Ram 1500 Lifter Failure Edmonton (5.7L HEMI MDS 2009-2021)
Home > Ram 1500 Lifter Failure Edmonton (5.7L HEMI MDS 2009-2021)
based on over 1100 reviews
1958
TRUSTED SINCE
- Ram 1500 Lifter Failure Edmonton (5.7L HEMI MDS 2009-2021)
RAM 1500 LIFTER FAILURE PROBLEMS IN EDMONTON
cylinder deactivation has the same catastrophic lifter failure pattern as the GM AFM system — and it may be even more prevalent. Collapsed and disintegrated lifters affect a massive number of Ram trucks. Auto Imports diagnoses and repairs Ram HEMI lifter failures in Edmonton.
Auto Imports diagnoses and repairs Ram 1500 Lifter Failure problems in Edmonton, including the specific symptoms and failure patterns associated with this vehicle.
If your vehicle has a warning light, leak, abnormal noise, rough running, overheating, reduced power or another concern, we recommend diagnosing the actual fault before replacing parts.
COMMON RAM 1500 LIFTER FAILURE ISSUES
Common concerns for the Ram 1500 Lifter Failure include:
- Auto Repair
- MDS: deactivates 4 cylinders at cruise — same mechanism as GM AFM
- Special collapsible MDS lifters: collapse on demand; prone to failure and fragmentation
- Lifter tick/knock: rhythmic tapping from one or both cylinder banks — first warning
- Misfire codes: P0300-P0308 — cylinder not firing from collapsed lifter
- Metal debris: disintegrated lifter = metal in oil = oil pump, cam, bearings at risk
- Ram class action: multiple US class action filings — coverage
- 5.7L HEMI eTorque (2019-2021): MDS still present; same risk
These problems can become more common as mileage increases, but mileage alone does not prove a component has failed.
SYMPTOMS, MILEAGE AND REPAIR RANGES
Additional symptoms, mileage patterns and repair information include:
- Classic Ram (2019-2021, sold alongside new Ram): same legacy HEMI engine
- Pre-2009 HEMI: no MDS; different (generally more reliable) lifter
- MDS delete: replaces all MDS lifters with standard units + cam + tuner/programmer
- Eliminates failure mode entirely
- Cost: $3,000-$5,500 for complete delete
- Strongly recommended for any 5.7L HEMI Ram past 100,000 km without
- Replace all 8 MDS lifters plus cam at minimum: $3,500-$7,000
- With fragment damage to other engine components: $8,000-$15,000+
Repair ranges shown are rough estimates. Actual pricing depends on the vehicle, diagnosis, parts required and repair scope. Message Auto Imports for an accurate estimate.
HOW WE DIAGNOSE RAM 1500 LIFTER FAILURE PROBLEMS
Different faults can create similar symptoms. Our diagnostic process can include:
- Scanning applicable control modules for stored and pending faults
- Reviewing live data under the conditions that reproduce the complaint
- Inspecting the affected mechanical, electrical or fluid system
- Pressure, leak, electrical or mechanical testing where required
- Confirming the exact engine, transmission or system configuration
- Verifying the failed component before repair
Professional vehicle diagnostics help confirm the cause before expensive components are replaced.
SERVICE AT AUTO IMPORTS
Service can include:
- HEMI MDS lifter diagnostic and delete: $3,000-$5,500
- Post-failure repair with oil system flush: $3,500-$15,000+ depending on damage
Once testing confirms the cause, we build the repair around the failed component and inspect related parts where labour overlaps.
For broader maintenance and repair information, visit our Ram repair Edmonton page. A vehicle inspection can identify related leaks, wear and maintenance concerns.
Auto Imports has served Edmonton drivers since 1958 from our shop at 9904 75 Avenue NW.
BOOK RAM 1500 LIFTER FAILURE SERVICE IN EDMONTON
Edmonton cold starts, temperature swings, short-trip driving and winter conditions can make existing mechanical and electrical weaknesses more noticeable.
If the vehicle develops severe overheating, low oil pressure, loss of drive, heavy mechanical noise or another condition that could cause further damage, stop driving and arrange diagnosis.
Financing is available for qualifying repairs, including 0% financing on approved purchases. Review our repair financing options.
RAM 1500 LIFTER FAILURE EDMONTON (5.7L HEMI MDS 2009-2021) FAQ
How do I know if my Ram 1500 HEMI has a lifter problem?
A rhythmic ticking or tapping from the engine — particularly on one side — combined with misfire check engine codes is the primary warning. The tick is often worse on startup and may quieten slightly as oil pressure builds but doesn’t disappear.
SHOULD I DO AN MDS DELETE ON MY RAM 1500?
If your Ram 1500 5.7L HEMI has more than 100,000 km and the MDS delete has not been done, we strongly recommend it. The $3,000-$5,500 delete cost is far less than a post-failure repair.
HOW MUCH DOES RAM 1500 LIFTER FAILURE REPAIR COST IN EDMONTON?
At Auto Imports: MDS delete (preventive): $3,000-$5,500. Post-failure lifter replacement: $3,500-$7,000. With engine fragment damage: $8,000-$15,000+.
A:Rhythmic tick/knock + misfire codes = MDS lifter failure | Q:Should I do MDS delete? A:Yes — strongly recommended past 100K km; $3,000-$5,500 vs $3,500-$15,000+ failure | Q:Cost?
A:$3,000-$5,500 preventive; $3,500-$15,000+ after failure Auto Imports | 9904 75 Ave NW, Edmonton | 780-431-2828 | Mon–Fri 7:30 AM — 5:00 PM to Bumper network. Minimum 1-year / 20,000km on parts and labour.
What are the most common problems with the Ram 1500 Lifter Failure?
The common concerns are listed above. The exact failure depends on model year, configuration, mileage and diagnosis.
Are the repair prices exact?
No. Any price ranges shown are rough estimates. Message Auto Imports for an accurate estimate after the required repair is confirmed.
Does mileage prove a component has failed?
No. Mileage helps identify risk patterns, but diagnosis confirms the actual fault.
Can Edmonton winter make these problems more noticeable?
Yes. Extreme cold can expose existing battery, seal, lubrication, cooling and drivability weaknesses.
“Greatly appreciate the thoroughness that Auto Imports puts into their repair work. Serviced our 2015 BMW X3 xDrive28d that had not been looked after very well by the previous owner. Thank you.”

R Givler
“We took our 2014 Benz in to get some work done and left beyond satisfied. The price is fair and great for the amount of work done and they kept in contact with us for all updates. I will definitely will be back here to get all the work on my vehicle done.”

Natasha L
“Great pricing, excellent service, quality customer experience. Had my wife’s 2018 Hyundai Accent in recently for a few different services. Will gladly bring our vehicles here in the future. Highly recommend!”

Jared B
TRUSTED & CERTIFIED