e-Torque, an interesting article

[Mojo88]

The author seems to know detailed information that could only be derived from very specific stats. I'm not saying they're wrong or lies, but if an unknown individual starts spouting out a detailed critique without providing any source details, that's hearsay in my books..........

Haha, excellent post!

I couldn't have said it any better myself. I was thinking ALL the same thoughts.................

 

[mikeru]

The author seems to know detailed information that could only be derived from very specific stats. I'm not saying they're wrong or lies, but if an unknown individual starts spouting out a detailed critique without providing any source details, that's hearsay in my books.


"You’ll first notice a high-pitched whining or grinding noise. Sounds similar to power steering problems. That noise gradually gets worse as the bearings deteriorate."

What type of an owner is going to continue driving any vehicle while it's making a high-pitched whining or grinding noise?


"Here’s the kicker: the MGU contains non-replaceable bearings. That means the entire unit gets replaced when it fails. Some mechanically inclined owners have successfully rebuilt MGUs by replacing individual bearings for about $30, but this requires serious mechanical knowledge and voids your warranty."

We know, right or wrong, that Stellantis does not repair the MGU at the dealership level, and this may be what the author is referring to, but to say the bearings are non-replaceable is, at a minimum, a grossly inaccurate statement.

Then, in the same paragraph, he contradicts himself, saying owners with serious mechanical knowledge have successfully rebuilt them.

You don't need to be a mechanical engineer to use a bearing puller and take the part to your local bearing shop for replacement.


Stellantis has seriously dropped the ball with many of these e-Torque failures, among others. For those who have not been provided with a free suitable loaner vehicle, why would they prioritize maintaining a warranty with a circus show company over repairing the vehicle themselves or with another trusted mechanic?

MGU Failure Symptoms	Typical Mileage Range
High-pitched whining noise	40,000-50,000 miles
Grinding sounds	50,000-60,000 miles
Battery not charging	60,000-70,000 miles
Complete failure	70,000+ miles

While this data looks possible, where did it originate? I would expect Stellantis to have this type of detailed stats, but like the Hemi lifter/camshaft failures, they seem to have kept it well hidden.

We see a steady flow of e-Torque faults here at Ram Forum, yet most seem to occur almost at random at any mileage. I understand that we only see a small portion of the e-Torque failures, but I see absolutely no correlation to the above.

I haven't been in the Ram world very long; maybe I'm not seeing this clearly enough, or as others who have had a lifetime with Ram trucks.


All that said, I would not be surprised if everything expressed by this author was accurate; it could be believable with statistical references.

Without references, I call it creative license.


Anyone here who knows me understands that I believe the Ram e-Torque system is a liability to own and an enormous failure from Stellantis.

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I appreciate your well thought out response Michael. I just want to mention my thoughts as I was reading your response. I've seen some of the claims the author makes, at least anecdotally backed up, by people in other more active 5th gen forums. Plenty of people have let their bearings go after first hearing the noise, for various reasons. I'm not someone who would do that but there are lots of people who do. Too many people just put gas in and drive.

You're likely right that the author meant something other than the literal meaning of non-replaceable bearings. Perhaps he would have been better off saying something like non-serviceable bearings. But I took it to mean that Ram won't replace the bearings, so they just replace the MGU. So I didn't see his statement about owners replacing their own bearings as a contradiction.

As far as the mileage numbers go, it's possible the author has access to Stellantis' numbers. Or maybe he pulled them out of someplace the sun doesn't shine. I would tend to agree that they seem too linear. But in at least one of the other Ram forums, people have posted mileage numbers for when they first started hearing noises, and when those noises worsened over time and mileage. I doubt that's the sole source of the author's information but it's at least a glimpse that those numbers probably exist with dealerships.

The author does give references for many of his claims, which makes the ones he doesn't supply references for a little more suspect. But given what I've read in other places, I'm taking those things with a little smaller grain of salt than other people might be.

I think we agree in the end on at least two points though...the author is biased against the etorque system, and etorque isn't worth the potential issues and expense for the owner of the truck. And is best avoided if you plan to keep the truck for more than like three years.

 

[Mojo88]

......I think we agree in the end on at least two points though...the author is biased against the etorque system, and etorque isn't worth the potential issues and expense for the owner of the truck. And is best avoided if you plan to keep the truck for more than like three years.

I would like to slightly modify one of your last sentences:
"....the author is biased against the eTorque system because eTorque isn't worth the potential issues and expense for the owner of the truck."

Now it's perfect, haha.

 

[johnts]

eTorque is the reason I just bought a Ram with the Hurricane instead of the Hemi. Had 2 Hemis and they were great. I didn't need the grief of eTorque. I am not sorry I went with the Hurricane. It is powerful and quiet. Getting better gas mileage than my '16 Hemi.

 

[Kickboxer]

I would not touch a GM product right now with a 50 foot pole. They are going from disaster to catastrophe with their AFM/DFM ISSUES with the motors tanking and their tranny issues also. THERE was a rumor that GM was gonna redo the V8 motors and get rid of the AFM/DFM issues and put the Vortec's back out without those Improvements, make the 5.3/6.2 more reliable. Just IMHO.

The new GM V-8 is a 5.7 and rumored to be without AFM/DFM. That will be a winner for sure. The news on this is out
there right now, suspecting for 2027 models in a few months.
The 5.7 Hemi w/o ETorque was last available in 2022. That's why I bought one.

 

[turkeybird56]

The new GM V-8 is a 5.7 and rumored to be without AFM/DFM. That will be a winner for sure. The news on this is out
there right now, suspecting for 2027 models in a few months.
The 5.7 Hemi w/o ETorque was last available in 2022. That's why I bought one.

We shall see wat they do and bring out in the future. If they make a straight motor again and ditch the fuel management RAM best get rid of their MDS and E Torque or GM gonna bowl them over IMHO.

 

[18harvest]

I have had no problem with mine.but that being said when it gets to the point when Its worth what I owe I will probably sell it.more than likely won't buy anything new the 3 timed wrecked rebuilt titled 13 f150 I drive a couple times a week does just as good as a new truck.and I don't have to worry about dents or even washing it.

 

[coobie]

Purchased 2025 1500 Laramie with SO hurricane I now have 22,000 miles on the OD.The only problem I had was a dead battery at 19,000 miles dealer replaced.Th only other thing I hate is the electric tailgate ****.I get 21 mpg highway and 18.5 mpg combined.

 

[RamDiver]

Purchased 2025 1500 Laramie with SO hurricane I now have 22,000 miles on the OD.The only problem I had was a dead battery at 19,000 miles dealer replaced.Th only other thing I hate is the electric tailgate ****.I get 21 mpg highway and 18.5 mpg combined.

Why do you hate the electric tailgate?

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[coobie]

Why do you hate the electric tailgate?

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It gets finicky at times does not want to shut by hand at times have to use the remote key fob..I will take a manual tailgate any day.

 

[mikeru]

It gets finicky at times does not want to shut by hand at times have to use the remote key fob..I will take a manual tailgate any day.

I would hate having a power tailgate. It's bad enough having one that uses electric actuators. I really miss the simplicity of a mechanical latch.

 

[RamDiver]

It gets finicky at times does not want to shut by hand at times have to use the remote key fob..I will take a manual tailgate any day.

Do you not have any access to a competent dealer to correct this under warranty?

I found these videos that show various options for opening and closing this fancy tailgate.
Where exactly in the closing process does yours fail?

Ram’s New Power Tailgate Design For 2025

New for 2025, the Ram 1500 offers a power open/close tailgate with obstacle detection. When equipped, the key fob now includes a button to lower the tailgate...

www.youtube.com

The Fastest Power Tailgate Ever? 2025 RAM 1500 RHO Shocks Us

The all-new 2025 RAM 1500 RHO takes power tailgates to another level — literally. This motorized tailgate closes pretty freakin fast, faster than any truck w...

www.youtube.com

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[coobie]

Do you not have any access to a competent dealer to correct this under warranty?

I found these videos that show various options for opening and closing this fancy tailgate.
Where exactly in the closing process does yours fail?

Ram’s New Power Tailgate Design For 2025

New for 2025, the Ram 1500 offers a power open/close tailgate with obstacle detection. When equipped, the key fob now includes a button to lower the tailgate...

www.youtube.com

The Fastest Power Tailgate Ever? 2025 RAM 1500 RHO Shocks Us

The all-new 2025 RAM 1500 RHO takes power tailgates to another level — literally. This motorized tailgate closes pretty freakin fast, faster than any truck w...

www.youtube.com

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Already had 1 trip to the dealer for the tailgate reboot chit.How dumb is it you leave the tailgate down say hauling boards the dome light stays on and a red-light is on in the dash?What happens if its dark out great safety feature ..

 

[kt4hx]

We shall see wat they do and bring out in the future. If they make a straight motor again and ditch the fuel management RAM best get rid of their MDS and E Torque or GM gonna bowl them over IMHO.

If they remove the AFM/DFM, I most certainly would be interested in a GM truck. That said, there are some articles about GM filing a patent application for a new cylinder deactivation system. So if that is true, then sounds like they are not yet ready to abandon such systems on their engines.

https://gmauthority.com/blog/2026/01/gm-working-on-new-v8-engine-cylinder-deactivation-system/

 

[turkeybird56]

If they remove the AFM/DFM, I most certainly would be interested in a GM truck. That said, there are some articles about GM filing a patent application for a new cylinder deactivation system. So if that is true, then sounds like they are not yet ready to abandon such systems on their engines.

https://gmauthority.com/blog/2026/01/gm-working-on-new-v8-engine-cylinder-deactivation-system/

RAM systems a heck of a lot better than GM's. What stopped me from buying a New Hemi is FRIGGIN E-junkola.

Again, on a wait and see ref wat GM does.

Just wish RAM get rid of that friggin E Junkola and MDS. Makes me sad even tho no E Junk on 2500's, they still got MDS.

 

[Erics1RAM]

Why would you want to upgrade a perfectly good truck if you’re happy with it? I mean, who doesn’t love getting a new vehicle, but that newness only lasts a short time. But you’re still stuck with a new vehicle payment once that happens. Our 2020 Limited will be paid off next month. It was a zero interest loan so we weren’t in a hurry to pay it off lol. It’ll be nice not having that payment anymore.

I have ‘20 Bighorn 5.7 Hemi purchased brand new just after dealerships were allowed to reopen from the scamdemic. Only have 42k miles on it and no problems. Very happy with it. It’s paid for and no desire to get another one regardless of who manufacturer is.
Perhaps if buying new get extended warranty from online dealer selling them at discount.

 

[Lsujker]

Not defending the etorque but when an article shows a vehicle without the articles narrative, breaks my interest. Very high chance it’s AI. Info probably right but try little harder.

Remember land rovers still sell and they are piles. Let’s say you can afford to deal with issues and want a new truck nice features. What you buying? Genuinely interested. Would you get a etorque vs ford 5.0, Chevy 5.3, ram i6, Toyota vacuum pump electric assist thingy. Lots of crappy options.

 

[Lsujker]

I would hate having a power tailgate. It's bad enough having one that uses electric actuators. I really miss the simplicity of a mechanical latch.

I love it! Feel swanky. Wife gets all worked up, press the button, load my my yeti and chairs for the kids soccer game*.


(*auto tailgate was not designed for working people and continuous use. Caution should taken.)

 

[mikeru]

I love it! Feel swanky. Wife gets all worked up, press the button, load my my yeti and chairs for the kids soccer game*.


(*auto tailgate was not designed for working people and continuous use. Caution should taken.)

So it’s your mini van. Just messing with ya

My swanky vehicle is my Audi. The truck is more for work.

 

[Docwagon1776]

Not defending the etorque but when an article shows a vehicle without the articles narrative, breaks my interest. Very high chance it’s AI. Info probably right but try little harder.

Remember land rovers still sell and they are piles. Let’s say you can afford to deal with issues and want a new truck nice features. What you buying? Genuinely interested. Would you get a etorque vs ford 5.0, Chevy 5.3, ram i6, Toyota vacuum pump electric assist thingy. Lots of crappy options.

Ram 6.4/8A. There is no current production half ton I have any interest in...and I'm honestly not interested in a current production HD since I don't want the onboard driver monitoring BS. Midsize, I would buy a Ranger Raptor if Ford wasn't hip deep in driver monitoring, but they are, so that's out. I'm not sure where Nissan stands on Big Brother riding with you, but they are at least a NA V6 that's pretty solid and I think their current 9 speed is supposed to be reasonably robust.

I think the Jeep Gladiator is my default, I think it's still Big Bro free?