The 3.0 EcoDiesel is a decent engine with a bad reputation earned by its early years. Models from 2014 to 2019 had real problems including EGR cooler fires, oil cooler leaks, and a crankshaft sensor fault that could shut the engine down without warning. The 2020 and newer Gen 3 is a far better engine, but every EcoDiesel demands strict oil changes and regular highway driving.
- Gen 2 (2014 to 2019) had the serious problems: EGR cooler fires, oil cooler leaks, and crankshaft tone wheel failures
- Gen 3 (2020 and newer) is a redesigned engine and far more reliable in my shop
- Oil change discipline matters more on this engine than on any other diesel I work on
- Short city trips kill EcoDiesels. Regular highway miles keep them alive
The 3.0 EcoDiesel might be the most argued about diesel engine in the half ton world. Owners love the fuel economy. Mechanics have opinions. I have worked on plenty of them in Alberta and Ontario, and here is my honest take: it is a good engine that had a bad start, and knowing which version you are looking at changes everything.
Two generations, two different stories
Ram sold the EcoDiesel in two distinct generations. Treat them as different engines, because they nearly are.
Gen 2 ran from 2014 to 2019 in the Ram 1500 and Jeep Grand Cherokee. Built by VM Motori in Italy. This is the one with the reputation. Some of it is unfair. A lot of it is earned.
Gen 3 arrived for 2020 in the Ram 1500 and later the Jeep Gladiator and Wrangler. Ram redesigned most of the engine: new block, new cylinder heads, new turbo, new fuel system, new EGR design. In my shop, the difference is night and day. I see Gen 3 trucks for maintenance. I saw Gen 2 trucks for repairs.
Gen 2 problems, ranked by what I saw
EGR cooler failure. The big one. The EGR cooler on 2014 to 2019 models can crack internally, leaking coolant into the intake. In the worst cases it caused engine fires. There was a recall and eventually a class action settlement. If you own one of these trucks, verify the recall was performed. This is not optional. Read our full breakdown of the EcoDiesel EGR cooler settlement to see what owners should do right now.
Oil cooler leaks. The engine oil cooler sits in the valley of the V6 and when it leaks, oil and coolant mix. You will see milky residue under the oil cap or dropping coolant with no visible leak. It is a labor heavy job because of where the cooler lives. Not catastrophic if caught early. Expensive if ignored.
Crankshaft tone wheel. The tone wheel is a toothed ring the crankshaft position sensor reads. On 2014 to 2019 models it can delaminate and the sensor loses its signal. The engine stalls or will not start, with no warning. There was a recall for this too. If your truck ever died suddenly and the dealer mentioned the tone wheel, this is what happened.
Main bearing wear. A smaller number of Gen 2 engines suffered premature main bearing failure, usually traced back to extended oil change intervals. Which brings me to the most important point about this engine.
Oil is everything on an EcoDiesel
I cannot say this strongly enough. The EcoDiesel needs the correct low ash oil, changed on time, every time. Not close to on time. On time.
This engine runs a timing chain, not a gear drive like the big Cummins. Dirty or incorrect oil accelerates chain and bearing wear. I have seen the insides of EcoDiesels with perfect maintenance at 250,000 km that look great, and neglected ones at 120,000 km that are scrap. Same engine. Different oil discipline.
Use only oil that meets the spec in your manual. Change it at the interval the truck tells you, or sooner if you tow. This is not the engine to stretch oil changes on.
Gen 3: the one I recommend
The 2020 and newer EcoDiesel fixed the major Gen 2 weaknesses. New EGR cooler design. Stronger bottom end. Better turbo. The fuel economy is still excellent, often under 9 litres per 100 km on the highway in a Ram 1500, which is remarkable for a full size truck.
I still see Gen 3 trucks for EGR and DPF maintenance, because every modern diesel needs that. But the pattern of major failures is gone. If someone asks me whether to buy an EcoDiesel, my answer is simple: 2020 or newer, with service records.
How to keep any EcoDiesel alive
- Correct low ash oil, changed on time without exceptions
- Regular highway driving so the DPF can complete regens
- Fix check engine lights promptly, especially anything EGR or emissions related
- Verify all recalls are done on 2014 to 2019 models
- Do not idle it for 30 minutes every winter morning. Five minutes, then drive gently.
The bottom line
The EcoDiesel is not a Cummins. It was never meant to be. It is a light duty diesel built for fuel economy in a half ton truck, and judged on those terms the Gen 3 is genuinely good. The Gen 2 can be fine too, but only with verified recall work and an owner who treats oil changes like religion.
Buy the newest one you can afford, demand the service records, and drive it on the highway. Do that and the EcoDiesel will treat you well.
Frequently asked questions
Which EcoDiesel years are the most reliable?
2020 and newer, the Gen 3 engine. Ram redesigned the block, heads, turbo, and fuel system. I see far fewer of these in my shop for major work. If you are buying used, 2020 or newer is worth the premium.
Should I buy a used 2014 to 2019 EcoDiesel?
Only with full service records and proof every recall was completed. Check that the EGR cooler recall was done and ask about oil change history. These engines do not forgive neglected oil. A cheap one with no records is the most expensive truck you will ever buy.
What is the most common EcoDiesel failure?
The EGR cooler on 2014 to 2019 models. It can leak coolant internally and in bad cases start a fire. There was a recall and a class action settlement. If you own one of these years and the recall was never done, get it done before you drive it again.