Ram 1500 Years to Avoid
We analyzed 11146 owner complaints and 185 safety recalls registered with the NHTSA to determine which Ram 1500 model years are lemons and which are safe to purchase.
Years to Avoid
Model year 2014 had the highest spike in defects, particularly in steering system.
Best Years to Buy
Significantly lower defect frequency, few recalls, and refined mechanicals.
Steering System
The #1 source of driver complaints on this vehicle. Inspect this subsystem thoroughly during pre-purchase inspection.
Ram 1500 Complaints & Defects by Model Year
Official consumer safety reports filed with the NHTSA. Click any year for the complete breakdown.
Ram 1500 Model Year Comparison Table
Detailed breakdown by model year showing complaint totals, safety recalls, and reliability verdicts.
| Model Year | Complaints | Recalls | Defect Score | Verdict | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 Ram 1500 | 698 | 7 | 100/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2013 Ram 1500 | 1281 | 12 | 100/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2014 Ram 1500 | 1780 | 17 | 100/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2015 Ram 1500 | 1460 | 18 | 100/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2016 Ram 1500 | 1554 | 17 | 100/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2017 Ram 1500 | 884 | 13 | 100/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2018 Ram 1500 | 667 | 15 | 100/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2019 Ram 1500 | 1496 | 30 | 100/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2020 Ram 1500 | 641 | 14 | 100/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2021 Ram 1500 | 685 | 15 | 100/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2022 Ram 1500 | 0 | 16 | 96/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2023 Ram 1500 | 0 | 11 | 66/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
Buying a Used Ram 1500: Key Reliability Insights
What are the Ram 1500 years to avoid?
Based on official NHTSA safety defect data, the Ram 1500 model years to avoid are 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023. These years exhibit significantly higher rates of owner complaints, recurring steering system issues, and federal safety recalls.
What is the best year to buy for a used Ram 1500?
The most reliable used model year for the Ram 1500 is 2023 (as well as 2023), which recorded the lowest defect score and minimal safety recalls on record.
What are the most common problems with the Ram 1500?
The most frequently reported component issues for the Ram 1500 are Steering System, Electrical System, Engine & Cooling. Owners reported premature component wear and software calibration glitches to federal investigators.
How many total recalls have been issued for the Ram 1500?
Between 2012 and 2023, the NHTSA has published 185 safety recall campaigns and recorded 11146 official owner complaints for the Ram 1500.