When it comes time to grace your life with a 6.4L HEMI, the Ram has just what you need. This engine was built to handle all your toughest tasks while remaining endlessly dependable. Despite its reputation for excellence, it still has its fair share of issues.
By now, you’re likely wondering just what Ram 6.4 HEMI problems there could possibly be.
Well, previous owners have come forward with a variety of complaints, such as:
- Loud engine knock from loose wrist pins
- Leaks from the coolant reservoir
- Cruise control refuses to disengage
- Engine runs rough on occasion
Thankfully, in this article, you’ll find all you need to know about the most prevalent Ram 6.4 HEMI problems. Then, you can move ahead in your car buying journey with the knowledge you need to avoid troublesome issues.
A Look at the Legendary 6.4L HEMI
In 2005, Dodge created the 6.4L HEMI to power their full line of cars, trucks, and SUVs. As a Chrysler product, this engine showed up in everything from the Dodge Challenger SRT8 to the Jeep Grand Cherokee.
Although quite popular, the 6.4L powerplant did not appear in the Ram lineup until 2014. Before that time, the Ram faithfully used the beloved 5.7L HEMI instead.
Before the engine went into the Ram, it was given a full overhaul to improve its fuel efficiency and optimize the power band. Although they were initially offered as an optional upgrade, the 6.4L HEMI became standard equipment for the 2016 model year.
Top Ram 6.4 HEMI Problems
Although the 6.4L HEMI has proven itself through and through, problems are still a possibility. The issues vary from ones that are easy to fix to catastrophic failures. To help you know what to watch for, here’s a look at the most common problems.
Loose Wrist Pins
Wrist pins attach the pistons to the rods, linking them to the journals on the crankshaft. Upon starting the engine, the crankshaft pushes the pistons up and down in the cylinders. Many Ram trucks make noise as this occurs due to loose wrist pins. Eventually, this results in engine failure.
Engine Runs Rough
Rams 6.4L HEMI in the 2017 Ram 2500 can start to run rough with only 32,000 miles on the clock. When that happens, you might notice the check engine light flash, but the rest of the gauges stay in the ideal range. There’s no known fix as of this moment.
Faulty Coolant Reservoir
As on most cars, the coolant reservoir is made up of two separate pieces. When pieced together, there’s a seam in the middle that should remain watertight mile after mile. Oftentimes, it does not, sending coolant spilling all over the engine bay. Replacement of the reservoir is the best fix.
Bad Catalytic Converter
The 2018 Ram 2500 has a reputation for catalytic converters problems, as referenced in NHTSA complaint ID: 11257317. When the cat goes bad, the check engine light will come on and the truck may feel slow to accelerate. You might also notice a rotten egg smell coming from your truck.
Cruise Control Stays On
Upon setting the cruise control, it should maintain your current speed until you disengage it again. On the 2018 Ram 2500 with the 6.4L HEMI, this system often fails to disengage, causing the truck to continue moving full speed ahead. A software update could resolve the issue.
