Last updated: 2026-10-10
Lexus vs Ram: Which Make Is More Reliable?
Lexus
7 models tracked
Ram
3 models tracked
Lexus beats Ram on reliability by a wide margin. Lexus owners file far fewer complaints per car sold, and Ram trucks and vans draw more recalls. Ram is rated good and improving, but Lexus holds an excellent standing with a stable record across its SUVs and sedans.
Is Lexus More Reliable Than Ram?
| Metric | Lexus | Ram |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 82/100 | 65/100 |
| Models Tracked | 7 | 3 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 18 | 54 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 186 | 1448 |
Lexus vs Ram: The Verdict
Reliability favors Lexus, and the gap is large. Owners report less than half as many complaints per 1,000 sold, and Lexus is stronger on complaint severity, repair costs, and recall impact. The crash, fire, and injury counts tell the same story. Ram trucks log far more fires and crash-related complaints.
Problem spread is the one even category. Neither brand piles its trouble into a single system. Ram's biggest cluster is electrical, followed by steering and the power train. Lexus complaints lean toward air bags and electrical issues. Ram's trend is improving, which helps, but it has not closed the distance.
Where Lexus and Ram Differ Most
| Component | Weight | Lexus | Ram |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 73/100Good | 67/100Good |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 85/100Excellent | 55/100Mixed |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 89/100Excellent | 63/100Good |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 80/100Excellent | 80/100Excellent |
Lexus's advantage in repair costs (+30 points) is the main driver of the overall score difference between these makes.
Lexus vs Ram: Strengths and Weaknesses
Lexus
Strengths
- Strong overall reliability (82/100 average)
- Minimal recall impact — fewer safety-critical recalls
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- 7 of 7 models rated Good or Excellent
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
Common Problems: Lexus vs Ram
| Component | Lexus | Ram |
|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 15%87 | 24%912 |
| POWER TRAIN | 6%35 | 14%530 |
| STEERING | 1%4 | 15%559 |
| ENGINE | 5%26 | 11%407 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 18%102 | 9%330 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 7%42 | 6%213 |
| AIR BAGS | 17%100 | 4%132 |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 9%50 | 4%152 |
| STRUCTURE | 6%32 | 4%134 |
| FUEL SYSTEM | 5%29 | 2%90 |
Share of each make's complaints, with counts below.
Lexus vs Ram Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Lexus
60
Crash reports
6
Fire reports
51
Injury reports
Ram
170
Crash reports
36
Fire reports
127
Injury reports
Every Lexus and Ram Model Ranked
Lexus Models
Lexus vs Ram Reliability Trend by Year
Lexus's reliability has been stable across the years we track. Ram's reliability is improving — recent model years average 69/100.
| Model Year | Lexus | Ram | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 87/100(6) | 70/100(2) | Lexus |
| 2025 | 80/100(7) | 68/100(2) | Lexus |
| 2024 | 81/100(7) | 70/100(2) | Lexus |
| 2023 | 81/100(6) | 68/100(2) | Lexus |
| 2022 | 83/100(6) | 63/100(2) | Lexus |
| 2021 | 83/100(6) | 61/100(2) | Lexus |
| 2020 | 83/100(6) | 64/100(2) | Lexus |
| 2019 | 79/100(6) | 58/100(2) | Lexus |
| 2018 | 80/100(5) | 66/100(2) | Lexus |
Models tracked per year in parentheses.
Who Should Buy Lexus vs Ram?
If you want the lowest risk, shop the Lexus RX, with 2022 the year to favor. The ES, IS, TX, GX, and UX also rate excellent. The NX rates good, so pick a 2021 and check a 2024 closely, since it draws far more complaints than other years. On any RX, ask about airbag non-deployment and hesitation when accelerating.
Choose Ram if you need a truck or a van. The 1500 is the better buy, with yearly repair costs below the full-size truck average. Skip the 2019, and test the touchscreen for ghost touches and the steering for sudden cut-outs. The Promaster suits work use, but it rates below average among trucks. Look hard at transmission shifting, and check the windshield cowl for water leaks. The 2018 is the year to favor, while 2019 and 2021 draw the most complaints.
The Bottom Line: Lexus or Ram?
Buy the Lexus unless you need a truck or van. The RX is the strongest model across both lineups, and a 2022 is the year to target. Independent repair-cost data puts Ram at $691 a year on average, a real cost to weigh on top of its heavier complaint and recall load. If you do choose Ram, make it a 1500 and avoid the 2019.
Lexus vs Ram: Common Questions
Is Lexus more reliable than Ram?
Which brand has more recalls, Lexus or Ram?
Which is cheaper to repair, Lexus or Ram?
What goes wrong most often on a used Ram?
What should I check before buying a used Lexus?
Comparing Lexus 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 Lexus 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.