There are eight Dodge RAM 1500 years to avoid. Let’s talk about which years are best (and why) so that you can pick the right used truck for you.
Among all trucks on the road, the Dodge RAM 1500 is one of the most reliable. It can be a work truck, a pick-up truck for the town, or a combination of the two. You can save yourself some headaches by staying away from some different years of vehicles, especially if you have severe problems outside of typical vehicle problems. The following are the years that you should avoid when purchasing a Dodge RAM 1500.
Dodge RAM 1500 Years To Avoid
There have been many problems and recalls in each of these years, which we will discuss below. Some trucks may not be prone to the problems listed below depending on their drivetrains. The RAM 2500 and higher may also have some of these problems, depending on the drivetrain used.
Here Are the Dodge RAM 1500 Years to Avoid and Why
2003 Dodge RAM 1500
Several RAM 1500 owners have complained about engine problems. In spite of the fact that these aren’t major complaints, there are many different areas, so it could seem as if you’re constantly chasing knocks here and stalling problems there. The check engine light comes on for many of the problems, which is a good thing if the issue is severe. Apparently, owners became so tired of chasing down why the check engine light was on every so often that they covered it with tape, so they wouldn’t have to worry about it.
One of the most common complaints about the 2003 Dodge RAM 1500 is that the dashboard cracks easily and at low mileage. Despite the fact that it is only a cosmetic problem, it gets to a point where it becomes more of a “my dashboard is falling off” issue rather than a cosmetic issue if someone uses their truck for work.
2010-2013 Dodge RAM 1500 (5.7-liter V8)
Engine problems are among the most common issues. It’s possible for the engine to turn off while driving, the lifters to wear out the camshaft (expensive), the engine to turn over but not start, and a thousand other minor problems. Owners have also reported issues with the drivetrain, transmission, suspension, and electrical system over the years.
One of the biggest complaints here is that most consumers think the power to MPG ratio is very poor. While the base 5.7-liter engine is supposed to handle a lot of towing, it simply cannot compare with other trucks from the same year.
2014 Dodge RAM 1500
The new EcoDiesel engine was first installed in this 2014 RAM 1500, which had its share of problems. It’s likely that anything that’s just released for the first time is going to have a lot of issues, and this one did not disappoint. In 2014, RAM received 14 recalls; some involved engine problems, but most involved engine-related issues.
In adjusting to the EcoDiesel engine, transmissions were the biggest issue. A wide variety of complaints have been made by owners about the transmission acting up in various ways. In addition, downshifting does not happen correctly, the engine is noisy at cold starts, noisy at low speeds, the engine is revving but not accelerating, and the transmission bumps when the brakes are released or accelerated. While some of these may seem like minor issues, transmission failure can result from any of these problems.
2015 Dodge RAM 1500
In addition to electrical, transmission, engine, and fuel recalls, there were 14 recalls in total. In most cases, these problems are related to failures of the new EcoDiesel engine platform.
Among the other complaints were RAM’s GPS/UConnect system malfunction, radio issues, dashboard warning lights issues, and screen display issues. A lot of these problems are like the boogieman in the sense that most technicians don’t know why they happen, so they create a temporary fix/repair, only to have the problem recur.
2016 Dodge RAM 1500
The 2016 RAM 1500 has been plagued by 11 recalls due to its EcoDiesel engine. There were problems with the RAM 1500’s engines, which were less than in previous years, including faulty tailgate latches for vehicles with power locks. Additionally, this RAM had issues with the shifter linkage, the cruise control, and the airbags.
Common Dodge RAM 1500 Problems
However, the Dodge RAM 1500 has above-average reliability ratings despite it not being a beacon of reliability. RepairPal rates the RAM 1500 truck as 3.5 out of 5.0 in terms of reliability. In order to help you identify common problems with your truck, here are a few examples:
Here Are The Dodge RAM 1500 Years to Look For: 2011, 2017
There were fewer complaints and problems with Dodge RAM trucks in these years. An old truck in good condition could provide you with a low-maintenance vehicle that lasts for many years.
How to Shop for a Used Dodge RAM in Your Area
Shopping for a truck is probably the easiest part of the process. Whether the truck has a lot of miles on it, whether it has been well cared for over those miles, and how much rust there is, will always be your main concerns.
Truck guys are usually divided into two classes: those who treat their trucks like part of their family and those who treat them as work mules. Either way is acceptable as long as the trucks are not treated like mules, but only those guys do that. That kind of wear and tear is probably pretty obvious on those trucks. You can trust trucks made by guys who treat them like family; if you keep them clean and maintain them, they’ll last a long time.
Rust will be visible on the surface of the truck when you buy a used one. Rough surfaces like fender panels, rocker panels, and tailgates are prone to rust. Depending on how much rust is on the truck and how much you want to deal with, you can decide how much you would like to deal with. Especially on trucks, rust usually multiplies rather than disappears.
Low Miles and Well-Maintained
You can look for a Dodge RAM 1500 from any of the following years: 2011, 2012, 2017. It might be worth your while to take a chance on these older models, even if they have a lot of miles and you can verify they have been well maintained.
Listed below are the years to avoid when buying a Dodge RAM 1500: 2003, 2010-2013 (5.7-liter V8), 2014, 2015, 2016. It is possible, however, that well-maintained items can be worth your while; just make sure you understand what you are getting yourself into before getting them.
Maintenance Tips for Longevity
Maintenance is essential to extending the life of your vehicle and reducing the cost of future repairs, whatever vehicle you choose. To keep your Ram 1500 in good working order, here are some essential maintenance tips.
Regular Service Intervals
It is essential to adhere to the manufacturer’s recommended service intervals for your Ram 1500 in order to ensure its longevity and reliability. The importance of regular oil changes, transmission fluid replacements, and coolant flushes cannot be overstated. It is essential to consult your owner’s manual or a qualified mechanic to determine the specific intervals for your model year and engine type. By monitoring oil consumption and replacing spark plugs on HEMI V8 engines, serious problems can be prevented. There is more frequent need for oil changes and regular DEF (Diesel Exhaust Fluid) refills for diesel models.
Addressing Known Issues Proactively
It is important to be aware of the common problems for the model year you own and to address them proactively to avoid costly repairs in the future. When your model year is known for TIPM issues, you can prevent more widespread electrical problems by ensuring the module is inspected regularly. You should examine the air suspension component wear and tear regularly for trucks equipped with air suspension to prevent system failures or the need to replace parts.
In the same way, assessing the water pump regularly and addressing any signs of coolant leaks promptly can prevent overheating and damage to the engine. You can greatly extend the life of your Ram by staying aware of the specific needs of your truck and taking steps to prevent many of the problems that have plagued less fortunate owners.
Dodge Ram 1500 Reliability By Year [Complete Chart]
The Ram 1500 comes in a variety of model years, some of which are highly reliable, while others have problems. An automobile’s reliability is influenced by the number of recalls and complaints that it receives. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports are therefore my first choice when listing the worst years. It is easy to understand why it is best to avoid the above-mentioned Ram 1500 model years based on the table data.
As shown in the chart below, the Ram 1500 has the worst reliability rating, based on NHTSA and J.D. Power:
Rated by Years | NHTSA (Recalls Numbers) | NHTSA (Complaints Numbers) | J.D. Power Ratings (Out of 100) | Carcomplaints (Complaints Numbers) |
2019 | 25 | 938 | 77 | 150 |
2016 | 16 | 1046 | 76 | 140 |
2015 | 18 | 1086 | 79 | 149 |
2014 | 17 | 1313 | 81 | 378 |
2006 | 16 | 812 | 76 | 292 |
2005 | 12 | 1191 | Not rated | 148 |
2004 | 14 | 1046 | โ | 162 |
2003 | 12 | 1351 | โ | 224 |
2002 | 12 | 940 | โ | 221 |
2001 | 16 | 1466 | โ | 657 |
2000 | 13 | 686 | โ | 231 |
Ram 1500 Safety Rating
Safety tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) consistently showed excellent results for the Ram 1500. The safety rating of Ram 1500 varies from model year to model year. The avoid list includes those years for this reason.
According to the NHTSA, the Ram 1500 has the following safety ratings:
Model Year | Overall Rating (Out of 5-Star) | Frontal Crash Rating (Out of 5-Star) | Side Crash Rating (Out of 5-Star) | Rollover (Out of 5-Star) |
2024 Ram 1500 Crew Cab (4WD) | 5 | 4 | 5 | 4 |
2023 Ram 1500 Crew Cab (4WD) | 5 | 4 | 5 | 4 |
2022 Ram 1500 Crew Cab (4WD) | 5 | 4 | 5 | 4 |
2021 Ram 1500 Crew Cab (4WD) | 5 | 4 | 5 | 4 |
2020 Ram 1500 Crew Cab (4WD) | 5 | 4 | 5 | 4 |
2019 Ram 1500 Crew Cab (4WD) | 5 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
2018 Ram 1500 Crew Cab (4WD) | 4 | 4 | 5 | 4 |
2017 Ram 1500 Crew Cab (4WD) | 4 | 4 | 5 | 3 |
2016 Ram 1500 Crew Cab (4WD) | 4 | 4 | 5 | 3 |
2015 Ram 1500 Crew Cab (4WD) | 4 | 4 | 5 | 4 |
2014 Ram 1500 Regular Cab (4WD) | 4 | 4 | 5 | 3 |
2013 Ram 1500 Regular (4WD) | 4 | 4 | 5 | 3 |
2012 Ram 1500 Crew 4WD | 4 | 4 | 5 | 3 |
2011 Ram 1500 Crew Cab (RDW) | 3 | 2 | 5 | 4 |
There are a number of safety features available on the current Ram 1500 model, providing passengers with a high level of protection and enhancing driving confidence for drivers. Here are a few notable features of safety:
Passive Safety Features:
Active Safety Features:
Recall On Dodge Ram 1500
The Ram 1500 has been recalled by Dodge several times due to a variety of reasons. Recalls come in many forms, some of which are common, while others contain major problems.
Some of the common problems associated with Dodge Ram 1500 recalls include:
Below are some of the existing recalls for Ram 1500s:
Ram 1500 Model Recall | Date Announced (MM/DD/YY) | Affected Item |
2024 Ram 1500 | 3 March 2024 | Steering Column |
2023 Ram 1500 | 8 February 2023 | Back over prevention: Display malfunction |
2023 Ram 1500 | 12 April 2023 | Fuel system failure, delivery, fuel pump issue |
2023 Ram 1500 | 27 September 2023 | Back over prevention: Display malfunction |
2023 Ram 1500 | 27 December 2023 | Exterior lighting issues |
2023 Ram 1500 | 13 March 2024 | Steering: Column issue |
2022 Ram 1500 | 9 September 2021 | Visibility issue, windshield problem, electrical heating system malfunction |
2022 Ram 1500 | 8 June 2022 | Back over prevention: Display malfunction |
2022 Ram 1500 | 12 October 2022 | Seat belts issues |
2022 Ram 1500 | 12 October 2022 | Fuel system, gasoline, fuel pump failure issue |
2022 Ram 1500 | 7 December 2022 | Body problem, tailgate malfunction |
2022 Ram 1500 | 8 February 2023 | Back over prevention: Display function |
2022 Ram 1500 | 12 April 2023 | Fuel system malfunction |
2022 Ram 1500 | 12 April 2023 | Airbags, sensors malfunction |
2022 Ram 1500 | 27 September 2023 | Back over prevention: Display malfunction |
2021 Ram 1500 | 31 January 2021 | Service break issue, master cylinder problem |
2021 Ram 1500 | 9 June 2021 | Display malfunction |
2021 Ram 1500 | 8 September 2021 | Tires issue |
2021 Ram 1500 | 22 November 2021 | Back over prevention: Display malfunction |
2021 Ram 1500 | 23 November 2021 | Air bags malfunction |
2021 Ram 1500 | 24 August 2022 | Back over prevention: Display malfunction |
2021 Ram 1500 | 12 October 2022 | Fuel system failing issue |
2021 Ram 1500 | 7 December 2022 | Body paint issue, tailgate malfunction |
2021 Ram 1500 | 8 February 2023 | Back over prevention: display function |
2021 Ram 1500 | 12 April 2023 | Power train issue, transmission failure, Power Control Module (PCM) malfunction |
2020 Ram 1500 | 30 May 2019 | Airbags issue |
2020 Ram 1500 | 1 April 2020 | Back over prevention, sensing system camera malfunction |
2020 Ram 1500 | 8 April 2020 | Windshield wiper malfunction |
2020 Ram 1500 | 24 June 2020 | Airbags issues |
2020 Ram 1500 | 26 August 2020 | Vehicle speed control system problem |
2020 Ram 1500 | 23 September 2020 | Seat belts problem |
2020 Ram 1500 | 7 October 2020 | Rearview mirror problem |
2020 Ram 1500 | 11 August 2021 | Airbag malfunction (Side/window) |
2020 Ram 1500 | 24 August 2024 | Back over prevention: Display function |
2020 Ram 1500 | 12 October 2022 | Fuel system malfunction |
2020 Ram 1500 | 7 December 2022 | Tailgate problem |
2019 Ram 1500 | โ | Power train, seats, fuel system, steering, defogger/HVAC system, service brake light, and electrical system problems |
Is Ram 1500 Reliable?
There is no doubt that the Ram 1500 is a reliable truck. The Ram 1500 is generally an excellent vehicle, although some model years do have issues. This explains why Ram 1500s consistently rank among the top five best-selling trucks in the United States of America.
A NHTSA report found the following years to be the most reliable for Ram 1500s:
Despite the fact that some Ram 1500 model years receive a large number of complaints on CarComplaints.com, most of these problems are normal and easy to resolve. In addition to having a high reliability rating and low number of major problems, the above model years receive positive consumer reviews. Therefore, if you are looking to buy a new or used Ram 1500, make sure you follow the above list of the most reliable years of Ram 1500.
What is the Most Unreliable Ram 1500?
In order of unreliability, the following Ram 1500 years are listed:
Several recalls and problems have been reported for these model years. As a result, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) both give these model years low reliability ratings.
What Year Ram 1500 Trucks Should I Stay Away from?
The reliability of some Ram 1500 model years is high, while the reliability of other Ram 1500 model years is low. A model year with a low reliability rating should be avoided. There are, however, variations in the worst years of Ram 1500 based on the generation.
Throughout the generations of Ram 1500, there have been some unique features and updates. Accordingly, people buy trucks based on the type of generation they belong to.
There are some model years of separate generations that you should avoid:
What Year Ram 1500 is the Most Reliable?
In order of reliability, the following Ram 1500 years are listed:
Conclusion
A Ram 1500 should be chosen carefully by considering the year, engine option, and previous history of the vehicle. No matter what year you own, maintenance and care can make a significant difference in how long your vehicle lasts and how reliable it is.
Dodge Ram 1500 features refined features, demonstrated dependability, and modern amenities during the best years such as 2014-2015 and 2018. In addition to their generational improvements, these model years are excellent choices for used truck buyers.
It is important to approach these years with caution, since some have gained a reputation for having higher rates of issues, such as 2003 and 2011. It is crucial to conduct thorough research and perform a comprehensive pre-purchase inspection before purchasing a Ram 1500 from these years. Every generation of Ram 1500 addresses the shortcomings of its predecessors as it evolves, demonstrating a continuous improvement trend.
If you’re considering a new or used Ram 1500, understanding the history of the model and understanding the strengths and weaknesses of different model years will help you make an informed choice. For decades, Ram 1500 truck enthusiasts have loved its rugged capability and comfort, which have made it a favorite among truck enthusiasts. By choosing wisely and maintaining your truck properly, you can enjoy this feature for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions: RAM 1500 Years to Avoid
What are the Dodge RAM 1500 years to avoid?
A Dodge RAM 1500 should be avoided between 2003 and 2010 (specifically those with the 5.7-liter V8), as well as 2014, 2015, and 2016. Different problems and recalls have been reported with these model years’ engines, transmissions, suspensions, and electrical systems.
Why should I avoid the 2003 Dodge RAM 1500?
In 2003, the check engine light on the Dodge RAM 1500 often illuminates due to several engine problems. A number of owners have reported that they have spent a great deal of time chasing down minor issues such as knocking and stalling. Furthermore, even after low mileage, the dashboard of this model year tends to crack easily.
What issues are common in the 2010-2013 Dodge RAM 1500 with the 5.7-liter V8 engine?
There are several problems with the Dodge RAM 1500 (5.7-liter V8) from 2010-2013, including the engine shutting off while driving, lifter wear out, and the engine turning over but not starting. In addition, owners have reported issues with the drivetrain, transmission, suspension, and electrical systems as the vehicle ages. Comparing the same-year truck with other models, the power-to-MPG ratio is also considered poor.
What are the Dodge RAM 1500 years to look for instead?
It is recommended to buy the Dodge RAM 1500 models from 2011 and 2017, as these years tend to have the least number of reported problems and owner complaints. You can find a low-maintenance, long-lasting truck from these years if you find one well-maintained.
Are Dodge RAM 1500s typically reliable?
There are some model years of the Dodge RAM 1500 that are not regarded as reliable. The RAM 1500 is an example of a Dodge model built before 2010. This truck came with the simplified 1500 label after RAM became its own brand with the 2010 model year. No matter what name you give it, here is a list of Dodge RAM 1500 model years you should not buy.
How much does a used Dodge RAM 1500 typically cost?
Despite the RAM pickup being sold by Dodge since the 1980s, buyers should opt for newer models to ensure optimal reliability and longevity. There is no denying that trucks are generally subjected to more use (and abuse) than the average automobile. According to the mileage, condition, and equipment, the price of a 2011 RAM 1500 ranges from $10,000 to $20,000. According to the CoPilot Price Pulse report, the typical 2019 RAM 1500 is asking for $36,089, which is 19% more than what it would likely sell for under normal conditions.
Is the Dodge RAM 1500 a good car to purchase?
It is possible to find a good second-hand Dodge RAM 1500 by doing a thorough research and shopping carefully. Considering how many configurations this truck offers, you’ll want to carefully examine features such as towing capacity before buying.