What year Dodge Ram should I avoid?

Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2005 and 2010 Dodge Ram have the highest Complaint Index among 7 model years and are the years to avoid. The 2010 model year ranks worst with 27 complaints and 5 recalls.

What is the best year for the Dodge Ram?

The 2009 Dodge Ram has the lowest Complaint Index of the years we track, with the 2009 at 9 complaints and 5 recalls. Complaint counts are adjusted for how long each model year has been on the road.

What are the most common problems with the Dodge Ram?

Across all model years, the most reported problem areas in NHTSA complaints are engine (33, 23%), transmission & powertrain (28, 20%), and electrical system (24, 17%).

How many recalls does the Dodge Ram have?

NHTSA lists 11 distinct recall campaigns covering Dodge Ram model years 2005–2011. Recalls are repaired free of charge by dealers; check any specific vehicle by VIN before buying.

Dodge Ram Best and Worst Years (2005–2011)

Dodge Ram years to avoid: 2005 and 2010. Best years: 2009. Based on 143 NHTSA owner complaints and 11 recall campaigns across 7 model years (2005–2011).

Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls per model-year, ranked within this model — not a reliability rating. Methodology.

Avoid 2005 Avoid 2010 Best 2009

Model years: 7; 2005–2011
NHTSA complaints: 143
Recall campaigns: 11
Crashes reported: 15
Fires reported: 7
Top problem area: Engine

Ram 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 problems and recalls by year

Year	Verdict	Index	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Recalls	Top issue	MPG	NCAP
2005	Avoid	83	40	5	1	0	Engine	—	—
2006	Caution	50	25	1	1	0	Electrical System	—	—
2007	Good	33	17	1	1	1	Transmission & Powertrain	—	—
2008	Caution	67	25	4	1	2	Engine	—	—
2009	Best	17	9	0	1	5	Steering	—	—
2010	Avoid	100	27	4	2	5	Electrical System	—	—
2011	No verdict	0	0	0	0	4	—	—	—

Ram years to avoid: what went wrong

2010 Dodge Ram Index 100 · 27 complaints · 5 recalls

Owners filed 27 complaints with NHTSA about the 2010 Dodge Ram, led by electrical system (7), transmission & powertrain (7), and airbags (4). NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns for this year. Complaints mention 4 crashes and 2 fires.

2005 Dodge Ram Index 83 · 40 complaints · 0 recalls

Owners filed 40 complaints with NHTSA about the 2005 Dodge Ram, led by engine (16), transmission & powertrain (11), and brakes (5). No recall campaigns are on record for this year. Complaints mention 5 crashes and 1 fires.

2005 engine problems →

Most common Dodge Ram problems (all years)

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

Engine33 (23%)
Transmission & Powertrain28 (20%)
Electrical System24 (17%)
Suspension, Wheels & Tires17 (12%)
Steering16 (11%)
Brakes11 (8%)
Airbags9 (6%)
Fuel System8 (6%)
Structure & Body7 (5%)
Other6 (4%)

Frequently asked questions

What year Dodge Ram should I avoid?: Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2005 and 2010 Dodge Ram have the highest Complaint Index among 7 model years and are the years to avoid. The 2010 model year ranks worst with 27 complaints and 5 recalls.
What is the best year for the Dodge Ram?: The 2009 Dodge Ram has the lowest Complaint Index of the years we track, with the 2009 at 9 complaints and 5 recalls. Complaint counts are adjusted for how long each model year has been on the road.
What are the most common problems with the Dodge Ram?: Across all model years, the most reported problem areas in NHTSA complaints are engine (33, 23%), transmission & powertrain (28, 20%), and electrical system (24, 17%).
How many recalls does the Dodge Ram have?: NHTSA lists 11 distinct recall campaigns covering Dodge Ram model years 2005–2011. Recalls are repaired free of charge by dealers; check any specific vehicle by VIN before buying.