There is no question that the Ram 2500 is the best heavy-duty pickup truck in the U.S. The main advantage of these trucks is their durability and reliability. It is most important to purchase a truck that is reliable and offers hassle-free long-term service. There is, however, a large difference in the reliability of the Ram 2500 trucks.
The truck comes in a variety of model years with some good and some bad ones. In order to make the right purchase, you should avoid problematic years and prefer the best years. How do you rank the worst Ram 2500 trucks? As a result of this article, I have discussed the worst Ram 2500 model years with the reasons behind them. You may also want to check out our other article on the Ram 2500 generation before proceeding.
This is a list of the worst Ram 2500 years to avoid:
In making the list, we took into account the following aspects:
We have added generation charts, reliability ratings, and safety ratings, as well as recall numbers, and complaints. Now we’ll talk about the best and worst years for Dodge Ram 2500s.
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Dodge Ram 2500 Generations Chart by Year
It has now been four generations since Dodge introduced the Ram 2500. With the introduction of the Ram 2500, Dodge introduced the second generation of Ram trucks. In order to make it easier for you to understand Dodge Ram 2500 generations, we have prepared the following chart:
| Dodge Ram 2500 Generations | Dodge Ram 2500 Model Years | Update Information |
| 2nd Generation | 1994-2002 | Introduced as an addition to the 2nd Gen Ram lineup. Offered rugged build and powerful engine option. |
| 3rd Generation | 2003-2009 | Improved design; increased performance. New HEMI 5.7L V8 engine. |
| 4th Generation | 2010-2018 | Completely redesigned and offered alternative engine options. New Cummins 6.7L turbo-diesel engine. |
| 5th Generation | 2019-Present | Lightweight material with improved chassis. Improved HEMI 6.4L V8 and Cummins 6.7L turbo-diesel powertrain options. |
4 Common Problems of Ram 2500
In addition to engine, transmission, steering, and suspension problems, Ram 2500s are prone to transmission issues as well. Choosing a model year should be based on your knowledge of the issues. Dodge Ram 2500 Diesel Problems and other issues we discussed were briefly discussed here so that you could get a quick overview and take precautions before buying any Ram 2500.
1. Engine Problems
These problems are common in Ram 2500 trucks from the 4th generation. There are a number of common complaints from owners when it comes to engine problems, including camshaft failure, ECM malfunctioning, misfire, low power output, noise and vibration, check engine light on, acceleration problems, and engine failure.
When a vehicle has low mileage, minor issues like a noisy engine, oil leaks, or a check engine light may appear. It is not uncommon for major problems to show up after 100,000 miles or later. An engine failure could cost you thousands of dollars, while small issues will cost you a few hundred. The cost of rebuilding an engine is around $3000 and takes a long time. New engines, however, can cost upwards of $5,000. It is important to note that these are estimates, and the actual cost may vary depending on the engine and parts used.
2. Dodge Ram 2500 Transmission Problems
A few 2nd generation Ram 2500s suffer from transmission problems, but they are less common than engine problems. Transmission failures have been reported as a result of rough shifting, a noisy transmission, a broken housing, an oil leak, and a damaged transmission. They are most likely to occur when the truck has a low mileage, between 23,000 and 45,000 miles. There is a higher cost associated with transmission repairs, which can reach thousands of dollars.
3. Steering Problems
The steering on a few Ram 2500s from the second generation is problematic. A problem with the engine or transmission isn’t nearly as bad as one with the transmission. There have been a number of complaints about steering issues, such as drag link failures, vibration, wobbling, linkage issues, and steering failures.
There is a tendency for steering problems to appear between 10,000 and 40,000 miles. Many hundreds of dollars are spent on repairing steering-related defects. A regular maintenance schedule, however, can easily prevent steering problems.
4. Dodge Ram 2500 Air Suspension Problems
There are also problems with death wobbling, axles, and control while driving. In addition to the second-generation Ram 2500 trucks, many other models experience suspension problems. A suspension problem is reported to occur between 2800 and 39,000 miles, according to user reports. As far as suspension issues are concerned, there is no specific cost amount. As a result of the cost of parts and labor, your mechanic will charge you accordingly.
Ram 2500 Reliability by Year
It is common for prospective vehicle buyers to consider the reliability of the vehicle they intend to purchase. There are three different reliability ratings for Ram 2500 models, with the highest rating being assigned to the better-rated models. Meanwhile, model years with low reliability ratings have poor performance. The following chart shows the reliability rating of the Ram 2500 according to J.D. Power:
| Ram 2500 Model Year | J.D. Power Reliability Rating (Out of 100) |
| 2010 | 76 |
| 2011 | 78 |
| 2012 | 78 |
| 2013 | N/A |
| 2014 | 73 |
| 2015 | 75 |
| 2016 | 73 |
| 2017 | 77 |
| 2018 | 79 |
| 2019 | N/A |
| 2020 | 79 |
| 2021 | 82 |
| 2022 | 79 |
| 2023 | N/A |
| 2024 | N/A |
6 Dodge Ram 2500 Years to Avoid
The 2012 to 2016 and 2018 Ram 2500 have the lowest user ratings, complaints, recalls, reliability ratings, and safety ratings. Would you like to know which year Ram 2500 diesel to avoid or which Ram 2500 to avoid?
According to Ram 2500 truck models, the worst years are 2012-2016 and 2018. It is common to find more complaints and issues on these model years than on the best years. When you purchase a new or old Ram 2500 truck, you should avoid these vehicles because they are less reliable.
2012 Ram 2500
Based on complaints, there have been 418 complaints about Ram 2500 2012 model years, six recalls, 44 problems, and three investigations. Currently, there are 278 complaints, three investigations, and five recalls with NHTSA. Basically, there are three problems:
2013 Ram 2500
According to complaints, there are 34 problems, 298 complaints, 16 recalls, and two investigations regarding the Ram 2500 2013 model year. There have been 174 complaints, 16 recalls, and two investigations, according to NHTSA. There are a number of problems, including:
2014 Ram 2500
According to complaints for the 2014 Ram 2500 model year, 469 complaints were filed, 16 recalls were issued, 38 problems were identified, and three investigations were conducted. Currently, the NHTSA has received 319 complaints, 16 recalls, and three investigations. There are a number of problems with this model year, including:
2015 Ram 2500
According to car complaints, there are 281 complaints, 15 recalls, three investigations, and 45 problems associated with the 2015 Ram 2500 model. As of September 2016, the NHTSA has received 196 complaints, issued 15 recalls, and conducted three investigations. This model year has the following issues:
2016 Ram 2500
A breakdown of the 2016 Ram 2500 model by car complaints shows 30 problems, 348 complaints, 13 recalls, and two investigations. In accordance with the NHTSA, there are 221 complaints, 13 recalls, and two investigations. In this model year, there are a number of problems, including:
2018 Ram 2500
According to car complaints, there are 50 problems reported in the 2018 Ram 2500 model year, over 1000 complaints, 7 recalls, and 3 investigations. Meanwhile, the NHTSA has received 1469 complaints and issued seven recalls. There have been a lot of problems with Ram 2500 trucks this year. There are several problems, including:
Ram 2500 Most Reliable Years
There are several years of Ram 2500 that are the most reliable:
The best years of Ram 2500 can also be found here for a detailed discussion. Can you tell me which year is the best for Dodge Ram 2500 diesels? That question cannot be answered directly. There are flaws in different types of vehicles.
In our list, we have included all of the most popular years based on user reviews, reliability, safety, and complaints numbers. If you want to reduce the amount of complaints and increase your assurance of a safe and reliable Ram 2500, we recommend researching all the data above.
Ram 2500 Complaints Chart
There is no doubt that the Ram 2500 is a reliable vehicle. The quality of some models varies from one model year to another. Having a high number of complaints affects the reliability of a vehicle. In order to make a chart, I gathered complaint details and recall information from CarComplaints and NHTSA.
As a result of complaints and recalls, the following chart has been compiled:
| Model Years | Complaints Numbers (Car complaints) | Complaints Numbers (NHTSA) | Recall Numbers (NHTSA) | |
| Worst Years | 2018 | 1000+ | 1469 | 7 |
| 2016 | 348 | 221 | 13 | |
| 2015 | 281 | 196 | 15 | |
| 2014 | 469 | 319 | 16 | |
| 2013 | 298 | 174 | 16 | |
| 2012 | 418 | 278 | 5 |
Ram 2500 Recall History
It is also important that you are aware of all Ram 2500 truck recalls and their reasons. RAM 2500 trucks from some model years were recalled for a variety of issues, including engine, transmission, fuel system, ABS module recalls, etc. An overview of Ram 2500 recall history is shown below:
| Recall Year | Reasons for Recall |
| 2012 | Powertrain, airbags, engine and engine cooling, steering problems, etc. |
| 2013 | Tailgate latch, equipment, powertrain, engine, cooling system, airbags, electrical system, radio, exterior lighting issues, etc. |
| 2014 | Steering, tailgate latch, electrical system wiring, equipment, powertrain, wheels, airbags, instrument cluster issues, etc. |
| 2015 | Electrical system wiring, tailgate hinge and attachment, powertrain, brakes, airbags issues, etc. |
| 2016 | Window curtain, airbags, tailgate latch, steering, structure, electrical wiring, steering, equipment, powertrain, engine and engine cooling, wheels issues, etc. |
| 2017 | Tailgate, tailgate latch, steering, electrical system, powertrain, equipment, wheels, engine and engine cooling issues, etc. |
| 2018 | Latch, steering linkage, back camera, electrical wiring, powertrain, equipment issues, etc. |
| 2019 | Tailgate attachments, brake, visibility, fuel system, seat belts, structure, rear camera, powertrain issues, etc. |
| 2020 | Structure, powertrain, service brake, visibility, fuel system, back camera, powertrain issues, etc. |
| 2021 | Electrical system wiring, tailgate hinge, and attachment, powertrain, brakes, airbags issues, etc. |
| 2022 | Backover prevention display, electrical system wiring, tailgate hinge and attachments, powertrain, engine and engine cooling, brakes, airbags issues, etc. |
| 2023 | Steering column, exterior lighting, back-over prevention display, electrical system wiring, powertrain issues, etc. |
| 2024 | Exterior lighting, steering, back over prevention display issues etc. |
Ram 2500 Safety Ratings by Year
It is important to pay attention to a wide range of vehicle safety issues. The safety of the vehicles is being calculated by a few agencies. In addition to the NHTSA Ram 2500 Crash Test, we used the following safety measures to make this safety rating table:
| Ram 2500 Model Year | Safety Ratings by NHTSA (Out of 5.0) |
| 2010 | 4.0 |
| 2011 | 3.5 |
| 2012 | 4.0 |
| 2013 | 4.0 |
| 2014 | 4.0 |
| 2015 | 4.0 |
| 2016 | 3.0 |
| 2017 | 4.0 |
| 2018 | 4.0 |
| 2019 | 4.0 |
| 2020 | 4.0 |
| 2021 | 4.0 |
| 2022 | 4.0 |
| 2023 | 4.0 |
| 2024 | 4.0 |
Are Dodge Ram 2500 Reliable?
Reliability is one of the most important questions about any vehicle. The Dodge Ram 2500 trucks might also raise questions about their reliability. Using Repairpal’s rating system, this truck scores 2.55 out of 5.0, which is below average. The reliability rating of most good vehicles is at least 3.5. The average annual repair cost is $1,070, which is quite expensive compared to other trucks in the same category.
In addition, the J.D. Power reliability rating of Ram 2500 trucks for model years 2010 to 2024 ranges from 73 to 82. Models with good years received higher scores, while those with bad years received lower scores. It is obvious that not all RAM 2500s are reliable and not all RAM 2500s are unreliable. If you do decide to own a Ram 2500, be sure to choose one from the best list and discourage yourself from choosing one from the worst list.
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Ram 2500 vs Chevy 2500, Which is Better?
The Ram 2500 and the Chevy 2500 have many key differences, so we need to know which one is better before we can make a decision. The difference can be easily understood by looking at the following table:
| Key Points | Ram 2500 | Chevy 2500 |
| Pricing | starts at $45,250 | starts at $45,300 |
| Engine Options | 6.4L HEMI V8 and 6.7L Cummins turbodiesel | 6.6L V8 and 6.6L Duramax turbodiesel |
| Performance | 370-410 hp 429-850 lb-ft of torque | 401-445 hp 464-910 lb-ft of torque |
| Towing Capacity | 20,000 pounds | 18,510 pounds |
| Fuel Economy | Lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, surround-view camera system | 10-15 mpg in the city, up to 21 mpg on the highway |
| Interior | luxurious and spacious interior, high-quality materials, user-friendly infotainment system, 12-inch big touchscreen, digital instrument cluster | durable and practical interior, functional infotainment system, large touchscreen and different camera views, comfortable seats, and bigger storage system |
| Driving Comfort | comfortable for long drives | comfortable for normal driving |
| Safety | adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, forward collision warning | Lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, surround view camera system |
| Reliability | average reliability | higher reliability |
There is no doubt that both trucks are excellent, and they can meet the needs of different types of users. A Ram 2500 will provide you with a luxurious interior equipped with advanced technology and powerful towing capabilities. You can’t go wrong with the Chevy 2500 for its durable design, superior performance, and increased safety.