Last updated: 2026-03-04
Ram 1500 Reliability by Year
The Ram 1500 averages 67/100 across 8 model years, rated good.
Ram 1500 Reliability Overview
The Ram 1500, with an average reliability score of 66/100, falls within the "Good" category according to Auto Reliability Index data, with notable improvements in recent years. Common issues reported by owners include electrical system malfunctions and power train concerns, particularly in earlier models, while the 2024 and 2025 models show lower complaint rates and fewer recalls. The vehicle's estimated annual repair cost is $691, which is below the full-size truck average, suggesting a moderate maintenance burden for potential buyers.
Best & Worst Ram 1500 Years
Best Ram 1500 Years to Buy
The best Ram 1500 year is 2024 with a reliability score of 77/100, rated good. Other strong picks include 2025 (73/100) and 2023 (72/100).
Ram 1500 Years to Avoid
The worst Ram 1500 year is 2019 with a score of 58/100, primarily due to steering (313) issues.
See full Ram 1500 years-to-avoid analysis →Ram 1500 Reliability Score Trend
Ram 1500 reliability has improved in recent years, with newer models scoring an average of 72/100 compared to 63/100 for older years.
Scores 0–100. Higher is better.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 64/100 | Good |
| 2019 | 58/100 | Mixed |
| 2020 | 65/100 | Good |
| 2021 | 63/100 | Good |
| 2022 | 64/100 | Good |
| 2023 | 72/100 | Good |
| 2024 | 77/100 | Good |
| 2025 | 73/100 | Good |
Year-by-Year Reliability
2026 Ram 1500
2 recalls · 18 complaints
The 2026 Ram 1500 has good reliability. There are 2 recalls and 18 owner complaints on file for the 2026 RAM 1500. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Electrical System (6), Structure (3), Unknown Or Other (3).
2025 Ram 1500
5 recalls · 186 complaints
The 2025 Ram 1500 has good reliability. There are 5 recalls and 186 owner complaints on file for the 2025 RAM 1500. Severity signals include 5 crash-related complaints and 1 fire-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Electrical System (58), Power Train (25), Service Brakes (18).
2024 Ram 1500
4 recalls · 57 complaints
The 2024 Ram 1500 has good reliability. There are 4 recalls and 57 owner complaints on file for the 2024 RAM 1500. Severity signals include 4 crash-related complaints and 1 fire-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Electrical System (16), Power Train (10), Steering (5).
2023 Ram 1500
10 recalls · 145 complaints
The 2023 Ram 1500 has good reliability. There are 10 recalls and 145 owner complaints on file for the 2023 RAM 1500. Severity signals include 9 crash-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Electrical System (35), Unknown Or Other (24), Power Train (15).
2022 Ram 1500
15 recalls · 506 complaints
The 2022 Ram 1500 has good reliability. There are 15 recalls and 506 owner complaints on file for the 2022 RAM 1500. Severity signals include 21 crash-related complaints and 4 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Electrical System (116), Power Train (87), Engine (76).
2021 Ram 1500
14 recalls · 611 complaints
The 2021 Ram 1500 has good reliability. There are 14 recalls and 611 owner complaints on file for the 2021 RAM 1500. Severity signals include 24 crash-related complaints and 3 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Electrical System (153), Engine (88), Power Train (84).
2020 Ram 1500
13 recalls · 559 complaints
The 2020 Ram 1500 has good reliability. There are 13 recalls and 559 owner complaints on file for the 2020 RAM 1500. Severity signals include 22 crash-related complaints and 5 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Electrical System (109), Unknown Or Other (80), Power Train (55).
2019 Ram 1500
29 recalls · 1364 complaints
The 2019 Ram 1500 has mixed reliability. There are 29 recalls and 1364 owner complaints on file for the 2019 RAM 1500. Severity signals include 69 crash-related complaints and 10 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Steering (313), Electrical System (246), Power Train (175).
2018 Ram 1500
15 recalls · 605 complaints
The 2018 Ram 1500 has good reliability. There are 15 recalls and 605 owner complaints on file for the 2018 RAM 1500. Severity signals include 25 crash-related complaints and 8 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Electrical System (132), Steering (65), Unknown Or Other (61).
Ram 1500 Repair Costs
Reliability Rating
3.5/5
Annual Repair Cost
$691
Repair Frequency
0.2/yr
Major Repair Risk
13%
$245 below the fullsize trucks average of $936/yr.
Ranked #1 of 17 among fullsize trucks.
Ram 1500 Years to Avoid
See which model years have the most problems
Most Reliable Ram Models
Compare all Ram models by reliability
Compare Ram 1500 With Similar Trucks
The Ram 1500 competes with other full-size trucks such as Ford F-150, Chevrolet Silverado, and Ford F-150 Lightning.
Ford F-150 reliability
9 years tracked · 5612 complaints
Chevrolet Silverado reliability
9 years tracked · 4263 complaints
Ford F-150 Lightning reliability
5 years tracked · 476 complaints
GMC Sierra 1500 reliability
9 years tracked · 2647 complaints
Toyota Tundra reliability
9 years tracked · 1258 complaints
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the Ram 1500 reliable?
- The Ram 1500 has good reliability with an average score of 67/100. Some model years are stronger than others — check individual years before buying.
- What is the best year for the Ram 1500?
- The best year for the Ram 1500 is 2024 with a reliability score of 77/100, rated good. It has 4 recalls and 57 owner complaints on record. See full 2024 Ram 1500 analysis →
- What are the Ram 1500 years to avoid?
- The Ram 1500 years to avoid include 2019 (58/100). These model years score significantly below the model average due to higher recall and complaint volumes. See the full years-to-avoid analysis for details. See full years-to-avoid analysis →
- How much does it cost to maintain a Ram 1500?
- The Ram 1500 has an estimated annual repair cost of $691, which is $245 below the fullsize trucks average of $936. This includes both scheduled maintenance and unscheduled repairs based on independent repair data.
How We Calculate Reliability Scores
Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.
Key Ranking Factors
Complaint Severity
NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.
Repair Costs
Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.
Recall Impact
Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.
Issue Diversity
Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.
Scores are grouped into four tiers:
- 80–100: Excellent — Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
- 60–79: Good — Reliable with some minor concerns
- 40–59: Mixed — Notable issues, research before buying
- 0–39: Risky — Significant problems, proceed with caution
Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.
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