RAM EcoDiesel Years To Avoid: A Comprehensive Guide For Truck Buyers

Since its introduction, the RAM EcoDiesel has been a game-changer in the pickup truck market. Combining impressive towing capacity with fuel efficiency, the EcoDiesel engine has been praised for delivering power and economy in one package. However, not all model years of the RAM EcoDiesel have been created equal. Some years have been plagued with engine failures, emission system issues, and reliability concerns that have left owners frustrated and out thousands of dollars in repairs.

If you’re considering purchasing a used RAM EcoDiesel, knowing which years to avoid can save you from costly headaches down the road. In this in-depth guide, we’ll explore the RAM EcoDiesel years to avoid, detailing their most common issues, mechanical failures, and real-world owner experiences. By the end of this article, you’ll have a clear understanding of which RAM EcoDiesel models to skip — and which might still be worth considering.

Introduction to the RAM EcoDiesel

The EcoDiesel engine was first introduced in 2014 as an optional powerplant for the RAM 1500. It was designed to offer a balance of power, fuel efficiency, and torque — a diesel option in a half-ton truck class dominated by gasoline engines.

The engine is a 3.0L V6 turbodiesel, manufactured by VM Motori, an Italian company under the Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) umbrella. When properly maintained, the EcoDiesel offers up to 29 mpg on the highway — an impressive figure for a full-size truck.

While the EcoDiesel concept was promising, early execution was flawed. Multiple model years suffered from recalls, emissions violations, and serious mechanical issues, leading to lawsuits, class action settlements, and numerous unhappy owners.

RAM EcoDiesel Years to Avoid

1. 2014 RAM EcoDiesel – First Year Woes

The 2014 RAM 1500 EcoDiesel was the debut model for the EcoDiesel engine in North America — and it showed. While the engine’s fuel economy was impressive, the 2014 model suffered from a host of early reliability problems, many of which stemmed from poor emissions system design, early engine failures, and insufficient testing.

Common Problems:

Excessive Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) soot buildup
Turbocharger failures
Oil cooler leaks
Premature timing chain wear
Frequent Check Engine Light (CEL) issues
Emissions system malfunctions (leading to limp mode)

Emissions Violations

2014-2016 EcoDiesels were also embroiled in the EcoDiesel emissions scandal, where FCA was found to have used defeat devices to pass emissions tests. This resulted in a class-action lawsuit and subsequent settlements, where owners received compensation for the vehicle’s reduced resale value and performance downgrades after mandatory software updates.

Owner Feedback

Many owners reported total engine failures under 100,000 miles, with costly out-of-warranty repairs sometimes exceeding $10,000. While some 2014 models lasted longer with diligent maintenance, the risk profile makes this year a risky gamble.

Verdict: Avoid the 2014 RAM EcoDiesel — early production bugs, poor emissions compliance, and high repair rates make it one of the least reliable years.

2. 2015 RAM EcoDiesel – Lingering Issues

The 2015 RAM EcoDiesel saw minor updates to software and hardware, but the bulk of the problems seen in 2014 models carried over. The emissions scandal still affected 2015 models, and long-term durability concerns continued to plague the 3.0L EcoDiesel.

Common Problems:

EGR cooler failures leading to coolant leaks
Premature crankshaft and rod bearing wear
DEF (Diesel Exhaust Fluid) system malfunctions
Oil contamination and dilution
Exhaust system clogging and regen cycle issues

Emissions Settlement

Owners of 2015 EcoDiesels were also eligible for financial compensation as part of the emissions scandal lawsuit. Following the required software updates, many trucks suffered reduced performance, lower fuel economy, and more frequent emissions-related problems.

Owner Feedback

The 2015 model year retained a reputation for expensive, out-of-warranty repairs, particularly related to emissions systems, turbochargers, and internal engine failures.

Verdict: Avoid the 2015 RAM EcoDiesel — unless you find one with comprehensive service records and a warranty, it’s too risky.

3. 2016 RAM EcoDiesel – More of the Same

The 2016 RAM EcoDiesel was the last model year before a temporary halt in EcoDiesel sales in the U.S. due to ongoing emissions investigations. By 2016, some improvements were made, but fundamental design flaws persisted.

Common Problems:

Excessive soot and carbon buildup in the intake manifold and EGR system
Turbo lag and failure under load
Main bearing and bottom-end failures
Timing chain slippage
DEF system malfunctions, leading to “Service DEF System” warnings

Emissions Compliance and Lawsuits

2016 EcoDiesels were directly implicated in the EcoDiesel emissions cheating scandal, leading to mandatory software fixes that negatively impacted performance and reliability. Many owners reported rougher shifting, increased DEF consumption, and more frequent regens after updates.

Owner Feedback

Even with diligent maintenance, 2016 EcoDiesels developed a reputation for being unreliable after 100,000 miles. Costly repairs to emissions systems, turbochargers, and internal engine components made these trucks financial liabilities for many owners.

Verdict: Avoid the 2016 RAM EcoDiesel — especially if emissions updates have already been applied, as performance and reliability suffer.

Are Newer EcoDiesel Models Any Better?

2017-2019 Models (2nd Generation)

Following the emissions scandal and regulatory scrutiny, RAM introduced an updated EcoDiesel engine for the 2017 model year. The revised engine featured better emissions controls, improved software, and slightly better reliability. However, some long-term durability issues — particularly related to EGR coolers, turbochargers, and timing chains — still occurred.

2017 models were somewhat improved, but still had lingering emissions and DEF system concerns.
2018-2019 models had fewer reported catastrophic failures, but were still expensive to repair when emissions-related problems arose.

2020+ Models (3rd Generation)

The 2020 RAM 1500 EcoDiesel introduced the third-generation EcoDiesel engine, which was heavily redesigned. Improvements included:

Redesigned turbocharger for better reliability
Stronger bottom-end components
Updated emissions system with better DEF management

These newer EcoDiesel models have earned better reliability marks, although long-term durability data is still developing. Early signs suggest they are far more dependable than the 2014-2016 trucks.

Verdict: The 2020+ RAM EcoDiesel models are the safest bet if you want a diesel RAM 1500.

Key Takeaways: EcoDiesel Years to Avoid

Model	YearVerdict
2014	Avoid – First-year bugs, emissions violations, engine failures
2015	Avoid – Emissions scandal, unreliable emissions systems, engine failures
2016	Avoid – Final pre-suspension year, ongoing emissions and engine problems
2017-2019	Use caution – Improved but still some reliability concerns
2020+	Recommended – Redesigned engine, better reliability

Should You Buy a Used RAM EcoDiesel?

If you’re set on owning a RAM EcoDiesel, your best bet is to avoid 2014-2016 models entirely. If you’re considering 2017-2019 trucks, look for:

Complete maintenance records
Evidence of regular oil changes using high-quality synthetic oil
Proof of emissions updates (and understanding their impacts)
Extended warranties (if possible)

The 2020+ RAM EcoDiesel is your safest option. Although these trucks are still relatively new, they’ve so far proven to be more reliable thanks to FCA’s extensive redesign of the engine and emissions systems.

Conclusion

The RAM EcoDiesel promised a perfect balance between power, efficiency, and towing capability, but the reality has been far more complicated. The 2014-2016 RAM EcoDiesel models are plagued with catastrophic engine failures, unreliable emissions systems, and expensive repairs, making them some of the riskiest trucks you can buy.

If you’re considering a RAM EcoDiesel, avoid these early years entirely. Instead, focus on 2020 and newer models, which feature a heavily redesigned engine and far better reliability. Buying the wrong EcoDiesel can cost you thousands in repairs — choosing wisely can save you a fortune.