When you’re looking for a seriously rough and rugged pickup truck with plenty of space to boot, a used Dodge RAM 1500 can be a great choice. This large pickup truck can be had in numerous cab configurations, bed lengths and engine sizes to suit your exact needs.
Have there been any problems reported with the Dodge RAM 1500’s O2 sensors?
While no formal recalls have been issued on recent model years, there have been some documented complaints that you should know about if you’re thinking about buying a used RAM 1500.
Read on to learn more about the most common Dodge RAM 1500 O2 sensor problems, how to diagnose a bad O2 sensor, and what to expect from the repair process.
About the Dodge RAM 1500’s O2 Sensors
Like any vehicle with a combustion engine, the O2 sensors in a Dodge RAM 1500 pickup truck work by tracking the proportions of oxygen within the engine and using that information to control the vehicle’s fuel injection system. An O2 sensor can also help cut down on vehicle emissions.
You can find out more about how a vehicle’s oxygen sensor works in this YouTube video.
Common Dodge RAM 1500 O2 Sensor Problems
2003 Dodge RAM 1500: Defective O2 Sensors
NHTSA Complaint ID: 10860482
There have been reports of defective O2 sensors on the 2003 Dodge RAM 1500 pickup truck. In one NHTSA report filed in April of 2016, the owner of a 2003 RAM 1500 claimed that the truck’s “check engine” light illuminated after the truck’s gears began shifting abnormally.
Upon having the vehicle inspected at a dealer, it was discovered that the O2 sensor had malfunctioned and needed to be replaced. The owner reported, however, that a replacement sensor was not available, and thus the repair was unable to be completed.
2004 Dodge RAM 1500: O2 Sensor Failure
Source: VehicleHistory.com Reviews
Although the 2004 Dodge RAM 1500 has generally positive reviews on VehicleHistory.com, there are a few reports of defective O2 sensors needing to be replaced. One reviewer named Dave posted in October of 2019 that although he was happy with the truck overall, he had to replace the O2 sensors.
Another VehicleHistory.com reviewer, Jennifer P., reported that she had to replace the sensors as well.
However, the repairs were relatively inexpensive. According to a RepairPal.com estimate, the average cost to replace an O2 sensor on a Dodge RAM 1500 is between $227 and $313 with labor included.
2005 Dodge RAM 1500: Faulty O2 Sensors
Source: CarComplaints.com
In a CarComplaints.com summary of the 2005 Dodge RAM 1500, there are several reports of this model having defective oxygen sensors as well.
Most owners report that the sensors needed to be replaced after the truck’s “check engine” light came on. One owner claimed that he had to replace the sensor three times over a span of 35,000 miles.
What to Do About a Bad O2 Sensor
Typically, the first sign of a bad O2 sensor is that your truck’s “check engine” light will illuminate on the dashboard. In some cases, you may also begin to notice that the truck has trouble shifting or suffers from rough acceleration.
Regardless, a bad O2 sensor should not be ignored. This is especially true if the “check engine” light is flashing on your dashboard, as this indicates that the vehicle needs immediate service. A mechanic can quickly check your truck’s diagnostic code to confirm if the issue is, in fact, a bad O2 sensor.
Fortunately, O2 sensors can be replaced relatively quickly and inexpensively by an experienced mechanic. From there, you should be back on the road in no time, and your new O2 sensor should easily last another 50,000 to 60,000 miles or more.
