Table of Contents
Important Points To Keep In Mind
- 2006 and 2013 have been the best years for RAM 1500.
- 2011 and 2015 were the worst years for RAM 1500.
- Production for the RAM has been going on for more than 30 years.
- In 30 years, it has only undergone a few significant recalls and safety issues. Hence, it is also one of the market’s most dependable trucks.
- Since 2010, RAM has been entitled to 5 TOTY titles.
Initiated in the 1980s, the RAM has a long, explanatory history. It was first discovered only as a tough diesel hauler under the roof of Chrysler. What began as a model with torque up the wazoo and gobs of red has matured beautifully over time and is now recognized as a suave version of itself.
The original Chrysler model had undergone many changes. But does it affect the Dodge RAM 1500’s reliability? Which years are the best or worst to get your hands on a RAM truck? Let us discuss them in detail.
Even though Dodge 1500 reliability is a noticeable factor, it is not only known for this one feature. Its unrelenting history is justified by several generations of instances that triumph over experiences. Broken transmissions, resale woes, and electrical and drivetrain issues are just some examples of such.
However, it does not imply that Dodge had only bad years in its journey. In 2014, Dodge RAM won Truck of the Year. This might be the best year for RAM because no other P.O.S paperweights were entitled to such an honor. Regarding reliability, it must be mentioned here that Dodge RAM has not been consistent in that field.
What do owners think about the Dodge Ram 1500’s reliability?
It is safe to say that the reliability of the Dodge RAM 1500 majorly depends upon the year it was manufactured. Cars manufactured before 1990 were typically vulnerable to more breakdowns and would quickly give out under pressure without any possible warning.
In cases of such damages, spare parts are often expensive and are required to be ordered from overseas. The recent models, however, are comparably fair-built apart from some specific key areas. Suspension or problems in the engine will entail a visit to a professional for tuning and repairing purposes.
The Dodge RAM 1500 is not considered the best performer since it is quite slow, and some engines suffer from significantly low-winged throttle pick-up. A disturbing amount of turbo lag follows most torques you feel. Therefore, no matter how exciting this truck sounds, your experience will not be worth it.
Some owners like the active safety features that come with the truck, like forwarding collision warning, ABS, and air suspension. Such features are even more appreciated because they are majorly only found in expensive sedans.
The interior design of the truck is also not great. Along with an impractical seating position, a rough and inaccurate gearbox gives no clarity whatsoever. The climate control options are slow to respond, contributing to the uncomfortable stay even further. The cabin is curated from cheap and hard plastic, making it sturdy but destroying the truck’s look.
Other pickups belonging to the same class come with a solid four-year guarantee. The Dodge RAM 1500 only comes with a three-year guarantee at best, which is a year less than its competitors. This is why people always question the reliability of this truck. The warranty will only cover the initial owner and not anyone else who may get hold of it afterward.
Dodge Ram 1500 Reliability By Year
Several things are needed to be discussed when it comes to the Dodge RAM 1500 reliability. It is quite evident that the car’s systems perform differently than the overall score we know.
First, we dissect the drivetrain into several categories – engine problems, transmission issues, and fuel system delivery. Since 2005, almost all the engines have been getting impressive scoring numbers considered above average. For 2020, the turbo-diesel of Dodge RAM also got a 32MPG highway. This is supposedly better fuel economy than most of the other trucks. The fuel system has not been consistent over time.
Engines are only designed to perform three basic functions – go, haul, and pull. However, the fuel line has other problems. Outside factors like gas quality, condensation, and used materials play a significant role in the reliability and worsen the fuel system.
For the rest of RAM’s systems, they have mostly been mediocre at best. We can notice an affirmative shift from 2011-12 when everything seemed to come together. This is when Dodge and Ram officially split. Since 2011 Dodge has been Dodge, and you can only buy a 2009 RAM truck.
Even though RAM is not Dodge, they are owned by a parent corporation, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA). Most RAM trucks have been manufactured in Warren, Michigan, since 1938. There have been no changes after the splitting of the two brands.
Dodge RAM: Is it the Truck Of The Year?
RAM trucks are quite familiar and accustomed to Motor Trend’s list. Since 1994, this truck has unusually frequented the list more than once. After the official split of the brand between Dodge and RAM, no other brand has won as many TOTY awards as RAM. Where RAM has won 5 TOTY awards, Ford and Chevrolet are entitled to only three. On the other hand, Toyota and Honda have won no awards in the last ten years.
It seems like Dodge is capable of better reach and reliability than most of the other automakers in the market. Winning this title is undoubtedly a great honor, but if we investigate a bit deeper, we get a different view altogether. After winning the Truck of The Year in its model year, Honda discontinued the Ridgeline. The Ford F-150 cannot surpass other trucks in terms of performance, reliability, or features, even after being the global best-selling truck. The Toyota Tundra has the least number of sales and yet comes first for its reliability.
The Toyota is preferably the most reliable truck across all categories even though it does not have rocketed sales. F-150 suffered a low blow after the 2007 meltdown, but its reliability was mostly consistent. The Silverado gives tough competition to the F-150 regarding the reliability factor, but Ford has consistently beaten its counterpart in annual sales.
Dodge RAM 1500 Reliability Graphs
According to Consumer Reports, the Dodge RAM 1500 Reliability Graphs are accurate. Brand loyalty is always preferred over such graphs.
Several significant factors determine our decision to buy a truck. Brand loyalty, nostalgia, promotions, performance quality, marketing, engine type, and other special features play a major role in sketching out the idea of a reliable truck for us. Consumers can use different techniques, but they are settling for the reliability of the RAM 1500.
Different Dodge Ram 1500 Generation
There are five major RAM truck generations,
- First Generation (1981 – 1993)
- Second Generation (1994 – 2001)
- Third Generation (2002 – 2008)
- Fourth Generation (2009 – 2018)
- Fifth Generation (2019 – Present)
Like most other technological advancements, each generation is better than the previous one and successfully predominates it. The Fifth Generation of the Dodge RAM 1500 is possibly the best class version that has ever come out on the market. The reliability of the Dodge RAM 1500 and other special features have made it Motortrend Truck of the Year for each generational model year.
The Dodge RAM 1500 has several characteristics that have made it a go-to truck for consumers. With efficient diesel power and excellent fuel economy, the big red truck will stay in the industry long. It has consistently proved to be one of the most reliable trucks in the market and never fails to create owner satisfaction that is considered way above the market average.
Some Of The Best Years For Dodge Ram 1500
The reliability of the RAM depends upon the manufacturing year, and it fluctuates at times. It becomes extremely difficult for a consumer to make a buying decision because there are no specific guidelines delineating the reliability of each model.
Before deciding on purchasing a particular Dodge RAM 1500 model, you might want to reconsider,
- Is a four-wheel drive right for you?
- Is automatic transition important for you?
- Your budget.
- Important features you require in your truck.
The best Dodge RAM 1500 years are 2006 and 2013.
Some Of The Worst Years For The Dodge Ram 1500
2011 and 2013 are considered the worst years of the Dodge RAM 1500 model.
In 2007, the manufacturers decided to drop the 4.7L V8 from all RAM models, and it was soon replaced with the detested 3.7L Magnum V6. It was practically impossible to find a replacement of the OEM engine for such models.
In 2008, with the 3.7L Magnum V6, buyers also had access to a 5.7L Hemi (given they were willing to pay extra for it). They also introduced the Four-speed 42RE automatic in this model year. This made the TorqueFlites six-speeds the only surviving transmission option available for all of the 3.7L V6 models. There is no manual transmission option for a recent RAM 1500 with a 3.7L V6.
With the introduction of XFE models in 2009, RAM bought trucks in the market with zero power but great fuel economy. This was available for both 3.7L and 5.7L V8 models.
In 2011, the 3.6L Pentastar V6 was dropped, and the most hyped engine was released for a long time. This model was very powerful from the beginning and continued to accumulate in the coming years. The company also introduced six-speed manual transmissions for 4*2 and 4*4 variants of all models. It is crucial to note that this was introduced regardless of the trim level.
However, in the 2012 version, truck owners finally saw a 12-volt accessory development that included features like power windows and other accessories that do not require a running engine.
The 2013+ Hemi is shockingly different from the traditional 4.7L or 5.7L V8 models, and the change is refreshing. The 2014+ EcoDiesel is one of the most powerful and efficient RAM models ever introduced.
Dodge Ram Reliability: Conclusion
There is no confusion about the fact that the Dodge RAM 1500 is one of the buyers’ most approved and celebrated trucks. The high-performance standard, spectacular interior design, and affordable budget make it a go-to option for many over the years. But what about the Dodge RAM 1500 reliability?
The Dodge RAM 1500 reliability has been quite fluctuating over the years. Several factors are responsible for regulating the reliability of a truck, and it is important to have a proper grasp of such factors. The Dodge RAM 1500 can be an extremely reliable vehicle. Being in production for over 30 years, the truck had to deal with only a few major safety issues, which is one of the main reasons for its relentless dependability.
In a nutshell, the Dodge truck has amazing power and abundant space to accommodate you and your family, and it is quite easy to find in any dealership near you. If you are hoping to buy an SUV that can go from 0-60 mph within 6 seconds, and you do not even have to worry about reliability or longevity, this is the best pick.
