go off. We read posts about possible problems so decided to tow in to have looked at. Given bad news that it needs a new engine at a cost of $19,000. Shocked, disappointed, don't have 19K to fix. Upside down. Don't know what to do next. No warranty. Power Train expired last year. Need some advice? What is the average price for engine replacement? What have some of you others who have experienced this done? Honestly....at this time we will never ever ever own another Dodge vehicle. We had 2 other Dodge vehicles that had major issues before 100K miles. Dodge RAM if you truly care for your reputation and customers and want us back as a customer and to reconsider buying another DODGE vehicle....can you do something to help change our perspective of your vehicles and customer service? Can you help with repair costs of this failed engine? From my understanding this was an engine from China that should have never been in a truck like this. If this is the case....I believe you owe your customers buybacks, or repairs or recalls. OPEN TO any ADVICE and DIRECTION. Thanks so much.

$19K just for engine, or labor to replace it, too? No help here, but wish I’d heard your story at end of April 2025. That was when our 2016 Ecodiesel suffered a catastrophic failure and for a variety of reasons I shelled out $27K to replace it at Bill Luke Ram, et al in Phoenix. Never found out exactly what caused the failure. Mechanics started taking the engine apart, found damage to heads, cylinders and oil full of metal shavings at which point they recommended af replacement engine.

 

[jecram1500]

I have a 2018 Laramie since new. I perform awesome maintenance as I am a career maintenance guy. Ran it moderately, a little trailer pulling, lots of 1800RPM highway miles. At 112,000 miles the motor came apart. No reason, not signs. Most recent oil samples said all was good. $22K later I get NO help from Ram, dealer, no one. Ram Care is a JOKE.
In my past job I purchased over 1200 Ram 4500 & 5500 trucks. NEVER again. I will tell my story of no customer support and unwellness to stand by their product to anyone who cares to hear it. For the price they get for these trucks, more consideration should be given. JMHO.

 

[GeauxinUp]

$19K just for engine, or labor to replace it, too? No help here, but wish I’d heard your story at end of April 2025. That was when our 2016 Ecodiesel suffered a catastrophic failure and for a variety of reasons I shelled out $27K to replace it at Bill Luke Ram, et al in Phoenix. Never found out exactly what caused the failure. Mechanics started taking the engine apart, found damage to heads, cylinders and oil full of metal shavings at which point they recommended af replacement engine.

TWENTY SEVEN THOUSAND DOLLARS?????????

 

[markabby]

i've noticed that many of these "I hate Ram trucks for this reason...." posts are usually by first time posters or, in some cases, maybe they had 2 or 3 posts prior.

My question is how do we know they're legitimate complaints or just paid trolls to run to forums and write some "my truck broke down" complaint? If i see a member post about an issue with their Ram truck and they've been around for a while, i consider that as a legitimate complaint.

Social media is full of trolls and you have to try to sort out what's what. I agree with many of the replies that buying a used vehicle is a gamble because you have no idea of how or what that vehicle went thru. I usually look at it as someone got rid of it for a reason. But, if you're going to buy used, do it thru a real dealer, not a used car lot. dealers can offer legitimate extended warranties more reliable than those you see on TV.

I leased my 2020 1500 Limited, then bought it outright, then also bought the extended warranty. Even tho i've been paying for the warranty, that damn truck has never had a single issue other than a dead battery. I refuse to trade it in for that reason and it only has 42K miles.

right or wrong, just my opinion.

 

[Hagar1]

You bought it used so FCA made no money on you, I am going to bet that they really don't care if you don't buy another used car/truck.

I didn't think it was made in China, pretty sure it's made in Italy - though Italy isn't know for quality either - at least as far as vehicles.

You nailed it!

 

[Hootbro]

My question is how do we know they're legitimate complaints or just paid trolls to run to forums and write some "my truck broke down" complaint? If i see a member post about an issue with their Ram truck and they've been around for a while, i consider that as a legitimate complaint.

I doubt they are "paid" trolls. Who would be actually paying them and for what reason? No major competing car manufacturer would want to be caught with their drawers down paying people to snivel on the competition.

There is a sliding scale to people in that the more expensive something costs them, the more likely they are going to go out and snivel to try and burn the house down on their way in and out of a forum.

I think the majority of these posters have valid complaints, just that most forum members are not sympathetic to people who only found a reason to join is just to snivel and complain about their problem and never wanted to be part of the community or a member until their situation went sideways and is why most here are not really sympathetic to their plight real or not.

Lastly, some people are just idiots and think there should be a warranty to the warranty but that is just not how life works sometimes and there is a bathtub curve to vehicle failures when charted and just because someone had a failure in the trough of the curve, does not mean a failure should have never happened early on, just that it is their turn in the barrel.

 

[Docwagon1776]

My question is how do we know they're legitimate complaints or just paid trolls to run to forums and write some "my truck broke down" complaint?

Paid trolls? C'mon.