Quick Facts:
- Truck: Used Ram 1500 EcoDiesel, a 3.0-liter turbo-diesel V6 sold in model years 2014 to 2023.
- Best for: Buyers who tow, drive long highway miles, or camp far from fuel stops.
- Power: 240 hp and 420 lb-ft through 2019; 260 hp and 480 lb-ft from 2020.
- EPA highway: 27 mpg for the 2014 2WD and 26 mpg for the 4WD (Ram advertised 28 mpg at launch); 32 mpg for the 2020 4×2 and 29 mpg for the 4×4.
- Owner-reported range: 650 to 750 miles per tank.
- Weak points: EGR cooler (2014 to 2019), air suspension, and DEF or NOx sensors (2020 to 2023).
- Repair quotes: Owners cite air suspension dealer quotes of $2,100 to over $4,000 (not all EcoDiesel trucks); owners cite replacement engines costing $17,500 to $22,000.
- Production: Ended January 2023.
8 min read
In This Guide
- Is a Used Ram 1500 EcoDiesel Worth Buying?
- Key Specs at a Glance
- High Mileage EcoDiesel Reality
- Ram EcoDiesel Problems by Generation
- EcoDiesel Real World MPG and Range
- Overlanding With the Diesel Ram
- Used Ram 1500 EcoDiesel Inspection Checklist
- Ram 1500 EcoDiesel vs. 5.7L HEMI
- Pros and Cons of a Used Ram 1500 EcoDiesel
- Final Thoughts
- FAQ
Is a Used Ram 1500 EcoDiesel Worth Buying?
A used Ram 1500 EcoDiesel is worth buying when the year and service history check out. It delivers high-20s highway mpg from a full-size pickup, yet its repair history changes sharply by model year. Ram introduced the diesel V6 in 2014 and ended production in January 2023, according to Ram’s 2022 announcement.
Two engine generations exist. The 2014 to 2019 trucks carry the EGR cooler complaints and most of the engine failure stories. Meanwhile, the 2020 to 2023 trucks use an updated engine, but they are newer, so the high-mileage evidence runs thin.
The picture here comes from Ram diesel owner forums and Ram’s own specs, covering repair costs, mileage limits, fuel range, and a checklist to run before you pay. Because owners mostly post when something breaks, treat complaint volume as a warning list, not a failure rate. For a wider view, see our overland trucks ranked by reliability.
Key Specs at a Glance
Start with the factory numbers, because every owner report below gets measured against them.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine | 3.0-liter turbo-diesel V6 |
| Model years | 2014 to 2023, production ended January 2023 |
| Power, 2014 to 2019 | 240 hp, 420 lb-ft |
| Power, 2020 to 2023 | 260 hp, 480 lb-ft |
| Max towing, 2020 | Up to 12,560 lb |
| EPA highway, 2014 | 27 mpg (2WD), 26 mpg (4WD); Ram advertised 28 mpg at launch |
| EPA highway, 2020 | 32 mpg (4×2), 29 mpg (4×4) |
| Fuel tank | 26 gallons standard; 33 gallons optional on 2020 and newer |
Next, bring a scan tool to every viewing. However, some basic code readers skip diesel systems, so check the listing for Chrysler or FCA support. For example, the FOXWELL NT726, the Launch Creader Elite 3.0, and the Autel MaxiCheck MX808S each list Chrysler or FCA coverage. Later, the checklist asks you to scan for DEF, NOx, EGR, and fuel pressure codes.
Scan tools with Chrysler and FCA support
Launch Creader Elite 3.0 Bidirectional OBD2 Scanner for Chrysler Do…
High Mileage EcoDiesel Reality
Owners report a wide spread. For example, one owner logged 102,000 miles with little change in mpg. Another reached about 371,000 miles on the first engine before a head gasket leak. Highway-driven, well-maintained trucks do best, while short-trip use draws the blame for worse outcomes.
Early failures also happen. One 2017 truck needed a new engine at 16,500 miles under warranty, and a 2015 fuel pump failed at 25,000 miles. Because those repairs came under warranty, a clean service record and remaining coverage matter more than the odometer.
Owners compare this engine unfavorably with a Cummins diesel. As a result, plan on a repair reserve or a transferable extended warranty. I would not buy one out of warranty without a reserve.
Routine costs stay modest between repairs. On 2020 to 2023 trucks, one owner reports paying about $70 to $80 for a home oil change with a deal on oil, and $100 or more without one, on 7,500-mile intervals. Some dealers charge $200 to $300 for the same service. Because a high mileage EcoDiesel needs clean oil, skipping intervals is a poor place to save money.
Ram EcoDiesel Problems by Generation
Shop 2014 to 2019 trucks for the paperwork, and 2020 to 2023 trucks for the code scan. The failures below explain why.
EGR Cooler and Engine Failures, 2014 to 2019
EGR cooler failures show up in owner reports from about 31,000 miles. Symptoms include coolant loss, coolant in the intake, and a check engine light. In the worst cases, engine swaps were quoted at $17,500 to $22,000.
A class settlement over EGR cooler defects in 2014 to 2019 trucks received final approval. It adds a five-year warranty on the EGR cooler, counted from the recall replacement, according to the class counsel’s case page. Some owners tune the truck or block the EGR, although this is contentious. Our guide to diesel tuners and warranty rules explains the legal limits.
Air Suspension Failures
Owners report the optional air suspension failing by about 60,000 miles on some 2015 trucks. In posts on Ram 1500 forums, owners cite dealer quotes of $2,100 to over $4,000. Owners also cite an off-road shop charge of about $1,800 and do-it-yourself rear bag swaps at about $200. However, those posts do not all involve EcoDiesel trucks. As a result, many owners convert to coil springs.
DEF, NOx Sensor, and Fuel Faults, 2020 to 2023
The 2020 to 2023 engine falls outside the EGR cooler recall and settlement, but owners report other faults. For example, one DEF tank sensor fault at 14,700 miles triggered a 200-mile no-start countdown. Others replaced a NOx sensor or reported high-pressure fuel pump faults. The same engine family also runs hot under load in Jeeps, which our look at 3.0L EcoDiesel cooling failures covers. Before any purchase, run the VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup.
EcoDiesel Real World MPG and Range
Repair risk is one side of the ledger; fuel is the other. Ram rated the 2020 4×2 at 32 mpg highway and the 4×4 at 29 mpg. Owners come close. Specifically, one 2018 Tradesman 4×4 owner logged a 30.7 mpg lifetime average over 83,000 miles. Although other owners challenged high claims, ask any seller for tank-by-tank math.
Load changes the result. Expedition Portal’s 2017 Longhorn returned 27 mpg on flat highway before adding a rooftop tent and gear, then 19 to 22 mpg afterward. Towing a small trailer, it managed 16 to 18 mpg. Moreover, software updates cost some owners fuel economy; one 2015 Limited saw 18 to 25 mpg fall to 16 to 20 mpg.
Range follows from the standard 26-gallon tank. Owners report 650 to 750 miles per fill, with best tanks of 701 and 910 miles. At the loaded 19 to 22 mpg, however, the tank covers about 494 to 572 miles. Because fuel stops grow scarce off pavement, plan remote trips around range, not the mpg figure. Our fuel range planning for remote routes guide covers reserve rules.
Overlanding With the Diesel Ram
The diesel suits an “overland lite” style: highway approach, forest roads, and long gaps between fuel stops. Owners praise the quiet ride and calm towing. In contrast, Expedition Portal called the air suspension “likely too high-tech” for most traditional overlanding applications. Raised height also costs suspension travel.
The rest of the overland bill is tires and load. Factory tires lasted from 35,000 to 83,000 miles for different owners, so check the tread before you buy. Heavy bed loads also affect the air suspension, so weigh the truck loaded. Towing a camper costs range as well: one 2020 owner reported 15.7 mpg pulling a roughly 9,000 lb camper over 400 miles. Before adding a topper, read our truck cap types compared guide for payload effects.
Used Ram 1500 EcoDiesel Inspection Checklist
Owners agree on what to check first. Next, use these steps on any high mileage EcoDiesel before you negotiate.
- Confirm every recall is done, including the EGR cooler recall owners name.
- Ask whether a tune or EGR block-off was ever installed, and get the answer in writing.
- Inspect the intake for wet, oily soot, which owners treat as a warning sign.
- Request coolant top-off history and EGR cooler repair records with dates and mileage.
- If the engine was replaced, ask for the date, mileage since, shop name, and warranty status.
- Read the oil-change records, since owners warn the wrong oil raises wear metals.
- Start the truck dead cold, then merge hard; watch for hesitation and regen messages.
- Scan for DEF, NOx, EGR, and fuel pressure codes.
- Cycle the air suspension through every height and check for overnight sag.
Finally, budget for surprises. Because repair bills reach five figures, skip an out-of-warranty truck without a reserve or a transferable extended warranty.
Ram 1500 EcoDiesel vs. 5.7L HEMI
One owner who drove both reports a clear fuel gap. The EcoDiesel averaged about 27.5 mpg against 19 to 20 mpg for the HEMI. With a boat in tow, the diesel returned about 20 mpg against 14 mpg. Similarly, with a travel trailer, the same owner saw about 11.5 mpg from the diesel and 8.5 mpg from the gas truck.
However, owners say the fuel savings shrink once you count diesel prices, DEF, and repairs. The gas HEMI skips the DEF system and diesel emissions hardware, so the DEF faults covered above do not apply to it. Therefore, pick the diesel for frequent towing or long highway miles, and the HEMI for short trips.
Meanwhile, diesel ownership costs include DEF, so carry a spare jug on trips. Tires add a second cost, since owners report factory tires lasting 35,000 to 83,000 miles. Forest roads add one more task, airing down for rough ground and airing back up before the highway, so an air compressor and a tire deflator earn room in the truck. For example, the Blue Def DEF002-2PK Diesel Exhaust Fluid, the ARB ARB505 E-Z Deflator, and the ARB CKMA12 On-Board Air Compressor cover all three needs.
Owner gear for a diesel half-ton
ARB ARB505 Deflator Kit 10-60 PSI Tire Pressure Gauge Rapid Air Dow…
ARB CKMA12 On-Board Air Compressor High Performance 12 Volt for Air…
Pros and Cons of a Used Ram 1500 EcoDiesel
Pros
- Owners report 27 to 30.7 mpg in highway and mixed driving.
- Range reaches 650 to 750 miles per 26-gallon tank.
- Towing is calm, with a rating of up to 12,560 lb on 2020 trucks.
- The ride is quiet and smooth on the highway.
- Highway trucks reach 100,000 to 371,000 miles on the original engine.
Cons
- EGR cooler and engine failures hit 2014 to 2019 trucks, with swaps quoted at $17,500 to $22,000.
- Owners on Ram 1500 forums cite air suspension dealer quotes of $2,100 to over $4,000, though not all of those trucks are EcoDiesels.
- DEF and NOx sensor faults appear on 2020 to 2023 trucks.
Final Thoughts
A used Ram 1500 EcoDiesel suits the buyer who drives long highway miles, tows often, or camps far from fuel. Under those conditions, the diesel earns its keep with calm towing and 650 to 750 miles between fill-ups. For me, this range is the strongest argument for buying one.
The trade-offs are real, though. Ram EcoDiesel problems cluster by generation, so pick the year with care. A 2020 to 2023 truck means fewer engine worries but possible DEF faults, while a 2014 to 2019 truck deserves proof of an EGR cooler repair or a replaced engine before any money changes hands. I would take a clean service record and remaining coverage over a low odometer reading every time.
If your trips are short or your budget leaves no room for repairs, a gas HEMI Ram is the simpler buy, with no DEF system or diesel emissions hardware to maintain. If the diesel fits your life, run the VIN recall check, work through the checklist, and drive the truck cold. Do those three things and you will know which repairs to price in before you sign, and when to walk away.
FAQ
Is the Ram 1500 EcoDiesel reliable at high mileage?
It depends on the generation and use. Highway-driven trucks reach 100,000 miles and beyond, but 2014 to 2019 trucks carry EGR cooler risk. Therefore, ask for service records and proof of repairs.
How many miles will a Ram 1500 EcoDiesel last?
Owners report 100,000 to about 371,000 miles on the original engine, mostly on highway-driven, maintained trucks. Others needed engines much earlier, so a clean history matters.
Which Ram 1500 EcoDiesel years carry the most risk?
The 2014 to 2019 trucks carry EGR cooler and engine failure reports. In contrast, the 2020 to 2023 trucks show DEF, NOx sensor, and fuel pump faults, but with fewer high-mileage examples.
How far does a Ram 1500 EcoDiesel go on one tank?
Owners report 650 to 750 miles from the 26-gallon tank, with best tanks of 701 and 910 miles. Loaded overland use cuts this to roughly 494 to 572 miles.
What mpg does a Ram 1500 EcoDiesel get in real-world driving?
Owners report 27 to 30.7 mpg in highway and mixed driving, 19 to 22 mpg loaded with a rooftop tent, and 16 to 18 mpg towing a small trailer.
Is a used Ram 1500 EcoDiesel good for overlanding?
Yes, for light overlanding. The range, torque, and quiet ride help on long approaches. Hard trails stress the air suspension and tires, so inspect both before buying.