2016 RAM BLOWN MOTOR 33k Miles - 2WD Tradesman

[cgcnj7]

Hey Good Afternoon,
I have owned my RAM 2016 1500 Ecodiesel for nearly 4 years as the second owner and continue to love it. It is a tradesman 2wd with the longbed and 3.0. I've used it as a car more or less to get to work but see it as an advantage to be taller than a car and good mpg around the city. This truck was my first big purchase that I have made after getting a job out of college besides moving to San Diego from the east coast. I'm an engineer and did alot of research on this truck to make sure it was worth it. The past two years I have reduced my driving with COVID to about 3 days around town and maybe around town stops on the weekend but religiously keep maintenance up to date. As of today i have 33,809 miles on my truck and purchased it with 17k. These are original miles.

Now after taking a trip up to Ramona, the engine went from great to nightmare in minutes. There was absolutely no way of me parking it and walking home after first hearing tapping. I was 5 miles out from anywhere on a Sunday. Besides the on and off tapping noise, there was no real indication of something wrong. Oil was still in good consistency, smell, and coolant was good too. No smoke, no lights on the dash. I used to own a 4.0 jeep grand cherokee with a loud tap like this which never would go away. I drove it for three or so years before selling it without any problems.

I will do more reading tomorrow on this forum but need to figure out what others are doing from here? I posted my video on another members post where they had their motor go at 70k. I'm definitely upset about this. Yesterday I was a proud owner, today I'm not sure if I'll ever go FCA again.

Here is my video of the incident:

 

[cgcnj7]

I will post more updates on how FCA communications go. The truck currently sits outside the Carl Burger Dodge Ram Chrysler of San Diego.

 

[burwellflagin]

My 2016 blew at 74k miles! they have no engines - I am not getting any accurate delivery date. . Mine did not make a noise like that. it was higher pitched and it would not turn over after it stopped. it started losing power, it shut off and would not turn over. 14k at the dealer -

 

[cgcnj7]

I have not heard anything back yet. They called me yesterday asking about the battery but I told them I replaced it last year. They identified that they were busy and will look at it today.

For oil changes:
I've been running Ams Oil Signature Series Max-Duty Synthetic Diesel Oil 5W-40 which was identified as the OEM equivalent. I performed the oil changes myself at 17k and 27k. No metal ever in the oil. For both changes, I left the drain plug out and the truck on level ground for an hour and then complete the change.

For maintenance:
Haven't hit any flush milestones yet. I bought mopar coolant recently which I was going to do a flush at 37k when I did the next oil change. I know it is a little early to do that but I just wanted to be safe being that it gets hot in the summer in California.

 

[cgcnj7]

Communication with FCA has been frustrating. ~ After three days of the truck at the dealer, the service technician verified that the engine was seized by attempting to turn the crank. After that, I was provided FCAs # 1-800-992-1997 and was told to call to discuss warranty coverage and create a case because my warranty expired in August 2021 (7 months ago). I called the FCA on Wednesday and spoke with a Rep who opened a case and stated that I will receive a call from the Case Specialist on Thursday.

After hearing nothing on Thursday, I called back Friday. I found out my case was already looked at and closed on Thursday, but I never got a call. Looking back on this, I wonder if FCA would have called me ever if I didn't speak with them on Friday? Either way, I tried to have it reopened but FCA would not permit it...initially. I called FCA again and asked that they add in my requested notes and have that CASE SPECIALIST return my call. The notes I wanted included were 1, 2, and 3.

- 1) The dealer will not repair my vehicle (they are waiting on FCA direction), I cannot drive to work or home.

- 2) My wife and I no longer trust this truck for use on the highway. In July, my wife and I were planning to use this truck to tow a U-Haul trailer back to the east coast to move to Virginia. If we cannot rely on the engine with 33k no-towing, we do not feel safe towing even with a new motor.

- 3) I want FCA to buyback this vehicle. Their liability of the emissions has been waived, but our personal experience does not validate their reliability data on the ECODIESEL.

California Lemon Law requires that I need to have the dealer perform the same repair at least four times before it can be considered buy-back worthy (...in a nut shell). But this does not apply to a catastrophic mechanical design issue like this. When that engine went, I also got a deep smell of diesel oil/exhaust into my cabin.

If you think you are covered by the ECODIESEL Settlement Warranty Extension, look again. Nobody with a 2016 (soon 2017) will be covered if your EcoDiesel Fails. I also had a third party 100k/5year warranty from ALPHA Warranty Services, but after filing the claim they came back stating that they only cover 3,500 max with engine failure. Really? That hurts.

Now onto State Farm. I spent an hour with my State Farm Agent and told them everything that is happening. I asked them if my case is something they could investigate so that they can summarize and notify the other State Farm Customers (who own ECODIESELS). State Farm actually took my matter as serious as I did. They understood my current headache, and opened a case to have an investigator review. In the meantime, the dealership has been permitted to begin their full diagnosis.

I do not know if my experience is the same as others but this whole thing is a nightmare. I still have not received a quote, and the more digging I do, the darker it gets. I've called FCA again while writing this post and talked to a new Case rep, they identified that my case is going to be looked at by a manager and will "call me tomorrow". We shall see!!!

 

[Freedom319]

Communication with FCA has been frustrating. ~ After three days of the truck at the dealer, the service technician verified that the engine was seized by attempting to turn the crank. After that, I was provided FCAs # 1-800-992-1997 and was told to call to discuss warranty coverage and create a case because my warranty expired in August 2021 (7 months ago). I called the FCA on Wednesday and spoke with a Rep who opened a case and stated that I will receive a call from the Case Specialist on Thursday.

After hearing nothing on Thursday, I called back Friday. I found out my case was already looked at and closed on Thursday, but I never got a call. Looking back on this, I wonder if FCA would have called me ever if I didn't speak with them on Friday? Either way, I tried to have it reopened but FCA would not permit it...initially. I called FCA again and asked that they add in my requested notes and have that CASE SPECIALIST return my call. The notes I wanted included were 1, 2, and 3.

- 1) The dealer will not repair my vehicle (they are waiting on FCA direction), I cannot drive to work or home.

- 2) My wife and I no longer trust this truck for use on the highway. In July, my wife and I were planning to use this truck to tow a U-Haul trailer back to the east coast to move to Virginia. If we cannot rely on the engine with 33k no-towing, we do not feel safe towing even with a new motor.

- 3) I want FCA to buyback this vehicle. Their liability of the emissions has been waived, but our personal experience does not validate their reliability data on the ECODIESEL.

California Lemon Law requires that I need to have the dealer perform the same repair at least four times before it can be considered buy-back worthy (...in a nut shell). But this does not apply to a catastrophic mechanical design issue like this. When that engine went, I also got a deep smell of diesel oil/exhaust into my cabin.

If you think you are covered by the ECODIESEL Settlement Warranty Extension, look again. Nobody with a 2016 (soon 2017) will be covered if your EcoDiesel Fails. I also had a third party 100k/5year warranty from ALPHA Warranty Services, but after filing the claim they came back stating that they only cover 3,500 max with engine failure. Really? That hurts.

Now onto State Farm. I spent an hour with my State Farm Agent and told them everything that is happening. I asked them if my case is something they could investigate so that they can summarize and notify the other State Farm Customers (who own ECODIESELS). State Farm actually took my matter as serious as I did. They understood my current headache, and opened a case to have an investigator review. In the meantime, the dealership has been permitted to begin their full diagnosis.

I do not know if my experience is the same as others but this whole thing is a nightmare. I still have not received a quote, and the more digging I do, the darker it gets. I've called FCA again while writing this post and talked to a new Case rep, they identified that my case is going to be looked at by a manager and will "call me tomorrow". We shall see!!!

I’m no expert by any means, but the one thing that stood out to me when you went through the gauges was the idle time. It was extremely high and almost the same as the drive time. It’s possible that could have caused some issues as these little diesels can’t sit and idle like the big truck diesels.

 

[cgcnj7]

@Freedom319

 

[cgcnj7]

@Freedowm319, that is a good observation and thank you. This ratio is accurate with my commute to work. I see where your mind is at, and I also wonder how FCA modelled the consumer requirements for the ECODIESEL to pass. Is my ratio bad or good for these engines? IDK. Should my maintenance intervals have been different compared to someone who is 90%drive/10%idle? Under ideal circumstances, I think they would but RAM never provided those guidelines. This ratio is useful to determine if my next car should have auto shutoff though.

 

[TC Diesel]

Cgcnj7, Your just another victim, The VM 3.0 Are Hero/Zero Engines, VM has been plague with QC issues for Years. Cento Italy is where your problem originated. Back in 2015-16 the Engine had failure rates of 10% Thats beyond shocking into todays Ratio's. of 1 Per 1000 minimum, Most power plant Makers are 1 per 3000 on rotating mass Ratio's.

 

[cgcnj7]

TC Diesel, do you have any data or information related to the QC issues at the plant. The FCA/MOPAR want nothing to do with my case. To me it seems like they are playing hot potato with my case. I have authorized the dealer tech to pull the oil pan ($550) and have not heard back yet. If nothing is found they will have to charge me ($1300) to pull the heads for further investigation.

Replacement motor (new): 16,000 dollars
Rebuilt motor (previously used): 15,500 dollars

That is the price I have been quoted for the Engine replacement itself.

 

[TC Diesel]

You ask I will provide I have More to add, it will take some time. FCA inner communication.

 

[TC Diesel]

............................. Jan 20 2018 16 Months after production stop EPA Cease and Desist Production (Order) 6 Months later EPA filed (AECD) CAA violations. 64 Engines failing Per Month 16 after No production.

 

[cgcnj7]

TC Diesel, thank you for the supporting details. What calibration is being discussed, ECM calibration? This is good information, and will be useful for use within an arbitration case. I'm attempting to open multiple Investigation cases against MOPAR and FCA because of this engine failing and being told that I am 100% financially responsible for paying them to fix it.

Various class action/legal events against FCA and MOPAR seemed to have happened and identify the same circumstances as me. I plan to include such examples into this thread for current ecodiesel owners who will see this happen to their truck.

 

[TC Diesel]

That was the OEM OP 2014-16, VM and Bosch scabbling to stop the hemorrhaging VIA OP, it failed, nothing could overcome the QC at VM cento Italy. Like I mentioned before the absolute requirement by most Powerplant makers is 1 Per 1000 for rotating mass failure rate, most hit 1 Per 3000s. Production for the Eco Ram was 2200 to 2400 Per month 2014-16.5, that Means you are 300+ Times more likely to have rotating mass failure then Most power plant ratio's in today manufacturing during 2014-18.

 

[cgcnj7]

Its almost unbelievable to read that and think that I bought this truck for the dependability. MEANWHILE, I signed up for ecodiesel roulette. If I wasn't driving slow and monitoring the noise situation I could have been killed going into that intersection. My current issue today is FCA is waiving all responsibility on a 32000 mile engine requiring a 16000 dollar maintenance cost. I put less than 1000 miles on this truck after the 5 year warranty mark and it fails.

 

[TC Diesel]

It's the risk you take when buying products... it's well known this engine in many cases is problematic. Take this to heart, weed out all the cheerleaders and sponsors you will find the truth. Never and I mean never believe this statement that the greater majority only post the sort comings of any product, No the Majority don't waste their time with the NET today on sort comings.... It's like this if you smell a Skunk, its generally means ones around. The VM 3.0 is either a Skunk or Rose, are you willing to throw the dice to see which one comes up? IMO the winner is the One that does NOT throw the dice at all concerning VM/Fiat 3.0.

 

[burwellflagin]

TC Diesel, do you have any data or information related to the QC issues at the plant. The FCA/MOPAR want nothing to do with my case. To me it seems like they are playing hot potato with my case. I have authorized the dealer tech to pull the oil pan ($550) and have not heard back yet. If nothing is found they will have to charge me ($1300) to pull the heads for further investigation.

Replacement motor (new): 16,000 dollars
Rebuilt motor (previously used): 15,500 dollars

That is the price I have been quoted for the Engine replacement itself.

Mine was out of warranty, 74k miles. 5.5 years old. I am getting it replaced with new engine (7 weeks delivery for an engine) just came in.

 

[cgcnj7]

Burwellflagin, are you being charged for the replacement and installation? Have you submitted a case with FCA or MOPAR? What state are you located in?

 

[burwellflagin]

Burwellflagin, are you being charged for the replacement and installation? Have you submitted a case with FCA or MOPAR? What state are you located in?

Yes yes South Carolina