Ram 1500: best & worst years

Here is every Ram 1500 model year we cover (2010–2024), ranked by our reliability verdict, with the owner-reported problems behind each one.

Every Ram 1500 year, ranked

YearVerdictScoreTop owner-reported problems
2024 Caution 6 eTorque 48V mild-hybrid faults: 12V battery drain and system shutdowns reported while driving, which can disable power steering, brake assist and driver aids; some builds needed a control-module recalibration.; 5.7L HEMI lifter/camshaft tick and broken exhaust-manifold bolts; can progress to misfires and reduced power, and repairs are expensive.; General electrical and infotainment gremlins (module, battery and Uconnect faults) reported across the generation. Full report ↗
2023 Caution 6 eTorque 48V mild-hybrid faults: 12V battery drain and system shutdowns reported while driving, which can disable power steering, brake assist and driver aids; some builds needed a control-module recalibration.; 5.7L HEMI lifter/camshaft tick and broken exhaust-manifold bolts; can progress to misfires and reduced power, and repairs are expensive.; General electrical and infotainment gremlins (module, battery and Uconnect faults) reported across the generation. Full report ↗
2022 Caution 6 eTorque 48V mild-hybrid faults: 12V battery drain and system shutdowns reported while driving, which can disable power steering, brake assist and driver aids; some builds needed a control-module recalibration.; 5.7L HEMI lifter/camshaft tick and broken exhaust-manifold bolts; can progress to misfires and reduced power, and repairs are expensive.; General electrical and infotainment gremlins (module, battery and Uconnect faults) reported across the generation. Full report ↗
2018 Caution 6 5.7L HEMI lifter tick and broken exhaust-manifold bolts; can lead to misfires and camshaft wear over time.; 3.0L EcoDiesel models add emissions-system (EGR/exhaust-treatment) and fuel-system repair risk. Full report ↗
2017 Caution 6 ABS/brake-control-module failures, with reports of long parts back-orders affecting brake, traction and cruise functions.; 5.7L HEMI lifter tick and broken exhaust-manifold bolts; can lead to misfires and camshaft wear over time.; 3.0L EcoDiesel models add emissions-system (EGR/exhaust-treatment) and fuel-system repair risk. Full report ↗
2016 Caution 6 Steering problems: the tie-rod death-wobble recall on early trucks and electric-power-steering loss of assist that NHTSA investigated on 2013-2016 models.; ABS/brake-control-module failures, with reports of long parts back-orders affecting brake, traction and cruise functions.; 5.7L HEMI lifter tick and broken exhaust-manifold bolts; can lead to misfires and camshaft wear over time. Full report ↗
2021 Caution 5 eTorque 48V mild-hybrid faults: 12V battery drain and system shutdowns reported while driving, which can disable power steering, brake assist and driver aids; some builds needed a control-module recalibration.; 5.7L HEMI lifter/camshaft tick and broken exhaust-manifold bolts; can progress to misfires and reduced power, and repairs are expensive.; General electrical and infotainment gremlins (module, battery and Uconnect faults) reported across the generation. Full report ↗
2020 Caution 5 eTorque 48V mild-hybrid faults: 12V battery drain and system shutdowns reported while driving, which can disable power steering, brake assist and driver aids; some builds needed a control-module recalibration.; 5.7L HEMI lifter/camshaft tick and broken exhaust-manifold bolts; can progress to misfires and reduced power, and repairs are expensive.; General electrical and infotainment gremlins (module, battery and Uconnect faults) reported across the generation. Full report ↗
2019 Caution 5 eTorque 48V mild-hybrid faults: 12V battery drain and system shutdowns reported while driving, which can disable power steering, brake assist and driver aids; some builds needed a control-module recalibration.; 5.7L HEMI lifter/camshaft tick and broken exhaust-manifold bolts; can progress to misfires and reduced power, and repairs are expensive.; General electrical and infotainment gremlins (module, battery and Uconnect faults) reported across the generation. Full report ↗
2015 Caution 5 Steering problems: the tie-rod death-wobble recall on early trucks and electric-power-steering loss of assist that NHTSA investigated on 2013-2016 models.; ABS/brake-control-module failures, with reports of long parts back-orders affecting brake, traction and cruise functions.; 5.7L HEMI lifter tick and broken exhaust-manifold bolts; can lead to misfires and camshaft wear over time. Full report ↗
2014 Caution 5 Steering problems: the tie-rod death-wobble recall on early trucks and electric-power-steering loss of assist that NHTSA investigated on 2013-2016 models.; TIPM (totally integrated power module) electrical failures cause no-starts, stalling, fuel-pump and accessory faults, worst on 2010-2012 trucks.; ABS/brake-control-module failures, with reports of long parts back-orders affecting brake, traction and cruise functions. Full report ↗
2013 Caution 5 Steering problems: the tie-rod death-wobble recall on early trucks and electric-power-steering loss of assist that NHTSA investigated on 2013-2016 models.; TIPM (totally integrated power module) electrical failures cause no-starts, stalling, fuel-pump and accessory faults, worst on 2010-2012 trucks.; ABS/brake-control-module failures, with reports of long parts back-orders affecting brake, traction and cruise functions. Full report ↗
2012 Caution 5 Steering problems: the tie-rod death-wobble recall on early trucks and electric-power-steering loss of assist that NHTSA investigated on 2013-2016 models.; TIPM (totally integrated power module) electrical failures cause no-starts, stalling, fuel-pump and accessory faults, worst on 2010-2012 trucks.; 5.7L HEMI lifter tick and broken exhaust-manifold bolts; can lead to misfires and camshaft wear over time. Full report ↗
2011 Caution 5 Steering problems: the tie-rod death-wobble recall on early trucks and electric-power-steering loss of assist that NHTSA investigated on 2013-2016 models.; TIPM (totally integrated power module) electrical failures cause no-starts, stalling, fuel-pump and accessory faults, worst on 2010-2012 trucks.; 5.7L HEMI lifter tick and broken exhaust-manifold bolts; can lead to misfires and camshaft wear over time. Full report ↗
2010 Caution 5 TIPM (totally integrated power module) electrical failures cause no-starts, stalling, fuel-pump and accessory faults, worst on 2010-2012 trucks.; 5.7L HEMI lifter tick and broken exhaust-manifold bolts; can lead to misfires and camshaft wear over time. Full report ↗

Ram 1500 problems by year

2024 Ram 1500 Caution

Refreshed fifth-gen Ram with class-leading ride and cabin; the 5.7L HEMI it still offers carries the lifter/cam tick and exhaust-manifold-bolt reputation. Comfort-first pick with reliability caveats.

  • eTorque 48V mild-hybrid faults: 12V battery drain and system shutdowns reported while driving, which can disable power steering, brake assist and driver aids; some builds needed a control-module recalibration.
  • 5.7L HEMI lifter/camshaft tick and broken exhaust-manifold bolts; can progress to misfires and reduced power, and repairs are expensive.
  • General electrical and infotainment gremlins (module, battery and Uconnect faults) reported across the generation.

2023 Ram 1500 Caution

Mature fifth-gen Ram, the best-riding and best-finished full-size truck; the 5.7L HEMI tick and lingering eTorque/electrical complaints keep it a caution despite strong reviews.

  • eTorque 48V mild-hybrid faults: 12V battery drain and system shutdowns reported while driving, which can disable power steering, brake assist and driver aids; some builds needed a control-module recalibration.
  • 5.7L HEMI lifter/camshaft tick and broken exhaust-manifold bolts; can progress to misfires and reduced power, and repairs are expensive.
  • General electrical and infotainment gremlins (module, battery and Uconnect faults) reported across the generation.

2022 Ram 1500 Caution

Refined fifth-gen Ram with top-tier comfort and interior; persistent 5.7L HEMI lifter/exhaust-manifold issues and eTorque electrical faults temper an otherwise strong truck.

  • eTorque 48V mild-hybrid faults: 12V battery drain and system shutdowns reported while driving, which can disable power steering, brake assist and driver aids; some builds needed a control-module recalibration.
  • 5.7L HEMI lifter/camshaft tick and broken exhaust-manifold bolts; can progress to misfires and reduced power, and repairs are expensive.
  • General electrical and infotainment gremlins (module, battery and Uconnect faults) reported across the generation.

2021 Ram 1500 Caution

Fifth-gen Ram praised for ride and cabin but a high-complaint year: eTorque 48V battery/shutdown faults, electrical issues and 5.7L HEMI tick/exhaust-manifold-bolt failures.

  • eTorque 48V mild-hybrid faults: 12V battery drain and system shutdowns reported while driving, which can disable power steering, brake assist and driver aids; some builds needed a control-module recalibration.
  • 5.7L HEMI lifter/camshaft tick and broken exhaust-manifold bolts; can progress to misfires and reduced power, and repairs are expensive.
  • General electrical and infotainment gremlins (module, battery and Uconnect faults) reported across the generation.

2020 Ram 1500 Caution

Comfortable, upscale fifth-gen Ram undercut by heavy electrical complaints, eTorque mild-hybrid faults and 5.7L HEMI engine concerns. Buy with service records.

  • eTorque 48V mild-hybrid faults: 12V battery drain and system shutdowns reported while driving, which can disable power steering, brake assist and driver aids; some builds needed a control-module recalibration.
  • 5.7L HEMI lifter/camshaft tick and broken exhaust-manifold bolts; can progress to misfires and reduced power, and repairs are expensive.
  • General electrical and infotainment gremlins (module, battery and Uconnect faults) reported across the generation.

2019 Ram 1500 Caution

All-new fifth-gen Ram set the class benchmark for ride and interior but launched with teething faults: rear-cab water leaks, steering and electrical complaints, eTorque issues.

  • eTorque 48V mild-hybrid faults: 12V battery drain and system shutdowns reported while driving, which can disable power steering, brake assist and driver aids; some builds needed a control-module recalibration.
  • 5.7L HEMI lifter/camshaft tick and broken exhaust-manifold bolts; can progress to misfires and reduced power, and repairs are expensive.
  • General electrical and infotainment gremlins (module, battery and Uconnect faults) reported across the generation.

2018 Ram 1500 Caution

Final, most-refined fourth-gen Ram; smooth ride and a nice cabin, but the 5.7L HEMI tick/exhaust-manifold and EcoDiesel emissions repairs remain known risks. Strongest year of the generation.

  • 5.7L HEMI lifter tick and broken exhaust-manifold bolts; can lead to misfires and camshaft wear over time.
  • 3.0L EcoDiesel models add emissions-system (EGR/exhaust-treatment) and fuel-system repair risk.

2017 Ram 1500 Caution

Mature fourth-gen Ram with good comfort; the 5.7L HEMI engine tick plus occasional brake/ABS and steering complaints. A solid used pick with maintenance records.

  • ABS/brake-control-module failures, with reports of long parts back-orders affecting brake, traction and cruise functions.
  • 5.7L HEMI lifter tick and broken exhaust-manifold bolts; can lead to misfires and camshaft wear over time.
  • 3.0L EcoDiesel models add emissions-system (EGR/exhaust-treatment) and fuel-system repair risk.

2016 Ram 1500 Caution

Fourth-gen Ram in its refined years; the tail of the electric-power-steering loss-of-assist concern plus the HEMI tick keep it a measured caution.

  • Steering problems: the tie-rod death-wobble recall on early trucks and electric-power-steering loss of assist that NHTSA investigated on 2013-2016 models.
  • ABS/brake-control-module failures, with reports of long parts back-orders affecting brake, traction and cruise functions.
  • 5.7L HEMI lifter tick and broken exhaust-manifold bolts; can lead to misfires and camshaft wear over time.

2015 Ram 1500 Caution

Highest-complaint fourth-gen year: ABS/brake-module failures, electric-power-steering loss and electrical issues alongside the 5.7L HEMI tick. Inspect thoroughly.

  • Steering problems: the tie-rod death-wobble recall on early trucks and electric-power-steering loss of assist that NHTSA investigated on 2013-2016 models.
  • ABS/brake-control-module failures, with reports of long parts back-orders affecting brake, traction and cruise functions.
  • 5.7L HEMI lifter tick and broken exhaust-manifold bolts; can lead to misfires and camshaft wear over time.

2014 Ram 1500 Caution

Fourth-gen Ram; the new 3.0L EcoDiesel brought later emissions/EGR headaches, and electric-power-steering and HEMI-tick complaints persist.

  • Steering problems: the tie-rod death-wobble recall on early trucks and electric-power-steering loss of assist that NHTSA investigated on 2013-2016 models.
  • TIPM (totally integrated power module) electrical failures cause no-starts, stalling, fuel-pump and accessory faults, worst on 2010-2012 trucks.
  • ABS/brake-control-module failures, with reports of long parts back-orders affecting brake, traction and cruise functions.

2013 Ram 1500 Caution

Big-update year (eight-speed automatic, air suspension) but the start of the electric-power-steering loss investigation; steering dominates complaints. Caution.

  • Steering problems: the tie-rod death-wobble recall on early trucks and electric-power-steering loss of assist that NHTSA investigated on 2013-2016 models.
  • TIPM (totally integrated power module) electrical failures cause no-starts, stalling, fuel-pump and accessory faults, worst on 2010-2012 trucks.
  • ABS/brake-control-module failures, with reports of long parts back-orders affecting brake, traction and cruise functions.

2012 Ram 1500 Caution

Fourth-gen Ram dogged by TIPM electrical failures (no-start, stalling, fuel-pump) plus the 5.7L HEMI tick. A comfort-led truck that needs a careful inspection.

  • Steering problems: the tie-rod death-wobble recall on early trucks and electric-power-steering loss of assist that NHTSA investigated on 2013-2016 models.
  • TIPM (totally integrated power module) electrical failures cause no-starts, stalling, fuel-pump and accessory faults, worst on 2010-2012 trucks.
  • 5.7L HEMI lifter tick and broken exhaust-manifold bolts; can lead to misfires and camshaft wear over time.

2011 Ram 1500 Caution

Fourth-gen Ram hit by the tie-rod death-wobble recall and TIPM electrical failures; comfortable but reliability-spotty. Verify recalls were completed.

  • Steering problems: the tie-rod death-wobble recall on early trucks and electric-power-steering loss of assist that NHTSA investigated on 2013-2016 models.
  • TIPM (totally integrated power module) electrical failures cause no-starts, stalling, fuel-pump and accessory faults, worst on 2010-2012 trucks.
  • 5.7L HEMI lifter tick and broken exhaust-manifold bolts; can lead to misfires and camshaft wear over time.

2010 Ram 1500 Caution

Dodge-badged fourth-gen Ram with powertrain and TIPM electrical complaints; a comfortable ride but an aging, recall-laden early year. Caution.

  • TIPM (totally integrated power module) electrical failures cause no-starts, stalling, fuel-pump and accessory faults, worst on 2010-2012 trucks.
  • 5.7L HEMI lifter tick and broken exhaust-manifold bolts; can lead to misfires and camshaft wear over time.

Rankings come from CarVitals reliability verdicts, built on public NHTSA complaint and recall data. See how we build these reports, the most reliable used cars overall, browse all Ram models, or check any listing free with the CarVitals extension.