The 2016 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel promised efficiency and power, but did it deliver? This article recounts a personal experience with a Certified Pre-Owned 2016 Ram 1500 Laramie 4×4 EcoDiesel, highlighting both its appealing features and its frustrating reliability issues.
The Appeal of the 2016 EcoDiesel Ram
The Ram 1500 stood out for its unique offering of a diesel engine in a light-duty truck. The 3.0L EcoDiesel V6, built by VM Motori in Italy, boasted impressive specs: 240 horsepower, 420 lb-ft of torque, and an 8,560 lb towing capacity. Initial experiences were positive, with the truck delivering a remarkable 25 mpg on a road trip and providing a comfortable ride thanks to its coil spring rear suspension. The Laramie trim offered luxury features like leather heated/cooled seats, a heated steering wheel, and navigation.
The 2016 EcoDiesel Ram on a road trip to Palm Springs.
Initially, the truck’s performance and comfort were impressive. The powerful EcoDiesel engine, combined with the 8-speed automatic transmission, provided a smooth and effortless driving experience. The spacious cabin, comparable to a luxury sedan, made long journeys enjoyable.
The luxurious interior of the Ram 1500 Laramie.
The Italian Heartbreak: Reliability Woes Begin
Early signs of trouble emerged with a cracked turbo inlet pipe, leading to a “Service Electronic Throttle Control” error and the truck’s first trip on a flatbed. A month later, a cracked high-pressure fuel line stranded the truck on a remote camping trip, necessitating a costly tow and a ruined weekend.
The EcoDiesel Ram being towed after a fuel line failure.
Despite initial optimism, problems persisted. Multiple instances of the “Service Electronic Throttle Control” message, clogged IAT sensors, and another cracked fuel line led to repeated trips to the dealership and extended periods in rental vehicles.
The recurring error message that plagued the EcoDiesel experience.
The Final Straw and the Buyback Process
After a six-month stay at the dealership awaiting a CARB-approved emissions calibration update, the truck was returned, seemingly fixed. However, another cracked fuel line ultimately led to the decision to pursue a lemon law buyback. FCA approved the buyback, refunding the purchase price minus usage fees.
The EcoDiesel Ram being towed for the final time.
The buyback process, while ultimately successful, was a lengthy and frustrating experience. It highlighted the significant financial burden placed on the manufacturer for warranty repairs and rental car costs.
Conclusion: A Mixed Legacy
The 2016 Ecodiesel Ram presented a compelling proposition but ultimately proved unreliable. While the truck offered impressive fuel economy, comfort, and capability, recurring issues with the EcoDiesel engine overshadowed its positive attributes. This personal experience serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the importance of thorough research and consideration when purchasing a vehicle, particularly one with a complex and relatively new technology like the EcoDiesel engine. Would another Ram be considered in the future? Perhaps, but the EcoDiesel option would likely be approached with caution.
