Dodge Ram problems
The Ram pickup (marketed as the Dodge Ram until 2010) is a full-size pickup truck manufactured by Stellantis North America (formerly Chrysler Group LLC and FCA US LLC) and marketed from 2010 onwards under the Ram Trucks brand. The current fifth-generation Ram debuted at the 2018 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan, in January of that year.
Previously, Ram was part of the Dodge line of light trucks. The name Ram was first used in 1981 model year Dodge Trucks in October 1980, following the retiring and rebadging of the Dodge D series pickup trucks as well as B-series vans, though the company had used a ram's-head hood ornament on some trucks as early as 1933.
Ram trucks have been named Motor Trend magazine's Truck of the Year eight times; the second-generation Ram won the award in 1994, the third-generation Ram heavy-duty won the award in 2003, the fourth-generation Ram Heavy Duty won in 2010 and the fourth-generation Ram 1500 won in 2013 and 2014, and the current fifth-generation Ram pickup became the first truck in history to win the award three times, winning in 2019, 2020, and 2021.
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Dodge Ram model years
Common Dodge Ram problems
The Dodge Ram, a popular full-size pickup truck, has been known to have several common problems across various model years. Here are some of the most frequently reported issues:
- Exhaust Manifold Bolts: Models with a 3.7L V6 engine and a 4.7L V8 engine have exhaust manifold bolts that are prone to breaking. The standard fix is to replace the exhaust manifold gaskets, which only cost about $15-$20.
- Coolant Leaks: Owners of 1994-2010 Dodge Ram 1500s have complained about their engine overheating due to the coolant leaking. The leaks usually come from the water pump, thermostat gasket, and intake manifold gasket.
- Body Structure Issues: Frustrated owners have many complaints about the RAM 1500s body structure problems. Issues such as faulty lock mechanisms, defective paint job, rust buildup, and bumper holes drilled too large are common with this truck.
- Defective TRW Crash Sensors: Airbag control units (ACUs) are designed to detect a vehicular crash, and determine which airbags to be deployed and when to activate the seat belt pretensioners. However, when there’s an electric overstress, the ACUs in certain RAM 1500 trucks may be affected and potentially disable the airbag deployment. This issue was mostly reported on the fourth generation of RAM 1500, and is a huge safety risk.
- Oil Sludge: Several Dodge vehicles were reported to have oil sludge problems, including the RAM 1500. According to the reports, Dodge’s 2.7L engine had a problem with thick, oily sludge that clogged the passageways in the cylinder block. With these clogged passageways, it can lead to oil starvation for various moving parts including the camshafts and pistons. When left unattended, this problem may cause engine failure.
- Death Wobble: The death wobble is a problem that affects certain Dodge Ram trucks, especially those with a solid front axle. The issue is caused by a loose component in the front suspension or steering system, which can cause the truck to shake violently at high speeds.
- Transmission Issues: Transmission problems are common in Dodge Ram trucks, with issues such as rough shifting, delayed engagement, and slipping. These problems can often be traced back to faulty solenoids, low transmission fluid levels, or worn-out clutch packs.
- Electrical Issues: Electrical problems are common in Dodge Ram trucks, with issues such as flickering lights, non-functioning gauges, and dead batteries. These problems can often be traced back to faulty wiring, blown fuses, or a malfunctioning alternator.
- Dashboard Cracks: Model years from 2001 to 2003 are the most prone to cracked dashboards. Cracked dashboards can't be repaired, only replaced, so the best option is to prevent sun damage with a dashboard cover.
These are just a few of the common problems that Dodge Ram owners have reported. It's important to note that not all vehicles will experience these issues, and many can be resolved with routine maintenance and repairs. However, potential buyers should be aware of these common problems and consider them when deciding whether to purchase a Dodge Ram truck.
What is the most common problem with a Dodge RAM 1500?
RAM 1500 engines fail for a variety of reasons. However, the most common issue appears to be related to a defective transmission. Dodge RAM 1500 engine replacement costs can range widely, with a replacement estimate of as much as $13,000.
What years were bad for Dodge Ram?
Q: What are the Dodge RAM 1500 years to avoid? A: The Dodge RAM 1500 years to avoid are 2003, 2010-2013 (specifically models with the 5.7-liter V8 engine), 2014, 2015, and 2016. These model years have had various problems and recalls related to the engine, transmission, suspension, and electrical systems.
What year is the most reliable Ram 1500?
5 of the Most Reliable Used RAM Trucks
- 2020 RAM 1500 Classic. For the 2020 model year, RAM redesigned the appearance and features of its trucks. ...
- 2016 RAM 1500. Slightly earlier into the fourth generation, we can recommend shopping for a 2016 RAM 1500 for a couple of reasons. ...
- 2021 RAM 1500. ...
- 2018 RAM 1500.
What years did Dodge Ram have transmission problems?
What Went Wrong with the Transmissions in the Dodge Ram Trucks? The transmissions that are related to common complaints and recalls for Dodge Ram trucks are five and six-speed automatic transmissions. These were found in the 2009 Dodge Ram and 2010 through 2017 Ram models 1500, 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Dodge Ram years
We have researched Dodge problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Dodge Ram cars and compiled the top 5 most problematic Dodge Ram model years:
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Dodge Ram model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Dodge Ram years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Dodge Ram car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Dodge Ram , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Structure problems
- Power train problems
- Air bags problems
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Dodge Ram vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by Ram model years
A total of 1064 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with fire by Ram model years
There were a total of 409 complaints that resulted in a fire. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with injuries by Ram model years
There were a total of 968 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with deaths by Ram model years
There were a total of 50 complaints that resulted in a death. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
The NHTSA has received 12112 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Dodge Ram . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Dodge Ram vehicles.
Latest 25 complaints
Dodge Ram 2003
- Date Of Incident: 2000-05-14
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-02
- VIN: 1D7HU18D13S
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: The frame/chasis rusted through and dealer could not raise truck because lift went through frame. If it had not been noticed at dealership, we and others could have been killed if the frame had broken through on the highway. The dealership and repair shop can confirm. The box and other body components are severely rusted. The body around the gas filler cap is so rusty that I have to hold the gas dispenser just so as to prevent gas leakage from the filler apparatus going into the gas tank. The gas tank fell off the truck twice and the truck was towed into the dealer to be fixed. The truck has less than 150,000 miles, and was purchased new. The incidents occurred between 2004 and 2020 - approx. No police reports or injuries, but no help from dealer.
Dodge Ram 2004
- Date Of Incident: 2024-06-07
- Date Complaint: 2024-06-25
- VIN: 1D7HU18N34S
- Components: STEERING,AIR BAGS,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: I tried to get the service done Iam a one vehicle owner the dealership told me I had to pay out of pocket for the rental car with no set day of service The dealership didn’t care whether I got the recall done cause of the year of the vehicle they provided no transportation solution
Dodge Ram 2002
- Date Of Incident: 2024-06-12
- Date Complaint: 2024-06-12
- VIN: 1D7HU18N52S
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: The contact owns a 2002 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed at night, he became aware that the external lights and turn signal lights were not functioning properly. The lamp out warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Dodge Ram 2004
- Date Of Incident: 2024-04-25
- Date Complaint: 2024-05-14
- VIN: 1D3HA18D74J
- Components: STEERING,POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: I was driving to work that morning traveling about 40 into the city when all of a sudden I heard a loud noise, I barely could handle the steering wheel to coast it to the side before it came to a complete hault, I look out my window and my drive shaft broke in 2 pieces was passing me on the main road. Front end was on the side shoulder, back end was out in the road. I jumped out of the truck and grabbed up both ends of my drive shafts and put in the back of my 04 dodge ram truck, then started directing traffic on this busy road of morning commuters. Fluid was everywhere on the road so I'm trying to put sand from the side of the road onto the fluid that was on the road that had leaked out my truck all while directing traffic to keep from creating an accident. An law officer came ask was I alright, I answered explained what had happened and he never took a report instead replied with "Seems like you got everything handled" and got back in his car and drove off. I called for a tow service for their assistance and requested it be took to a shop. Where it now sits unrivaled. It was inspected by the mechanic and learned that the pinyin nut had came off cause my rear end to lock up which caused my drive shaft to come out and when it hit broke it smooth into 2 pieces that caused damage to my transmission case. This could have ended very badly for me that day, I'm thankful that it didn't. But now my truck is tore up do to a faulty manufacturers pinyin nut. And I need my truck fixed so I can work and support my family. This was not my doings. I love my truck very much and desperately need it back up and running
Dodge Ram 2001
- Date Of Incident: 2023-12-21
- Date Complaint: 2024-03-28
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 3B7HF13Z81G
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: Passenger side airbag exploded while sitting in my yard.
Dodge Ram 1998
- Date Of Incident: 2024-03-22
- Date Complaint: 2024-03-22
- VIN: 3B7HF13Z4WG
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: The seatbelt timer module is failing, resulting in the seatbelts staying locked even when fully retracted. This means sometimes I as the driver as well as my front seat passenger cannot buckle up and drive the vehicle safely. I have not reproduced or confirmed this issue with a dealership or independent service center. The component has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance agency. A red seatbelt warning light will appear when the seatbelts lock up and goes away when it unlocks.
Dodge Ram 2004
- Date Of Incident: 2024-03-12
- Date Complaint: 2024-03-12
- VIN: 3D7KU28C94G
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: The contact owns a 2004 Dodge Ram Quad Cab. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V352000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that the parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the recall was not completed. The manufacturer was not contacted. Parts distribution disconnect.
Dodge Ram 1998
- Date Of Incident: 2024-01-21
- Date Complaint: 2024-02-22
- VIN: 3B7HC13Z1WG
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: The drivers side and passanger side seat belts are locked in the seats. There is no fix, you cant drive truck because you can not use the seat belts, they are made into the seats. No one sells part for it. The seat belts will not extend. The seat belts just stopped working, no warning.
Dodge Ram 2004
- Date Of Incident: 2023-01-21
- Date Complaint: 2024-02-09
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Number Of Deaths: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1D7HA18D14J
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: The contact owned a 2004 Dodge Ram. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at 30 MPH, another driver in an unknown truck ran a red light and crashed into the vehicle. The air bags did not deploy. The driver sustained injuries to his thigh; medical attention was provided, but he later succumbed to his injuries. A police report was filed. There was no reported fire. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was deemed a total loss by the insurance company. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V313000 (Air Bags). The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
Dodge Ram 1996
- Date Of Incident: 2021-05-15
- Date Complaint: 2024-01-18
- VIN: 3B7HF13Y0TG
- Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
- Summary: The contact owns a 1996 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the hood flew open and struck the windshield. The contact immediately veered to the side of the road. The contact stated that the hood was bent, and the windshield was cracked due to the failure. The contact was able to drive to the residence at a slow speed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who informed the contact that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 01V040000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages). The dealer informed the contact that he would be charged a repair fee for the replacement of the hood, the grill, the windshield, and components; however, the parts were not available. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 152,000.
Dodge Ram 2004
- Date Of Incident: 2023-12-07
- Date Complaint: 2023-12-28
- VIN: 1D7HU18N34S
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: Refuse a loaner car while the recall gets done
Dodge Ram 2002
- Date Of Incident: 2023-03-30
- Date Complaint: 2023-11-05
- VIN: 3D7HU18N12G
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: The heat stopped working so i replaced the blower motor and blower relay the heater switch and still have no heat. The wire gets hot to the touch. The heater only use to work on high then all of a sudden it just stopped all the way around
Dodge Ram 2003
- Date Of Incident: 2023-10-25
- Date Complaint: 2023-10-26
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: The contact owns a 2003 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, there was an abnormal thump, prompting the contact to look through the review mirror, where he observed that the spare tire was on the roadway. After a visual inspection, the contact observed that the spare tire hoist cable had detached, allowing the spare tire to fall from the spare tire compartment. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 99,600. The VIN was not available.
Dodge Ram 2003
- Date Of Incident: 2023-10-19
- Date Complaint: 2023-10-20
- VIN: 1D7HA18D63S
- Components: POWER TRAIN,AIR BAGS
- Summary: The contact owns a 2003 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at slow speeds, the driveshaft detached. Due to the failure, the gear oil and rear differential fluid leaked out of the vehicle. The contact was able to temporarily repair the driveshaft. The dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure but offered no assistance. Additionally, the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V312000 (Air Bags) however, the contact was informed that due to a crack in the dashboard, he would be charged for the repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 230,000.
Dodge Ram 2004
- Date Of Incident: 2022-08-04
- Date Complaint: 2023-08-11
- VIN: 1D7HA18064S
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE
- Summary: The contact owns a 2004 Dodge Ram 1500 used to haul a 2018 Keystone Passport Ultra Lite Grand Touring. The contact stated that the thermostat in the RV failed to operate as needed. The RV was taken to the dealer, where the thermostat was replaced; however, the failure recurred. The RV was taken back to the dealer, where the thermostat was replaced a second time. Additionally, the contact stated that the RV interior structure had detached in several areas, and the RV was leaking an unknown substance. The contact stated that a nearby camper repair facility inspected the RV and opened the release valve, where water had accumulated underneath the RV. The RV was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown
Latest 5 recalls Dodge Ram
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 176 recalls for different components of the Dodge Ram.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Dodge Ram 2011
- Report Received Date: 2010-12-24
- Manufacturer: CHRYSLER GROUP LLC
- Components: STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY
- Summary: CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008-2011 DODGE RAM 4500 AND 5500 VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE A WEAKENING AND FRACTURE OF THE LEFT BALL STUD ON THE TIE ROD RESULTING IN THE POTENTIAL LOSS OF STEERING.
- Consequence: LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
- Remedy: CHRYSLER WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE LEFT OUTER TIE ROD FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 7, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
- Model: Dodge Ram 2008
- Report Received Date: 2010-12-24
- Manufacturer: CHRYSLER GROUP LLC
- Components: STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY
- Summary: CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008-2011 DODGE RAM 4500 AND 5500 VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE A WEAKENING AND FRACTURE OF THE LEFT BALL STUD ON THE TIE ROD RESULTING IN THE POTENTIAL LOSS OF STEERING.
- Consequence: LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
- Remedy: CHRYSLER WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE LEFT OUTER TIE ROD FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 7, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
- Model: Dodge Ram 2009
- Report Received Date: 2010-12-24
- Manufacturer: CHRYSLER GROUP LLC
- Components: STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY
- Summary: CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008-2011 DODGE RAM 4500 AND 5500 VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE A WEAKENING AND FRACTURE OF THE LEFT BALL STUD ON THE TIE ROD RESULTING IN THE POTENTIAL LOSS OF STEERING.
- Consequence: LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
- Remedy: CHRYSLER WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE LEFT OUTER TIE ROD FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 7, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
- Model: Dodge Ram 2010
- Report Received Date: 2010-12-24
- Manufacturer: CHRYSLER GROUP LLC
- Components: STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY
- Summary: CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008-2011 DODGE RAM 4500 AND 5500 VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE A WEAKENING AND FRACTURE OF THE LEFT BALL STUD ON THE TIE ROD RESULTING IN THE POTENTIAL LOSS OF STEERING.
- Consequence: LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
- Remedy: CHRYSLER WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE LEFT OUTER TIE ROD FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 7, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
- Model: Dodge Ram 2010
- Report Received Date: 2010-12-07
- Manufacturer: CHRYSLER GROUP LLC
- Components: STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:POWER STEERING FLUID
- Summary: CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010-2011 DODGE RAM TRUCKS MANUFACTURED FROM MARCH 2009 THROUGH OCTOBER 2010. SOME VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH DIESEL ENGINE AND A HYDROBOOST BRAKE SYSTEM MAY BE EQUIPPED WITH A POWER STEERING RESERVOIR CAP WITH EXCESSIVE VENT PRESSURE LEVELS THAT MAY RESULT IN BRAKE PEDALS THAT ARE SLOW TO RETURN.
- Consequence: BRAKE LIGHTS THAT ARE SLOW TO EXTINGUISH COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
- Remedy: CHRYSLER WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE POWER STEERING RESERVOIR CAP FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING FEBRUARY 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
Are you having problems with your Dodge Ram?
