Ram 1500 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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Ram 1500 model years
Common Ram 1500 problems
The Dodge Ram 1500 has been a popular pickup truck, but it has had its share of problems over the years. One common issue is with the engine, particularly in the 2010-2013 models equipped with the 5.7-liter V8 engine. Owners have reported that the engine can turn off while driving, lifters can wear out the camshaft, and the engine can turn over but not start.
The 2016 model also had problems, with 11 recalls related to the electrical, transmission, engine, and fuel system. Other issues that became a consistent complaint were RAM's GPS/UConnect system malfunctioning, radio problems, dashboard warning lights problems, and screen display problems.
The 2023 model has also had issues, with common problems including leaking windows, engine failure, and concerns over the truck's frame.
Another costly issue commonly reported by RAM 1500 owners involves damage to the truck’s steel frame during a collision. The outcome of a crash involving a RAM 1500 frame can lead to insurance assessments that classify the damage as not a total instead recommending a frame replacement. The Dodge RAM frame replacement cost depends on location and labor — a replacement frame often runs between $2,000 and $3,000 Including the technician’s work, the job can easily exceed $10,000.
The 2023 model has also had issues with the engine, with the most common issue appearing 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.
In summary, the Dodge Ram 1500 has had various problems over the years, particularly with the engine, transmission, and electrical systems. While the truck remains a popular choice for many, potential buyers should be aware of these common issues and consider the costs associated with them.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Ram 1500 years
We have researched Ram problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Ram 1500 cars and compiled the top 5 most problematic Ram 1500 model years:
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Ram 1500 model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Ram 1500 years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Ram 1500 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Ram 1500 , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Engine problems
- Steering problems
- Electrical system problems
- Power train problems
- Fuel/propulsion system problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Ram 1500 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by 1500 model years
A total of 576 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 1500 model years
There were a total of 170 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 1500 model years
There were a total of 478 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 1500 model years
There were a total of 12 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 9506 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Ram 1500 . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Ram 1500 vehicles.
Latest 25 complaints
Ram 1500 2019
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-24
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-27
- VIN: 1C6SRFFT5KN
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: Service Electronic Stability Control error thrown while driving down a main highway. Truck went into max RPM and slowed to 20MPH or less on a high traffic road and could have caused major accident. Truck is currently at the dealer awaiting diagnosis. No warning prior to failure and error message thrown and vehicle is currently on a recall for the same issue for same year make and model, however my VIN is not associated with the recall as of yet.
Ram 1500 2015
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-24
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-27
- VIN: 1C6RR6GT4FS
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: ABS, traction control and BRAKE lights on continuously, took to shop to run diagnostic and was told the problem relates to the actuator leaking into the module which now both need to be replaced. Chrysler dealer states parts are "on back order" and have been for over 6 months due to"re-engineering" issues. Talked to several other Ram owners with same problem to hear they understand Stelantis has no intention of re-engineering due to cost and possible recall responsibility. This is a real safety issue, why has a recall not been initialized?
Ram 1500 2013
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-15
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-27
- VIN: 1C6RR6LT0DS
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: I was driving on the highway when the power steering suddenly, without any warning, stopped working. The steering wheel jerked and lost all maneuverability. It took every ounce of strength I had to steer it to the side of the road. This could’ve resulted in a horrible crash. This is deadly and should be recalled. The service power steering light came on. The dealer wants $3000 to replace the electronic steering system.
Ram 1500 2017
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-24
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-25
- VIN: 1C6RR7NT3HS
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: ABS control unit failure. Part number is 68295368AA. Dealer cannot fix problem due to no part being available. I've researched this issue online and found that they've issued 2 additional part numbers to replace the unit with, both are on backorder with the manufacturer. I managed to search online for all 3 part numbers and was able to locate one of them, the latest version actually and have ordered it. Here's the main issue. This is a well known and wide spread problem with the 2017-2018 Ram 1500 trucks, also why parts are not available at the dealer. When the ABS control unit fails, the ABS, traction control, trailer brake assist, and cruise control are INOP. This is a major safety issue while driving the vehicle and problematic when you can't easily get the problem repaired. I am out of warranty coverage as are most who have the same problem. I feel FCA should step up and do a Recall of these trucks and fix with a quality part before someone gets killed.
Ram 1500 2014
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-21
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-25
- VIN: 1C6RR6LTXES
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: I am having an intermittent loss of power to the power steering system while driving, which makes it difficult to maneuver. After further research, the ECM is said to be the culprit.
Ram 1500 2021
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-07
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-25
- VIN: 1C6SRFJT9MN
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
- Summary: The contact owns a 2021 RAM 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V653000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)) however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Ram 1500 2018
- Date Of Incident: 2023-01-30
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-24
- VIN: 1C6RR6NM1JS
- Components: ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: Chrysler's 3.0L diesel engine have a high-pressure fuel pump with an open recall on them. A HPFP failure may introduce internally failed component debris into the fuel system and cause potential fuel starvation. In January of 2023, I attempted to remedy the situation with a RAM dealership in Aptos, California. The attached email chain shows that for 6 months, I was unable to receive parts for my 3.0L diesel engine. After a change in job opportunities, I ended up in Palmdale late November 2023, where I continued to pursue remediation at the RAM of the West Dealership in Lancaster. While I do not have a email thread on this, if you visit their store on 43226 10th St W, Lancaster, CA 93534, you find that they have an open ticket for this same recall that has been open since February 2024. I have had an open recall for 2 years now, which has prevented me from receiving a new registration sticker. My current RAM 1500, still has a sticker from 2022 despite me paying for all of my registration requirements. This has led to 3 tickets and a threat from law enforcement that they can take my truck. This has gone on long enough and I am demanded a solution.
Ram 1500 2016
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-16
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-24
- VIN: 1C6RR7LT0GS
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: There is a problem with the rackin pin power steering. My vehicle steering wheel will just stop turning without a struggle and then kick back in.
Ram 1500 2013
- Date Of Incident: 2024-06-24
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-24
- VIN: 1C6RR7KT6DS
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: I have bought this truck used and have had problem after problem but as I replace parts the steering one day just stop working and aggressively the steering wheel yanks hard the opposite direction that I am going then it started working for a day and then it stopped working altogether then it will work and not I have looked all through the web to find some kind of answer to this problem and ask several shops if they have had any thing like it and one told me to go to y’all’s website and check for recalls but I have not found anything on my truck but I displays the same kind of symptoms as the recall for the 2013-2016 Ram trucks also it al stop working when I’m on the highway and going the speed limit of 65 -75 even as low as 10 MPH it feels like someone is trying to yank the wheel from you and you have to fight to get control with
Ram 1500 2014
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-22
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-23
- VIN: 1C6RR7NT4ES
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: Powersteering failure and can be inspected upon request When i drove up the road i had my heatead mirror turned on and when i turned on my highbeam i lost my powersteering and almost drove of the road when it was turning. As soon i turn off the heated mirriors the powersteering starts to work again. I can reproduce this failure multiple times and no warning lamps or messages luckely no accident occured
Ram 1500 2019
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-20
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-23
- VIN: 1C6SRFBT1KN
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: As my son was driving down the interstate, the power steering went out and stopped working. And he got a service needed message.
Ram 1500 2016
- Date Of Incident: 2024-06-14
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-23
- VIN: 1C6RR7GT4GS
- Components: FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
- Summary: The automatic brake system (ABS) module has failed. Warning lights on the dash are for brakes, traction control and automating braking. The lights are frequent but not constant. When lit, the vehicle loses 4 wheel drive and cruise control. Sudden loss of cruise control at highway speeds is a safety hazard. Loss of 4 wheel drive in inclement weather is also a hazard. The truck was inspected by a Ram dealer and the ABS module was identified as defective. This was in June of 2024. As of today the replacement module from Mopar is still unavailable and currently showing “under engineering review” in the manufacturers system. The availability date for the part has been “rolling” since my initial issue in June. The Ram dealership and the Ram Customer Service team cannot provide a solution or a firm date of resolution. There is a recall for the same make and model for newer versions of my vehicle but not my 2016 Ram 1500. The Customer Service rep stated my truck was suitable to drive other than poor weather conditions. The rep did agree that the vehicle was unsafe in this condition.
Ram 1500 2016
- Date Of Incident: 2024-02-05
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-23
- VIN: 1C6RR7LG2GS
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: The ABS module has been out on my truck for almost a year and RAM still hasn't released a part. According to forums on the internet for this year model and others, this has become a common issue. I am driving my truck without the ability to use my ABS system. I have called RAM customer service and my local dealer(s) several times and a part is not available. I can't get a response from my case worker with RAM. This should be a recall issue.
Ram 1500 2015
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-23
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-23
- VIN: 1C6RR7GT0FS
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: The contact owns a 2015 Ram 1500. The contact stated while her husband was driving 30 MPH and making a turn, the steering wheel was significantly difficult to turn. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the contact was informed that the Electric Power Steering (EPS) had failed; however, the part to do the repair was on an indefinite backorder. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V167000 (Steering). The dealer was contacted and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Ram 1500 2016
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-15
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-22
- VIN: 3C6RR7LT1GG
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: See attached document for complaint.
Latest 5 recalls Ram 1500
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 180 recalls for different components of the Ram 1500.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Ram 1500 2023
- Report Received Date: 2024-10-10
- Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
- Components: VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES
- Summary: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Ram 1500 Classic vehicles equipped with heated trailer tow rearview mirrors. The mirror glass may detach from the driver's side heated trailer tow rearview mirror. As such these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
- Consequence: Detached mirror glass can reduce driver visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Dealers will replace the mirror glass, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed December 5, 2024. Owners may contact FCA Customer Service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is 86B.
- Model: Ram 1500 2020
- Report Received Date: 2024-10-10
- Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
- Components: VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES
- Summary: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Ram 1500 Classic vehicles equipped with heated trailer tow rearview mirrors. The mirror glass may detach from the driver's side heated trailer tow rearview mirror. As such these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
- Consequence: Detached mirror glass can reduce driver visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Dealers will replace the mirror glass, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed December 5, 2024. Owners may contact FCA Customer Service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is 86B.
- Model: Ram 1500 2021
- Report Received Date: 2024-10-10
- Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
- Components: VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES
- Summary: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Ram 1500 Classic vehicles equipped with heated trailer tow rearview mirrors. The mirror glass may detach from the driver's side heated trailer tow rearview mirror. As such these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
- Consequence: Detached mirror glass can reduce driver visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Dealers will replace the mirror glass, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed December 5, 2024. Owners may contact FCA Customer Service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is 86B.
- Model: Ram 1500 2022
- Report Received Date: 2024-10-10
- Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
- Components: VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES
- Summary: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Ram 1500 Classic vehicles equipped with heated trailer tow rearview mirrors. The mirror glass may detach from the driver's side heated trailer tow rearview mirror. As such these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
- Consequence: Detached mirror glass can reduce driver visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Dealers will replace the mirror glass, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed December 5, 2024. Owners may contact FCA Customer Service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is 86B.
- Model: Ram 1500 2024
- Report Received Date: 2024-10-01
- Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
- Components: STEERING:STEERING CONTROL MODULE
- Summary: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Ram 1500 vehicles. The turn signal self-canceling feature may not function properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective devices, and Associated Equipment."
- Consequence: Turn signals that do not function properly may fail to indicate the driver's intention to change vehicle direction, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the steering column control module as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 23, 2024. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is A1B.
Are you having problems with your Ram 1500?
