3.0 Duramax opinions/experience??

[CHAD PEZZLE]

Yeah, I've been reading somethings online saying GM changed the valve from the power train warranty to the 3yr/36K emissions warranty. Hoping that's not the case. I guess I'll find out on Monday.

Also safety recall doesn't fix anything, it hopefully puts the truck into limp mode before failure. Tranny still needs to be replaced, now I just get to drive it slowly to the dealer instead of having it towed.

 

[180ls1]

Yeah, I've been reading somethings online saying GM changed the valve from the power train warranty to the 3yr/36K emissions warranty. Hoping that's not the case. I guess I'll find out on Monday.

Also safety recall doesn't fix anything, it hopefully puts the truck into limp mode before failure. Tranny still needs to be replaced, now I just get to drive it slowly to the dealer instead of having it towed.

I've been in the market as well and am scared of $10K engines, $8K transmissions, $5K sunroof, etc...

The base ram gets 20mpg and is very reliable. People don't like it though because its a v6 and only has 300hp. Much simpler and less costly to fix should things go wrong as well.

 

[CHAD PEZZLE]

I've been in the market as well and am scared of $10K engines, $8K transmissions, $5K sunroof, etc...

The base ram gets 20mpg and is very reliable. People don't like it though because its a v6 and only has 300hp. Much simpler and less costly to fix should things go wrong as well.

To be fair the diesels do come factory with a better warranty then the gas motors. It's 5yr/100K and I think with the transmission safety recall they extended that to 150K on the tranny.

I doubt a motor or transmission are much cheaper to replace on a Ram compared to the Chevy.

I don't think the quality of the dodges other components is there, and I'll never own a truck with a sun roof so I'm not worried about that.

Based on my research, they all have problems, sometimes you get a good one, sometimes you don't. It's been a little frustrating to have a new to me 4 year old truck throwing a few check engine lights. Plenty of examples of guys with lots of trouble free miles on the 3.0L Diesels though. I still think it was the right truck for me, and I don't think there's a better alternative in a similar price point.

 

[180ls1]

To be fair the diesels do come factory with a better warranty then the gas motors. It's 5yr/100K and I think with the transmission safety recall they extended that to 150K on the tranny.

I doubt a motor or transmission are much cheaper to replace on a Ram compared to the Chevy.

I don't think the quality of the dodges other components is there, and I'll never own a truck with a sun roof so I'm not worried about that.

Based on my research, they all have problems, sometimes you get a good one, sometimes you don't. It's been a little frustrating to have a new to me 4 year old truck throwing a few check engine lights. Plenty of examples of guys with lots of trouble free miles on the 3.0L Diesels though. I still think it was the right truck for me, and I don't think there's a better alternative in a similar price point.

You should price it out and see when you are there. Full engine replacement for the diesel and 10 speed separate. Then price out a 4.3l v6 replacement and 8 speed, I dont thing their 8 speeds are on the same level as ram though.

I'd bet a turbo diesel is substantially more expensive to replace than a gas v6. You also have more moving parts which make it less reliable and more expensive to replace. The 10 speed is also less reliable and more expensive to replace than the 8 speed. Talking of the Ram 8 speed.

I am not dumping on your truck or your choices but there is a reason why you see so many fleet vehicles fun NA Gas engines.

 

[Catchfish]

I believe one of the reasons the diesel is more than gas may be because of the sulfur standard most refinery’s I believe had to build new units to process diesel to reach the low sulfur standards. They now have to refine the the diesel. Probably not the only reason but those new units, and equipment cost more to build, run, and costs more for catalysts in the reactors.

 

[Perrin713]

I purchased a new 3.0 on August of 2024. Took delivery with 400 miles on it. Would get low 30's mpg on the highway. Truck was excellent till the temps dropped and winter began. Truck popped an engine code at the beginning of December and the truck has been at the dealership since. Fuel delivery issues. Dealership has replaced multiple parts but still the issue is there. I wouldn't buy another 3.0. Should've kept my 6.6 diesel.

 

[Jesse Jaymes]

Oh Shit! That's the first real negative I've heard. But I will be living part time in central Idaho. BFE. Truck will see sub zero every winter. That's not a warm n fuzzy

 

[Perrin713]

Oh Shit! That's the first real negative I've heard. But I will be living part time in central Idaho. BFE. Truck will see sub zero every winter. That's not a warm n fuzzy

Good number of people on Reddit having the same issues with the 3.0 in cold climates. The code is P228B. My truck only had 2,300 miles on it when the issue started.

 

[Parkerpusher]

I’m having a similar problem with mine. 22 Chevy 1500. Check engine light for emissions issues and been to the dealer a few times. Left me stranded this week Monday and needed to be towed back to the shop. I don’t drive it much, it’s more of my plush personal weekend truck and I just always drive my work truck but im losing confidence. If I decide to stick with 2 vehicles I’ll probably trade it for a GMC with the 6.2 gas and say goodbye to 30mpg and hello to no lit up dash.

 

[fmyth]

I've been in the market as well and am scared of $10K engines, $8K transmissions, $5K sunroof, etc...

The base ram gets 20mpg and is very reliable. People don't like it though because its a v6 and only has 300hp. Much simpler and less costly to fix should things go wrong as well.

Hunting partner bought a new Chev 1500 with the Duramax. Put the def in the wrong hole. Seized the engine. GM denied the warranty claim. He turned it into his auto insurance when he found out it was going to cost over 18k to replace the engine.

 

[Perrin713]

I’m having a similar problem with mine. 22 Chevy 1500. Check engine light for emissions issues and been to the dealer a few times. Left me stranded this week Monday and needed to be towed back to the shop. I don’t drive it much, it’s more of my plush personal weekend truck and I just always drive my work truck but im losing confidence. If I decide to stick with 2 vehicles I’ll probably trade it for a GMC with the 6.2 gas and say goodbye to 30mpg and hello to no lit up dash.

A lot of issues are popping up with the 6.2's. It's look at the 5.3 personally. I've been in 6 loaners since the beginning of December. 2.7's and the 5.3. Depending on what happens with the 3.0, I'll probably go back to a 6.6 Duramax or the 5.3 gasser.

 

[Parkerpusher]

A lot of issues are popping up with the 6.2's. It's look at the 5.3 personally. I've been in 6 loaners since the beginning of December. 2.7's and the 5.3. Depending on what happens with the 3.0, I'll probably go back to a 6.6 Duramax or the 5.3 gasser.

Good advice thanks. My work truck is a 6.6 and I have never had any trouble out of it. I spend 95% of my time in it and could easily just go down to one truck. Also, I like the 5.3 and will take your advice if I trade.

 

[TSAMP]

1/2 ton 6cyl diesel and midsize diesel experiences

Same, I bought a 2023 new and have 18k on it and have averaged 21.7 during that time. You can get 28mpg if you’re on a semi flat road under 75mph. When you deal with any stop and go traffic, drive over 75 or are on a hilly road not a chance. Add in the cost of diesel, DEF, increased maintenance...

rokslide.com

 

[keller]

I am a tech at gm dealer. The good ones are good. The others constant check engine lights. When your coolant valve goes out it sits out back for several month's waiting for the new part to arrive.

 

[180ls1]

I am a tech at gm dealer. The good ones are good. The others constant check engine lights. When your coolant valve goes out it sits out back for several month's waiting for the new part to arrive.

Whats your thoughts on the turbo 4?

 

[keller]

6.2l are locking up lower end failure. Looks like crankshaft hardening? Thrust bearing. They melt down and seize.

 

[randy66]

I have the lm2 in a 2020 with now 125k. I am in Wisconsin and it sits out all the time. Cold has NOT been an issue. Real world issue i had was timing chain tensioner failure. That happened at 110k, out of warranty, and GM split the cost with me. I had the oil pump belt replaced when the tensioners were replaced. Overall I love this truck, super smooth, tows very well and great mileage. I would get another.

 

[keller]

Turbo 4 oil leaks. Pcv separator back of head and left side. Turbos.Some low mileage failures. I would stick with 5.3 Some lifter failures. I have a 2024 hd with 6.6 ?

Whats your thoughts on the turbo 4?

 

[keller]

2020 ok later models have seen problems. Fellow employee put 2. 6.2l in same truck. One at 25k second at 28k 2023 model.gm bought it back

I have the lm2 in a 2020 with now 125k. I am in Wisconsin and it sits out all the time. Cold has NOT been an issue. Real world issue i had was timing chain tensioner failure. That happened at 110k, out of warranty, and GM split the cost with me. I had the oil pump belt replaced when the tensioners were replaced. Overall I love this truck, super smooth, tows very well and great mileage. I would get another.

 

[Killshot]

I had a 2020 chevy with the 3.0. Bought it used with 30k miles on it. I had it for just under 2 years. 8 check engine lights all related to the def/exhaust system. I hear they have a wiring issue as well. I ended up selling it after all the troubles.

The only thing I miss about it is the mpg. I was getting up to 33 mpg on the freeway and 23 in the city.