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2009-2019 Ram 1500: 5.7 Hemi “tick”, MDS lifter/cam wear

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specific things to inspect and negotiate

What goes wrong

The Hemi with cylinder-deactivation (MDS) has a well-known lifter-roller failure pattern, the famous “Hemi tick” that progresses to a wiped cam lobe. Not universal, but common enough to be the first thing to check on any used Hemi.

Federal record for the 2014 Ram 1500, pulled from NHTSA when this page was built:
1745 owner complaints on file , most-reported: STEERING (495) · ENGINE (178) · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (175).
17 safety recalls listed.
Complaint volume tracks how many were sold as well as how they held up , read it as a pattern, not a score. Counts change; confirm live at nhtsa.gov or by running the free check below.
Rough cost: $2,500-$5,000 cam + lifters when it goes. Broad estimates , labor rates and parts vary widely by region and shop.

What to do about it

Before you hand over cash: Cold start AND warm idle: a rhythmic tick from the top of the engine that doesn’t fade = budget the cam job into your offer or walk. Exhaust-manifold ticks (also common, much cheaper) fade with warmth, know the difference.

Whatever you find, a $100-150 pre-purchase inspection by an independent mechanic is the cheapest money you’ll spend on any used car , including this one.

Run the full free check on this Ram 1500 →

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General reference information only , not a mechanical inspection, appraisal, or vehicle history report, and not specific to any individual car. Failure patterns describe documented tendencies across many vehicles; any single car may be better or worse. Cost figures are rough estimates , verify locally. The absence of a warning is not a statement that a car is safe or problem-free. Always verify recalls directly with NHTSA and get a pre-purchase inspection. Not affiliated with any manufacturer, dealer, or reporting service. No affiliate links, no commissions, no ads. © Used Car Informer, operated by MCC LLC · v6.6