Best and Worst Years for Dodge Ram

Jul 29, 2021

The Ram 1500 is a benchmark for durability, tech, performance & industry-leading features. Learn why some years of the Ram 1500 are much better–and some worse–than others.

2020 Ram 1500-Stellantis

The Dodge Ram 1500 has been a fixture on America’s highways and back roads since 1981. While the brand has been enduring, not every model year has delivered a truck rugged enough to withstand the daily trials encountered at the lumber supply yard or dropping the kids at daycare.

We have broken down in this article the best and worst years for the Dodge Ram 1500.

2019 Ram 1500-Stellantis

2019 Ram 1500 is Plagued by Recalls and Complaints

Since so many people buying light-duty pickups are using them as daily drivers and family wagons, Ram upped its game and added the latest in driver-assist technologies to the 2019 Ram 1500. However, it seems like they did not sort out all the tweaks before it hit the factory floor. It is possibly the worst year ever for the Ram 1500.

This year has 21 open recalls at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and 413 registered complaints. For any vehicle that has been on the road for just over two years, that is horrible.

The problematic systems run the gamut. The cruise control may not disengage. The power steering may go out due to a loose ground. Seatbelts may not pull tight. The gas recirculation cooler on the 3.0L diesel may actually cause a fire. Weak windshield wiper arms could snap. It is almost like Ram fired their quality control department before releasing the truck to the streets.

The odd part is that Motor Trend awarded it the Truck of the Year for 2019. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) scored it as a Top Safety Pick +. But when you take into consideration the 487 technical bulletins issued to their own service departments, this could be a truck that is more trouble than it is worth.

2020 Ram 1500-Stellantis

2020 Ram 1500 is a Safe, Award-winning Pickup

The 2020 Ram 1500 is the second and the best year for the fifth generation of one of America’s most popular trucks. It looks like most of the problems associated with the 2019 have been worked out. The Ram HD also earned the Truck of the Year for 2020 from Motor Trend and the Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS. This time, the 1500 only has seven recalls and 90 complaints.

Your truck may be tricked out with the RamBox tool storage system located inside the bed rails. There is an available tablet-style infotainment center paired with a massive center console able to stow your laptop and files.

Then there are the smart safety features such as intelligent cruise control, forward emergency braking, and lane departure mitigation. Basically, you get to enjoy all the amenities found in an upscale sedan in your rugged work truck.

So, if you are searching for a newer truck but don’t want to pay new-car prices, skip the 2019 and look for a 2020.

2012 Ram 1500-Stellantis

2012 Ram 1500 is Prone to Engine Failure

The fourth generation of the Dodge Ram 1500 took its bow in 2009, but it waited until the truck dropped the Dodge name to show its true colors. The 2012 Ram 1500 is just one of five years that are troubled by persistent problems. All of them can be labeled the worst year for the truck.

The iconic 5.7L Hemi V8 engine featured on many trucks is prone to a cam-shaft lifter lock. A ticking noise behind the dash is the first sign of the issue. Ultimately, the lifters can break or freeze and requires a major and expensive fix.

The problem is not listed as a recall because it is not a true safety problem. The engine is found in millions of vehicles across the globe and the failure rate is simply not high enough to force Ram to do a mechanical recall on their own. Still, it is the most common complaint filed by owners of the Ram 1500 between 2012 and 2016.

What other issues are you likely to find on this year? Len at 1A Auto shows you the most common issues he has encountered and how the design of the truck is usually at fault in this informative video.

On the flip side of the picture, the 2012 Ram 1500 has the highest customer rating at J.D. Power compared to every other year, including the most recent generation. It seems that if you got a pickup with no issues, you love it. If you found one with a bad engine…go fish.

2017 Ram 1500-Stellantis

2017 Ram 1500 Should Offer a Problem-free Experience

As far as fourth-generation trucks go, the 2017 Ram 1500 has proven to be the best year and least problematic of the last decade. The nine recalls should have been taken care of by now that address tailgates that open while in motion, a bad transmission interlock pin, and a couple of repairs designated for the 3.0L diesel engine.

With 14 trims, you can find a ride that is ready to get down and dirty or escort you around town in ultimate comfort. The Night Edition really stole the heart of Jake Holmes at Motor1. After taking it for a spin he declared, “It reminds me how much I like any version of the Ram 1500.”

Starting with its 20-inch black wheels, black light bezels, and black badging, it embraces its dark and powerful side. The 5.7L Hemi and sport-tuned exhaust deliver plenty of muscle, and its air suspension actually helps the truck squat down when you are traveling at speed for an aerodynamic advantage.

2001 Dodge Ram 1500-Stellantis

2001 Dodge Ram 1500 is Notorious for Cracked Dashboards

Are you looking for a classic pickup to restore or use as a beater truck at the yard? Well, if you want one with a dashboard that is in one piece, don’t get the 2001 Dodge Ram 1500. It is the standout worst year for the brand and is notorious for cracked dashboards.

In the world of repairs that you don’t want to do, replacing the dash is pretty high on the list.

However, if you are looking at any 20-year-old truck, any mechanical problem that the year is known for really shouldn’t make you avoid the vehicle. At that age, you should be expecting to do some major work on the suspension, engine, bed, tailgate, and even some bodywork. A hands-on inspection is a must-do before bringing it home.

Shopping for a Used Ram 1500? You Can’t Go Wrong with Most Model Years

Ultimately, crossing off a model year from your used-truck search is only the first step in avoiding the worst Ram trucks. Before you buy, you should always bring the pickup to your mechanic and run its VIN at Vehicle History so that you get a complete picture. Who knows? You may find a 2016 that has had every problem repaired and is ready to roll for the next 100,000 miles.

Photos: Stellantis

Frequently Asked Questions

Apr 26, 2022

What years did the Dodge Ram have transmission problems?

The Dodge Ram series of trucks have been known to have transmission problems and they are most common from the 1999 through 2003 model years. These trucks all use the 45RFE transmission which was known to have problems with the solenoids within the transmission housing and it led to the truck not being able to shift between gears.

The transmission problems were so widespread on these earlier Dodge Ram trucks that it gave them a bad reputation. Some buyers were hesitant of the brand for years after hearing horror stories from owners about how their transmissions had failed and were expensive to replace.

In recent years Dodge, now Ram, has improved their transmission technology and they are much more reliable. There are still some problems that pop up from time to time like there are across all different makes and models, but for the most part, the transmissions in these trucks have gotten much better.

Do Dodge Rams last long?

Dodge Ram trucks can last a very long time. These are trucks that are built to be tough and used in professional environments towing and hauling. As long as you take care of your Dodge Ram pickup truck it should be able to last over 250,000 miles and there are plenty of trucks that have over 300,000 miles on them.

The most important thing that you can do to help your truck last a long time is keep up with the services on it. It is important to get the oil changed, the coolant flushed, and the transmission fluid swapped out in your truck at regular intervals. This reduces the wear and tear across all your driveline components and will make them more reliable.

The Dodge Ram series of trucks is among the three most popular trucks on the market including the Ford F series of trucks and Chevrolet's Silverado line. All of these are built to last a long time and if you're looking at one you should check them all out to see which one you like best.

Are Dodge Ram Hemi engines reliable?

The 5.7L Hemi engines that can be found across the line of Ram pickup trucks are known to be very reliable. These are some of the strongest engines that are put into half-ton trucks, and Dodge has had a version of the 5.7L Hemi available in its Ram trucks since they were first introduced in 2003.

The most common problem that owners report with the Hemi engine is an issue where it makes excessive noise and ticks. If you notice excessive ticking from your engine it is something to let a mechanic take a look at. Hemis do tend to tick more than standard engines, but it could be a problem with the lifters and springs that would need to be replaced.

The other common problem with the Hemi engine found in the Ram series of trucks is the exhaust manifold bolts seem to break. These typically break because they heat cycle with the engine and it results in them becoming brittle and snapping over time. If one does break it will usually lead to excessive exhaust noise from the truck. Overall the 5.7L hemi engine is reliable and these few problems are relatively simple and cheap to fix if they do happen to your truck.

Owner Reviews

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MagnumXe on December 30, 2021

My 2019 Ram 1590 is gone :) & :(

Want a very good looking truck? My 2019 Ram 1500 was a good looking truck, a real head turner. But issues started on the drive home from the dealer. I tried to be a good owner and kept driving the truck for 13 months and 30k miles. In that time I almost died on three separate occasions when the steering failed. Dealer fixed the issue on their second attempt after near death experience number 3. The ac system was absolutely terrible and never worked correctly. The defrost was always on, that's right it just always blew ac out the defrost vents no matter what. I had to use vinyl to cover the vents. The ac blend door did not completely close so my ac always blew 15 degree's warmer then my last 2017 Ram and every other car with ac. If you pinched the heater hose under the hood the ac would blow out of the vents at 39 degree's vs 51 degree's which is a huge difference in the summer. The gas tank was not advertised as 23 gallons vs the last tank Ram used of 26 gallons. I tow for work so my range went well below 300 miles and I had to stop for fuel almost everyday. This was extremely frustrating to only find out after purchase the gas tank is smaller then the last Ram generations. The radio wasn't functional in anyway except for satellite radio. Terrestrial radio station would cause the volume to bounce and the Bluetooth reliability was a bad joke. The vibration cancelation module randomly went nuts and just vibrated the seat in the top gear until gears were changed. The battery died at the 13th month mark leaving me stranded. My day would start by using washer fluid all morning on my drive to work because the defrost wouldn't shut off. Listening to morning news volume bounce. Trying to get my blue tooth to connect. Stopping for gas even though I filled up the day before. Finally getting my blue tooth to connect to get phone calls and can't here because my ac is on full blast because it always blows warm. Then being left stranded when the battery died. Yes, that was the last straw. Took the truck to the dealer on multiple occasions to have recalls repaired and to bring up issues Iwas having with the truck and they said all Rams have the same issues and there is no fix. What! I ended up purchasing a classic 2020 Ram 1500 with the 26 gallon tank and amazingly not one single issue with functionality or reliability. Plus, and this is a big plus. I haven't been back to the Ram dealer, not once! Ram dealers are a sad unfortunate joke of service and customer care. If you buy a lemon you will be hung out to dry in my opinion.

Bryce Shaw on October 29, 2021

Seems like 2019 Ram 1500 Tradesman skipped final inspection

As a contractor i do a lot of driving between quotes, picking and dropping off workers, getting material. I live 30-45 mins from any major city so I spend a lot of time in truck. First thing I come to learn is when I went to fill up windsheild was her fluid the first time ( I normally would fix my own vechile as I’m mechanically inclined, but don’t have time so I bought new) I come to see what appeared to be a loose bolt on the raf fan frame. Thinking it was weird I looked at other side both sides were loose enough that there was 1/2 inch of thread showing. After tightening them up I thought I would Inspect a little further and come to find my head lightbolts loose, the one side only has 1 bolt left holding it in place as others must have vibrated out so it doesn’t sit straight no more. Next thing is that ok random occasion water will pour into cab from the grab handle on the front colum by steering wheel but yet head liner remains perfectly dry. Another thing is I’m missing a bolt for the drivers side tail light witch makes it rattle around, lastly what bothers me is the radio will only work when it seems like it wants to and I haven’t done anything aftermarket to it

Scott Dogg on December 31, 2021

Bad Truck. Never Gets Driven

2019 Ram Classic. 5.7 Hemiroid. What a piece of s**t this truck is. Terrible acceleration, braking steering, ride quality, you name it and it sucks. Third new Ram and it is by far the worst Ram. Engine makes strange noises that are in constant evolution. Interior is a cheap s**t excuse. Body fit sucks. I will neber purchase another new Ram. Even the dealer where I bought the truck does not want it back but they sure bug me about buying my 2006 Ram, which was not the best of the three that I bought new but it sure was and still is the funnest to drive. My 1995 purchased new was by far the best vehicle that I have ever purchased new. It got clobbered sitting across from my house. Sure wish this 2019 Ram Classic Big Horn would get clobbered. I never drive it but I do park it where the old one got totalled out. I keep hoping to hear that impact again.

Bill on November 21, 2021

2018 Ram Quad cab 5.7 hemi

I traded in my 2004 Ford Freestar with 240,000 Kim’s on my 2018 Ram SLT quad cab and find the fuel economy not much higher than the Ford. I only had the one problemwas the handle on drivers pillar leaking water and they replaced my windshield.I purchased it used last June/2020 with only 9000 Kim’s .I’m very happy with this truck as it does what I want it too and power is no problem if you need to pass someone your gone in seconds. I love that. I purchased the extended warranty so I’m good til Nov 2017. The window sticker shows $54,000 I only paid $27,000 so I’m so happy and have yet to find a better deal especially now truck prices are thru the roof.

Candace Greer on October 24, 2021

2019 Ram 1500 Big Horn/Lone Star Constantly in Shop

Second day I owned the truck (bought brand new) truck broke down not once but three times. Had it towed twice and couldn’t find a thing wrong with it. My husband suspected the fuse box and the third time in, the fuse box was completely burnt up. No truck for three weeks. Oh and dodge would not pay for my tow because we were not even in the system the first two times. This all happened within a three week period of date of purchase. My warranty was so new on the truck it hadn’t registered either to use that as a back up tow. Also the rack and pinion steering has come loose twice and I’ve had the truck for three and a half months.

Tim on December 8, 2021

Bondovw@gmail.com

My 2019 ram started having issues 2 weeks after the purchase. The purchase of it went terrible and the dealer lied about everything. It ended up being the worst buying experience I've ever encountered with the most dishonest people. The truck started having electrical issues and all kinds of weird things started falling apart on it. Dodge would not fix anything and actually try to charge us for a issue with the brakes. It constantly had recalls that left me without a truck. After dealing with Dodge and the way they treated me I would never buy one of their products ever again. I had to trade this ram in at a huge loss.

Andrew B on October 15, 2021

The best in class truck for the money: 2020 Ram 1500

The 2020 ram 1500 big horn is an extremely comfortable truck that combines luxury and functionality of a work truck. After test driving many vehicles I believe that the 8.4 inch touch screen is the best in the market. The 5.7 liter v8 engine delivers amazing power that can tow 8500 pounds as well as being able to being a fun truck to drive. The crew cab truck makes the inside of the truck feel massive. I was able to have three grown adults sit in the back seat comfortably without any of them touching each other.

Dean H on October 24, 2021

2019 Ram 1500 has major problems

I bought this truck last fall. About a month after auto start would shut off. Engine light would come on. Took it in 3 times they put dielectric grease in the plug going into the TCM transmission control module. They extended my warraty to 100,000 miles. The problem came back again this year but worse. I backed up with the doors closed made it 3' and the truck shut down. It slammed the em brake on, put itself in park. It did that 3 times. Then it would not start.

Jonathan S on November 13, 2021

2020 ram 1500 is the complete package!

My 2020 ram 1500 has been really reliable since the day that I purchased it. I chose the silver big horn with the black out package. The interior has so much storage place that I am going to need to find things to store in it. The interior has enough plugs for 24v, USB and USB-c. Along with having bluetooth capabilities it boasts a pretty mean sound system. I have yet to have any problems.

Ben M on November 5, 2021

2017 1500 ram truck. Best motor in a truck I have ever had.

I love my truck because it handles well. It has great power and tows very well. Gas mileage is good on highways. Not so great in the city. The exhaust manifold has been repaired at 75,000 miles. But everything else has not had a problem. I have had many cars and trucks over my lifetime. And the paint job on this truck has been the most durable by far.

Phillip Waldenburg on December 24, 2021

Owner Phils Pool Repair

2015 Ram Quad Cab 5.7 Hemi 115,000 Running hard in my business and engine runs great. Its got slight Hemi tic but never lasts past warm up. Keeping up on oil changes and transmission is due for fluid change. Typical electric window troubles. No biggy when its fully loaded I can still smoke f150's, silverdo's, Tender Girl's, Nissan's.

Vernon M on November 15, 2021

I like my ram, 2020 Laramie 4x4 Delmonico pearl red 1500.

Very satisfied with my Laramie so far, very quiet inside and very comfortable. The hemi power is great also, very responsive when you need it. I like the keyless feature, just have the fob on your person and everything works. My wife likes the cool seat feature.The 8 speed transmission shifts so smooth you can hardly feel it.

Phil D on November 5, 2021

Multiple problems with 2020 Ram 1500 Big Horn

My 5.7 Ram has had a drive train vibration since day 2. I feel it in the steering, seat and gas pedal. It occurs about 60-75% of the time. It will vibrate at any random time and other times not at all. It does does not seem to be affected by engine or outside temperature, road conditions, weather conditions or fuel grades.

Jason on November 7, 2021

My first month owning a 2020 ram has been awesome. Two thumbs up!

Stylish and rugged with a great interior and ride. Probably the best interior of and full size pickup truck currently on the market. The truck is nicely equipped and the price is very reasonable for all of the options. This is the first ram I have owned, and I would gladly purchase another one. So far I am very happy!

Chris cigainero on November 15, 2021

Excellent Truck: 2020 Ram 1500

Absolutely fantastic truck. Nothing about it was not thoroughly thought out. Smooth, quiet, powerful and exceedingly comfortable. We regularly tow 30 ft travel trailer. 10,000 miles and just like my '13 Ram 1500, no troubles at all. (Laramie Longhorn 5.7 hemi) split tailgate is usable not like that mess on the GMC.

Sonya S on October 28, 2021

What to expect when you drive a 2001 Dodge RAM 1500.

The truck is good, but it is too long and I am not good at parking it. The dashboard is cracked to pieces. The bezel was too and we have replaced that. The backseat is very narrow and uncomfortable. Everyone admires the truck, it is pretty. Its a v8 and powerful. It has been reliable and we have had it since 2012.

Eric M on October 30, 2021

2020 Ram 1500 Laramie Well Worth it.

2021 Ram 1500 Laramie 5.7 hemi eTorque. Excellent truck all was well thought through when building the ram 1500. Cabin is extremely quiet at high way speeds and the motor and transmission work excellent with just the right balance in power and torque. Zero issues with the vehicle so far nearly 10k miles already.

James K on November 15, 2021

2020 Ram is the best, safest, most durable!

Everything runs smooth! It is awesome, efficient and stylish! It is safe, runs very well and is super durable! Ram has the best vehicles out there and is the top! The motor and transmission is superior! The design and overall ride feel is seriously top notch! The interior and exterior are honestly one of a kind!

Ryan Ostrander on October 22, 2021

Terrible quality 2019 Ram 1500

I’ve had so many issues, with my 2019 Ram Rebel, which has me questioning if I d by another, sadly I will not. First off my truck had leaked near the back window, countless transmission issues and I really dread driving the truck not knowing if I will get home. I am on my 3rd Ram I dislike it the most.

Kirk L on October 14, 2021

2001 Dodge Ram 1500 pickup trucks. Things that should be fixed at the factory.

Poor factory painting, exterior paint color faded and oxidizing, poor quality interior dashboard, inadequate rear passenger seating space, front brake problems, front headlight covers are poorly designed, the engine and transmission run smoothly. The front hood insulation cover was poor quality.

Beau M on October 25, 2021

2020 Ram 1500 Laramie has great interior features, ease of use.

The ram 1500 Laramie has a ton of interior features. The touch screen is huge and easy to use. The heated and cooled seats provides year round comfort. The panoramic sunroof gives awesome sky views. The power lowering tailgate let’s you drop it from inside, the remote, or the tailgate button.

Sue J on October 24, 2021

Great on gas, powerful and comfortable 2012 Ram 1500 SLT.

I have not had any problems with my vehicle, it is very reliable and quite roomy we are tall people and there is ample leg room, the power this truck has is fantastic, it is great on gas, and you feel very safe in the ram truck, with the running boards on the truck it is very easy to get into.

Lee C on October 25, 2021

2020 Dodge Ram 1500 big horn is a great truck!

Try truck has a very smooth ride. I have had no problems with truck. I have a the new moon roof which is very fun for my family. The dash screen is very easy to use and allows you to use apple carplay very easily. Also, the seats are very comfortable. I went with the height edition package.

Erik N on November 6, 2021

Luxury daily driver 2020 Ram 1500 Big Horn.

Definitely a luxury truck. The ride is very smooth along with all the technology it is makes for a perfect daily driver. The 5.7 liter hemi v8 makes it is a powerhouse for it is size and weight. I am currently leasing my truck but plan to get another ram as soon as this lease is over with.

Larry on October 29, 2021

2003 4.7 L

Bought It with 92000 miles. So far I have had to repair almost everything that typically breaks on these trucks. The former owner replaced the cracked dash with after market cover dash. I have replaced everything else. I also own a 2004 Ford with one tenth the problems. No comparison.

Eli J on November 11, 2021

One of the best trucks on the road 2017 Ram 1500 Tradesman.

I highly recommend the ram 1500 tradesman to anyone looking for a full sized pickup truck. Very reliable with 20 mpg. Ice cold a/c. High clearance for any road obstacles. Can seat 6 people comfortably. Plenty of room in the truck bed for hauling. Great tow package as well.

Brian K on October 31, 2021

2020 Ram 1500 - best truck I have owned.

Rides smooth, a lot of room inside, engine has great pickup when needed, adjustable brake and gas pedal are awesome, seats are very comfortable and easy to operate, awesome storage bins in the floorboard in the backseat, has the hemi engine, and gas mileage is decent.

Lyn E on November 14, 2021

2020 ram 1500 for every day convenience.

My 2020 ram rides smooth and has many convenient features that come in handy. Gas find, movie find, navigation. So far I have had no issues with it. It has the eco engine and I get better gas mileages than my previous 2012 ram. I love my truck would recommend it.

Ja J on October 14, 2021

2017 ram 1500 big horn 4x4.

I love everything about my truck. The 5.7l hemi v8 does everything I need it to and the 4x4 works great as well. Fantastic towing capabilities without the cost of diesel fuel. Crew cab feels large enough for 5 full grown adults to travel comfortably.

Chevy man on June 24, 2022

Run out of gas make sure your away from traffick

Ran out of gas in the middle of speeding traffic spit spudder duck for cover. I couldn’t put out in neutral and push it, it stayed in traffic until tow truck came. This is really a dangerous design flaw. Should have Never bought this truck

D skarra on December 22, 2021

2008 Ram 1500

I've been driving my 2008 Ram 1500 for 179000 km It's been a trouble free and very reliable ride. It required a fuel pump at 156000 and lower ball joints 170000. Keep it clean in the wheel well areas and no rust.

Troy K on October 25, 2021

2012 Ram 1500 is very dependable and doesn't leave you stranded and is overall very powerful to handle any job.

I've had no issues with my Ram 1500. The 4wd is solid and the vehicle handles well in any situation. If I could change anything it would be to increase the gas mileage.

MARK on March 27, 2022

1500 ram bighorn 2012

2012 ram 1500. Mechanic told me the tip is bad. I didn't know what that was. Its the fuse box under the hood.said it would be about 500. To fix..thanks dodge.

Cameron on October 21, 2021

My 2019 Ram has multiple electronic issues

Less than 3000 miles. Every exterior sensor has malfunctioned. The stereo has stopped making sound. This truck is a complete disaster!

Caden D Smith on September 25, 2023

2016 5.7 hemi

I love my little 1500 I'm looking for a diesel so I can tackle larger jobs.

S.D. Grady

Sonya is a vastly experienced journalist who loves to share her passion for everything automotive. You can usually find her at the track covering NASCAR, taking a test drive, or drooling over the latest models at the local auto show.