Ram 1500 years to avoid (and the best years)
13,500 NHTSA owner complaints and 101 recalls across 17 model years, 2010 to 2026. Built from NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, generated October 26, 2026.
- 13,500complaints
- 101recalls
- 707reported crashes
- 205reported fires
- 532reported injuries
- 14reported deaths
Which Ram 1500 years should you avoid?
By NHTSA owner complaints, the Ram 1500 years to avoid are 2014, 2016, 2019 and 2015. The typical Ram 1500 year has 678 complaints on file.
- 2014: 1,764 complaints, 2.6 times the typical year. Most reported problem: Electric power steering failure.
- 2016: 1,538 complaints, 2.3 times the typical year. Most complaints name the engine (23% of complaints) and the steering (20% of complaints).
- 2019: 1,476 complaints, 2.2 times the typical year. Most complaints name the electrical system (26% of complaints) and the steering (23% of complaints).
- 2015: 1,444 complaints, 2.1 times the typical year. Most complaints name the engine (27% of complaints) and the steering (24% of complaints).
What are the best Ram 1500 years?
The Ram 1500 year with the fewest complaints on file is the 2023 (200). Model years after 2023 are left out: they have not been on the road long enough to compare.
NHTSA does not publish sales figures, so these are complaint counts, not a rate per car on the road. A year that sold more cars collects more complaints, and older years have had longer to collect them.
Every model year
| Year | Complaints | vs typical year | Recalls | Crashes | Injuries | Our read | Most reported |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 91 | 0.1× | 7 | 3 | 2 | Few red flags | Electrical system |
| 2025 | 344 | 0.5× | 8 | 9 | 2 | Few red flags | Electrical system |
| 2024 | 72 | 0.1× | 6 | 5 | 2 | Few red flags | Electrical system |
| 2023 | 200 | 0.3× | 11 | 10 | 5 | Few red flags | Electrical system |
| 2022 | 607 | 0.9× | 16 | 23 | 9 | Some concerns to check | Engine |
| 2021 | 678 | 1.0× | 15 | 27 | 23 | Some concerns to check | Engine |
| 2020 | 625 | 0.9× | 14 | 24 | 14 | Some concerns to check | Engine |
| 2019 | 1,476 | 2.2× | 30 | 76 | 63 | Approach with caution | Electrical system |
| 2018 | 661 | 1.0× | 15 | 25 | 25 | Some concerns to check | Electrical system |
| 2017 | 872 | 1.3× | 13 | 80 | 77 | Some concerns to check | Steering |
| 2016 | 1,538 | 2.3× | 17 | 90 | 72 | Approach with caution | Engine |
| 2015 | 1,444 | 2.1× | 18 | 79 | 52 | Approach with caution | Engine |
| 2014 | 1,764 | 2.6× | 17 | 98 | 88 | Approach with caution | Electric power steering failure |
| 2013 | 1,275 | 1.9× | 12 | 72 | 37 | Some concerns to check | Steering |
| 2012 | 684 | 1.0× | 7 | 32 | 27 | Some concerns to check | Electrical system |
| 2011 | 685 | 1.0× | 4 | 28 | 21 | Some concerns to check | Electrical system |
| 2010 | 484 | 0.7× | 4 | 26 | 13 | Some concerns to check | Transmission and drivetrain |
Most reported problem areas
Share of the 3,810 complaints sorted by system, all years together.
- Engine & powertrain1,461 (38%)
- Electrical & infotainment1,032 (27%)
- Other systems372 (10%)
- Steering, suspension & tires303 (8%)
- Brakes276 (7%)
Recalls (101)
Safety · 26V560000 · Sep 2026 · model years 2025, 2026
A rearview image that does not display reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Safety · 26V531000 · Aug 2026 · model year 2026
A rearview camera image that fails to display reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Seat belts · 26V495000 · Jul 2026 · model years 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026
An improperly installed seat belt buckle anchor may fail to properly restrain occupants, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Exterior lighting · 26V421000 · Jul 2026 · model year 2026
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.
Safety · 26V327000 · May 2026 · model year 2024
A rearview image that does not display reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Electrical system · 26V225000 · Apr 2026 · model years 2025, 2026
An instrument panel display that fails to show critical safety information, such as gear selection and warning lights, increases the risk of a crash.
Exterior lighting · 26V059000 · Feb 2026 · model years 2025, 2026
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.
Airbags · 25V824000 · Dec 2025 · model year 2019
An inflator rupture may result in sharp metal fragments striking occupants, resulting in injury.
Electrical system · 25V826000 · Dec 2025 · model years 2025, 2026
An instrument panel display that does not show critical information, such as warning lights or gear selection, increases the risk of a crash.
Airbags · 25V765000 · Nov 2025 · model years 2021, 2022
A driver's side air bag that does not deploy as intended increases the risk of injury in a crash.
Airbags · 25V592000 · Sep 2025 · model year 2018
An inflator rupture may result in sharp metal fragments striking occupants, resulting in injury.
Airbags · 25V298000 · May 2025 · model years 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024
A driver's side air bag that does not deploy as intended increases the risk of injury in a crash.
Tires · 25V231000 · Apr 2025 · model year 2025
An incorrect tire pressure message may result in improperly inflated tires, increasing the risk of a crash.
Airbags · 25V010000 · Jan 2025 · model years 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019
An inflator rupture may result in sharp metal fragments striking occupants, resulting in injury.
Exterior lighting · 24V942000 · Dec 2024 · model year 2025
Inoperative headlights can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Safety · 24V794000 · Oct 2024 · model year 2025
Driving with a disabled electronic stability control system can increase the risk of a crash.
Body & glass · 24V754000 · Oct 2024 · model years 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023
Detached mirror glass can reduce driver visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Steering · 24V729000 · Oct 2024 · model years 2023, 2024
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.
Brakes · 24V653000 · Sep 2024 · model years 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024
Driving with a disabled electronic stability control system can increase the risk of a crash.
Safety · 24V437000 · Jun 2024 · model year 2022
A rearview camera image that does not display decreases the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Safety · 24V436000 · Jun 2024 · model year 2022
A rearview camera image that does not display decreases the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Transmission · 24V413000 · Jun 2024 · model year 2023
A loss of drive power or a loss of park function increase the risk of a crash.
Airbags · 24V199000 · Mar 2024 · model years 2023, 2024
An air bag that does not deploy in a crash can increase the risk of injury.
Steering · 23V799000 · Nov 2023 · model year 2023
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.
Safety · 23V654000 · Sep 2023 · model years 2022, 2023
A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
Engine · 23V411000 · Jun 2023 · model years 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019
An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
Transmission · 23V265000 · Apr 2023 · model year 2021
An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
Fuel system · 23V263000 · Apr 2023 · model years 2022, 2023
Fuel pump failure can result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Airbags · 23V264000 · Apr 2023 · model year 2022
Air bags that do not deploy as intended increase the risk of injury in a crash.
Safety · 23V059000 · Feb 2023 · model years 2021, 2022, 2023
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.
Structure · 22V904000 · Dec 2022 · model years 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022
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.
Fuel system · 22V767000 · Oct 2022 · model years 2020, 2021, 2022
An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
Seat belts · 22V766000 · Oct 2022 · model year 2022
A seat belt with pretensioner failure may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Safety · 22V638000 · Aug 2022 · model years 2020, 2021
A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fuel system · 22V406000 · Jun 2022 · model years 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019
Fuel starvation may result in an unexpected loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Safety · 22V407000 · Jun 2022 · model year 2022
A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
Airbags · 21V925000 · Nov 2021 · model year 2021
An air bag that deploys improperly can increase the risk of injury in a crash.
Safety · 21V918000 · Nov 2021 · model year 2021
A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
Body & glass · 21V871000 · Nov 2021 · model year 2022
An inoperable defrosting and defogging system can reduce visibility for drivers in certain conditions, increasing the risk of a crash.
Tires · 21V698000 · Sep 2021 · model year 2021
A driver that relies on the incorrect spare tire inflation pressure on the tire placard label may inflate the spare tire incorrectly, increasing the risk of a crash.
Airbags · 21V632000 · Aug 2021 · model years 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020
A separated inflator end cap or inflator rupture can allow compressed gas to escape, resulting in the end cap or other components being propelled into the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury or crash.
Safety · 21V438000 · Jun 2021 · model year 2021
A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Brakes · 21V037000 · Feb 2021 · model year 2021
A separated brake pedal can result in the driver being unable to apply the service brakes, increasing the risk of a crash.
Body & glass · 20V622000 · Oct 2020 · model year 2020
Missing driver side mirror glass reduces visibility and increases the risk of a crash.
Seat belts · 20V580000 · Sep 2020 · model years 2019, 2020
In the event of a crash, if the front seat belts fail to lock, there is an increased risk of injury.
Safety · 20V191000 · Sep 2020 · model years 2019, 2020
The lingering rearview image can distract the driver, increasing the risk of a crash.
Safety · 20V513000 · Aug 2020 · model years 2019, 2020
A pedal that does not return as expected may affect the vehicle's deceleration, thereby increasing the risk of a crash.
Engine · 20V475000 · Aug 2020 · model years 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018
An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
Airbags · 20V374000 · Jun 2020 · model year 2020
In the event of a crash, if the diffuser detaches from the inflator during air bag deployment, the air bag may not inflate properly, increasing the risk of injury.
Body & glass · 20V208000 · Apr 2020 · model years 2019, 2020
Reduced visibility increases the risk of a crash.
Transmission · 20V080000 · Feb 2020 · model year 2019
A sudden loss of power or a loss of 'PARK' function may increase the risk of a crash.
Tires · 19V887000 · Dec 2019 · model year 2019
Without a warning indicator, the driver will be unaware if low tire pressure occurs, increasing the risk of a crash.
Steering · 19V812000 · Nov 2019 · model year 2019
An intermittent loss of power steering assist may cause an inconsistent steering effort, especially during lower speed maneuvers, increasing the risk of a crash.
Engine · 19V757000 · Oct 2019 · model years 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019
Combustion in the intake manifold can increase the risk of a fire.
Structure · 19E059000 · Aug 2019 · model year 2019
Contact with the fuel tank may cause a fuel leak, increasing the risk of a fire.
Electrical system · 19V556000 · Jul 2019 · model year 2019
Failure of the instrument cluster to properly illuminate may prevent the driver from receiving warnings about the vehicle's systems and increase the risk of crash.
Tires · 19V448000 · Jun 2019 · model year 2019
The driver, referencing the tire placard label, may incorrectly inflate the spare tire, increasing the risk of a crash.
Airbags · 19V407000 · May 2019 · model years 2019, 2020
Disabled air bags and seat belt pretensioners increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Safety · 19V347000 · May 2019 · model years 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018
If the tailgate opens while the vehicle is being driven, cargo may fall out the vehicle and create a road hazard, increasing the risk of crash.
Transmission · 19V324000 · Apr 2019 · model years 2018, 2019
A fractured rear driveshaft could detach from the vehicle and become a road hazard, or it may result in a loss of drive power, both of which can increase the risk of a crash.
Steering · 19V201000 · Mar 2019 · model year 2019
If the steering wheel detaches from the steering column, the driver may lose control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of crash.
Electrical system · 19V142000 · Feb 2019 · model year 2019
If the auxiliary battery system overheats, there is an increased risk of a fire within the cabin even if the ignition is off.
Brakes · 19V067000 · Feb 2019 · model year 2019
If the brake pedal separates from the pedal assembly, the driver may be unable to brake the vehicle, increasing the risk of crash.
Body & glass · 19V051000 · Jan 2019 · model year 2019
The lack of a functioning windshield defrosting and defogging system may decrease the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of crash.
Steering · 19V020000 · Jan 2019 · model year 2019
A loss of power steering could vary the steering effort required, possibly causing vehicle oversteer or understeer, increasing the risk of crash.
Safety · 18V822000 · Nov 2018 · model year 2019
If the sensor cannot identify that the seat is in the full-forward position and adjust the frontal air bag deployment accordingly, there would be an increased the risk of a injury in the event of a crash.
Transmission · 18V556000 · Aug 2018 · model years 2018, 2019
If the rear axle assembly fails, it can cause a loss of drive or the rear wheels may lock up. Either scenario increases the risk of a crash.
Electrical system · 18V524000 · Aug 2018 · model year 2018
A vehicle stall can increase the risk of a crash.
Structure · 18V486000 · Jul 2018 · model years 2015, 2016, 2017
If the tailgate latch releases and the tailgate opens while driving, cargo may fall out, creating a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
Safety · 18V398000 · Jun 2018 · model year 2018
A loss of image in the rearview camera while backing up can increase the risk of a crash.
Electrical system · 18V332000 · May 2018 · model years 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019
If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
Transmission · 18V280000 · May 2018 · model year 2018
If the incorrect park lock rod is installed, the transmission may not shift into 'PARK' and keep the vehicle from moving, increasing the risk of unintended vehicle movement and the risk of a crash.
Fuel system · 18V160000 · Mar 2018 · model years 2010, 2011, 2012
If the fuel tank were to drop and contact the ground, a fuel leak may result. Additionally, in the event of a crash, the fuel tank may not remain secured to the vehicle, possibly causing a fuel leak. A fuel leak in the presence in an ignition source, can increase the risk of a fire.
Transmission · 18V100000 · Feb 2018 · model years 2017, 2018
Being able to shift the transmission without pushing the brake pedal and/or without a key in the ignition can increase the risk of an unintended vehicle rollaway that may result in personal injury or a crash.
Safety · 17V824000 · Dec 2017 · model years 2012, 2015
If the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury in the event of a fire.
Transmission · 17V821000 · Dec 2017 · model years 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017
Being able to shift the transmission without pushing the brake pedal and/or without a key in the ignition can increase the risk of an unintended vehicle rollaway that may result in personal injury or a crash.
Fuel system · 17V434000 · Jul 2017 · model year 2017
In the event of a rollover crash, leaking fuel in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Airbags · 17V302000 · May 2017 · model years 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016
If the rollover side curtain air bags and seat belt pretensioners are disabled, there is an increased risk of injury to the vehicle occupants in the event of a crash that necessitates activation of these safety systems.
Transmission · 17V198000 · Mar 2017 · model years 2016, 2017
A broken or locked up differential may result in a loss of motive power and possibly a loss of vehicle control. Either scenario increases the risk of a crash.
Safety · 16E041000 · May 2016 · model years 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016
If the seat cover impedes the air bag deployment, the seat thorax air bags may not provide adequate protection in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of a injury.
Transmission · 16V301000 · May 2016 · model year 2016
A fractured halfshaft may damage underbody components and create road debris, increasing the risk of a crash.
Steering · 16V167000 · Mar 2016 · model years 2015, 2016
If the vehicle experiences a loss of power steering assist, extra steering effort will be required, especially at lower speeds, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Tires · 15V663000 · Oct 2015 · model year 2016
Without a heat shield, heat from the exhaust system may damage the spare tire. When used, the damaged tire may have a tread separation or side wall rupture, resulting in a loss of control and an increased risk of a crash.
Transmission · 15V661000 · Oct 2015 · model years 2015, 2016
If the rear axle shaft was not properly heated treated, it may fracture and a wheel separation could occur, increasing the risk of a crash.
Airbags · 15V534000 · Aug 2015 · model years 2014, 2015
In the event of a vehicle crash, if a SABIC does not inflate as intended, there is an increased risk of injury to the rear seat occupant.
Electrical system · 15V517000 · Aug 2015 · model years 2014, 2015
If the harness shorts, the vehicle may stall and there is an increased risk of a fire.
Safety · 15V461000 · Jul 2015 · model years 2013, 2014, 2015
Exploitation of the software vulnerability may result in unauthorized remote modification and control of certain vehicle systems, increasing the risk of a crash.
Airbags · 15V459000 · Jul 2015 · model years 2012, 2013, 2014
This abrasion may result in an electrical short that could cause driver's frontal air bag to unexpectedly deploy. Inadvertent deployment of the air bag may increase the risk of injury and the possibility of a vehicle crash.
Seat belts · 15V460000 · Jul 2015 · model years 2013, 2014, 2015
Air bags that unexpectedly deploy increase the risk of a crash or injury.
Suspension · 14V392000 · Jul 2014 · model year 2014
Damage to the tire or reduced braking increases the risk of a vehicle crash.
Transmission · 14V161000 · Apr 2014 · model year 2014
If the park pawl does not properly engage, the vehicle may rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash and occupant or pedestrian injuries.
Transmission · 13V610000 · Dec 2013 · model year 2013
The transmission output shaft fracture could result in a loss of power, increasing the risk of a crash. Additionally, if the parking brake is not applied before exiting the vehicle, the vehicle may roll away despite the transmission being placed in 'Park'.
Electrical system · 13V486000 · Oct 2013 · model year 2014
Inoperative warning lights may not properly warn the driver of vehicle problems, increasing the risk of a crash.
Safety · 13V287000 · Jul 2013 · model year 2013
A disabled ESC system may result in loss of directional control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Exterior lighting · 13V237000 · Jun 2013 · model year 2013
Without a warning that the turn signal is malfunctioning, the driver would continue to use the vehicle, unaware that other drivers on the road are not being notified that the vehicle is turning, increasing the risk of a crash.
Engine · 13V177000 · May 2013 · model year 2013
Without a properly working windshield defrosting system, a buildup of mositure or ice could limit the driver's ability to see, increasing the risk of a crash.
Safety · 13V128000 · Apr 2013 · model year 2013
If the parking brake fails to operate as designed, the vehicle could roll when parked, increasing the risk of a crash.
Transmission · 13V038000 · Feb 2013 · model years 2010, 2011, 2012
If the rear axle pinion nut loosens, the axle can lock up and cause a loss of vehicle control and/or a vehicle crash with little warning.
Transmission · 12V474000 · Oct 2012 · model year 2010
If the rear axle pinion nut loosens, the axle can lock up and cause a loss of vehicle control and/or a vehicle crash with little warning.
Safety · 12V192000 · May 2012 · model year 2012
IF INSTALLED, THE INCORRECTLY SIZED SPARE TIRE MAY UNEXPECTEDLY ACTIVATE THE ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) SYSTEM, ALTERING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE ESC SYSTEM, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Suspension · 10V656000 · Dec 2010 · model year 2011
A FAILURE OF THE BEARING COULD CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO STALL INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.