A cheap, capable 4th-gen Hemi truck whose real risks — a failing ABS module and power-steering loss — are out-of-warranty and worth checking hard.

Sudden or intermittent loss of power-steering assist is a recurring theme across the 2016–2019 trucks. Recall 16V167 covered a 2015–2016 EPS circuit-board short, but the complaint file also carries out-of-recall failures where owners are told the steering gear isn't covered. Losing assist at low speed makes the truck very hard to turn. Confirm recall 16V167 was completed by VIN and that steering effort is normal and consistent on the test drive.

The Hemi's signature engine risk, shared across generations: a hydraulic roller lifter and the cam lobe it rides on wear and start to fail, producing a tick and eventually a constant misfire on that cylinder. Independent mechanics put a cam-and-lifter job at a minimum of about $4,500, and note shops often recommend full engine replacement once metal is found in the oil (Chrysler's own guidance is to pull the oil-control-valve solenoid, check its screen, and replace the engine if there's significant debris). Cold-start and listen for a persistent tick; a truck that ticks at idle after warm-up is a walk-away or a hard negotiation.

Two known fourth-generation quirks. The brake-transmission-shift-interlock (BTSI) pin can stick, letting the column shifter move out of park without the brake — covered by recall 17V821, so confirm it's done. And the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM), the truck's main fuse/relay box, can cause odd electrical behavior (stalling, power windows, door locks) when it fails, usually requiring module replacement. Neither is universal, but both are worth a functional check of the shifter interlock and the electrical accessories.

If the truck has the optional 3.0L EcoDiesel V6, three separate recalls apply: EGR-cooler cracking that can cause an intake fire (19V757), a crankshaft tone-wheel that can delaminate and stall the engine (20V475, expanded by 23V411, with a matching X94 warranty extension), and a high-pressure fuel pump that can fail and starve the engine (22V406). All are free fixes. On a diesel 2016, confirm each has been completed by VIN; on a gas Hemi, none of these apply.