Ram 2500 problems by model year
Updated from NHTSA data · How we count
NHTSA has 4,338 owner complaints and 65 recalls on file for the Ram 2500 (2009–2026). The 2018 2500 has the most serious complaints, most often about brakes.
- Complaints
- 4,338
- Recalls
- 65
- Model years
- 15
- Worst year
- 2018
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 2500 years to buy
Ranked by our severity-weighted complaint score (crashes, fires and injuries count extra — how it works).
- 2018 Ram 2500 — 2,561 complaints, 39 crashes, 4 fires; top problem: Brakes
- 2017 Ram 2500 — 622 complaints, 10 crashes, 4 fires; top problem: Brakes
- 2019 Ram 2500 — 187 complaints, 7 crashes, 9 fires; top problem: Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
- 2022 Ram 2500 — 181 complaints, 9 crashes, 5 fires; top problem: Electrical System
- 2020 Ram 2500 — 162 complaints, 5 crashes, 4 fires; top problem: Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
Fewest serious complaints among years at least 3 years old: 2009 (4 complaints).
Every Ram 2500 model year
| Year | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Injuries | Recalls | Top problem |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 2500 | 27 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 7 | Brakes |
| 2025 2500 | 62 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 6 | Electrical System |
| 2024 2500 | 59 | 7 | 2 | 8 | 5 | Brakes |
| 2023 2500 | 49 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 8 | Engine |
| 2022 2500 | 181 | 9 | 5 | 6 | 12 | Electrical System |
| 2021 2500 | 108 | 6 | 8 | 2 | 8 | Electrical System |
| 2020 2500 | 162 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 10 | Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion |
| 2019 2500 | 187 | 7 | 9 | 5 | 12 | Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion |
| 2018 2500 | 2,561 | 39 | 4 | 12 | 9 | Brakes |
| 2017 2500 | 622 | 10 | 4 | 4 | 11 | Brakes |
| 2016 2500 | 115 | 4 | 1 | 2 | 12 | Transmission & Drivetrain |
| 2015 2500 | 86 | 5 | 1 | 7 | 13 | Transmission & Drivetrain |
| 2014 2500 | 87 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 14 | Engine |
| 2013 2500 | 28 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 14 | Engine |
| 2009 2500 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | Suspension |
Most common Ram 2500 problem areas (all years)
- Brakes2,986 complaints
- Electrical System846 complaints
- Acceleration & Cruise Control439 complaints
- Driver Assistance & Safety Tech376 complaints
- Transmission & Drivetrain310 complaints
- Engine305 complaints
- Steering210 complaints
- Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion190 complaints
- Wheels & Tires77 complaints
- Body & Structure72 complaints
Complaint trend
Ram 2500 recalls
Risk: A rearview camera image that fails to display reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, 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: Loss of vehicle control increases the risk of a crash.
Risk: A loss of electronic stability control increases 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: Driving with a disabled electronic stability control system increases the risk of a crash. Additionally, a driver's side air bag or seat belt pretensioner that does not deploy increases the risk of injury in a crash.
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: 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 inflator rupture may result in sharp metal fragments striking occupants, resulting in injury.
Risk: An incorrect warning light can fail to alert the driver to critical safety information, increasing the risk of a crash.
Risk: An inaccurate gear selection display may mislead the driver as to what gear is actually selected, leading to unexpected vehicle movement and increasing the risk of a crash.
Risk: An inflator rupture may result in sharp metal fragments striking occupants, resulting in injury.
Risk: A loss of anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control, or traction control 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: Driving with a disabled electronic stability control system can increase 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.
Risk: Turn signals and/or high beams that do not function as intended may cause confusion or reduced visibility to other road users, increasing the risk of a crash.
Risk: A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
Risk: An electrical short in the relay can result in an engine compartment fire with the ignition on or off, increasing the risk of injury.
Risk: A rearview image that does not display while in reverse decreases the driver's visibility of the rear view, increasing the risk of injury or crash.
Risk: An unintended tailgate opening while driving may result in a loss of unsecured cargo, possibly creating a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
Risk: Leaking transmission fluid may contact an ignition source within the engine compartment, increasing the risk of a fire.
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