2025 RAM 1500 Classic Problems: 2 Issues Every Owner Should Know
2025 model year · 0+ owner reports · Updated April 2026
According to Au7o's analysis of 0+ owner reports, the 2025 RAM 1500 Classic has 2 documented known issues, with 1 rated critical. The most serious is MDS Lifter Failure and Hemi Tick (5.7L) ($2,000-$4,500 repair). Across all issues, repair costs range from $400 to $4,500. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
All 2 Known Issues
On the 2019-2025 RAM 1500 Classic 5.7 HEMI, the 5.7L Hemi V8 uses Multi-Displacement System (MDS) hydraulic lifters to deactivate four cylinders during light-load cruising. The MDS lifters are known to fail, causing a persistent ticking noise (the infamous "Hemi tick") and misfires on the deactivated cylinders. When an MDS lifter collapses or sticks, it cannot properly deactivate and reactivate the valve, leading to a dead cylinder. In severe cases, a failed lifter can damage the camshaft lobe, requiring a complete top-end rebuild.
Common Symptoms
- Persistent ticking noise from engine that does not change with temperature
- Misfire on one or more cylinders (P0300 series codes)
- Check engine light
- Rough idle
- Loss of power under acceleration
- Ticking intensifies during MDS cylinder deactivation mode
How to Fix
Replace all 16 lifters (8 MDS and 8 standard) with either OEM or upgraded non-MDS lifters. Many owners delete the MDS system entirely using a non-MDS camshaft, standard lifters, and an MDS delete tuner/programmer — this eliminates the failure mode at the cost of 1-2 mpg. If the camshaft has been damaged, it must be replaced during the lifter job. This is a significant repair requiring intake manifold removal and valley pan access.
What Owners Are Using
Parts and tips from 0+ owners who fixed this issue
- Tip
- UpgradeIntake manifold gasket set seals coolant and vacuum leaks (Fel-Pro Intake Manifold Gasket Set)
- UpgradeReplacement intake manifold for cracked or warped originals (Dorman Intake Manifold)
On the 2019-2025 RAM 1500 Classic 5.7 HEMI, the 5.7L Hemi V8 in the 1500 Classic is prone to exhaust manifold bolt breakage, particularly on the rear bolts of the driver-side (left) manifold. The bolts are subjected to extreme heat cycling and eventually fatigue and snap. When bolts break, the manifold develops an exhaust leak that sounds like a ticking or tapping noise, especially on cold start. The noise typically diminishes as the engine warms and the manifold expands to temporarily seal the gap. This issue has affected Hemi engines across multiple generations.
Common Symptoms
- Ticking or tapping noise from engine on cold start that fades when warm
- Exhaust smell in cabin when stopped or at idle
- Slight loss of power
- Exhaust leak noise audible from driver side of engine
- Check engine light with exhaust-related codes in severe cases
How to Fix
Replace broken exhaust manifold bolts with updated high-strength bolts from Stellantis. Extracting broken bolt studs often requires drilling and using an EZ-out or bolt extractor — apply penetrating oil (PB Blaster) generously before attempting removal. Some shops weld a nut onto the broken stud for easier extraction. Replace the exhaust manifold gaskets at the same time. Consider upgrading to ARP exhaust manifold studs for a permanent fix.
What Owners Are Using
Parts and tips from 0+ owners who fixed this issue
- Tip
- UpgradeDorman exhaust manifold — solves cracking issues on many models (Dorman Exhaust Manifold)
- UpgradeDorman exhaust manifold bolt and stud kit (Dorman Exhaust Manifold Hardware Kit)