Major Problems with RAM 1500 Derived from Complaints & Recalls

Learn about the common problems with a used RAM 1500 to avoid purchasing a bad year of the model.

Custom-fit Add-ons

Torque wrench
Mechanic tool set
Tool box

Best and Worst Years for RAM 1500

Explore the chart showing how many complaints have been filed for each year of RAM 1500.

Model Year	Complaints
2020 1500	4
2019 1500	188
2018 1500	76
2017 1500	199
2016 1500	433
2015 1500	537
2014 1500	709
2013 1500	472
2012 1500	485

Worst 3 RAM 1500 complaints

2017 RAM 1500 AIR BAGS Victims: 10 Mileage: 59672 miles

2014 RAM 1500 AIR BAGS Victims: 6 Mileage: 14000 miles

2018 RAM 1500 AIR BAGS Victims: 5 Mileage: 1844 miles

Browse RAM 1500 complaints by category

Problems with ENGINE, POWER TRAIN and ELECTRICAL SYSTEM are the most frequent issues recorded by the NHTSA from RAM 1500 owners.

Problem Category	Number of Problems
ENGINE we were driving our new truck (only 13 days old) and came up behind a car going 25mph in a...	665 ~ 57777 miles
POWER TRAIN the new ram trucks use a dial like shifter that chrysler is calling the "rotary shifter" in which the driver...	586 ~ 29002 miles
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM there is a continuous unknown electrical draw causing the battery to drain to the point the vehicle will not start....	545 ~ 37849 miles
UNKNOWN OR OTHER this incident was with a rental 2014 dodge ram pickup truck rented from enterprise rental car in san angelo tx....	331 ~ 37678 miles
STEERING tl* the contact owns a 2014 dodge ram 1500. the contact stated while driving various speeds the vehicle would drift...	326 ~ 40149 miles
AIR BAGS the vehicle hit the guard rail and turned over onto its side. no airbags deployed. the truck was total. the	319 ~ 32732 miles
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM there is a faint propane-like smell coming through the air vents when truck is at idle. *tr...	288 ~ 53036 miles
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL we were driving our new truck (only 13 days old) and came up behind a car going 25mph in a...	198 ~ 36306 miles
SERVICE BRAKES i pulled up in my driveway. i shifted my gear into park. i took my foot off of the break...	174 ~ 28395 miles
SUSPENSION there is a continuous unknown electrical draw causing the battery to drain to the point the vehicle will not start....	170 ~ 37057 miles
BODY > STRUCTURE i pulled up in my driveway. i shifted my gear into park. i took my foot off of the break...	133 ~ 34256 miles
EXTERIOR LIGHTING the lighting system (headlights) on my 2014 ram truck are dangerous to use at night. they are very dim and...	128 ~ 25446 miles
SEAT BELTS tl* the contact owns a 2014 dodge ram 1500. the contact stated that nhtsa campaign number: 15v460000 (air bags seat...	61 ~ 21835 miles
WHEELS i recently purchased a 2014 dodge ram 1500 4x4 truck that came equipped from the factory with 20 inch wheels....	55 ~ 23856 miles
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL won't brake properly and have no traction control both abs and traction lights stay on..transmission sometimes don't shift properly for	51 ~ 47770 miles
VISIBILITY/WIPER water inside cab from highmount tailight leaking causes fogging up of windows when highway speed is reached. dealer replaced light...	41 ~ 30079 miles
SEATS i was involved in a rear end accident. the person who hit me was going approximately 50 mph. i was...	26 ~ 23777 miles
TIRES this post is related to nhtsa id #10585728. i also have the same issue. i have 20 inch wheels/tires but...	24 ~ 14789 miles
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE on or about march 6 2014 when the truck sits over night or after about 5 hours when the motor...	17 ~ 18547 miles
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING there is a nasty propane smell coming from the truck i have noticed this is an issue with the 2013...	17 ~ 10109 miles
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES tl* the contact owns a 2014 dodge ram 1500. the contact stated that there was hesitation when changing gears from...	12 ~ 17073 miles
STRUCTURE tl* the contact owns a 2014 dodge ram 1500. the contact stated that while driving approximately 30 mph an abnormal...	11 ~ 29416 miles
EQUIPMENT tl* the contact owns a 2014 dodge ram 1500. the contact stated that the recall notices for nhtsa campaign number:...	10 ~ 3104 miles
HEADLIGHTS > EXTERIOR LIGHTING tl* the contact owns a 2013 dodge ram 1500. the contact stated that the low beam headlights failed. the contact...	9 ~ 16233 miles
LATCH > TAILGATE > LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES tl* the contact owns a 2013 ram 1500. while driving various speeds the tailgate inadvertently opened. the failure recurred a...	7 ~ 40794 miles
MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE > EXHAUST SYSTEM > ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING tl*the contact owns a 2014 dodge ram 1500. the contact stated that there was a fuel odor coming from the...	7 ~ 84344 miles
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION > POWER TRAIN 2014 ran 1500 tradesman blacked out edition. after stopping the vehicle and putting in park to check other concerns when...	6 ~ 38564 miles
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL the week of march 9th of this year we took the truck in for transmission problem and wheel alignment to...	6 ~ 13333 miles
TAILGATE > BODY > STRUCTURE tl* the contact owns a 2014 dodge ram 1500. the contact stated that when attempting to open the rear tailgate...	5 ~ 17000 miles
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL > ELECTRICAL SYSTEM tl* the contact owns a 2014 ram 1500. while driving approximately 40 mph the instrument cluster began to pulsate. the...	4 ~ 95967 miles
DOOR > BODY > STRUCTURE tl* the contact owns a 2014 ram 1500. the contact stated that the front driver's side door failed to open...	4 ~ 44533 miles
EXHAUST SYSTEM > ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING tl* the contact owns a 2014 ram 1500. the contact stated that the exhaust manifold clamps fractured. as a result...	4 ~ 90075 miles
SOFTWARE > ELECTRICAL SYSTEM tl* the contact owns a 2014 ram 1500. while driving between 65-70 mph the check engine indicator illuminated and the...	4 ~ 71604 miles
EMISSION CONTROL > EXHAUST SYSTEM > ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING tl* the contact owns a 2014 ram 1500. the contact stated that the check engine warning indicator illuminated. the vehicle...	4 ~ 62925 miles
SIDEWALL > TIRES tl* the contact owns a 2014 dodge ram 1500 equipped with good year wrangler tires size p275/60/r20. the contact stated...	4
RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC. > ELECTRICAL > EQUIPMENT tl* the contact owns a 2013 dodge ram 1500. while driving at 60 mph the instrument panel and radio failed....	4 ~ 20000 miles
IGNITION > ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 2014 dodge ram. consumer writes in regards to problems with ignition lights and transmission. *ld the consumer stated the vehicle...	3 ~ 38500 miles
CRUISE CONTROL > VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL tl* the contact owns a 2013 ram 1500. while driving 65 mph with the cruise control engaged the cruise control...	3 ~ 28137 miles
REAR > SUSPENSION tl* the contact owns a 2012 ram 1500. while driving various speeds the vehicle made an abnormal noise. the vehicle...	3 ~ 50809 miles
ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM > STEERING tl* the contact owns a 2014 ram 1500. while driving 45 mph the steering wheel seized. the contact towed the...	3 ~ 57956 miles
GAS RECIRCULATION VALVE (EGR VALVE) > EMISSION CONTROL > EXHAUST SYSTEM tl* the contact owns a 2014 ram 1500. while driving at an unknown speed smoke and flames appeared from the...	3 ~ 72000 miles
AIR SUSPENSION SYSTEM > SPRINGS > FRONT while working under the truck the air suspension failed causing the truck to drop. i have also been driving the...	3 ~ 54467 miles
PARKING BRAKE tl* the contact owns a 2014 ram 1500. the contact stated that the emergency brake failed to function properly when...	3 ~ 13667 miles
SWITCH > IGNITION > ELECTRICAL SYSTEM tl* the contact owns a 2013 ram 1500. when attempting to start the vehicle it failed to start. the vehicle...	3 ~ 66000 miles
WIRING > ELECTRICAL SYSTEM tl* the contact owns a 2012 dodge ram 1500. while driving 20 mph the air bag warning light illuminated. the...	3 ~ 68000 miles
TREAD/BELT > TIRES we had a total tire failure on our 2013 dodge ram tire. they are goodyear p27560r20 sr-a this tire blew...	3 ~ 1810 miles
CAMERA > SENSING SYSTEM > BACK OVER PREVENTION tl* the contact owns a 2016 ram 1500. the contact stated that the vehicle's backup camera would not operate properly....	2 ~ 42491 miles
STARTER ASSEMBLY > ELECTRICAL SYSTEM tl* the contact owns a 2013 ram 1500. the contact stated that the push button start function failed to work...	2 ~ 43545 miles
ACCELERATOR PEDAL > VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL tl* the contact owns a 2012 ram 1500. while driving 40 mph the accelerator pedal was depressed and became stuck....	2
DRIVESHAFT > DRIVELINE > POWER TRAIN tl* the contact owns a 2012 ram 1500. while driving 70 mph the driveshaft dislodged from the vehicle and caused...	2 ~ 122000 miles
FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS > WIRING > ELECTRICAL SYSTEM tl* the contact owns a 2012 ram 1500. while the vehicle was idling in the park position the engine inadvertently...	2 ~ 69865 miles
LOCK > HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE > LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES tl* the contact owns a 2014 ram 1500 equipped with an electronic tailgate lock. on several occasions the liftgate opened...	2 ~ 34000 miles
BRAKE LIGHTS > EXTERIOR LIGHTING tl* the contact owns a 2013 ram 1500. when the contact entered the vehicle there was condensation covering the inside...	2 ~ 12500 miles
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC tl* the contact owns a 2012 ram 1500. while driving approximately 10 mph the brakes were applied but failed. there...	2 ~ 23000 miles
DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM > VISIBILITY tl* the contact owns a 2014 doge ram 1500. the contact stated the rear window defroster failed to operate. the	2 ~ 44650 miles
PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS > TIRES tl* the contact owns a 2014 ram 1500. while operating the vehicle the tire pressure monitoring sensor indicated that the...	2 ~ 25400 miles
ENGINE > ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING tl* the contact owns a 2016 ram 1500. after the contact received a recall notice for nhtsa campaign number: 19v757000...	1 ~ 48000 miles
COLUMN > STEERING tl* the contact owns a 2014 ram 1500. while driving approximately 60 mph the cruse control did not engage. on...	1 ~ 45000 miles
MODULE > IGNITION > ELECTRICAL SYSTEM tl* the contact owns a 2012 ram 1500. while driving various speeds the vehicle shut off without warning. the vehicle...	1 ~ 178000 miles
CONTROL MODULE (TCM, PCM) > AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION > POWER TRAIN 2014 dodge ram 1500. consumer writes in regards to brake transmission safety recall and reprogram powertrain control module safety recall.	1
WHEEL BEARING > FRONT > SUSPENSION tl* the contact owns a 2014 ram 1500. the contact stated that the front passenger side wheel bearing fractured without...	1 ~ 159389 miles
TANK ASSEMBLY > STORAGE > FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER 2017 ram 1500. consumer writes in regards to fuel tank strap mounting bracket safety recall. *ld the consumer disapproved of	1
FUEL FILTER > FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER tl* the contact owns a 2016 ram 1500. while driving at an unknown speed the vehicle lost power. the vehicle...	1 ~ 18495 miles
FILLER PIPE AND CAP > TANK ASSEMBLY > STORAGE tl* the contact owns a 2018 ram 1500. while the vehicle was at a fuel station being refueled the fuel...	1 ~ 4600 miles
DIFFERENTIAL UNIT > DRIVELINE > POWER TRAIN tl* the contact owns a 2014 ram 1500. while driving various speeds the rear differential made a loud abnormal noise....	1 ~ 120000 miles
CALIPER > DISC > FOUNDATION COMPONENTS tl* the contact owns a 2012 ram 1500. while driving at an unknown speed smoke was present coming from the...	1 ~ 80000 miles
MULTIPLE AXLE > SUSPENSION tl* the contact owns a 2017 ram 1500. while driving 65 mph the vehicle veered to the right without warning....	1 ~ 70000 miles
ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP > SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC tl* the contact owns a 2016 ram 1500. while driving 30 mph the contact noticed that the service anti lock...	1 ~ 26000 miles
CONTROL UNIT/MODULE > ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP > SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC tl* the contact owns a 2016 ram 1500. while driving 30 mph the contact noticed that the service anti lock...	1 ~ 26000 miles
COLUMN SHIFT > LEVER AND LINKAGE > AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION the vehicle may slip out of gear due to the transmission locking pin getting stuck open. ( no incidents have	1
HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM > STEERING tl* the contact owns a 2017 ram 1500. while driving 30 mph the steering wheel became difficult to turn. the...	1 ~ 7071 miles
CONTROL ARM > FRONT > SUSPENSION i took my 2014 dodge ram 1500 2wd crew cab into the dealership for oil change. previously i had complained...	1 ~ 88000 miles
LATCH > DOORS > LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES tl* the contact owns a 2017 ram 1500. the contact stated that the tailgate unlatched and dropped independently. the failure...	1 ~ 33462 miles
SWITCH > BRAKE LIGHTS > EXTERIOR LIGHTING rear cab 3rd brake light leaks extreme amount of water when raining hard. there are hundards of video that highlight...	1 ~ 50000 miles
MECHANICAL > EQUIPMENT 2014 ran 1500 tradesman blacked out edition. after stopping the vehicle and putting in park to check other concerns when...	1 ~ 69785 miles
CATALYTIC CONVERTOR > EMISSION CONTROL > EXHAUST SYSTEM tl* the contact owns a 2014 ram 1500. while driving 70 mph a digital message was displayed stating "see dealer"...	1 ~ 35400 miles
EXTERIOR > REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES > VISIBILITY tl* the contact owns a 2012 ram 1500. the contact stated that the adhesive from both exterior mirrors were degrading...	1 ~ 6000 miles
TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM tl* the contact owns a 2014 ram 1500. while driving various speeds the wheels began to wobble and the vehicle...	1 ~ 47000 miles
INTERIOR LIGHTING tl* the contact owns a 2013 ram 1500. while driving approximately 70 mph the vehicle stalled and the service electronic...	1 ~ 37000 miles
HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS > DOOR > BODY tl* the contact owns a 2016 ram 1500. the contact stated that the rear driver's side door was opened and...	1 ~ 3346 miles
TAIL LIGHTS > EXTERIOR LIGHTING tl* the contact owns a 2014 dodge ram 1500. the contact stated that the vehicle was leaking fluid from the...	1 ~ 17000 miles
LINKAGES > STEERING steering gear bolts became loose at 28k miles....	1 ~ 28000 miles
VISIBILITY tl* the contact owns a 2013 dodge ram 1500. while driving various speeds the vehicle shook uncontrollably whenever the rear...	1 ~ 36741 miles
DIESEL > ENGINE > ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING tl* the contact owns a 2012 dodge ram 1500. the contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 14v635000 (engine and...	1
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE tl* the contact owns a 2014 ram 1500. the contact stated that the crash avoidance system malfunctioned intermittently. the vehicle...	1 ~ 30000 miles
RACK AND PINION > STEERING tl* the contact owns a 2013 dodge ram 1500. while driving various speeds the steering wheel rattled and the front...	1 ~ 23987 miles
LATCH > HOOD > LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES tl* the contact owns a 2012 dodge ram 1500. the contact stated that while driving at 60 mph the hood...	1 ~ 32000 miles
FOG LIGHTS > EXTERIOR LIGHTING tl* the contact owns a 2014 dodge ram 1500. the contact stated that while driving at approximately 53 mph the...	1 ~ 15000 miles
NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM) > ELECTRICAL > EQUIPMENT 2014 dodge ram 1500. consumer writes in regards to navigation system problems. *smd the consumer stated the screen would freeze...	1
TIE ROD ASSEMBLY > LINKAGES > STEERING tl* the contact owns a 2012 dodge ram 1500. the contact stated that the tires were cupping. the vehicle was...	1 ~ 22000 miles
POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS > VISIBILITY while driving my dog stepped on the window button which i thought was in the lock position and the window...	1 ~ 14500 miles
SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE > FRONTAL > AIR BAGS tl* the contact owns a 2013 dodge ram 1500. the contact stated that the vehicle was repaired according to a...	1 ~ 14000 miles
REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES > VISIBILITY inside rearview mirror needs to be readjusted daily. -- first complaining to dealer was 1-24-13 2665 miles. dealer ordered...	1 ~ 2665 miles

FAQ

What year RAM 1500 is the most reliable?

Speaking of the models produced in the last 9 years, RAM 1500 models of 2020, 2018, 2019 year of manufacture have had the least number of complaints.

What year was a bad year for RAM 1500?

RAM 1500 models of 2014 and 2015 are probably the years to be avoided like the plague due to a higher than an average number of issues reported.

Torque wrench

EPAuto 1/2-inch Drive Click Torque Wrenc...
- Durable Ratchet Head: Made from Hardened treated Chrome Vanadium steel alloy (Cr-V) Corrosion-Retardant: Satin Finish. Made in Taiwan
- Easy Storage: A sturdy plastic storage case is included. Non-Slip Grip: Knurled handle
- Easy to Read: High...
LEXIVON 1/2-Inch Drive Click Torque Wren...
- PRECISE - Ships pre-calibrated to +/- 4% accuracy and ready to use. Include calibration certificate with traceable serial number.
- DURABLE - Reinforced ratchet gear head constructed from hardened, heat-treated Chrome Vanadium alloy steel.
- LONGEVITY -...
LEXIVON 1/2-Inch Drive Click Torque Wren...
- PRECISION - Ships pre-calibrated to +/- 4% accuracy and ready to use. Include calibration certificate with traceable serial number.
- DURABLE - Reinforced ratchet gear head constructed from hardened, heat treated Chrome Vanadium alloy steel.
- LONG-LASTING...
LEXIVON 3/8-Inch Drive Click Torque Wren...
- PRECISION - Ships pre-calibrated to +/- 4% accuracy and ready to use. Include calibration certificate with traceable serial number.
- DURABLE - Reinforced ratchet gear head constructed from hardened, heat treated Chrome Vanadium alloy steel.
- LONG-LASTING...
LEXIVON Inch Pound Torque Wrench 1/4-Inc...
- PRECISION - Ships pre-calibrated to +/- 4% accuracy and ready to use. Include calibration certificate with traceable serial number.
- DURABLE - Reinforced ratchet gear head constructed from hardened, heat treated Chrome Vanadium alloy steel.
- LONG-LASTING...
TEKTON 3/8 Inch Drive Micrometer Torque ...
- Includes 1-pc. 3/8 in. drive torque wrench; Storage case; Product manual with torque conversion chart
- Wrench emits a click that can be heard and felt when the preset value is reached
- Permanently marked, high-contrast dual-range...

Mechanic tool set

Crescent 180 Pc. Professional Tool Set i...
- The Crescent Professional Tool Set has a newly designed 72T quick release ratchet
- Carefully selected assortment of hand tools for most industrial, mechanical, and consumer applications
- Get incredible access from combination wrenches with narrow heads,...
Craftsman Mechanic Tool Set, 215 Piece, ...
- MINIMAL ARCH SWING: 72-tooth 1/4 in. and 3/8 in. Drive Ratchets produce a 5-degree arc swing. Ideal balance between access and durability.
- VERSATILE: Comprehensive set of 1/4 in., 3/8 in. Drive Sockets and Drive Tool...
Craftsman Mechanic Tool Set, 230 Piece w...
- TACKLE A VARIETY OF PROJECTS: Complete automotive jobs and general mechanic fixes with this heavy-duty, 230-piece all-in-one mechanic tool set
- OPEN AND CLOSE THE DRAWERS WITH ONE HAND as you work with a spring-loaded locking...
DEWALT Mechanics Tool Set, 1/4" & 3/8" &...
- 72 tooth count ratchet providing a 5 degree arc swing for maneuverability in restricted areas
- Anti-slip driver handle provides maximum comfort
- Housed in a durable carrying case with metal latches
- Full-polish chrome for corrosion resistance
DEWALT Mechanics Tools Kit and Socket Se...
- Socket sets include 72 tooth count ratchets which allow for a 5 degree arc swing for maneuverability in restricted areas
- Ratchets include a low profile directional lever to help reduce catch points and for easy...
Amazon Basics Mechanic's Tool Set with C...
- Mechanic tool kit and socket set for tackling multiple sizes and types of fasteners, especially nuts and bolts
- Includes a 201-piece set that combines most popular sockets, wrenches, hex keys, and screwdriver bits
- Both metric...

Tool box

TUFFIOM 8-Drawer Rolling Tool Chest w/Lo...
- LARGE STORAGE CAPACITY: The rolling tool chest is designed with 8 drawers and 1 bottom cabinet for storing tools, small equipment or other objects. And the bottom cabinet features side hooks for hanging tools like...
beyond by BLACK+DECKER BLACK+DECKER BDST...
- Sturdy + Stackable: Durable Auto-Lock Latches Make Connecting These Stackable Units Quick And Easy
- Quick Access: The Quick-Release On The Locking Latch Allows You To Easily Separate Each Module When Stacked For Quick Access To...
BIG RED ANTBD133-XB Torin 20" Portable 3...
- Heavy duty tool box is made of thick steel, with powder coat red paint finish, beautiful and easy to clean
- Measures 20.5" L x 8.5" W x 12" H, and is equipped with 3 drawers...
DEKOPRO 228 Piece Socket Wrench Auto Rep...
- HIGH QUALITY&STANDARDS:Forged from high-quality steel and finished in high-polish chrome,strength, durability, anti-corrosion protection.All the tools meet or exceed ANSI critical standards
- COMPLETE VARIETIES:Contains tools needed for most small repairs and basic DIY projects around the...
Torin 17-Inch Plastic Tool Box,3-Tiers M...
- Tough metal latches are solid and easy to open and close, with long use life
- Foldable three-tier tray provides you with more storage space and you can separate metric and imperial tools to take them...
CARTMAN 148 Piece Automotive and Househo...
- Comprehensive Tool Set: The Cartman 148-Piece Tool Kit includes all the crucial tools needed for everyday home repairs and maintenance, from cutting to tightening, measuring to hammering.
- Durable and Corrosion-Resistant: All tools in the kit...