The best and worst Ram 1500 years, by the numbers
Short answer: among Ram 1500s old enough to judge (2005–2021), the 2007 and 2019–2021 have the fewest owner complaints per 10,000 sold. The 2009 and 2018 have the most.
We counted every owner complaint filed with the federal government (NHTSA) for each model year and divided by how many were sold that year, so a year that sold more doesn’t look worse just for being popular. Years newer than 2021 are shown but not ranked — they haven’t been on the road long enough. How this is calculated.
Years with the most complaints
2009 Ram 1500 · 57.9 per 10,000 sold (1.5× this model’s typical year)
Most-reported: Tie rods, linkage, shaft and column, typically around 46,750 miles; then rear differential and axle.
2018 Ram 1500 · 74.9 per 10,000 sold (1.9× this model’s typical year)
Most-reported: ABS module and wheel speed sensors, typically around 60,000 miles; then infotainment, screen and software.
Years with the fewest complaints
2007 Ram 1500 · 26.7 per 10,000 sold (0.7× this model’s typical year)
Most-reported, even so: Airbags, seatbelts and restraints, typically around 96,000 miles.
2019 Ram 1500 · 28.3 per 10,000 sold (0.7× this model’s typical year)
Most-reported, even so: Body control and other modules, typically around 18,000 miles.
2020 Ram 1500 · 15.9 per 10,000 sold (0.4× this model’s typical year)
Most-reported, even so: Body control and other modules, typically around 15,000 miles.
2021 Ram 1500 · 14.8 per 10,000 sold (0.4× this model’s typical year)
Most-reported, even so: Stalling and no-start, typically around 1,915 miles.
Every year: complaints per 10,000 sold
Typical Ram 1500 year: 39.7 per 10,000 sold.
Complaints are counted once each, even when an owner lists several parts. Sales are US units sold in the calendar year, a close stand-in for the model year.
Common questions
What is the worst year for the Ram 1500?
Among Ram 1500s old enough to judge (2005–2021), the 2018 has the most owner complaints per 10,000 sold: 74.9, about 1.9× a typical Ram 1500 year. The 2009 also stands out.
What is the best year for the Ram 1500?
The 2021 has the fewest owner complaints per 10,000 sold among Ram 1500s from 2005–2021: 14.8, against 39.7 for a typical year. The 2007 and 2019–2020 are also well below typical.
What goes wrong on the 2018 Ram 1500?
The most-reported problem on the 2018 Ram 1500 is abs module and wheel speed sensors, typically around 60,000 miles.
Why aren't the newest Ram 1500 years ranked?
The 2022–2026 haven't been on the road long enough. Newer cars have fewer complaints mainly because they're newer, so ranking them would flatter them.
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Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; US sales from public industry figures. Complaints are self-reported and not independently verified. This is not an inspection and not a recommendation to buy or avoid any vehicle.