Last updated: 2026-10-10
Jeep vs Ram: Reliability Compared
Jeep
7 models tracked
Ram
3 models tracked
Jeep edges Ram on reliability by a slight margin, helped by lower repair costs and lighter recall impact. Ram answers with far fewer complaints per vehicle sold and milder complaint severity. Both brands rate good, and both are improving.
Is Jeep More Reliable Than Ram?
| Metric | Jeep | Ram |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 67/100 | 65/100 |
| Models Tracked | 7 | 3 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 54 | 54 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 2336 | 1448 |
| Avg Annual Repair Cost | $615/yr | $691/yr |
Jeep vs Ram: The Verdict
A slight edge goes to Jeep. It costs less to keep running, at $615 a year in independent repair-cost data against $691 for Ram, and its recalls carry less impact. Ram wins on complaint severity and has the stronger truck lineup. Owners filed 3.5 complaints per 1,000 Jeeps sold, versus 1.1 for Ram.
Both brands share the same top trouble spots: electrical faults first, then steering, then the power train. The gap is narrow, so the specific model and year matter more than the badge.
Where Jeep and Ram Differ Most
| Component | Weight | Jeep | Ram |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 59/100Mixed | 67/100Good |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 69/100Good | 55/100Mixed |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 68/100Good | 63/100Good |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 80/100Excellent | 80/100Excellent |
Dig into the components and repair costs stands out — Jeep outscores by 14 points there, which carries significant weight in the final number.
Jeep vs Ram: Strengths and Weaknesses
Jeep
Strengths
- Above-average reliability (67/100 average)
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Reasonable maintenance costs ($615/year avg)
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
- 6 of 7 models rated Good or Excellent
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- 216 fire-related complaints across lineup
- Above-average repair severity when issues occur
Ram
Strengths
- Above-average reliability (65/100 average)
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- 36 fire-related complaints across lineup
- Above-average repair severity when issues occur
Which Make Is Cheaper to Maintain: Jeep or Ram?
Based on independent repair cost data, Jeep is cheaper to maintain at an average of $615/year compared to $691/year for Ram. The difference is relatively small, so maintenance costs shouldn't be a major deciding factor between these makes.
Jeep Repair Cost Range
$498 – $784/yr
Average: $615/yr
Jeep vs Ram Reliability by Vehicle Type
How the two makes compare within each vehicle category they both compete in:
| Category | Jeep | Ram | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trucks(1 vs 2 models) | 55/100 | 65/100 | Ram |
Ram wins 1 out of 1 shared categories.
Common Problems: Jeep vs Ram
| Component | Jeep | Ram |
|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 28%4,241 | 24%912 |
| STEERING | 21%3,206 | 15%559 |
| POWER TRAIN | 17%2,666 | 14%530 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 11%1,612 | 9%330 |
| ENGINE | 8%1,266 | 11%407 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 4%570 | 6%213 |
| SUSPENSION | 3%442 | 0%9 |
| AIR BAGS | 2%267 | 4%132 |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 1%128 | 4%152 |
| STRUCTURE | 1%116 | 4%134 |
Share of each make's complaints, with counts below.
Jeep vs Ram Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Jeep
540
Crash reports
216
Fire reports
362
Injury reports
Ram
170
Crash reports
36
Fire reports
127
Injury reports
Every Jeep and Ram Model Ranked
Jeep Models
Jeep vs Ram Reliability Trend by Year
Jeep's reliability is improving — recent model years average 74/100, up from earlier years. Ram's reliability is improving — recent model years average 69/100.
Both makes are trending improving in recent model years — neither is pulling away.
| Model Year | Jeep | Ram | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 73/100(4) | 70/100(2) | Jeep |
| 2025 | 74/100(6) | 68/100(2) | Jeep |
| 2024 | 66/100(6) | 70/100(2) | Ram |
| 2023 | 65/100(7) | 68/100(2) | Ram |
| 2022 | 62/100(6) | 63/100(2) | Ram |
| 2021 | 65/100(6) | 61/100(2) | Jeep |
| 2020 | 68/100(6) | 64/100(2) | Jeep |
| 2019 | 68/100(5) | 58/100(2) | Jeep |
| 2018 | 62/100(5) | 66/100(2) | Ram |
Models tracked per year in parentheses.
Who Should Buy Jeep vs Ram?
If you want an SUV, lean Jeep. Target the Compass, Renegade or Cherokee, all rated good. Skip the 2018 Compass, where owners report heavy oil use and engines that shut off while driving. Be choosy with the Gladiator, the one Jeep rated mixed. Steering looseness and death wobble hit the early years, so favor the 2024 over the 2020 and 2021.
If you need a truck, lean Ram. The 1500 is the stronger pick, with yearly repair costs below the full-size truck average. Buy a 2024 and avoid the 2019. Test the touchscreen for ghost touches and watch for power steering that cuts out. For a work van, the Promaster holds up well, but transmission trouble and back-ordered parts are real risks. Favor the 2018 and be wary of the 2019 and 2021. Check for water leaking past the windshield cowl.
The Bottom Line: Jeep or Ram?
Choose Jeep if you want an SUV and lower running costs. Choose Ram if you want a truck or fewer complaints per vehicle sold. The Compass is the strongest single pick across both lineups. Over five years, Jeep's lower repair costs add up to about $380 in savings against Ram. Whichever you buy, check the electrical system and steering first.
Jeep vs Ram: Common Questions
Is Jeep more reliable than Ram?
Which brand has more recalls, Jeep or Ram?
Which is cheaper to repair, Jeep or Ram?
What problems do Ram trucks have most often?
Is the Jeep Gladiator a reliable used truck?
Comparing Jeep vs Ram? Run a VIN check on any specific vehicle before you buy — uncover hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls.
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How we score Jeep and Ram models
Scores weight complaint severity at 35%, repair costs at 30%, recall impact at 20%, and the spread of complaints across systems at 15%, with complaint counts adjusted for US sales. Read the full methodology.