Ram 1500 common problems
Owners of 2015–2025 Ram 1500 vehicles have filed 7,357 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported system is engine & cooling (63% of categorised reports). Below is every reported problem area, ranked by real complaint volume, with recall and crash context — useful if you're researching this model before buying used.
- 7,357
- Owner complaints
- 163
- Recall campaigns
- 403
- Crash-related reports
- 328
- Injury reports
Most reported problem areas
By share of categorised NHTSA complaints across all 11 model years. Each links to what that system covers and its recall history.
- Engine & cooling2,312
- Steering1,278
- Airbags53
- Visibility51
How to read this before buying
Complaint volume is not the same as failure rate. A model that sold in large numbers, or one that has been on sale for many years, accumulates more complaints without necessarily being less reliable. Use these figures to learn which systems to inspect, not to rank one model against another.
The single most useful next step is to check the specific vehicle's recalls by VIN — a recall repair is free at any franchised dealer, but only if it has actually been done.
Recent safety events
Full timeline- Recall2025 1500
A rearview image that does not display reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Recall2019 1500
An improperly installed seat belt buckle anchor may fail to properly restrain occupants, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
- Recall2020 1500
An improperly installed seat belt buckle anchor may fail to properly restrain occupants, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
- Recall2021 1500
An improperly installed seat belt buckle anchor may fail to properly restrain occupants, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
- Recall2022 1500
An improperly installed seat belt buckle anchor may fail to properly restrain occupants, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
- Recall2023 1500
An improperly installed seat belt buckle anchor may fail to properly restrain occupants, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Frequently asked
- What are the most common Ram 1500 problems?
- Across 7,357 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for 2015–2025 Ram 1500 vehicles, the most reported systems are engine & cooling (63%), steering (35%), airbags (1%).
- Which Ram 1500 model year has the most complaints?
- In our index, the 2016 Ram 1500 has the most owner complaints, with 1,547 filed.
- Are Ram 1500 problems dangerous?
- Of the 7,357 complaints on record, 403 mention a crash, 139 mention a fire and 328 mention an injury, and 12 involve a death. Complaint counts are not a failure rate — check the specific vehicle's open recalls by VIN.
Problems by model year
The 2016 accounts for the most complaints (1,547). Open any year for its full complaint and recall report.
Where this comes from
Every figure is aggregated from consumer complaints filed directly with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration — not forums, reviews or estimates. Component grouping uses our published taxonomy.