Dodge Ram 1500 Reliability Problems

Ram 1500 owners have made 6,200 complaints over 18 model years. Using our PainRank™ system we've ranked it 27th in overall reliability out of 29 Dodge models, with real interior and engine concerns.

7 Common Dodge Ram 1500 Problems

A list of some of the most common issues Ram 1500 owners have to deal with.

  2. Dodge Vehicles With Recalled Takata Airbags

    Takata, a parts supplier, provided automakers with a defective airbag inflator responsible for 23 deaths and hundreds of injuries. It's one of the largest and most dangerous recalls in automotive history, affecting over 37 million vehicles …

    Continue reading article "Dodge Vehicles With Recalled Takata Airbags" A crash test dummy about to hit an airbag superimposed with the Takata logo

  4. Stuck in Park

    Can't shift the car into reverse or drive! Now what? This is most commonly reported from Dodge Avenger owners, but there have also been similar complaints about other Dodge makes as well as other Chrysler and Jeep vehicles having a similar …

    Continue reading article "Stuck in Park" Red arrow points at a disassembled gear shifter

  5. Cracked Dashboards

    Is your Dodge dashboard falling apart and breaking into pieces? Have you been watching the cracks grow bigger and bigger with each passing month? Do you feel helpless as your dashboard caves in on itself? Trust me, you're not alone.

    Continue reading article "Cracked Dashboards" A common example of a Dodge Ram dashboard

What Ram 1500 Owners Complain About

Sometimes it helps just to tally up the complaints and see where the biggest stacks are. Use this information to learn about troublespots or to run for the hills.

Worst Issues

What Breaks the Most

Years to Avoid

Full Lists on CarComplaints.com

Ram 1500 Generations

The Ram 1500 has 3 generations, each with their own issues. Using the same PainRank™ system we've determined that you're better off avoiding the 4th generation (2009–2011).

Ram 1500 Key Numbers

  1. 6,200 complaints

    Running tally of owner grievances filed to CarComplaints.com.

  2. 560 service bulletins

    Documenting the process of troubleshooting common problems.

  3. 95 recall campaigns

    Time-sensitive, free repairs for widespread safety problems.

Ram 1500 Class-Action Lawsuits

The Ram 1500 has been named as a class vehicle in the following lawsuits.

  • Settled

    Velasco, et al. v. Chrysler Group LLC.

    1. Settled

      Dodge Durango and Jeep Grand Cherokee TIPM problems will finally be fixed after a federal judge granted preliminary approval to a "totally integrated power module" (TIPM) class-action lawsuit.

    2. Case Filed

      The lawsuit alleges the named vehicles have defective Totally Integrated Power Modules, also known as TIPMs. The TIPM controls and distributes power to all of the electrical functions of the vehicle, including the vehicle safety and ignition systems.

    Problem
    Defective TIPM Causes Multiple Electrical Problems
    Class Vehicles
    • 2011-2012 Dodge Durango
    • 2010-2014 Dodge Grand Caravan
    • 2010 Dodge Journey
    • 2012-2014 Ram Cargo Van
    • 2010-2012 Ram 1500
    • 2010-2012 Ram 2500
    • 2010-2012 Ram 3500
    • 2011-2012 Ram 3500 Cab Chassis
    • 2011-2013 Ram 4500 Cab Chassis
    • 2011-2013 Ram 5500 Cab Chassis
    Location
    California

Recent Ram 1500 News

There's a lot of news out there, but not all of it matters. We try to boil down it to the most important bits about things that actually help you with your car problem. Interested in getting these stories in an email? Signup for free email alerts over at CarComplaints.com.

  1. J

    ust a few days after switching its name, FCA US is issuing a massive recall for 3.3 million older vehicles with Takata airbag inflators.** The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has been not-so-subtly suggesting automakers ditch regional recalls and expand nationwide. It looks like FCA US has listened.

    FCA US says it's aware of one injury related to exploding Takata airbag inflators, but that incident occurred in Florida. The automaker said there have been no other reports of accidents or injuries. In addition, FCA US says over 1,000 laboratory tests have been conducted on airbag inflators but no problems were discovered.

    The recalled vehicles include the 2004-2007 Dodge Ram 1500 / 2500 / 3500 / 3500 Chassis Cab, Durango, Charger, Magnum, and Dakota.

    keep reading article "Regional Recall Issued for Takata Airbag Inflators"

  2. Dodge is part of a new recall of Takata airbag inflators in over 350,000 vehicles.

    The recall is currently limited to areas of high humidity, including Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, Texas and the territories of American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico, Saipan and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

    Chrysler says the vehicles have passenger frontal airbag inflators that are different from other metal Takata inflators used by other automakers. Chrysler says it has received no reports of accidents or injuries and even after laboratory tests on 600 inflators, none of the inflators were defective.

    Recall notices should be sent out around January 15th of next year.

    keep reading article "Regional Recall Issued for Takata Airbag Inflators"

  3. "Let's take the truck for a spin" is taking on a whole new meaning for owners of the 2005 Dodge Ram 1500.

    There are numerous reports of the rear differential locking up or the driveshaft separating due to loose pinion nuts, causing the truck to spin out of control. About half of the complaints happened at speeds over 50mph, leaving owners with both a mechanic and a dry cleaner bill (if you catch my drift).

    Read more about the issue and the terrifying tales of owners.…

    keep reading article "Is Dodge Indifferent About Their Differentials?"

What Owners Say About Their Ram 1500

What the Truck? There Are So Many Dodge Cracked Dashboards

This is not normal wear on the dash, it is falling apart and should be replaced by [Dodge]. I didn't know it was this bad until I removed the Dash mat from my dash and saw how bad it really is, unbelievable.

2003 Ram 1500 Owner

What the Truck? There Are So Many Dodge Cracked Dashboards

I would be happy to pay the cost of the replacement dash if it was at cost. Some dealers want over $700 just for the part other online dealers will go as low as $400 but you have to ship it. Dodge could sell it to us for $100 and not lose a penny. They would rather make a profit off their faulty product.

2001 Ram 1500 Owner in CA

What the Truck? There Are So Many Dodge Cracked Dashboards

I would be happy to pay the cost of the replacement dash if it was at cost. Some dealers want over $700 just for the part other online dealers will go as low as $400 but you have to ship it. Dodge could sell it to us for $100 and not lose a penny. They would rather make a profit off their faulty product.

2001 Ram 1500 Owner in CA

Other Dodge Models