Last updated: 2026-03-04

Ram 1500

1 Ram 1500 Years to Avoid

Years that score significantly below the Ram 1500 average of 67/100

The Ram 1500 years to avoid are 2019 based on reliability scores, NHTSA recalls, and owner complaints. The worst year is 2019 with a reliability score of 58/100. The best Ram 1500 year to buy is 2024 77/100.

Verdict

The 2019 Ram 1500 scores significantly below the model average of 67/100. The weakest year is 2019 with a score of 58/100 due to steering (313) issues. The best year to buy instead is 2023 72/100.

See years to avoid ↓See best year ↓See all years ranked ↓

Ram 1500 Years to Avoid

These model years score significantly below the Ram 1500 average of 67/100.

#YearScoreRatingRecallsComplaintsTop Issue
1201958/100Mixed291364Steering (313)

Why These Years Should Be Avoided

58
MixedReliability score: 58 out of 100, rated Mixed

2019 Ram 1500

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).

29 recalls1364 complaintsEst. repair:

Top issues: Steering (313), Electrical System (246), Power Train (175), Unknown Or Other (141), Engine (92), Air Bags (67)

View full 2019 reliability report →

What Are Common Ram 1500 Problems?

Top reported issues across all Ram 1500 model years, based on NHTSA owner complaints.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

871 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

STEERING

530 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

POWER TRAIN

497 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

ENGINE

394 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

369 complaints

Most reported in 2019, 2020, 2021

SERVICE BRAKES

196 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

Best Ram 1500 Year to Buy Instead

72
GoodReliability score: 72 out of 100, rated Good

2023 Ram 1500

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).

Score: 72/100 (Good)10 recalls145 complaints
View full 2023 reliability report →

All Ram 1500 Years by Generation

All model years ranked by reliability score, grouped by generation.

Ram 1500 Reliability Scores by Year

Excellent Good Mixed Risky

Our data covers 2018–2025 model years.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Ram 1500 years should you avoid?
Based on our data, you should avoid the following Ram 1500 years: 2019 (score: 58/100). These model years score significantly below the Ram 1500 average of 67/100.
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 ("Good"). It has 4 recalls and 57 owner complaints.
How many recalls does the Ram 1500 have?
Across all years in our database, the Ram 1500 has a total of 107 recalls. Recall counts vary by year — check individual model year reports for details.
Is a used Ram 1500 worth buying?
Yes, especially the 2024 model year, which scores 77/100. Stick to years at or above the model average of 67/100 for the best ownership experience.
What are common Ram 1500 problems?
The most common Ram 1500 problems are electrical system (871 complaints), steering (530 complaints), power train (497 complaints). These issues are reported across multiple model years based on NHTSA owner complaint data.
Is the Ram 1500 reliable long-term?
The Ram 1500 has an average reliability score of 67/100 across all model years in our database, rated "good". Overall, it is a reliable vehicle, though some model years perform better than others.
How much does it cost to maintain a Ram 1500?
The estimated annual maintenance cost for the Ram 1500 is $691 based on independent repair cost databases. This is below the category average, making it relatively affordable to maintain.
Is the 2024 Ram 1500 a good used buy?
Yes, the 2024 Ram 1500 is the highest-scoring model year with a reliability score of 77/100 ("Good"). It has 4 recalls and 57 owner complaints, making it a solid used buy.

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

1

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.

2

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

3

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.

4

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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