Last updated: 2026-10-10
Ram 1500 Reliability by Year
Ram 1500 reliability is good, and repairs cost less than the full-size truck average. Buy a 2024, skip 2019, and check the screen and steering.
Ram 1500 Reliability Overview
Owners get a solid used truck here, with yearly repair costs below the full-size truck average. The 2024 is the pick and the 2019 is the year to avoid. Watch for a touchscreen that registers ghost touches and electric power steering that cuts out without warning, since those two problems show up across many model years.
Best & Worst Ram 1500 Years
Best Ram 1500 Years to Buy
Based on reliability index scoreThe 2024 has far fewer complaints per truck sold than the 2019 and only 4 recalls against 29. It has also had two years on the road to collect reports, so the low count means more than it does for the newest year. Its main issue is low-speed stalling tied to stop/start and the eTorque system, so test drive it carefully.
Ram 1500 Years to Avoid
Steering is the big problem. Assist cuts out with a "power steering unavailable" message, leaving the wheel very hard to turn, and ten complaints involve crashes. Dealers usually quote a full rack and pinion at $3,000 to $3,500. Sudden stalls, eTorque alternator failures, and a shifter that jams into park add to it.
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 |
| 2026 | 74/100 | Good |
Year-by-Year Reliability
2026 Ram 1500
2 recalls · 18 complaints
Holds a strong standing among Ram 1500 years with low repair costs, but owners report electrical module failures and body cracks on nearly new trucks.
2025 Ram 1500
5 recalls · 186 complaints
Good standing and among the stronger of nine years, but with far more owner complaints than 2024 or 2026, led by electrical faults.
2024 Ram 1500
4 recalls · 57 complaints
Best of nine scored Ram 1500 years, with far fewer complaints than 2023 or 2025, though reports of low-speed stalling keep it from being trouble-free.
2023 Ram 1500
10 recalls · 145 complaints
Rated good and mid-pack among 1500 years, with low-speed stalling as the main complaint and ten recalls on record.
2022 Ram 1500
15 recalls · 506 complaints
Weaker than most Ram 1500 years, with low-speed stalls and eTorque failures behind many complaints, though yearly repair costs stay below the class average.
2021 Ram 1500
14 recalls · 611 complaints
Weaker than most Ram 1500 years, with 14 recalls and frequent owner reports of stalling and lost power steering at low mileage.
2020 Ram 1500
13 recalls · 559 complaints
Rates good but below other 2020 trucks, with eTorque failures, exhaust manifold cracks, and sudden loss of power steering as the main owner complaints.
2019 Ram 1500
29 recalls · 1364 complaints
The weakest scored Ram 1500 year, with far more complaints and recalls than 2018 or 2020, led by steering assist loss.
2018 Ram 1500
15 recalls · 605 complaints
A middle-ranked Ram 1500 year with a good standing and lower repair costs than its class, and far fewer complaints and recalls than 2019.
Common Ram 1500 problems
Problem areas with the most owner complaints, each with the years affected, symptoms, and fixes.
Found Your Ram 1500? Check Its History
Electrical system (6) problems come up most in Ram 1500 owner complaints, and 107 recalls cover the years we track. A VIN check shows whether the car you found had its recall work done, plus accident and title history.
- Accidents
- Open Recalls
- Title History
- Odometer Rollback
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 Resale Value
The Ram 1500 is estimated to retain about 67.3% of its original value after 5 years, based on observed used-car listings.
- Value Retained
- 67.3%
- Depreciation
- 32.7%
- Listings Analyzed
- 717
after 5 years
over the same period
U.S. used-car listings
Listings observed in . Actual resale value varies by trim, mileage, condition, and location.
Explore Ram 1500 depreciation and resale value on CarResaleValue.comRam 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.
1500 vs Ford F-150
9 years tracked · 5612 complaints
1500 vs Chevrolet Silverado
9 years tracked · 4263 complaints
1500 vs Ford F-150 Lightning
5 years tracked · 476 complaints
1500 vs Chevrolet Silverado EV
2 years tracked · 39 complaints
1500 vs GMC Sierra 1500
9 years tracked · 2647 complaints
More Ram 1500 comparisons
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the best year for the Ram 1500?
- The 2024 is the best year to buy. Its complaint rate per truck sold is low, and it has been on the road long enough to trust that number. The 2026 also rates well but is too new to judge. On a 2024 test drive, check for stalling at low speed.
- Is the Ram 1500 reliable long term?
- Reliability standing is good, and it sits close to average among full-size trucks. Independent repair-cost data puts yearly repairs at $691, against $936 for the typical full-size truck. The weak spots are the touchscreen, electric power steering, and some engine and drivetrain failures, so inspection matters.
- What are the most common Ram 1500 problems?
- Electrical complaints lead, mostly the Uconnect 8.4 touchscreen that bubbles and registers ghost touches, often just past warranty. Steering comes next, with power assist cutting out without warning. Power train and engine reports follow, including unwanted shifts and knocking with lost oil pressure.
- How much does it cost to repair a Ram 1500?
- Independent repair-cost data estimates $691 a year, below the $936 average for full-size trucks. Single repairs can be far larger. Owners report steering rack quotes over $3,000 and rear axle or drivetrain repairs close to $5,000, so budget for those if the truck is out of warranty.
- Do Ram 1500 engines have known problems?
- Yes, in both main families. EcoDiesel owners report main or crankshaft bearing failures at 38,000 to 70,000 miles, sometimes repeated. Hemi owners describe a ticking sound at startup and exhaust smell in the cab from broken exhaust manifold bolts. A clank at highway speed with lost oil pressure is the most common engine report.
How we score the Ram 1500
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.
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