Ram 1500 problems by model year
Updated from NHTSA data · How we count
NHTSA has 9,093 owner complaints and 97 recalls on file for the Ram 1500 (2009–2026). The 2019 1500 has the most serious complaints, most often about electrical system.
- Complaints
- 9,093
- Recalls
- 97
- Model years
- 15
- Worst year
- 2019
Complaints by model year
Newer model years have had less time on the road, so they naturally have fewer complaints. Compare a year against its neighbors rather than against brand-new models.
Worst Ram 1500 years to buy
Ranked by our severity-weighted complaint score (crashes, fires and injuries count extra — how it works).
- 2019 Ram 1500 — 1,276 complaints, 60 crashes, 8 fires; top problem: Electrical System
- 2016 Ram 1500 — 1,094 complaints, 30 crashes, 19 fires; top problem: Steering
- 2014 Ram 1500 — 1,055 complaints, 30 crashes, 8 fires; top problem: Steering
- 2015 Ram 1500 — 900 complaints, 20 crashes, 24 fires; top problem: Steering
- 2017 Ram 1500 — 682 complaints, 34 crashes, 9 fires; top problem: Steering
Fewest serious complaints among years at least 3 years old: 2009 (20 complaints).
Every Ram 1500 model year
| Year | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Injuries | Recalls | Top problem |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 1500 | 98 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 9 | Electrical System |
| 2025 1500 | 359 | 9 | 3 | 2 | 8 | Electrical System |
| 2024 1500 | 75 | 7 | 2 | 3 | 6 | Electrical System |
| 2023 1500 | 202 | 10 | 1 | 4 | 11 | Electrical System |
| 2022 1500 | 620 | 22 | 6 | 8 | 16 | Engine |
| 2021 1500 | 681 | 27 | 4 | 23 | 15 | Engine |
| 2020 1500 | 635 | 23 | 6 | 15 | 14 | Engine |
| 2019 1500 | 1,276 | 60 | 8 | 50 | 29 | Electrical System |
| 2018 1500 | 589 | 16 | 6 | 8 | 15 | Electrical System |
| 2017 1500 | 682 | 34 | 9 | 28 | 13 | Steering |
| 2016 1500 | 1,094 | 30 | 19 | 20 | 16 | Steering |
| 2015 1500 | 900 | 20 | 24 | 15 | 17 | Steering |
| 2014 1500 | 1,055 | 30 | 8 | 13 | 16 | Steering |
| 2013 1500 | 807 | 29 | 2 | 7 | 11 | Steering |
| 2009 1500 | 20 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 | Transmission & Drivetrain |
Most common Ram 1500 problem areas (all years)
- Steering2,353 complaints
- Engine2,058 complaints
- Electrical System1,905 complaints
- Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion1,248 complaints
- Brakes1,128 complaints
- Transmission & Drivetrain878 complaints
- Driver Assistance & Safety Tech526 complaints
- Acceleration & Cruise Control345 complaints
- Body & Structure315 complaints
- Airbags311 complaints
Complaint trend
Ram 1500 recalls
Risk: A side air bag that does not deploy as intended increases the risk of injury in a crash.
Risk: A TPMS warning light that fails to notify the driver of low tire pressure increases the risk of a crash.
Risk: A rearview image that does not display reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Risk: A rearview camera image that fails to display reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Risk: An improperly installed seat belt buckle anchor may fail to properly restrain occupants, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Risk: Parking lights and daytime running lights that fail to illuminate properly reduce the vehicle's visibility to other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
Risk: A rearview image that does not display reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Risk: An instrument panel display that fails to show critical safety information, such as gear selection and warning lights, increases the risk of a crash.
Risk: Trailer brake lights and turn signals that do not illuminate reduce visibility to other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash. Additionally, trailer brakes that fail increase the risk of a crash.
Risk: An inflator rupture may result in sharp metal fragments striking occupants, resulting in injury.
Risk: An instrument panel display that does not show critical information, such as warning lights or gear selection, increases the risk of a crash.
Risk: A driver's side air bag that does not deploy as intended increases the risk of injury in a crash.
Risk: An inflator rupture may result in sharp metal fragments striking occupants, resulting in injury.
Risk: A driver's side air bag that does not deploy as intended increases the risk of injury in a crash.
Risk: An incorrect tire pressure message may result in improperly inflated tires, increasing the risk of a crash.
Risk: An inflator rupture may result in sharp metal fragments striking occupants, resulting in injury.
Risk: Inoperative headlights can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Risk: Driving with a disabled electronic stability control system can increase the risk of a crash.
Risk: Detached mirror glass can reduce driver visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Risk: 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.
Risk: Driving with a disabled electronic stability control system can increase the risk of a crash.
Risk: A rearview camera image that does not display decreases the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Risk: A rearview camera image that does not display decreases the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Risk: A loss of drive power or a loss of park function increase the risk of a crash.
Risk: An air bag that does not deploy in a crash can increase the risk of injury.
Other Ram models
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. Methodology