Last updated: 2026-10-10

Ram 1500

Ram 1500 Years to Avoid

9 scored model years (2018–2026) · model average 68/100

Skip the 2019 model year. Its steering assist cuts out without warning, and stalls and shifter faults add to the list. The 2024 is the year to buy, with far fewer complaints and recalls than 2019, though it has its own low-speed stalling reports.

Verdict

Avoid
2019 58/100
Buy
2024 77/100
Model average
68/100
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 68/100.

#YearScoreRatingRecallsComplaintsTop Issue
1201958/100Mixed291364Steering (313)

Why These Years Should Be Avoided

58
MixedReliability score: 58 out of 100, rated Mixed

2019 Ram 1500

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.

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 2019reliability report →

What Are Common Ram 1500 Problems?

1500 electrical problems

871 complaints

Most reported in 2019, 2021, 2018

2019: Sudden stalls and full power loss while driving are the most alarming pattern, sometimes with a "Vehicle Not in Park" message and dead turn signals.

1500 steering problems

530 complaints

Most reported in 2019, 2018, 2020

2019: Power steering assist cuts out without warning, often with a "power steering unavailable" message, leaving the wheel very hard to turn.

1500 transmission problems

497 complaints

Most reported in 2019, 2022, 2021

2019: The truck shifts itself into park, or demands to be put in park, while slowing for stops and turns.

1500 engine problems

394 complaints

Most reported in 2019, 2021, 2022

2019: Hemi V8 ticking that progresses to lifter and camshaft failure is the dominant pattern, with metal in the oil, broken pushrods, or a full engine replacement costing over $10,000.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

304 complaints

Most reported in 2019, 2020, 2022

2019: This category is a mix of serious and nuisance faults.

SERVICE BRAKES

196 complaints

Most reported in 2019, 2021, 2022

2019: An ABS module failure turns off stability control, antilock braking, cruise control, and trailer brakes at once, and replacement modules have been backordered for months.

Best Ram 1500 Year to Buy Instead

77
GoodReliability score: 77 out of 100, rated Good

2024 Ram 1500

The 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.

Score: 77/100 (Good)4 recalls57 complaints
View full 2024reliability report →
VIN History Report

Found a Safe Year? Check the Specific Car

Even the 2024 Ram 1500 has 4 recalls on file. A VIN check confirms the recall work on the exact car and shows its accident, title, and service history.

No VIN? Just hit “Check VIN” to look one up.

  • Accidents
  • Open Recalls
  • Title History
  • Odometer Rollback

All Ram 1500 Years by Generation

77
GoodReliability score: 77 out of 100, rated Good

2024 Ram 1500

4 recalls · 57 complaints

74
GoodReliability score: 74 out of 100, rated Good

2026 Ram 1500

2 recalls · 18 complaints

73
GoodReliability score: 73 out of 100, rated Good

2025 Ram 1500

5 recalls · 186 complaints

72
GoodReliability score: 72 out of 100, rated Good

2023 Ram 1500

10 recalls · 145 complaints

65
GoodReliability score: 65 out of 100, rated Good

2020 Ram 1500

13 recalls · 559 complaints

64
GoodReliability score: 64 out of 100, rated Good

2022 Ram 1500

15 recalls · 506 complaints

64
GoodReliability score: 64 out of 100, rated Good

2018 Ram 1500

15 recalls · 605 complaints

63
GoodReliability score: 63 out of 100, rated Good

2021 Ram 1500

14 recalls · 611 complaints

58
MixedReliability score: 58 out of 100, rated Mixed

2019 Ram 1500

29 recalls · 1364 complaints

Weakest Year

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Ram 1500 years should I avoid?
Avoid the 2019. The site analysis puts it well below the model's own average. It has the most steering complaints of any year, plus stalls, shifter faults, and 29 recalls. If you want a safer pick, the 2024 is the year to buy.
Which Ram 1500 year has the worst steering problems?
The 2019 has the most steering complaints, at 313. Assist cuts out with a "power steering unavailable" message and the wheel becomes very hard to turn. Failures cluster between 60,000 and 81,000 miles. Dealers usually call for a full rack and pinion quoted around $3,000 to $3,500.
Which Ram 1500 years have shifter or transmission problems?
The 2019 is the year with the clearest shifter problem. Owners say the truck shifts itself into park, or demands park, while slowing for stops and turns, often after a "service shifter" warning. It tends to start between 20,000 and 45,000 miles, and dealer software updates often fail to fix it.
Is the 2021 Ram 1500 a bad year?
No, the site does not flag the 2021 to avoid, though it is among the two lowest-rated years. Its reliability is still good, with 12.6 complaints per 10,000 sold. Owners mostly report electrical, engine, and power train issues. Check the touchscreen and listen for engine knocking before buying.
Is the 2026 Ram 1500 the most reliable year?
Do not treat it that way. The 2026 rates high, with 2 recalls and 18 owner complaints, but that mostly reflects how little time it has had on the road. Complaints build up over the years. The 2024 is the better-proven choice.

How we score every Ram 1500 model year

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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