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This evening, I was scrolling through the “Ram 2500 4x4” group on Facebook and came across a post by Nick Frommelt. Nick just bought a Ram 2500 with the 6.4L Hemi for $20,300, and it runs great with no obvious issues at 74,000 miles. Now he’s debating whether to get an extended warranty, with his bank offering a 4-year/60,000-mile plan for $3,132. He’s concerned about the infamous “Hemi Tick” and would love recommendations on the best warranty options. Nick says:
“I purchased a Ram 2500 with the 6.4L Hemi for $20,300. It is 74,000 miles old, the engine sounds good, and I haven’t noticed any mechanical issues. My question is, should I buy an extended warranty? Does anyone have recommendations on the best provider for an extended warranty? My bank offers a 4-year/60,000-mile plan for $3,132, but I’m feeling nervous after hearing about the infamous ‘Hemi Tick’ problems. I’d appreciate any advice.”
Nick's dilemma is a common one among used truck buyers, particularly those opting for a Hemi-powered Ram. The 6.4L Hemi has been a powerhouse in the heavy-duty truck segment, praised for its towing capability and durability, but also criticized for its potential to develop the notorious Hemi Tick. If you’re in the same boat as Nick, wondering whether an extended warranty is a smart investment, let’s break it down.
What Is the Hemi Tick?
The “Hemi Tick” is a distinctive ticking noise that some Hemi engines develop over time. It can range from a faint clicking sound to a more pronounced ticking noise, often noticed at idle or during cold starts. While some believe it to be a harmless characteristic of the engine, others have traced it to more serious issues like lifter failure, camshaft wear, or improper oiling. This ticking noise is commonly associated with the 5.7L Hemi, but the 6.4L Hemi is not completely immune. Although some owners report no negative impact on engine performance, others have had to undergo costly repairs to fix the problem. Understanding the cause and potential consequences of the Hemi Tick is crucial for any Ram truck owner considering an extended warranty.
Community Insights: What Are Other Ram Owners Saying?
Nick’s post received several responses from fellow Ram 2500 owners who shared their perspectives on the issue:
- Josh Fowler: “The best way to avoid a Hemi tick is to avoid extended idling and avoid extended oil change intervals.”
- Elgin Smith: “The Hemi Tick isn’t as prevalent on the 6.4L. It’s not a terrible price, but it’s not great either. As mentioned, be sure to keep idle hours low.”
- Joe Fick: “Get the warranty. Before 100,000 miles, I had to replace the transmission, starter, and heater core.”
These insights highlight a key takeaway, maintenance plays a crucial role in preventing the Hemi Tick, but mechanical failures can still happen. Given Joe Fick’s experience with multiple expensive repairs before hitting 100,000 miles, an extended warranty might be a worthwhile investment for peace of mind.
Evaluating the Cost vs. Benefit of an Extended Warranty
At a cost of $3,132 for a 4-year/60,000-mile plan, the extended warranty being offered to Nick equates to about $783 per year. Here’s what to consider:
An extended warranty can be beneficial as it covers expensive repairs such as transmission failure, lifter/camshaft issues, or electrical failures, potentially saving thousands in repair costs. It also provides peace of mind, eliminating concerns about unexpected mechanical breakdowns. Additionally, a transferable warranty can increase the truck’s resale value if the owner decides to sell it. However, there are downsides to consider. The biggest drawback is that the warranty may never be used, making it a costly investment if no major repairs arise. Some warranties have limited coverage, excluded wear-and-tear items or imposed strict maintenance requirements. Another alternative is self-insuring, allocating the money that would have been spent on a warranty into a savings account for potential repairs. This approach ensures that if no major problems occur, the money remains available for future vehicle needs.
Ram continues to refine and develop its lineup, and the 2025 Ram Heavy Duty models prove that the Hemi engine remains an integral part of the brand’s future. These trucks showcase advancements in power and reliability, making them an attractive option for those looking to upgrade from older models like the Ram 2500.
Another exciting development is Ram’s marketing strategy, as seen in their 2025 Super Bowl truck lineup. Ram’s ability to dominate the market with its aggressive branding and compelling truck offerings means that they are here to stay, ensuring continued innovation and support for their vehicles.
For those considering different powertrains, the 2015 Ram 2500 Tradesman 6.7L Cummins offers an alternative to the Hemi with its diesel-powered reliability. If long-term durability and towing power are primary concerns, this review provides insight into how the Cummins-powered Ram performs over time.
Ram trucks have been put to the test in real-world scenarios, as seen in this report on the Ram 1500 EcoDiesel. Diesel engines often provide an alternative for those looking for fuel economy and longevity, and this article explores how the Ram 1500 EcoDiesel performs under demanding work conditions.
For those who enjoy off-road adventures, the 2014 Ram 2500 Power Wagon is a unique offering in the heavy-duty segment. This truck combines capability with fun, making it an excellent choice for those who want a blend of work and play.
Warranty Alternatives: Are There Better Options?
If Nick decides to go for an extended warranty, he should shop around. Many third-party providers offer customizable plans that may be more comprehensive or cost-effective. Companies like Mopar Vehicle Protection, Car Shield, and Endurance are popular choices among Ram owners.
Another approach would be to allocate that $3,132 into a high-yield savings account designated for repairs. If no major issues arise, the money remains available for future vehicle needs. Those considering alternative Ram models may also want to look at how other Ram trucks hold up under work conditions and explore the fun and capable Power Wagon to see how different models compare in terms of reliability.
A Moral Lesson for Every Truck Owner
A truck is only as reliable as the care it receives. Regular maintenance, responsible driving habits, and proper oil changes will always be the best defense against mechanical failure. Whether you choose an extended warranty or not, staying proactive with upkeep is the key to maximizing the longevity of your Ram 2500.
Join the Discussion
- Have you experienced the Hemi Tick on your Ram 2500? How did you handle it?
- Did you purchase an extended warranty for your truck? Was it worth it?
Please let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
Narek Hareyan is a young automotive journalist with experience in a golf cart dealership and an interest in the automotive industry. Follow Narek on X for daily news coverage about cars.
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Comments
When I was looking to…
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When I was looking to purchase a new Dodge ram 2500with the 5.7 hemi in 2005 I found a great deal on a new 2004. It had everything I was looking for. When I started it up to take it for a test drive I did notice an audible tick. The sales person assured me that was normal for that engine and that it wasn’t going to be a problem. Turns out she was right. I still have the truck 20 years later with 108,000 miles on it. I’ve had no problems with the engine whatsoever and finally broke down and replaced the spark plugs for a first time this last year. I also replaced the coils. It has been an amazingly reliable vehicle and expect To own it for another five years or so. The tick has not gotten worse, so I’m very confident that it’s not going to be a problem.
I owned two Ram 1500 pickup…
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In reply to When I was looking to… by Tom Formsma (not verified)
I owned two Ram 1500 pickup trucks both with Hemi's.
They were great trucks. I noticed other people having hemi Ram trucks and hearing a tick tick sound coming from the engine. I asked them all the same question, "what octane of gas are you using"? They all said 87 octane. I then asked them if they read the owners manual? They all said no. I said well I did and it says do not use any gas under 89 octane. I always used premium gas in mine that was at least 91 octane. My trucks never ever had a tick tick sound. I'm just letting you know.
I bought a brand new 24 Ram…
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I bought a brand new 24 Ram 2500 with the 6.4 Hemi. When I purchased it, I was told the "tick" was normal. I use my truck for work, and put a lot of miles on it so maintenance is done in shorter intervals than suggested. Regardless, at 17000 miles, my engine blew up. The factory warranty covered it, but I have the extended warranty just in case.
I brought an extended…
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I brought an extended warranty after the first sound of the hemi tick in my 2019 ram I have worked on cars and trucks over the years and as far as I’m concerned there should be no tick any any motor. Glad I did have had 3 lifters collapse so far waiting for more to go. Shame the manufacturer can’t fix this problem knowing that is going on with them. Do like my truck but my advice is to buy the extended warranty and have piece of mind.
2012 Ram 5.7 with 300,000…
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2012 Ram 5.7 with 300,000 flawless miles. Change my Mobil 1 oil only when the change message comes up. More than half the mileage is towing 5,000 pounds.
I purchased a 2018 RAM 1500…
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I purchased a 2018 RAM 1500 four years ago with an extended warranty. So far it has covered repairs of exhaust manifold stud breaks and some electrical issues. Well worth the investment. No Hemi tick.
The extended warranty will…
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The extended warranty will approximately cost the same as doing the MDS delete option from a Ram dealer. It's the better option. 800$ or so for the delete kit, and approximately 2500$-3000$ for the repair. It also opens up possibilities with cam stages, better power, torque.. My Ram, bought new, always ran an oil additive, at 140k, never had an issue, but I did the MDS delete option at 2500 miles.
I have a 2018 Ram 2500 with…
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I have a 2018 Ram 2500 with the 6.4 L Hemi. I did tons of research on this truck before and after purchasing it pre owned with 2100 miles on it from a dealership. The pre owned certified warranty extended to 5 years. Had to have the Anti traction/ ABS module replaced twice and now it is an actual recall.
So the 4 crucial rules to keep the Hemi tick to a bare minimum and top end motor repairs as mileage gets up 80k and more are as followed: 1) - Make sure the oil you are using has the "MS#####
certification rating that is listed in the owner/service manual for your model of motor.(oil change/type area). Currently for mine there is only 3 manufactures that carry the rating for my MS number. Pennzoil, Shaffer's and Redline. I use Redline and after around 1500 miles ticking went completely away. 2)Change oil and filter at 5000 miles or less and once a year if under 5k. ( oil is always less expensive then the components)
3) keep idling to a minimum 4) Turn off or Delete the MDS( Multiple Displacement System) this is when 2 cylinders electronically drop out for "ECO Mode". Can Shift truck into 6th or 8th gear; when Tow Haul is activated or buy a module as I did and it piggy backs to the OEM ECU. I went with the Pulsar brand. Hope this helps.
My wife and I have owned two…
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My wife and I have owned two 1500s, first one going 13 yrs. The second is currently 7 yrs old. Also a challenger R/T for 12 yrs. I've always done regular oil changes and have never had the "tick". The current 1500 has an extended warranty which has payed for itself for other reasons after 90,000 miles, but nothing catastrophic. I now drive a 2500, and I will consider purchasing an extended warranty.
I bought a new 2015 Ram 2500…
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I bought a new 2015 Ram 2500 Laramie 4x4 with the 6.4L Hemi in September 2014. At the time I bought a lifetime warranty through Chrysler Corp for $2100. I now have close to 175,000 miles on the truck and it still is going strong. Only oil changes and regular service to date. Only time I used the extended warranty was for passenger mirror would not adjust with the electric motor. Cost me $100. I have had several trucks turn over 100k miles in my driving years. This is the second best, Ford F250 with 7.3 L diesel was the best.
If you plan to keep your ram…
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If you plan to keep your ram pickup. Put an extended warranty.breakdowns will happen. They are expensive. A steering rack for my 1500 series costs $5400.00. If you have air ride, delete it.each bag will run you 1400.00 apiece. I hadto replace one at 70 000km then two more just after the warrenty was up. Only cost me 2600.00 to put oem conventional suspension. And yes that hemi tick is an expensive fix.
Extended idling is what…
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Extended idling is what caused the Hemi tick as you call it. The reason for this is lack of oil to the lifters at idle. To fix this problem is to install the SRT oil pump but change the pressure spring to the stock oil spring from the pump you are changing so that you don't get the codes. The SRT oil is a high volume pump and will put the oil where it is needed
I have a 2018 2500 Mega Cab…
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I have a 2018 2500 Mega Cab 6.4L. I have the dreaded tick. I noticed it 6 months after i bought it in March 2021, 4 years ago. I change oil more than regular and have only put 27,000 miles on it (bought it with 66,000, 93,000 on it now). I just went through a heater core scare, but i took it to a heater and radiator place. They flushed it and PRESTO....Heat is awesome again. I have spoke to alot of people about the Tick and the consensus is keep an watch on it to listen for changes but basically keep good maintenance and dont abuse it. I havent and so far so good. Tick hasnt changed in 4 years. Body is great, truck runs great and plan on keeping it for years. One other thing. The indoor handle cable snapped. Ram wanted $183, i got the part on Amazon for $13. Works perfect. LOVE my truck!!
2016 ram 1500 Never ever…
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2016 ram 1500
Never ever missed oil change or service.
I purchased truck new.
160000 miles and it got the tick.
I noticed the truck had an issue before it became an issue.
Took it to my mechanic, said motor is fine. No idiot light.
Took it to a transmission shop, they said they wouldn't open granny, it passed all there input tests.
No idiot light.
A month later, the idiot light comes on....
Took to dealer, after a week I get a call, your motor is shit.
Cylinder 3 lifter has toasted your engine.
They wanted 15000 to repair truck.
Trucks been payed for for 2 years now.
Now it sits, busted, and I'm pissed.
I take care of my machines, now it's a boat anchor.
Apparently every mechanic knows about this problem and Dodge gets away with continuously making the 5.7 garbage motor. If I'd known the truck had a shelf life, I'd never bought a Dodge.
A work truck with a shelf life, No Thanks.
I had the tick on my 2018…
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I had the tick on my 2018 Ram 1500 SLT 5.7 quad cab. The tick was loud and embarrassing as it was coming from a newer well maintained truck. It ended up being broken exhaust manifold bolts. They were replaced and NO MORE TICK !
i change the oil every 5000…
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i change the oil every 5000 miles
and use the recommended 0w40
oil