Ram 1500 Best and Worst Years (2013–2025)
The Ram 1500 years to avoid are 2014, 2015, 2016, and 2019, which carry the highest Complaint Index scores (92, 75, 83, and 100 out of the model's 13 years). Best years, based on NHTSA complaints and recalls, are 2018, 2023, and 2024, with Complaint Index scores of 17, 8, and 0.
Avoid 2014Avoid 2015Avoid 2016Avoid 2019Best 2018Best 2023Best 2024
- Model years
- 13
- 2013–2025
- NHTSA complaints
- 11,591
- Recall campaigns
- 92
- Crashes reported
- 620
- Fires reported
- 185
- Top problem area
- Engine
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.
Ram 1500 problems and recalls by year
| Year | Verdict | Index | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Recalls | Top issue | MPG | NCAP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | Caution | 58 | 1,276 | 72 | 10 | 11 | Steering | 17 | 4★ |
| 2014 | Avoid | 92 | 1,766 | 98 | 24 | 16 | Steering | 19 | 4★ |
| 2015 | Avoid | 75 | 1,448 | 79 | 58 | 17 | Engine | 19.5 | 4★ |
| 2016 | Avoid | 83 | 1,541 | 90 | 36 | 16 | Engine | 19.5 | 4★ |
| 2017 | Caution | 50 | 878 | 80 | 16 | 13 | Engine | 19 | 4★ |
| 2018 | Best | 17 | 661 | 25 | 8 | 15 | Engine | 19 | 4★ |
| 2019 | Avoid | 100 | 1,477 | 76 | 11 | 29 | Electrical System | 19 | 5★ |
| 2020 | Good | 25 | 628 | 24 | 6 | 14 | Engine | 19 | 5★ |
| 2021 | Good | 33 | 678 | 27 | 4 | 15 ! | Engine | 19 | 5★ |
| 2022 | Good | 42 | 612 | 23 | 6 | 16 | Engine | 20 | — |
| 2023 | Best | 8 | 201 | 10 | 1 | 11 | Electrical System | 19 | — |
| 2024 | Best | 0 | 74 | 7 | 2 | 6 | Electrical System | 19.5 | — |
| 2025 | Caution | 67 | 351 | 9 | 3 | 8 | Electrical System | 21 | — |
1500 years to avoid: what went wrong
2019 Ram 1500 Index 100 · 1,477 complaints · 29 recalls
The 2019 Ram 1500 has the highest Complaint Index in the lineup, 100, and ranks worst of all 13 years despite having 29 recalls, the most of any year. Electrical system complaints lead at 26% of the year's 1,477 total, with a notably low median failure mileage of 16,700, followed by steering at 23% (median 18,250 miles) and engine at 20% (median 19,000 miles). Owners reported steering wheels that would not turn during low-speed maneuvers and airbags that failed to deploy in crashes, including one involving a deer strike. The low failure mileage across problem areas suggests issues surfaced early in ownership.
2019 electrical system problems →2019 steering problems →2019 engine problems →
2014 Ram 1500 Index 92 · 1,766 complaints · 16 recalls
The 2014 Ram 1500 has a Complaint Index of 92 and ranks 2nd worst of the 13 model years covered. Steering complaints lead at 28% of the year's 1,766 total, with a median failure mileage of 83,000, followed by engine issues at 23% (median 72,645 miles). Owners reported steering systems locking up while turning, in some cases causing loss of control. Fuel system complaints (16%) and electrical system issues (15%) round out the top problem areas. NHTSA lists 16 recalls for this model year, including campaigns covering the crankshaft position sensor tone wheel and the high-pressure fuel pump on diesel-equipped trucks.
2014 steering problems →2014 engine problems →2014 fuel system problems →
2016 Ram 1500 Index 83 · 1,541 complaints · 16 recalls
The 2016 Ram 1500 has a Complaint Index of 83 and ranks 3rd worst overall. Engine problems account for 28% of the year's 1,541 complaints (median 62,000 miles), with owners reporting engine fires and smoke from the engine compartment, including cases while the vehicle was parked. Steering issues follow at 20% (median 70,667 miles), and brake complaints make up 18% (median 71,000 miles). Airbags that failed to deploy in crashes were also reported. NHTSA lists 16 recalls for 2016, including a 2025 campaign covering side curtain airbag inflators that may rupture.
2016 engine problems →2016 steering problems →2016 brakes problems →
2015 Ram 1500 Index 75 · 1,448 complaints · 17 recalls
The 2015 Ram 1500 carries a Complaint Index of 75, ranking 4th worst. Engine complaints make up 31% of the year's 1,448 total, with median failure mileage of 71,600. Owners described stalling, smoke from the engine compartment, and in some cases fires. Steering complaints follow at 24% (median 76,210 miles), with reports of front axle components detaching while driving. This year also recorded 4 reported deaths, more than any other Ram 1500 year in the dataset. NHTSA lists 17 recalls, including ones for the fuel pump and side airbag inflators.
2015 engine problems →2015 steering problems →2015 fuel system problems →
Most common Ram 1500 problems (all years)
Share of NHTSA complaints by component group. A complaint naming two components counts once in each.
- Engine3,058 (26%)
- Steering2,637 (23%)
- Electrical System2,432 (21%)
- Fuel System1,509 (13%)
- Transmission & Powertrain1,416 (12%)
- Brakes1,295 (11%)
- Other1,242 (11%)
- Airbags565 (5%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires555 (5%)
- Structure & Body495 (4%)
Frequently asked questions
- What years of the Ram 1500 should I avoid?
- Based on NHTSA complaints and recalls, the 2014, 2015, 2016, and 2019 Ram 1500 model years stand out, with Complaint Index scores of 92, 75, 83, and 100 respectively, the highest among the 13 years covered.
- What is the best year for the Ram 1500?
- The 2018, 2023, and 2024 Ram 1500 model years score lowest for reported problems, with Complaint Index values of 17, 8, and 0.
- Why is the 2019 Ram 1500 rated worst?
- The 2019 model has a Complaint Index of 100, the highest of any Ram 1500 year, and 29 recalls, more than any other year. Electrical system, steering, and engine complaints were common, often at low mileage (median 16,700 to 19,000 miles).
- Does the Ram 1500 have engine problems?
- Engine complaints are the top problem area across all model years combined, making up 26% of the 11,591 total complaints, and are the leading issue in the 2015 and 2016 avoid years.
- How many recalls does the Ram 1500 have overall?
- Across the 2013-2025 model years covered, NHTSA lists 92 recall campaigns for the Ram 1500.