About this problem
The exhaust manifold collects exhaust from each cylinder and is bolted to the cylinder head. Heat cycles can snap the bolts that hold it, which opens a small gap. The result is a ticking noise that is loudest on a cold start, exhaust smells, and sometimes a check engine light. Removing broken bolts can be a long job on a truck engine.
Across all owner complaints filed about the Ram 1500 since 2012, 294 (2.6%) describe exhaust manifold bolts and ticking, making it the most reported problem we track on the 1500. The reports cluster on the 2013, 2017 and 2019 model years, and the 2019 drew the most, with 52. It tends to show up in the middle years of ownership: half of the owners who gave a mileage were between 58,000 and 90,000 miles. 4 reports describe a crash or fire linked to it. No recall covers it, but Ram has sent dealers service bulletins about it, listed below.
What owners report
Owners of the 5.7-liter HEMI Ram report a ticking noise on cold start that fades once the engine warms up, often from broken exhaust manifold bolts or a cracked manifold. Some also report a ticking from worn lifters on 2019 and later trucks.
How it gets fixed
The repair replaces the broken bolts and sometimes the manifold.
Typical cost: A manifold bolt repair runs $500 to $1,200; a lifter and camshaft job $2,500 to $4,500.
Complaints by model year
In owners' words
"I was at a dealership for service on july 6, 2017 and asked about a ticking noise I was hearing. The service writer explained that the noise was the exhaust manifold. After the mechanic checked he confirmed it was the exhaust manifold."
2013 Ram 1500, 86,000 miles
"The passenger side exhaust manifold bolts are breaking. It is happening to many Ram truck owners and to some people it is happening more than 3 times."
2017 Ram 1500, 84,000 miles
Excerpts from public owner complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, lightly trimmed.
Service bulletins
Ram has sent dealers 8 bulletins that mention this problem on the 1500. A bulletin tells technicians how to fix a known fault. It is not a recall, so the repair is usually free only while the car is under warranty or covered by an extension.
Cold Engine Ticking Noise The customer may describe a ticking noise from the exhaust manifold location(s) when cold.
Engine Ticking Noise Engine makes an abnormal ticking noise.
Engine Ticking Noise Customers may experience the following: Engine makes an abnormal ticking noise.
Cold Engine Ticking Noise From Exhaust Manifold Area The customer may describe an ticking noise from the exhaust manifold location(s) when cold.
Intake Manifold, Intake Manifold Gaskets, Intake Manifold Bolts If the intake manifold is being removed for service and the vehicle build date is between 02/24/20 to 08/07/20, please inspect the intake manifold for cracks aroun...
Before you buy a 1500
- Start the truck cold and listen for ticking near the exhaust.
- Look for soot around the manifold.
- Ask for engine repair records.
Questions
Which Ram 1500 years have exhaust manifold bolts and ticking?
Complaints are highest for the 2013, 2017, 2019 model years. The 2019 drew the most, with 52 reports.
At what mileage does it usually start?
Among owners who gave a mileage, the middle figure was about 73,000 miles, and half reported it between 58,000 and 90,000 miles.
How much does it cost to fix?
A manifold bolt repair runs $500 to $1,200; a lifter and camshaft job $2,500 to $4,500.