The Ram 1500 needs no introduction. Since its introduction in 1981, the half-ton pickup truck from Dodge earned a reputation for being a durable, hassle-free option for those in need of a truck that can handle it all. The Ram 1500 stands out as one of the best American trucks next to its two famous rivals, the Ford F-150 and the Chevrolet Silverado.
A used Ram 1500 offers a lot of bang for the buck, hence, buying one would be a valuable purchase for those in the market. However, there are critical things to know before finalizing your purchase.
Without further ado, let’s take a look at the Ram 1500’s worst years and the problems, its lifespan and dependability, and which years to go for.
Ram 1500 Models From 2001 To 2003 Are The Most Problematic, And Should Be Avoided
According to the Car Complaints website, the 2002 Dodge Ram 1500 has the highest number of overall complaints, with many poor interior accessories quality issues. Things like cracks in the dashboard have cost owners about $800 to fix. The 2001 and 2003 Ram 1500 models also suffer from similar interior problems. Each model has roughly 1,000 complaints on the Car Complaints website, and they’re predominantly about interior issues.
Other than that, there are almost 150 filed complaints about the 2002 Ram 150 that pertains to severe engine problems. An issue like engine failure due to oil sludge has made owners spend an average of $3,610 to get their trucks up and running again.
Furthermore, another problematic year for the Dodge Ram 1500 is 2011, with many recurring TIPM issues. Reportedly, the majority of the owners had no other choice than to replace the TIPM in their trucks for roughly $1,300.
Among the models from 2012 onwards, the 2014 model has the most number of filed complaints, with problems concerning the air suspension system that can cost about $2,000 to fix. The title of the worst year of the bunch goes to the 2016 Ram 1500 for jumping when coming to a stop at lower mileages, costing $10,000 to fix.
The 2016 Ram 1500 has 14 recalls, one open investigation, and more than 700 owners’ complaints on the NHTSA’s website. Four of the recalls revolve around severe powertrain problems. The stats are worse for the 2015 model on the NHTSA website. With 16 recalls, two open investigations, and almost 800 complaints, 2015 seems to be another problematic year for the Ram 1500.
With Proper Maintenance, Ram 1500 Can Put Out 200,000 To 250,000 Miles On The Odometer
Many reputable sources, auto websites, and car dealerships suggest that the Ram 1500 can reach 200,000 to 250,000 miles without needing any expensive overhauls, as long as it receives adequate care.
This number is echoed by owners on various Ram 1500 forums, with some claiming to reach even 300,000 miles on their Ram 1500 with the original engine and transmission. That is, of course, with an excellent maintenance routine.
If you want your Ram 1500 to live to its maximum potential, following Ram 1500’s suggested maintenance schedule is crucial.
Some of the essential services include:
- Every 8,000 miles: change oil filters and rotate tires.
- Every 20,000 miles: cabin air filter change, an inspection of tie rod ends and front suspension, replacement of brake lining if necessary.
- Every 30,000 miles: replace engine air filters and inspect transfer case fluid and front/rear axle surfaces.
- Every 100,000 miles: change spark plugs and the PCV valve if necessary.
- Every 120,000 miles: change the automatic transmission fluid and filter.
On average, the Ram 1500 costs roughly $691 to maintain, according to Repair Pal. That is more than a hundred bucks lower than the average for full-size trucks. It can vary from one model year to another, but most Ram 1500 models are more affordable to own than the Ford F-150 or the Chevrolet Silverado.
If You Avoid Problematic Years, A Used Ram 1500 Can Be Your Next Favorite Vehicle
The Ram 1500 is one of the longest-lasting pickup trucks on the market. Although some model years recorded a few serious problems, the reputation of this half-ton truck is not stained.
If you’re in the market for a used Ram 1500, it’s best if you avoid 2001 to 2003 models due to poor interior quality. The 2015 and 2016 models also come with a lot of expensive problems at lower mileages and an unusually high number of recalls. Hence, it should be avoided.
The 2017 Ram 1500 comes with significantly fewer problems and can offer excellent value for the price tag. The same story applies to the 2019 model. Hence, if you’re opting for an older model, make sure all the recalled issues are taken care of prior to making your purchase.