RAM EcoDiesel Years to Avoid: Key Issues and Recommendations

RAM EcoDiesel trucks are perhaps the most powerful and fuel-efficient on the market but do not be surprised if you find certain model years to be tougher than others. Finding out which years of used RAM EcoDiesel models to avoid can make your shopping experience a whole lot easier. In this guide, we will explore the RAM EcoDiesel years to avoid, the issues that people faced, and how to go about selecting the right model.

RAM EcoDiesel Years to Avoid: What is EcoDiesel?

EcoDiesel is a line of turbocharged diesel engines that are used in some of the RAM brand vehicles to allow better fuel efficiency, greater tow capability and lower emissions compared to any gas power plant.

Created by Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, EcoDiesel is an innovative engine that has attributes of a diesel engine while its fuel economy is rather dissatisfactory, yet, it would be perfect for those who desire a powerful engine with less fuel consumption. The EcoDiesel engine was first included in RAM 1500 trucks in 2014.

Over the year it has undergone some changes and those changes have not been favorable in all model years. The years to avoid are helpful to potential purchasers because it enables them to steer clear of definite annoyances and possible expensive fixes.

History and Development of RAM EcoDiesel Models

RAM also needed to find a solution to customer demands for a fuel-efficient high-powered diesel truck hence the introduction of the EcoDiesel in 2014. Technologically advanced with a 3.0L V6 EcoDiesel engine, this latest Ram model was a force to reckon with in terms of torque, capability, and towing power with about 480 lb/ft of torque, yet it was expected to provide a fuel efficiency of about 22-27 mpg combined – making it one of the best mpg full-size trucks ever made.

In the years models of the EcoDiesel engine were refined with regards to the issues of power and dependability. Both generations also tried to correct some important problems in the previous models, for example, the durability of the emission systems and engine reliability.

Yet the previous models, especially between 2014-2017, came with so many problems that they were recalled and customers complained. Nonetheless, the more recent models, especially from 2018 and above, have been observed to have fewer issues with the RAM EcoDiesel reliability because of the changes in the engine design, emissions control systems, and software.

Common Issues Reported in RAM EcoDiesel Models

RAM EcoDiesel trucks have, in general, delivered a strong performance, but several models have been associated with specific issues that savvy truck buyers should be aware of:

• Excessive Oil Consumption: Some of the complains of EcoDiesel models include; The engine has been found to use more oil as compared to its counterparts. Consumers with trucks of certain model years have complained of getting through oil faster than was usual and this made the engines of their trucks prone to suffering damage.
• Emission System Problems: Hundreds of the earlier EcoDiesel models were recalled due to issues with their emission systems, including some of the latest technologies that truck uses to meet strict U.S. emissions regulating laws. Problems in exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) systems, diesel particulate filters (DPF), and catalytic converters for vehicles are expensive to repair.
• Engine Failures: Despite not being very common, some of the EcoDiesel models have been known to develop some engine issues. Engine failures are mechanical in nature and thus involve considerable repair or replacement of the affected component.
• Turbocharger Issues: What was significant to some model years was the turbocharger, a device that improves the engine performance by increasing the intake air recycling rate. This often results in a loss of power and more importantly expensive bills to repair the turbocharger.
• Electrical Problems: These are the electronic systems comprised of an Infotainment system, gauges, and sensors which owners have complained of having problems with. These can be rather irritating and occasionally costly to address.

RAM EcoDiesel Years to Avoid: A Comprehensive Breakdown

As mentioned earlier, the RAM EcoDiesel has been upgraded over the years it has grown to be more reliable in many areas despite there being certain years that many users have reported some issues. If you are wondering what year ecodiesel to avoid, check out these years:

1. 2014 RAM EcoDiesel: The First-Generation Model

The first year of this engine in the 2014 RAM EcoDiesel revealed the efficiency of diesel but with several issues. As the first generation of this model, the 2014 EcoDiesel was known to have certain issues associated with new technologies in vehicles. Some of the main issues reported include:

• EGR Cooler Failures: Some of the first models caused problems with EGR cooler, which cools the exhaust gases before the return of the engine. Possible consequences of a faulty EGR Cooler are an overheated engine, its weakening, and increased emissions.
• Excessive Oil Consumption: One of the common complaints that many RAM EcoDiesel owners of the 2014 model had to make was that their trucks consumed oil at a very high rate. High rate consumption of the oil results in low levels of oil and ultimately the degeneration of the engine.
• Turbocharger Problems: The turbocharger problem also dragged some 2014 models to loss of power and costly repairs in their treatment.

2. 2015 RAM EcoDiesel: Emission System Woes

Although the 2015 model year was built on the refinements of 2014, it wasn’t entirely free from issues. Therefore it could be said that most of the 2015 RAM EcoDiesel problems are associated with emissions failure and EGR system. Many owners reported problems with:

• DPF Clogs: This particular model consumed diesel and a diesel particulate filter that contains the soot emissions in the car tended to be blocked in the 2015 models. This resulted to poor engine performances, decreased fuel economy, and besides, a hefty bill for filter replacement was the next thing.
• EGR System Failures: One of the most important systems that was still an issue in 2015 was the EGR system that aims to minimize nitrogen oxide emissions. EGR cooler and valves were problematic for repairs and emissions failures, and hence expensive to replace.
• Engine Stalling: A few of them felt that their 2015 RAM EcoDiesel truck shut down its engine out of the blue from time to time. Any of these problems was known to result in various complications, including lethal mishaps, particularly when the issue arose in connection with the fuel supply system.

3. 2016 RAM EcoDiesel: Improvement, but Still Risky

RAM’s 2016 model year was a good start with improvement when compared to the previous model but several reoccurring problem areas made this particular year a not-so-desirable choice for some consumers. While fewer complaints emerged compared to earlier models, 2016 models still faced:

• Turbocharger Failures: Issues with turbocharger reliability remained; another issue reported some 2016 models developed failure issues at lower mileage. This is a big problem because the extent can affect the total effectiveness of performance, which may even be very expensive.
• Transmission Issues: A few of the owners had issues with the transmission, including slipperiness or failure to engage properly. Such problems often result in uncomfortable driving experiences and bills for repairs.
• Emission System Problems: However, they still experienced recurrent emission system problems in some of the models produced in 2016 as well. DPF and EGR issues remained a concern but were not as common as they were in previous years.

4. 2017 RAM EcoDiesel: The Year of Recalls

RAM EcoDiesel was highly recalled in the year 2017. These were connected with emissions control and the capacity of the truck to meet emissions restrictions. Many owners faced RAM EcoDiesel problems such as:

• Emissions Violations: The 2017 models were involved in some scandals of emissions. The surveys conducted also revealed that the said trucks did not conform to the U.S emissions standards. RAM had to call back some of models and some owners of RAM complained of low levels of performance after the recall repairs were done.
• EGR Cooler Failures: Similar to previous models, 2017 EcoDiesel had recalled for EGR cooler problems that causes lowered performance and overheating.
• Electrical Issues: Electrical systems; certain owners experienced issues on the electrical side of their vehicles ranging from infotainment to bad sensors and even dead batteries.

RAM EcoDiesel Years to Consider: A Quick Contrast

For those who wanted a RAM with an EcoDiesel engine, it’s best to go for models produced from 2018 onwards. From the 2018 model of EcoDiesel most of the problem related to engine and gearbox was solved and the emission system was enhanced to fulfill the new environmental norms.

However, by the year 2020, some of the refinements of the RAM EcoDiesel have improved reliability than than the previous version. The 2021 and 2022 models have received many favorable comments in relation to their performance, fuel efficiency, and the lack of reports related to the reduced emission system. However, there are fewer 2022 RAM EcoDiesel problems than in the previous years, although some issues still occur.

RAM EcoDiesel: Consumer Guidelines for Purchase

If you’re set on buying a used RAM EcoDiesel, here are some tips to ensure you get a reliable truck:

• Check the Service History: The provider should always be requested to produce a full-service history. There are changes and common service areas such as oil changes and emission system services.
• Avoid High-Mileage Models: High mileage may result to more wear and tears on engine and emission components. If possible, turn to searching for an option with fewer miles.
• Look for Recalls: For that, it is preferable to look up for specific model year to see if there are any recalls. A way that you can save money is to ensure that any recall has been fixed before buying a used vehicle.
• Consider a Warranty: If you are going to purchase from a dealer, try and see if there is a warranty attached to them. This can be useful in order to reserve for unpredicted damage.
• Get a Pre-Purchase Inspection: If you are planning on purchasing this car, have an attorney who will take you to the car before the sale to check on the following parts of the car; the engine, transmission, as well as emission systems.

Best Practices to Maintain Your EcoDiesel

It is important to ensure that your RAM EcoDiesel receives the appropriate care that it deserves. Here are some tips to ensure longevity:

• Regular Oil Changes: Diesel engines call for more frequent oil changes than gasoline engines, to ensure good performance as well as minimize wear. You should therefore avoid changing your oil more often than is recommended by the manufacturer.
• Emission System Service: The two systems, that of DPF and EGR require maintenance from time to time. This holds the individual components clean and operational to prevent high repairs on the automobiles.
• Transmission Fluid Checks: Look at the levels and the changes in the fluids often to avoid cases of overheating and damaged transmission.
• Monitor Coolant Levels: One good thing to know about diesel engines is that they require more coolant than gasoline engines since they run hotter.

Conclusion

EcoDiesel-equipped RAM models deliver great fuel economy and tow ratings, but some years are problematic. The 2014 to 2017 models have had issues with the engine, transmission, and emission systems to mention but a few, which make the years to be avoided.

The problems start to appear after the 2017 model, so if you’re looking at a used EcoDiesel, it would be wise to avoid going below 2018 models. The RAM EcoDiesel can be a great truck if they stick to proper maintenance practices and buyers do their homework before purchasing one.