Know Your Truck

2009–2018 Ram 1500 common problems and fixes

Loss of electric power steering is the most reported problem on 2013–2018 trucks; EcoDiesels add EGR cooler fire and crankshaft sensor tone wheel stalling recalls, and 2011 trucks are known for fuel pump relay no-starts.

What owners should know

Covers 2009–2018 · 5.7L HEMI V8, 3.6L V6 (2013+), 3.0L EcoDiesel (2014+), 4.7L V8 (2009–2013), 3.7L V6 (2009–2012) · Updated 2026-10-06

The fourth-generation Ram 1500 (sold as a Dodge until 2010) ran from 2009 to 2018. Most trucks have the 5.7L HEMI V8. For 2013 the 3.6L V6 replaced the old 3.7L V6 and came with a new 8-speed automatic; the 4.7L V8 was still offered for 2013 with the 6-speed automatic, and the HEMI came with either the 6-speed or, on some trucks, the 8-speed (per Ram's 2013 specifications). 2013 also brought electric power steering and optional air suspension. The 3.0L EcoDiesel arrived in 2014. This truck was also sold as the Ram 1500 Classic from 2019, which has its own pages.

We counted 10,051 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for 2009–2018 Ram 1500s (retrieved October 5, 2026; each complaint counted once): 6,457 from 5.7L HEMI trucks, 1,722 from EcoDiesels, 719 from 3.6L V6s, 546 from 4.7L V8s and 59 from 3.7L V6s, identified by VIN; the rest (548) couldn't be matched to an engine. We left out 102 whose VIN belongs to another vehicle: 59 heavy-duty Rams (49 of them with the 6.7L diesel) that NHTSA filed under "1500", 35 ProMaster vans and a few others. 2013–2016 trucks have the most complaints. Complaint counts show what owners report most often, not how many trucks have a problem.

At a glance

  • Loss of electric power steering is the most reported problem on 2013–2018 trucks.
  • EcoDiesels were recalled for EGR coolers that can crack and start a fire, and for a crankshaft sensor tone wheel that can come apart and stall the engine.
  • 2011 trucks are known for fuel pump relay no-starts.
  • Air suspension problems are common on trucks that have it.
  • HEMI V8s break exhaust manifold bolts.

Power steering

About 1,800 complaints from 2013–2018 trucks mention power steering or describe losing steering assist or heavy steering, sometimes at highway speed. Ram recalled only certain 2015–2016 trucks built in 2015 for contamination on the steering circuit board (16V167000). NHTSA opened an investigation (RQ23-003) into about 1.1 million 2013–2016 trucks in August 2023, and owners filed a class action. Have the steering diagnosed; if the electric steering gear has failed, it's replaced as a unit and costs thousands at a dealer.

EcoDiesel

  • EGR cooler: Ram recalled certain 2014–2019 EcoDiesels because the EGR cooler can crack, letting coolant burn in the intake and possibly start a fire (19V757000). 173 EcoDiesel complaints mention the EGR system.
  • Crankshaft sensor tone wheel: about 145 EcoDiesel complaints mention the tone wheel or reluctor wheel, which can come apart and stall the engine. Recalls 20V475000 and 23V411000 update the engine software so the engine can keep running on the camshaft signal; the software doesn't replace the tone wheel. Only 28 EcoDiesel complaints mention a broken crankshaft, oil pump, bearing or spun bearing.
  • High-pressure fuel pump: certain 2014–2019 EcoDiesels were recalled for a pump that can fail and send debris through the fuel system (22V406000).

2011 no-starts

137 complaints from 2011 trucks mention the power module (TIPM) or a relay, many describing no-starts and stalling blamed on the fuel pump relay inside the module. Mopar's catalog lists a relay wiring kit for 2011 4.7L and 5.7L trucks that moves the relay out of the module; confirm the cause first.

Recalls to check

  • Rear axle pinion nut that can loosen and lock the rear wheels on certain 2009–2012 trucks (12V474000, 13V038000)
  • Fuel tank straps on certain 2009–2012 trucks registered in salt-belt states (18V160000)
  • Tailgates that can open unexpectedly on certain 2013–2018 trucks with power locking tailgates (18V486000, 19V347000)
  • Side curtain air bag inflators on certain 2015–2018 trucks (21V632000, 25V010000, 25V592000)

Before you buy

  • Check open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls with the VIN, especially the EcoDiesel EGR cooler recall.
  • Turn the steering lock to lock several times and look for warnings.
  • On air suspension trucks, cycle through the ride heights.
  • Bring our used truck inspection checklist.

Researched from owner forums and NHTSA complaints and written by Know Your Truck. These are patterns in what owners report, not a guarantee about any particular truck.

Sources (24)

Common failures & how to fix them

Parts and video buttons search for your 2009-2018 Ram 1500. Always confirm a part fits using your VIN. Brakes, steering, fuel and airbag work affects your safety, so if you're not sure, have a qualified mechanic do it.

  • Electric power steering failure (2013–2018)

    Hard DIY

    Signs: Steering suddenly gets heavy, with a power steering warning, then often comes back after a restart.

    Fix: Have it diagnosed before replacing parts: read the steering module codes and check the battery, grounds and connections. Recall 16V167000 covered only certain 2015–2016 trucks built January 22 to September 13, 2015 (contamination on the steering control board). If diagnosis confirms the electric steering gear has failed, it's replaced as a unit. Recalls cover only specific trucks, so check this VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if it's included and whether the repair was done.

    May be covered free by recall 16V167000. Check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

    Shop: Ram 1500 electric power steering rack▶ How-to videos

  • EcoDiesel EGR cooler cracks (fire risk)

    Dealer job

    Signs: Losing coolant with no leak, white exhaust smoke, or a fire in the intake.

    Fix: Covered by Ram recall 19V757000 for certain 2014–2019 EcoDiesels: the dealer replaces the EGR cooler and checks the intake manifold. Recalls cover only specific trucks, so check this VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if it's included and whether the repair was done.

    May be covered free by recall 19V757000. Check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

  • 2011 fuel pump relay no-start (TIPM)

    Easy DIY

    Signs: The truck cranks but won't start, or stalls, often after sitting. Cycling the key a few times sometimes gets it going.

    Fix: Confirm the cause first: a crank-no-start can also be a weak battery, a failed fuel pump, a fuse or wiring, so check fuel pressure and whether the pump runs when the key is turned on. If the relay inside the power module (TIPM) is the cause, Mopar's parts catalog lists a fuel pump relay wiring kit (part 68269523AD) for 2011 Ram 1500s with the 4.7L or 5.7L V8 that moves the relay outside the module, so the whole module doesn't need replacing. Have a Mopar parts counter confirm it fits this VIN.

    Shop: Ram TIPM fuel pump relay kit▶ How-to videos

  • Air suspension sags or won't level (2013–2018)

    Moderate DIY

    Signs: One corner sits low, the truck is stuck at entry height, or air suspension warnings, often in cold weather.

    Fix: Leaking air springs, height sensors and the compressor are the usual culprits. Check for leaks first, then sensor codes.

    Shop: Ram 1500 air springShop: Ram 1500 air suspension compressor▶ How-to videos

  • HEMI exhaust manifold bolts break

    Moderate DIY

    Signs: A loud tick on a cold start that fades as the engine warms.

    Fix: Confirm it first: look for broken bolt heads, a gap or soot at the manifold flange; a lifter or valvetrain tick can sound similar, so have a shop check if no broken bolts are found. Replace the broken bolts, and the manifold and gasket if it's warped or cracked.

    Shop: 5.7 Hemi exhaust manifold bolts▶ How-to videos

Each year in this generation

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, compared with the typical truck of the same kind and model year. Open a year for its recalls and complaints.

Going to look at one?Bring our free inspection checklist, with these known problems added →