The Ram 1500 years with the most complaints are 2012-2014 DS trucks, led by electric power steering and air suspension failures on 2014. The 3.0L EcoDiesel in any year needs proof of its EGR cooler and fuel pump recalls. The DT generation from 2019 is generally stronger, with airbag, tailgate and seat belt recalls to check.
For a full-size pickup, the Ram 1500 is a cheap truck to keep. RepairPal ranks it first of 17 full-size trucks with a 3.5 out of 5, about $691 a year in repairs against $936 for the class, roughly 0.2 unscheduled visits a year, and a 13 percent chance a repair is severe compared with 18 percent for full-size pickups. Most of the bad news is concentrated in a few model years and one engine.
Three trucks share the 1500 name in the used market. The fourth-generation DS ran from 2009 to 2018, the first two years badged as a Dodge. When the redesigned fifth-generation DT arrived for 2019, the DS stayed in production as the cheaper Ram 1500 Classic through the 2024 model year. A 2019-2024 listing that just says Ram 1500 could be either truck, so check the body and the VIN.
In Palm Beach County the 1500 does double duty as a family car and a work truck: crew cabs with the 5.7L Hemi pulling a center console boat, Tradesman trucks with ladder racks running between job sites on Congress Avenue. How it was used tells you more than the odometer.
Ram 1500 generations
DT
2019-presentEight-speed automatic. Coil-spring rear suspension, with optional four-corner air suspension that can drop the truck about 2 inches for loading. For 2025 the Hemi was dropped in favor of the Hurricane, then brought back a year later.
1500 Classic (DS body)
2019-2024The previous truck kept on sale at a lower price, by the end mostly as Tradesman and Warlock trims and in fleets. Shares the DS truck's parts and many of its recalls.
DS
2009-2018First Ram 1500 with a coil-spring five-link rear suspension. The 2013 update brought the eight-speed automatic, the Pentastar V6, electric power steering and optional four-corner air suspension. Earlier trucks used four, five and six-speed automatics.
Known Ram 1500 problems by year
Electric power steering failures
Loss of steering assist is the top 2014 complaint on CarComplaints, at an average of 82,000 miles and $3,100. The steering suddenly goes heavy, often with a warning on the cluster. Recall 16V-167 replaced steering units on some 2015-2016 trucks built in 2015 because contamination on the control board could short it. Check battery voltage and grounds first, since low voltage can trigger the same warning.
Guide: Why does my car pull to one side when I drive?Four-corner air suspension faults
On CarComplaints, an air suspension that stops working is the second biggest 2014 complaint, averaging about $2,000 at 56,000 miles. A suspension warning, a truck that will not change height, or one corner that sags all point to a leaking air spring, a valve block fault or a tired compressor.
Guide: What's that clunking noise when I go over bumps?5.7L Hemi lifter roller and camshaft wear
A lifter roller that seizes grinds a flat spot into its cam lobe. The progression is a steady tick, then a misfire code on one cylinder, then metal in the oil. CarComplaints lists engine failure as a leading 2016 complaint at an average of $7,100. Changing oil on time with the specified grade is the best prevention, and a tick that does not go away after warm-up should be diagnosed promptly.
Guide: What is that knocking noise coming from my engine?Hemi exhaust manifold bolt breakage
Heat cycling can snap the rearmost exhaust manifold bolts. You hear a tick on a cold start that fades as the manifold expands and seals. It is often mistaken for a lifter. A shop can tell the two apart with a smoke test or by listening at the manifold with a stethoscope.
Guide: What is that knocking noise coming from my engine?EcoDiesel EGR cooler, fuel pump and crank sensor recalls
Older diesel trucks have a cracked EGR cooler recall (19V-757), a high-pressure fuel pump recall (22V-406) and a crankshaft sensor tone wheel recall that can stall the engine (20V-475, expanded as 23V-411). DT diesels have their own fuel pump campaigns, 22V-767 and 23V-263. Treat any EcoDiesel without dealer records for these as a risky purchase.
Guide: Why is white smoke coming from my exhaust?Tailgate opening while driving
On DS trucks a plastic tab in the tailgate latch actuator can break, and on DT trucks the strikers can be misaligned. Either way the tailgate can drop open with cargo in the bed. If the tailgate rattles, needs a hard slam, or the latch handle feels loose, check the VIN for these campaigns.
Notable recalls
- 17V-821 (2009-2017 Ram 1500): The brake transmission shift interlock pin can stick, so the column shifter can leave Park without the brake pressed or even with the key out. A rollaway risk, fixed free at the dealer.
- 16V-167 (2015-2016 Ram 1500 built January to September 2015): Contamination on the electric power steering control board can short it and remove steering assist. Dealers replace the steering unit.
- 21V-632 (2015-2020 Ram 1500 Classic): The side curtain airbag inflator end cap can detach or the inflator can rupture, sending gas and debris into the cabin. Dealers inspect and replace parts.
- 25V-010 (2016-2019 Ram 1500): Side curtain airbag inflators may rupture because of a manufacturing defect. Dealers replace the curtain airbags.
- 19V-347 (2013-2018 Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500, depending on bed and tailgate): A tab in the tailgate actuator can fracture and let the tailgate open while driving. It expanded an earlier power tailgate campaign, 18V-486.
- 26V-495 (2019-2026 Ram 1500): Second-row center and left seat belt buckle anchors may not be installed correctly. Dealers inspect and secure them. A late addition worth checking even on a truck that was recall-clean last year.
Recall repairs are free at any franchised Ram dealer. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, since this list is not complete.
Maintenance that matters
| When the oil life monitor says so, and at least twice a year | Oil and filter in the exact viscosity on the fill cap. Hemi lifters are oiled by pressure, and dirty or wrong-grade oil shortens their life. Short-trip trucks should change on the early side. |
| Every 10,000 miles | Rotate tires and inspect front tie rods and ball joints. Check air springs for cracks and the tailgate latches for play. |
| Every 30,000 miles | Rear axle fluid on trucks that tow, plus front axle and transfer case on 4x4s. Fuel filter on EcoDiesel trucks per the manual. |
| About 60,000 miles | Eight-speed transmission fluid and filter on trucks that tow or idle a lot, even if the schedule calls it lifetime fluid. |
| About 100,000 miles | Sixteen spark plugs on the Hemi, which uses two per cylinder. Coolant service and a check of the exhaust manifold bolts while you are in there. |
Confirm against your owner's manual or maintenance minder for your exact year and engine.
Typical Ram 1500 repair costs
| Job | Typical cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electric power steering gear replacement, 2013-2016 | $1,800-$3,300 | CarComplaints owners report an average near $3,100. |
| Air spring, one corner | $450-$950 | |
| Hemi lifters and camshaft, independent shop | $3,200-$6,000 | Higher if the oil pump and timing set are done together. |
| Exhaust manifold bolt extraction and gaskets | $400-$900 per side | |
| Front brake pads | $440-$560 | RepairPal's national pad-only estimate is about $442-$499 before tax; rotors add $250-$400. |
| EcoDiesel EGR cooler, out of warranty | $1,500-$2,800 | |
| Tailgate latch or actuator replacement | $200-$500 | |
| Eight-speed transmission fluid and filter service | $300-$550 |
Typical South Florida ranges for parts and labor, for budgeting only. Your quote depends on the vehicle and the shop.
Buying a used Ram 1500
- Among DS trucks, 2012-2014 carry the highest complaint counts on CarComplaints, with 2014 rated worst for steering and air suspension. A 2017-2018 DS or a 1500 Classic with the 5.7L Hemi and coil springs is a simpler, often cheaper truck to own.
- Skip air suspension on a used truck unless the seller can show recent air spring or compressor work, or the price reflects a $1,500 to $2,500 repair in the near future.
- On any Hemi truck, listen to a cold start. A tick that fades in a minute is often a broken manifold bolt; a tick that stays, or a misfire code, can be the lifter problem and is worth walking away from without a diagnosis.
- For an EcoDiesel, ask a Ram dealer to print the campaign history. 2014-2019 trucks need the EGR cooler, fuel pump and crank sensor work closed; 2020-2023 DT trucks need their fuel pump campaigns closed.
The Florida factor
A 1500 that spends its days on job sites west of State Road 7 parks in full sun with the windows up, and the dash, door panels and steering wheel take a beating. Heat also ages air suspension rubber and the battery pack that eTorque DT trucks carry, so shade and a windshield screen do more than keep the seats bearable.
Trucks that launch boats at the Spanish River or Hillsboro ramps dunk their rear brakes, hubs and rear coil springs in salt water. Rinse the rear axle, brakes and hitch with fresh water the same day, and have the brake lines looked at yearly, since corroded lines fail without much warning.
Afternoon storms flood the low spots on Glades Road and Military Trail fast. A lifted or air-suspended truck can wade deeper than a car, but water that reaches the axle vents gets into the gear oil. Change the differential fluid if you drove through anything above the hubs.
Repair shops near Boca Raton
- Boca Auto Fix4301 Oak Circle, Boca Raton, FL, 33431
- Element, Pickup trucks and trailer repair3120D Northwest 16th Terrace, Pompano Beach, FL, 33064
- Europen Auto Service CentreParkland, FL
- Ferrari of Boca Raton6403 W Rogers Cir, Boca Raton, FL, 33487
- FirestonePompano Beach, FL
- Firestone1259 North Federal Highway, Boca Raton, FL, 33432
Ram 1500 FAQ
Is my 2019-2024 Ram 1500 a Classic or the new truck?
The Classic is the older DS truck that was sold alongside the DT from 2019 through 2024, usually in work-oriented trims. The two look different side by side, but the VIN and the original window sticker settle it.
What is the most reliable Ram 1500 year?
On CarComplaints, 2012, 2013 and 2014 carry by far the most reports, and later trucks draw fewer. A well-kept Hemi or Pentastar truck without air suspension or the EcoDiesel is the lowest-risk choice in any generation.
Why did my Ram's steering suddenly get heavy?
On 2013-2016 trucks, the electric power steering unit is the usual suspect, and some 2015-2016 trucks are under recall 16V-167. Pull over and test the battery and charging system too, because low voltage can cut assist.
Is the eTorque system expensive to fix?
eTorque pairs a belt-driven motor-generator with a separate battery pack to add torque at low speed. Out of warranty, either part costs more to replace than a plain alternator, so a used eTorque truck is worth a scan for stored hybrid system codes before you buy.
Do I need to worry about the Hemi tick?
Not always. A cold-start tick that fades is often an exhaust leak. A constant tick with a misfire code needs a diagnosis before the camshaft is damaged.
Guides for Ram 1500 owners
More for Ram owners: Ram owner's guide
- Wikipedia: Ram 1500 (DS)
- Wikipedia: Ram 1500 (DT)
- CarComplaints: Ram 1500 problems by year
- RepairPal: Ram 1500 reliability
- NHTSA recall 17V-821: Ram shift interlock
General information, not a diagnosis. A car problem can have causes a guide cannot see, so have anything safety-related inspected in person. Read our editorial policy.