What is the worst year for the Dodge Ram 1500?

Among the years covered (2010-2014), 2012 ranks worst with a complaint index of 100, 697 complaints, and 6 recalls, more than any other year in this dataset.

Is the 2011 Dodge Ram 1500 reliable?

The 2011 Ram 1500 carries a Caution verdict based on NHTSA data, with a complaint index of 67 and 689 complaints, mostly tied to the Electrical System.

Which Dodge Ram 1500 year is best based on NHTSA data?

Of the years with data, 2010 has the lowest complaint index at 33 and a Good verdict, with 486 complaints and 4 recalls.

What are the most common problems across Dodge Ram 1500 years?

Across all years covered, Electrical System issues account for 27% of complaints, Transmission & Powertrain 27%, and Engine 23%, based on 1,873 total complaints.

Does the 2012 Dodge Ram 1500 have recalls?

Yes, the 2012 Ram 1500 has 6 recall campaigns, including ones covering the fuel system frame bracket and transmission BTSI software.

Dodge Ram 1500 Best and Worst Years (2010–2014)

The 2012 Dodge Ram 1500 stands out as the year to avoid, with a complaint index of 100 (worst of the years covered), 697 complaints, and 6 recalls. 2011 rates Caution with a complaint index of 67, while 2010 rates Good at 33.

Avoid 2012

Model years: 4; 2010–2014
NHTSA complaints: 1,873
Recall campaigns: 8
Crashes reported: 86
Fires reported: 20
Top problem area: Electrical System

Ram 1500 Complaint Index by year

Higher = more complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and Do-Not-Drive recalls per year on the road, relative to other years of this model.

Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best

Dodge Ram 1500 problems and recalls by year

Year	Verdict	Index	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Recalls	Top issue	MPG	NCAP
2010	Good	33	486	26	3	4	Transmission & Powertrain	15	—
2011	Caution	67	689	28	7	4	Electrical System	15	—
2012	Avoid	100	697	32	10	6	Electrical System	16	—
2014	No verdict	0	1	0	0	0	Steering	—	—

Ram 1500 years to avoid: what went wrong

2012 Dodge Ram 1500 Index 100 · 697 complaints · 6 recalls

The 2012 Ram 1500 has the highest complaint index (100) of the years covered, with 697 complaints and 6 recall campaigns. Electrical System issues make up 30% of complaints for this year, followed by Engine at 27%, Fuel System at 18%, and Transmission & Powertrain at 13%. Median mileage at failure ranges from about 65,000 to 87,013 depending on the system. NHTSA also lists 32 crashes, 10 fires, and 27 injuries tied to this model year. Recalls cover fuel system frame bracket reinforcement and a transmission BTSI software/inspection update. Owners describe airbags failing to deploy in crashes and reports of trucks catching fire while parked.

2012 electrical system problems →2012 engine problems →2012 fuel system problems →

Most common Dodge Ram 1500 problems (all years)

Share of NHTSA complaints by component group. A complaint naming two components counts once in each.

Electrical System512 (27%)
Transmission & Powertrain497 (27%)
Engine440 (23%)
Fuel System306 (16%)
Other148 (8%)
Steering133 (7%)
Suspension, Wheels & Tires131 (7%)
Brakes119 (6%)
Airbags107 (6%)
Structure & Body87 (5%)

Frequently asked questions

What is the worst year for the Dodge Ram 1500?: Among the years covered (2010-2014), 2012 ranks worst with a complaint index of 100, 697 complaints, and 6 recalls, more than any other year in this dataset.
Is the 2011 Dodge Ram 1500 reliable?: The 2011 Ram 1500 carries a Caution verdict based on NHTSA data, with a complaint index of 67 and 689 complaints, mostly tied to the Electrical System.
Which Dodge Ram 1500 year is best based on NHTSA data?: Of the years with data, 2010 has the lowest complaint index at 33 and a Good verdict, with 486 complaints and 4 recalls.
What are the most common problems across Dodge Ram 1500 years?: Across all years covered, Electrical System issues account for 27% of complaints, Transmission & Powertrain 27%, and Engine 23%, based on 1,873 total complaints.
Does the 2012 Dodge Ram 1500 have recalls?: Yes, the 2012 Ram 1500 has 6 recall campaigns, including ones covering the fuel system frame bracket and transmission BTSI software.