RAM Hurricane Engine Problems

Common RAM Hurricane engine problems include cooling system issues such as thermostat failure, check engine light issues, and damaged catalytic converters. Several 2025 Ram trucks also experience burnout or even melt due to excessive exhaust gas temperatures caused by the high-boost design. The engine is available in two versions: Hurricane – 420 hp, 469 lb‑ft; High Output – 540 hp, 521 lb‑ft. By comparison, the non‑TRX HEMI makes 395 hp and 410 lb‑ft.

Easy Lemon is a law firm with over 35 years of experience in handling Lemon Law cases. Our team of Lemon Law attorneys can guide you through every step, from reviewing your lease agreement to pursuing the best possible outcome for your case. Schedule a free case evaluation today.

This blog covers the most common RAM Hurricane engine problems, performance details, and what to expect in long-term ownership.

What Is the RAM Hurricane Engine?

The Hurricane motor is Stellantis’s twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six. In 2024, it began replacing the HEMI V8 for 2025 models. The engine architecture is a big deal because most of the early problems trace back to it. An inline-six twin-turbo generates greater power while using less displacement. This means higher boost pressures and a more intricate arrangement of sensors, software, and cooling systems than the HEMI’s simpler V8 design.

The Hurricane runs on regular 87 octane fuel under most conditions, but the manufacturer recommends 91+ octane premium for towing, heavy loading, or hot weather, especially on the High Output variant. According to aggregated NHTSA complaint data for the 2025 Ram 1500 platform, owners filed about 430 complaints, mostly within the first few thousand miles.

Two specifics worth knowing before any troubleshooting conversation with a dealership. First, the Hurricane uses an electronic oil-level sensor, so owners check the oil level displayed on the dashboard. Second, both Hurricane variants are turbocharged, so turbo maintenance matters more than with the HEMI. After hard driving or towing, let the engine idle briefly so the turbo bearings cool while oil is still flowing.

Compared with Ford’s twin-turbo V6 lineup, the difference is not about more power but about calibration and early-build consistency. Both platforms rely heavily on boost management and software tuning, but owner reports suggest Ford’s systems have had a slightly longer refinement period in the field. The Hurricane focuses on compact, high-output design and fuel efficiency, but some new components needed fixes in early builds

What Are the Most Common Problems With the RAM Hurricane Engine?

Owners report several recurring Hurricane issues confirmed by Stellantis service bulletins. It is also important to distinguish these issues from formal safety recalls, as there are currently no major recalls specific to the Hurricane engine itself.

Cooling-system faults are among the best-documented concerns. The Hurricane’s rotary ball‑valve thermostat is operated by a plastic arm powered by a wax‑pellet motor. The plastic thermostat can fail after repeated heating and cooling, causing it to stick closed and overheat the engine. For owners who recently purchased a new truck, this can be a frustrating issue because the engine may have relatively few miles when the symptoms appear.

Repair complexity adds to the concern. Unlike a vast majority of older Chrysler and RAM powerplants, the Hurricane’s thermostat is located beneath the twin turbochargers and behind several coolant and oil-system components, making replacement more labor-intensive. Dealers such as Mark Dodge found assembly-quality issues. In our experience, these problems can create coolant leaks that mimic more serious failures.

Misfire‑induced catalytic converter damage is another concern owners must not overlook. If an ignition or fuel-system fault triggers a P0300-series misfire code, unburned fuel can enter the exhaust system and ignite inside the catalytic converters. The resulting intense heat produced can transform a basic repair into an expensive replacement. This is one reason technicians regularly recommend addressing warning lights as soon as they appear.

Beyond cooling concerns, some owners have reported minor electrical faults involving sensors, warning messages, and intermittent fault codes. At this stage, reports are scattered and do not indicate a systemic flaw; most Hurricane trucks operate without major electrical repairs.

As with many new vehicles, online forums tend to amplify problems because satisfied owners are less likely to create a post than someone experiencing a failure. A new member joining a RAM discussion board may come away with the idea that these issues are universal, but long-term ownership reports over the past couple of years suggest they affect only a relatively limited portion of the overall fleet.

For prospective buyers, the key takeaway is that the Hurricane has established a reputation for strong performance, but early-production cooling components and rapid response to misfire codes deserve attention. If these concerns are addressed quickly, most owners say their trucks operate well and retain expected power and refinement.

Why Does the Hurricane Engine Cause Misfires and Check‑Engine Lights?

Owners often report check-engine lights with misfire codes; most of these aren’t due to spark plugs or coils. The ignition system control module usually faces a software calibration issue, and Stellantis addressed it with two technical service bulletins.

TSB 08-055-25 targets High Output Hurricane models built on or before January 7, 2025, and requires reprogramming the ISCM to fix hesitation and misfire codes. Standard Output Hurricane models built on or before October 4, 2024, are covered under TSB 08-031-25, which has since been superseded. Confirm the current bulletin number with the dealer. A separate service bulletin has addressed misfire codes traced to oxygen sensors.

Two practical things owners should do when a P0300-series code appears. Find your truck’s build date on the driver-side door jamb sticker. It is printed as the month and year next to the gross vehicle weight rating. If your build date falls inside the TSB window, walk into the service department and ask about TSB 08-031-25 or TSB 08-055-25 by name. Most of these complaints are reprogrammed at no cost under the bulletin, and arriving with the bulletin number cuts the diagnostic time.

What Is the Recommended Procedure to Take Care of the RAM Hurricane Engine?

Hurricane-specific maintenance presents unique challenges that long-time owners of HEMI‑equipped Rams are not used to. Following the maintenance schedule in the owner’s manual represents the correct starting point. The points below deserve attention because they differ from HEMI maintenance and are often overlooked.

Replacing the spark plugs at approximately 60,000-mile intervals and inspecting the PCV valve at approximately 100,000-mile intervals is a good maintenance culture. Follow the owner’s manual maintenance schedule and oil-life indicator. Use the engine oil specification the owner’s manual calls for. The Hurricane is a high-output boosted engine, and using poor-quality oil or extending oil-change intervals can lead to costly problems

Cooling-system care is where the Hurricane platform demands more attention than the engine it replaced. Check the coolant level at every oil change and watch for any sign of seepage at the thermostat housing, hose connections, or turbo drain. Respond immediately to any temperature warning.

The single most useful turbo-care habit is the cool-down practice. After hard driving, idle for 1–2 minutes before shutting down to cool the turbo. Many turbo specialists recommend extending that to two minutes. We always advise owners to check for disconnected intake hoses and turbo oil leaks to catch problems early.

How Do You Maintain the Fuel System?

The Hurricane runs on 87 octane for normal driving, but use 91+ premium when towing, hauling, driving in heat, or with the High‑Output model to improve performance and reduce pre‑ignition. Address rough idle or misfire promptly. These are early signs of fuel‑system or sensor issues on the Hurricane.

What Have Owners Reported About the RAM Hurricane Engine?

Hurricane owner reports have been mixed in the first two model years of the engine’s life, and the picture is still developing. The point of this section is to summarize what is being documented in the public record, not to repeat fabricated testimonials.

The Drive performed a real-world evaluation of a 2025 Ram 1500 rental fleet truck, tested for approximately 50,000 miles over one year; despite heavy towing and severe use, the Hurricane emerged without catastrophic failure. That data point is worth knowing because it indicates the basic engine architecture can hold up under hard miles.

Other owner reports have been less positive. Various assessments concluded that the early Hurricane rollout has been turbulent. Most of the documented issues clustered around supporting systems rather than core engine mechanics. In our experience, the Hurricane owners who avoid the biggest disputes are the ones who treat the first recurring check‑engine light as useful data, not just an inconvenience. Record the date, mileage, trouble code, technician names, and take dashboard photos at every visit.

How Have Owners Resolved Hurricane Engine Issues?

Most Hurricane issues are resolved through a Stellantis-authorized dealer using software updates, TSB-driven reprogramming, or replacement of faulty components such as thermostats and wiring. Although owners debate long‑term reliability, most trucks are repaired under warranty. The cases that most often become a Dodge Ram lemon law claim are those involving repeated dealer visits for the same software-related problem without a lasting fix.

What Recalls Have Been Issued for the RAM Hurricane Engine?

As of mid‑2026, NHTSA has not issued recalls for the Hurricane 3.0‑L twin‑turbo. The manufacturer uses technical service bulletins and customer satisfaction programs instead of recalls, so repairs are handled under warranty and the free repair window is shorter.

How Do You Check for Hurricane-Related Recalls?

To check for Hurricane-related recalls, enter your truck’s 17-character VIN into NHTSA’s recall lookup and review both specific active recalls and any broader 2025–2026 campaigns. You can also register your VIN with the Mopar Owner’s Companion app to receive recall alerts directly, giving you reliable access to future notifications and added peace of mind after your purchase or test drive.

What Should You Do If Your Hurricane-Equipped Truck Has a Persistent Defect?

If a Hurricane engine problem persists despite multiple dealer repairs, recurring misfires, or overheating, it may require more than standard warranty service. The federal Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act and state lemon laws can provide relief when a manufacturer fails to fix a covered defect.

In California, you can file a claim after several repair attempts or if the truck is out of service for 30 cumulative days in the first 18 months/18,000 miles. Also, keep every repair order and check TSBs 08-055-25 and 08-031-25 against your VIN before paying for diagnostics.

While many Hurricane-equipped trucks deliver the fuel economy and performance buyers expect from the brand, repeated unresolved repairs can make a significant difference in your legal options. Our Ram truck recall and lemon law rights page covers the next steps, and the Ram warranty breach lawsuit framework is the right reference if the manufacturer has not honored its written warranty.

Need a Lemon Law Attorney?

The Hurricane is a new engine in a high-volume truck, and most of the documented problems involve supporting systems and software rather than the core engine itself. Many owners report strong highway performance, smooth power delivery, and better fuel economy than expected for a full-size truck. For drivers who have not experienced repeat warning lights or cooling concerns, the Hurricane is often described as having responsive performance under load.

If your Hurricane-equipped truck has been at the dealer multiple times for the same defect and the problem keeps returning, our Lemon Law attorneys can assess your case. You can walk into any of our offices or contact us today to get started.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions people often ask about the Hurricane Ram 1500 and their answers.

What Are Common Engine Problems Associated With RAM Hurricane Engines?

The most frequently reported issues involve cooling-system problems: thermostat failures and poor hose/clamp assembly; check‑engine P0300 codes are often traced to ISCM calibration and other electrical issues. Some early engines suffered catalytic‑converter damage from high exhaust gas temperatures.

What Can I Do to Prevent Engine Problems?

Follow the owner’s manual maintenance schedule, use 91-octane or higher fuel when towing or driving in extreme heat, and let the engine idle briefly after hard driving to help protect the turbochargers. Address any Check Engine or temperature warning as soon as it appears, even if the truck seems fine. Keep copies of every dealer repair order, as that paper trail is crucial evidence for warranty claims or lemon law disputes.

What Should I Do If My RAM Hurricane Engine Is Overheating?

When the temperature warning appears, stop safely and allow the engine to cool. If it’s safe, verify the coolant level and inspect the thermostat housing and hoses for leaks. Since thermostat failure is common, have a Stellantis-authorized dealer inspect the truck before driving again.

How Do I Address Oil Leaks in a RAM Hurricane Engine?

If you notice an oil leak, make sure a qualified tech finds the leak source before you approve repairs. Common Hurricane issues include minor turbo drain seal drips and gasket leaks, needing reassembly. Since the engine uses an electronic oil level sensor instead of a dipstick, investigate surprise low‑oil alerts. They may indicate real oil loss, not just a sensor error.

What Are the Signs of a Misfiring RAM Hurricane Engine?

Most misfires trigger a check engine light (P0300). You may also notice rough idling, hesitation when accelerating, loss of power, or odd noises. Many of these common issues on early-build engines have been linked to ISCM software calibration and are covered by Stellantis technical service bulletins. Have the dealer run your VIN to see if it’s covered by TSB 08-055-25 or 08-031-25 before paying for diagnostics.

Legal Disclaimer: This article is intended to provide general information rather than legal advice. Federal and state laws governing vehicle warranties, lemon-law remedies, and recall rights vary, and a claim depends on your state’s statutes and the specific facts. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Consult a licensed attorney in your state for advice about your specific circumstances.

About The Author

Liam Jones

Liam is a dedicated attorney specializing in lemon law and civil litigation. He is passionate about protecting individual consumers’ rights and prosecuting cases involving defects, breach of warranty, and consumer fraud. He focuses on representing consumers in Song-Beverly, Magnuson-Moss, and fraud actions against automobile manufacturers.

With a deep background in state and federal lemon law statutes, he has obtained many favorable outcomes on behalf of his clients and meticulously works to foster healthy, trusting, and professional attorney-client relationships with each of them.

Read More about Liam Jones