RAM 1500 Reliability By Year – The Best And Worst Model Years

When you’re shopping around for a RAM 1500, it’s absolutely worth bearing wary of its reliability. While some model years have proven to be dependable workhorses, others have been plagued by costly mechanical issues. We’ll discuss in more detail further below, but for now, here’s a quick breakdown of the RAM 1500’s reliability – good and bad – by model year:

• Best RAM 1500 model years – 2013, 2016, and 2017
• Worst RAM 1500 model years – 2003, 2010, 2012, 2014, and 2015

Our analysis that we’re about to share, showcasing the reliability of the RAM 1500 by model year, is based on extensive research on its many common problems, recalls, and owner complaints. Yet, we have to give credit where credit is due because generally speaking, most RAM 1500 models and model years over these past few decades are generally quite reliable.

There’s a good reason why there’s such a strong following for RAM trucks, after all! Nevertheless, just like any other car out there, some model years are prone to more issues than others. So, here’s our deep dive into the best and worst model years of the RAM 1500…

Best And Worst RAM 1500 Model Years

When we’re discussing the reliability of each model RAM 1500 model year, below are some of the more noteworthy and prominent model years, for better or worse. Before that, though, we’ve since prepared this handy little table on the best and worst RAM 1500 model years, just in case you need a quick TL;DR of the RAM 1500 reliability by model year:

Model Year	Reliability Rating	Key Takeaways
Best Years
2013	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Excellent)	Highly rated by critics and owners, strong performance, fuel-efficient for a truck, and featuring relatively minimal major issues.
2016	⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Good)	Improved reliability over previous model years, featuring fewer recurring issues, and most problems were covered by recalls.
2017	⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Good)	Among the most reliable in the 4th-gen lineup, with only minor issues with the tailgate latch and transmission, but overall quite solid.
Worst Years
2003	⭐⭐ (Poor)	Engine stalling issues, check engine light problems, and dashboard cracking, as well as plenty more miscellaneous reliability concerns.
2010	⭐⭐ (Poor)	Frequent engine failures, camshaft lifter wear, and poor fuel efficiency, not to mention transmission and suspension issues.
2012	⭐ (Very Poor)	Worst model year for RAM 1500 by far, with major HEMI engine issues, camshaft lifter failures, as well as very high repair costs.
2014	⭐⭐ (Poor)	The first-year EcoDiesel engine variants had serious issues, including numerous recalls, not to mention an unreliable transmission.
2015	⭐⭐ (Poor)	Carried over some of the earlier EcoDiesel problems, infotainment system failures, erratic warning lights, and transmission faults.

2003 RAM 1500

This was a very bad year for the RAM 1500 (back then, it was still under Dodge), owing to countless reliability issues. Most of these were relatively minor issues that could be easily fixed. But, there were also pretty major problems, such as the engine. On the ’03 RAM 1500s, many owners experienced seeing the check engine light (CEL) appear frequently for no reason.

Additionally, the engine of the 2003 RAM 1500 was prone to stalling without any prior warning. There were complaints about engine knocking, too. For most owners, it’s easier to just throw the old engine away and get a new, replacement engine, instead. With that being said, the engine was just the start, as the ’03 RAM 1500 suffered mainly from interior faults.

The dashboard of the RAM 1500, in particular, had a tendency to crack pretty easily. Many owners complained about this, which is understandable. Who’d want a cracked dash in their brand-new truck? While this is mostly a cosmetic issue and won’t impact the driveability or performance of your RAM 1500, it’s still an undesirable problem. As such, it’s worth avoiding.

Problems, Repair Costs, and Maintenance Insights

The 2003 RAM 1500 has a mixed reputation among past owners. Some have praised its rugged V8 engines, while others report major reliability concerns. Some of the more common and pressing issues revolve around the durability of that engine, transmission failures, and interior quality problems. To be precise, here’s what’s keeping owners up at night:

• Engine Failures: The RAM 1500’s 4.7-liter V8 has a fairly high rate of failure. This is mostly to do with oil sludge buildup, leading to costly replacements. An engine replacement costs, in the worst-case scenario, somewhere between $4,500 to $7,000.
• Transmission Issues: Rough shifting and premature failures in automatic transmission models are common, often requiring a full rebuild. A transmission rebuild isn’t cheap, quoted to be between $2,800 to $4,500.
• Dashboard Cracking: A well-known issue is when the plastic dashboard deteriorates and begins cracking, even in relatively mild climates. If you need to replace the dashboard, that’ll set you back $800 to $1,500.

Annual maintenance on the 2003 RAM 1500 averages between $900 to $1,500. This goes on top of the higher repair risks due to aging components. Plus, owners have reported that frequent mechanical issues can drive up long-term costs. So, it’s best to avoid this model year entirely unless it’s been well-maintained.

2010 RAM 1500

When 2010 rolled around, the RAM 1500 wasn’t spared from the litany of issues it brought to its owners. Most of these problems were related to the engine, such as it randomly turning off as you’re driving. Alternatively, the camshaft lifters wear out excessively quickly, which is really expensive to fix. And, the engine has a habit of turning over but not starting.

This isn’t helped by the huge wrath of minor problems elsewhere. Be it drivetrain, transmission, suspension, or electrical problems, the 2010 RAM 1500 gave its owners more headaches than expected. Worse, the 5.7-liter HEMI V8, which was supposed to be built for towing heavy loads, wasn’t even that capable. Plus, it scored terrible MPGs, so it’s a lose-lose.

Problems, Repair Costs, and Maintenance Insights

The 2010 RAM 1500 is plagued by serious engine and drivetrain issues, making it one of the least reliable model years. Plus, we’ve also learned that owners frequently report sudden engine shutdowns, camshaft lifter failures, and poor fuel economy, particularly with the 5.7-liter HEMI V8. So, here’s what you need to look out for:

• Engine Stalling & Failure: The 5.7-liter HEMI V8 engine from this model year constantly suffers from camshaft lifter wear, leading to misfires and expensive repairs. If you need to repair the camshaft and lifter, you’re looking at somewhere between $3,000 to $4,500 for the job.
• Transmission Problems: This includes harsh shifting, delayed engagement, and complete transmission failure in some cases. Unfortunately, the only fix is a transmission rebuild, which will set you back a whopping $3,000 to $5,000.
• Electrical Faults: Some owners also report failing alternators, faulty instrument clusters, and persistent warning lights. Some owners have been able to fix this issue by replacing the truck’s alternator, which in a RAM 1500, costs somewhere between $500 to $1,200.

The reliability of the 2010 RAM 1500 model year is poor enough to drive the annual maintenance costs up to $1,000 to $1,800. This is due to frequent drivetrain and electrical repairs, making it a risky purchase. We’d also recommend avoiding this model year unless it’s been extensively repaired, and if the previous owner(s) have kept them well cared for.

2012 RAM 1500

If you want to focus solely on the very worst model year of the RAM 1500, 2012 should be right up there. It was the fifth model year in the 4th-generation RAM 1500, but it somehow managed to suffer from a constant plague of issues. The bulk of it centered around its engine. Primarily, it revolved around the more powerful engine variants, like the 5.7-liter HEMI V8 engine.

These RAM 1500s had problems like ticking noises coming from behind the dash; indicating camshaft lifter failure. Fixing this on the HEMI engines was a huge undertaking, as it wasn’t just a complex repair job, but it was also expensive. Alas, this wasn’t fixed under recall. Therefore, if you’re buying a 2012 RAM 1500, make sure you check the engine first.

Problems, Repair Costs, and Maintenance Insights

As far as the RAM 1500 reliability by model year goes, 2012 is widely considered one of the worst due to its widespread engine issues, notably with the 5.7-liter HEMI V8. Many owners have reported ticking noises, camshaft and lifter failures, and excessive oil consumption. Unfortunately, these were never recalled, making repairs an expensive out-of-pocket cost:

• HEMI Cam & Lifter Failure: This is a very well-known issue with the HEMI engines, causing engine misfires, knocking noises, and loss of power. The most effective fix for this would be to repair the camshaft and lifter, which will cost you between $3,500 to $5,000.
• Electrical System Faults: Mainly, you’ll be dealing with issues with the TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module). This would lead to starting problems, lighting malfunctions, and random stalling. Alas, a TIPM replacement isn’t cheap, setting you back between $1,000 to $1,500.
• Transmission Jerking & Slipping: Rough shifting and delayed engagement in some models is common enough. Some owners were forced to fork out between $2,500 to $4,500 for a comprehensive transmission repair.

Yearly maintenance costs for the 2012 RAM 1500 could go upward of $1,500, especially for examples with high mileage. The cam and lifter failures are the biggest concern, as they require a full engine teardown to fix. So, unless the aforementioned cam and lifter issues have already been fixed by the previous owner, we’d highly advise that you avoid this one, too.

2013 RAM 1500

The 2013 model year of the RAM 1500 is considered by many to be among the best models out there. When it came out, it received widespread positive reception and 5-star ratings. It’s for good reason, though. You could option it with a potent HEMI engine that made 395 horsepower. Yet, the ’13 RAM 1500 remained pretty fuel-efficient, despite that.

Estimated to get 18mpg in the city and 25mpg on the highway, it’s a really good figure for a large half-ton truck. However, while the 2013 model might’ve been good as a new truck, long-term running costs are pretty expensive. This is mainly due to accelerated wear and tear and failure rates with its engine, brakes, transmission, air-conditioning, and fuel system faults.

Problems, Repair Costs, and Maintenance Insights

The 2013 RAM 1500 introduced significant updates, including an 8-speed automatic transmission. However, early production models suffered from drivetrain and electrical issues. While later builds fared better, the 2013 model year is still considered a risky buy due to widespread transmission failures, air suspension problems, and TIPM defects:

• Transmission Failures: Owners have reported issues such as harsh shifting, slipping gears, and complete transmission failure. This is especially so in earlier examples with the ZF 8HP transmission. Some owners were only able to resolve this issue by replacing the entire transmission, priced between $3,500 to $6,000.
• Air Suspension Malfunctions: Some models that were equipped with the optional air suspension experienced system leaks and compressor failures. This would lead to uneven ride height and pretty costly repairs, setting you back between $1,500 to $3,000. I’d say it’s best to avoid the air suspension completely.
• Electrical System Issues (TIPM Defects): Similar to some of the previous model years, a faulty Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) can cause random stalling, power loss, and accessory failures. Equally, a TIPM replacement is just as expensive, somewhere between $1,000 to $1,500.

Annual maintenance costs for the 2013 RAM 1500 typically range between $1,200 and $1,800. The most expensive repairs involve the transmission and air suspension, which can quickly add up if they aren’t properly maintained. So, do approach this model year with an abundance of caution, and if possible, seek out some of the late-production models.

2014 RAM 1500

The 2014 RAM 1500 marked a huge change for the line-up. It was the first generation of RAM 1500s to come with the brand’s new EcoDiesel engine. Unfortunately, as this was the first use of this engine, it came with a few teething issues. In the first model year alone (2014), 14 whole recalls were issued for the RAM 1500, most of which were to settle engine problems.

However, I’d say these engine problems weren’t all too bad, since a lot of them were fixed under recall. What is pretty bad, however, and one you’d likely have to pay out of pocket, is just how unreliable its transmission is. This included odd noises at low speeds, issues with downshifting, shifting in and out of gears while driving, or transmission failure.

Problems, Repair Costs, and Maintenance Insights

As far as the reliability of the RAM 1500 by model year goes, the 2014 model is much improved. It retains many of the same features as its predecessor but they did address some early transmission issues. However, electrical problems, cam/lifter failures, and lingering transmission concerns still made this model a mixed bag for reliability, so watch out for these:

• Transmission Issues Persist: The ZF 8-speed automatic transmission remained problematic, with owners reporting harsh shifting, delayed engagement, and occasional failures. On the bright side, it’s not nearly as widespread as in the 2013 model. A replacement transmission isn’t cheap, costing owners between $3,500 to $6,000.
• Camshaft and Lifter Failures (5.7-liter HEMI): As we mentioned earlier, the 5.7-liter HEMI V8 engines suffered failed camshafts and lifters. As such, this would lead to misfires, loss of power, and expensive engine repairs. Repairing the camshaft and lifter will set you back around $3,000 to $4,500.
• Electrical System Malfunctions: Complaints about faulty TIPM units, Uconnect system glitches, and random power failures continued from previous years. That said, replacing the TIPM will be just as expensive as the earlier model years, costing some owners between $1,000 to $1,500.

Annual maintenance costs for the 2014 RAM 1500 range from $1,000 to $1,700. By far the most expensive repairs that you might have to worry about is the cam/lifter failure. This is particularly concerning on higher-mileage HEMI V8 models. So, my advice would be to proceed with caution, and make sure that HEMI V8 has been serviced regularly.

2015 RAM 1500

Many of the EcoDiesel-related problems from the previous year carried through to the 2015 model year RAM 1500. Once again, the ’15 RAM 1500 was recalled countless times, where some of the underlying complaints were engine-related. However, most of the issues for this model year centered around its electrical system, fuel system, and transmission problems.

For example, the Uconnect infotainment system on the 2015 RAM 1500s was faulty and constantly malfunctioned. Even the screen had some issues, too. On top of that, the warning lights on the ’15 RAM 1500 were problematic and erratic, adding to the headaches. Since most of these issues don’t have permanent fixes, it might be worth avoiding the 2015 model year.

Problems, Repair Costs, and Maintenance Insights

When it comes to the reliability of the RAM 1500 by model year, the 2015 model showed slight improvements. Nonetheless, transmission, electrical, and engine problems still plagued many owners. While some 8-speed automatic transmission problems were addressed, the 5.7-liter HEMI cam/lifter failure continued to be a major concern, including other issues:

• Transmission Hesitation & Rough Shifting: While we are seeing fewer complaints emerging compared to 2013-2014… Some owners continue to report harsh downshifting, slipping, and delayed engagement from the 8-speed automatic. At the very worst, a transmission replacement, for context, will cost you between $2,500 to $5,000.
• 5.7-liter HEMI Cam & Lifter Failure: The notorious lifter roller failure in the 5.7-liter HEM V8 remained a major expense. This would lead to misfires, loss of power, and costly engine repairs. Speaking of, repairing the camshaft and lifters will cost you in the neighborhood of $3,000 to $4,500.
• Electrical & Uconnect System Issues: Owners frequently reported their infotainment screens freezing, backup cameras failing, and intermittent electrical malfunctions related to the TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module). Once again, replacing the TIPM is a pricey $1,000 to $1,500 repair job

Annual maintenance costs for the 2015 RAM 1500 range from $900 to $1,600. Although it’s slightly more reliable than earlier models, the 5.7-liter HEMI’s persistent cam/lifter issue means repairs can be costly. So, once again, while it’s by far a better choice than earlier model years, proceed with caution, and maybe even consider the 3.6-liter V6 instead of the HEMI.

2016 RAM 1500

Compared to the 2014 and 2015 model years, 2016 was a bit of a reprieve for the RAM 1500. It was slightly more reliable and had less sporadic issues. However, those EcoDiesel engines had repeat problems, even by 2016. 11 recalls were issued for the ’16 RAM 1500, most of which were related to the engine. At the very least, most of these were fixed under recall.

Besides that, some of the more frequently occurring problems on the 2016 RAM 1500 mainly focused on the truck’s power locking feature. Specifically, with its rear tailgate. On some models and examples, these were faulty. Additionally, the RAM 1500 also had other issues, like broken gear shifter linkages, cruise control problems, and even defective airbags.

Problems, Repair Costs, and Maintenance Insights

Of this generation, the 2016 RAM 1500 is among the more reliable model years. It has fewer complaints compared to its predecessor. Dodge/RAM improved the transmission tuning and electrical systems reliability, but some lingering issues remained. Some of the most noteworthy reliability issues for this RAM 1500 model year include:

• 5.7-liter HEMI Cam & Lifter Failure: While this issue occurs less frequently than in the earlier models, the cam and lifter roller failure in the 5.7-liter V8 still occurred in some cases. This would lead to misfires and costly repairs. As we noted earlier, fixing this problem would set you back around $3,000 to $4,500.
• Occasional Transmission Jerking: The 8-speed automatic transmission in this model year performed better than in the 2013-2015 models. Granted, some owners still reported rough shifting or hesitation at low speeds. To fix the transmission, some owners have been quoted repair bills as high as $2,500 to $4,500.
• Suspension & Steering Wear: We’ve heard of complaints from past owners of ball joint and tie rod wear, which surfaced more frequently as mileage increased. This would lead to alignment issues and premature tire wear. On the bright side, it’s relatively affordable to fix, setting you back around $500 to $1,500.

Annual maintenance costs for the 2016 RAM 1500 average $850 to $1,400. While the 2016 RAM 1500 is a more refined and reliable truck, you should still watch out for the 5.7-liter HEMI V8’s cam/lifter issue. And, check for a properly maintained suspension. If so, then being one of the more reliable model years, this is a pretty solid choice.

2017 RAM 1500

Among the more reliable model years of the 4th-gen RAM 1500, 2017 is a decent option if you’re looking to get a used example. Still, there were a few minor problems that you’d need to worry about, as well. The most notable issue was how its rear tailgate would open while the truck was in motion. Thus, ejecting whatever you’ve had stored in the truck bed.

Not only that, the transmission originally came with a fault interlock pin assembly. Moreover, the 3.0-liter diesel engine had some complaints, and recalls were made. But, overall, it is among the more reliable RAM 1500 model years. The ’17 model did come with air suspension, sports exhaust, and cool all-black exterior trim, which makes it even more appealing.

Problems, Repair Costs, and Maintenance Insights

When it comes to the reliability of the RAM 1500 by model year, the 2017 model continued the refinements we saw in the 2016 model. This makes it one of the more reliable trucks of this generation. In short, it had fewer complaints and was praised for its smooth ride, strong towing capability, and comfortable interior. Granted, a few lingering problems persisted:

• Cam & Lifter Failure (5.7-liter HEMI): While it’s a lot less frequent than in the earlier years, some 5.7-liter V8 models still experience lifter roller failures. This would, predictably, lead to ticking noises, misfires, and expensive repairs. Just like in the earlier model years, fixing this is a $3,000 to $4,500 repair job.
• Infotainment & Electrical Glitches: Some owners also reported their Uconnect screens freezing or random reboots, though software updates resolved most of these issues. If that didn’t fix the underlying problem, then you might have to consider forking out $300 to $1,000 for a repair.
• Suspension & Alignment Issues: A small number of owners also noted peculiar front suspension noise or tie rod wear, particularly in higher-mileage models. Thankfully, compared to some of the earlier problems, this is a relatively inexpensive repair. It’ll set you back around $500 to $1,500.

Annual maintenance costs for the 2017 RAM 1500 range between $750 and $1,300, making it one of the most affordable RAM 1500s to maintain! Most owners report minimal unexpected repairs, making this a safe and dependable option if you’re looking to get it used. If properly maintained, it’ll keep running problem-free for a rather long time.