Ram 1500 owners filed 8,527 complaints with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for model years 2015–2025 (see the Car Problem Index for all 60 models), and NHTSA lists 85 recall campaigns for the same years. The 2016 Ram 1500 drew the most complaints (1,539); across all years, owners complain most about engine (23% of complaints).
Key findings
- Worst model year: 2016, with 1,539 complaints, led by steering (309) and 17 recalls.
- Complaints vs recalls: Engine drew 1,931 complaints and 3 recalls.
- Stop-driving recalls: One recall told owners to stop driving until repaired (21V037000).
- Over-the-air fixes: recalls 24V436000, 20V191000 can be repaired by a software update, without a dealer visit (2 of 85).
- Spike years, compared with a typical model year: 2015 (2.2 times as many complaints), 2016 (2.3 times as many complaints), 2019 (2.2 times as many complaints).
- Earliest-failing area: brakes complaints came at a median 10k mi.
- Fire and crash reports: 151 complaints mention a fire and 448 a crash, with 343 injuries and 14 deaths reported.
Ram 1500 complaints and recalls by model year
| Model year | Complaints | Top problem areas |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 18 recalls | 1,447 | Steering (340), Engine (335), Transmission / powertrain (225) median 65k mi · 79 crashes · 58 fires |
| 2016 17 recalls | 1,539 | Steering (309), Engine (291), Brakes (243) median 51k mi · 90 crashes · 36 fires |
| 2017 13 recalls | 872 | Steering (222), Engine (156), Electrical system (109) median 37k mi · 80 crashes · 16 fires |
| 2018 15 recalls | 661 | Electrical system (159), Engine (110), Steering (86) median 33k mi · 25 crashes · 8 fires |
| 2019 30 recalls | 1,476 | Electrical system (379), Steering (337), Engine (228) median 18k mi · 76 crashes · 11 fires |
| 2020 14 recalls | 626 | Electrical system (161), Engine (155), Transmission / powertrain (62) median 23k mi · 24 crashes · 6 fires |
| 2021 15 recalls | 678 | Engine (276), Electrical system (197), Transmission / powertrain (98) median 35k mi · 27 crashes · 4 fires |
| 2022 16 recalls | 608 | Engine (244), Electrical system (188), Transmission / powertrain (101) median 22k mi · 23 crashes · 6 fires |
| 2023 11 recalls | 200 | Electrical system (67), Engine (46), Brakes (32) median 18k mi · 10 crashes · 1 fire |
| 2024 6 recalls | 72 | Electrical system (28), Engine (23), Transmission / powertrain (14) median 10k mi · 5 crashes · 2 fires |
| 2025 8 recalls | 348 | Electrical system (178), Engine (67), Exterior lights (57) median 5k mi · 9 crashes · 3 fires |
One recall campaign often covers several model years, so the recall column adds up to 163, more than the 85 separate campaigns. Newer years have had less time to collect reports.
Most-reported Ram 1500 problems, and what they cost to fix
| Problem area | Complaints | Share | Recalls | Median mileage | Estimate the repair |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 1,931 | 23% | 3 | 52k mi | Engine overhaul cost |
| Electrical system | 1,816 | 21% | 7 | 26k mi | Alternator / electrical repair cost |
| Steering | 1,489 | 17% | 6 | 57k mi | Power steering repair cost |
| Transmission / powertrain | 1,136 | 13% | 11 | 30k mi | Transmission repair cost |
| Brakes | 854 | 10% | 3 | 10k mi | Brake repair cost |
| Fuel system | 811 | 10% | 4 | 46k mi | Fuel pump repair cost |
| Speed control / acceleration | 407 | 5% | 1 | 33k mi | — |
| Air bags | 345 | 4% | 13 | 35k mi | — |
Top problem areas only; one complaint can count twice.
What Ram 1500 owners report
Owners’ own words; dollar figures are what they reported.
Engine
10/05/2018 driving down road and check engine light came on, 3 trips to dealer, 10/08/2018 after updating computer for recalls on 1st TRIP,10/18/18 replaceing exhaust manifold gaskets ($1188.00) 2nd trip, replaced plugs, after 3rd trip 10/22/2018 was told have bad lifters, $6500 to repair, valve lifters on backorder 4-6 months. Service department said this is a very common problem for this hemi motor.
2015 model-year owner, NHTSA complaint 11149752
Clicking/tapping noise coming from engine at cold starts. Noise goes away when engine warms up. Took truck to dealer and problem was diagnosed as broken exhaust manifold bolts. Service manage said this was on going problem with 5.7 hemi engines since 2009. I had to pay for repair even though this was obviously a manufacturer error in design. Cost was $684 to replace bolts.
2016 model-year owner, NHTSA complaint 11309320
Related recalls: 23V411000 (2015–2019): An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash. 20V475000 (2015–2018): An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash. 19V757000 (2015–2019): Combustion in the intake manifold can increase the risk of a fire.
1,931 owners reported engine problems; the engine overhaul cost calculator shows what the fix costs where you live.
Electrical system
Leak in rear glass assembly caused rfh module to fail. Vehicle locked in anti-theft mode needed to be towed to dealer. Dealer left it on lot 9 days then finally got around to replacing the rhf module. After $1800 repair was told I need to return asap to have rear glass assembly replaced. Another $2149 repair. Truck out of warranty 2-1/2 mos with 26,211 miles. Dealer serviced only on schedule since purchase
2021 model-year owner, NHTSA complaint 11587183
Around 40,000 miles, the digital display on the information cluster of my 2019 Ram 1500 bighorn started to go blank intermittently. Sometimes for long periods, sometimes for only a few minutes. Over time the display would only work once a week. Now at just over 50,000 the information will not display at all.
2019 model-year owner, NHTSA complaint 11609702
Related recalls: 19V556000 (2019): Failure of the instrument cluster to properly illuminate may prevent the driver from receiving warnings about the vehicle's systems and increase the risk of crash. 19V142000 (2019): If the auxiliary battery system overheats, there is an increased risk of a fire within the cabin even if the ignition is off. 18V332000 (2015–2019): If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
1,816 owners reported electrical system problems; the alternator / electrical repair cost calculator shows what the fix costs where you live.
Steering
The steering rack overheated causing the vehicle to lock up while being driven. Looked issue up online and see this has been an issue and recall for other Ram pickups but Dodge Ram says my truck not covered under recall. I do not drive aggressive nor has this vehicle been used to haul anything heavy. It has 81000 miles on it.
2019 model-year owner, NHTSA complaint 11587510
Power steering quit working. I took it to the dealer and they said it would cost $2,260.72 to repair. There was 59,860 miles on the vehicle. Power train warranty expires at 60,000 miles they said it was not part of the power train. I checked online and there was a recall on the power steering assist for certain 2016 Dodge rams manufactured between 1/22/2015 and 9/13/2015.
2016 model-year owner, NHTSA complaint 11351787
Related recalls: 19V812000 (2019): An intermittent loss of power steering assist may cause an inconsistent steering effort, especially during lower speed maneuvers, increasing the risk of a crash. 19V201000 (2019): If the steering wheel detaches from the steering column, the driver may lose control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of crash. 19V020000 (2019): A loss of power steering could vary the steering effort required, possibly causing vehicle oversteer or understeer, increasing the risk of crash.
1,489 owners reported steering problems; the power steering repair cost calculator shows what the fix costs where you live.
Ram 1500 recalls
Check these first: 21V037000 (2021, service brakes, hydraulic: do not drive).
Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for your car’s open recalls.
| Campaign | Announced | Model years | System | Risk (NHTSA's wording) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 26V560000 | 2026-09-01 | 2025 | Backup camera / rear sensors | A rearview image that does not display reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 26V495000 | 2026-07-30 | 2019–2025 | Seat belts | An improperly installed seat belt buckle anchor may fail to properly restrain occupants, increasing the risk of injury during a crash. |
| 26V327000 | 2026-05-21 | 2024 | Backup camera / rear sensors | A rearview image that does not display reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 26V225000 | 2026-04-09 | 2025 | Electrical system | An instrument panel display that fails to show critical safety information, such as gear selection and warning lights, increases the risk of a crash. |
| 26V059000 | 2026-02-02 | 2025 | Exterior lights | Trailer brake lights and turn signals that do not illuminate reduce visibility to other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash. Additionally, trailer brakes that fail increase the risk of a crash. |
| 25V824000 | 2025-12-01 | 2019 | Air bags | An inflator rupture may result in sharp metal fragments striking occupants, resulting in injury. |
| 25V826000 | 2025-12-01 | 2025 | Electrical system | An instrument panel display that does not show critical information, such as warning lights or gear selection, increases the risk of a crash. |
| 25V765000 | 2025-11-06 | 2021–2022 | Air bags | A driver's side air bag that does not deploy as intended increases the risk of injury in a crash. |
| 25V592000 | 2025-09-11 | 2018 | Air bags | An inflator rupture may result in sharp metal fragments striking occupants, resulting in injury. |
| 25V298000 | 2025-05-08 | 2019–2024 | Air bags | A driver's side air bag that does not deploy as intended increases the risk of injury in a crash. |
| 25V231000 | 2025-04-10 | 2025 | Tires | An incorrect tire pressure message may result in improperly inflated tires, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 25V010000 | 2025-01-16 | 2016–2019 | Air bags | An inflator rupture may result in sharp metal fragments striking occupants, resulting in injury. |
| 24V942000 | 2024-12-19 | 2025 | Exterior lights | Inoperative headlights can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 24V794000 | 2024-10-24 | 2025 | Wheels | Driving with a disabled electronic stability control system can increase the risk of a crash. |
| 24V754000 | 2024-10-10 | 2020–2023 | Visibility (windows, mirrors, wipers) | Detached mirror glass can reduce driver visibility, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 24V729000 | 2024-10-01 | 2023–2024 | Steering | Turn signals that do not function properly may fail to indicate the driver's intention to change vehicle direction, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 24V653000 | 2024-09-05 | 2019, 2021–2024 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | Driving with a disabled electronic stability control system can increase the risk of a crash. |
| 24V437000 | 2024-06-13 | 2022 | Backup camera / rear sensors | A rearview camera image that does not display decreases the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 24V436000 (OTA) | 2024-06-13 | 2022 | Backup camera / rear sensors | A rearview camera image that does not display decreases the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 24V413000 | 2024-06-06 | 2023 | Transmission / powertrain | A loss of drive power or a loss of park function increase the risk of a crash. |
| 24V199000 | 2024-03-14 | 2023–2024 | Air bags | An air bag that does not deploy in a crash can increase the risk of injury. |
| 23V799000 | 2023-11-28 | 2023 | Steering | Turn signals and/or high beams that do not function as intended may cause confusion or reduced visibility to other road users, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 23V654000 | 2023-09-28 | 2022–2023 | Backup camera / rear sensors | A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 23V411000 | 2023-06-08 | 2015–2019 | Engine and cooling | An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash. |
| 23V265000 | 2023-04-13 | 2021 | Transmission / powertrain | An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash. |
| 23V263000 | 2023-04-13 | 2022–2023 | Fuel System, Diesel | Fuel pump failure can result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 23V264000 | 2023-04-13 | 2022 | Air bags | Air bags that do not deploy as intended increase the risk of injury in a crash. |
| 23V059000 | 2023-02-09 | 2021–2023 | Backup camera / rear sensors | A rearview image that does not display while in reverse decreases the driver's visibility of the rear view, increasing the risk of injury or crash. |
| 22V904000 | 2022-12-08 | 2019–2022 | Body structure | An unintended tailgate opening while driving may result in a loss of unsecured cargo, possibly creating a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 22V767000 | 2022-10-13 | 2020–2022 | Fuel System, Gasoline | An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash. |
| 22V766000 | 2022-10-13 | 2022 | Seat belts | A seat belt with pretensioner failure may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury. |
| 22V638000 | 2022-08-25 | 2020–2021 | Backup camera / rear sensors | A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 22V406000 | 2022-06-09 | 2015–2019 | Fuel System, Diesel | Fuel starvation may result in an unexpected loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 22V407000 | 2022-06-09 | 2022 | Backup camera / rear sensors | A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 21V925000 | 2021-11-24 | 2021 | Air bags | An air bag that deploys improperly can increase the risk of injury in a crash. |
| 21V918000 | 2021-11-23 | 2021 | Backup camera / rear sensors | A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 21V871000 | 2021-11-10 | 2022 | Visibility (windows, mirrors, wipers) | An inoperable defrosting and defogging system can reduce visibility for drivers in certain conditions, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 21V698000 | 2021-09-09 | 2021 | Tires | A driver that relies on the incorrect spare tire inflation pressure on the tire placard label may inflate the spare tire incorrectly, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 21V632000 | 2021-08-12 | 2015–2020 | Air bags | A separated inflator end cap or inflator rupture can allow compressed gas to escape, resulting in the end cap or other components being propelled into the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury or crash. |
| 21V438000 | 2021-06-10 | 2021 | Backup camera / rear sensors | A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury. |
| 21V037000 | 2021-02-01 | 2021 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | A separated brake pedal can result in the driver being unable to apply the service brakes, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 20V622000 | 2020-10-08 | 2020 | Visibility (windows, mirrors, wipers) | Missing driver side mirror glass reduces visibility and increases the risk of a crash. |
| 20V580000 | 2020-09-24 | 2019–2020 | Seat belts | In the event of a crash, if the front seat belts fail to lock, there is an increased risk of injury. |
| 20V191000 (OTA) | 2020-09-10 | 2019–2020 | Backup camera / rear sensors | The lingering rearview image can distract the driver, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 20V513000 | 2020-08-27 | 2019–2020 | Speed control / acceleration | A pedal that does not return as expected may affect the vehicle's deceleration, thereby increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 20V475000 | 2020-08-13 | 2015–2018 | Engine and cooling | An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash. |
| 20V374000 | 2020-06-25 | 2020 | Air bags | In the event of a crash, if the diffuser detaches from the inflator during air bag deployment, the air bag may not inflate properly, increasing the risk of injury. |
| 20V208000 | 2020-04-09 | 2019–2020 | Visibility (windows, mirrors, wipers) | Reduced visibility increases the risk of a crash. |
| 20V080000 | 2020-02-13 | 2019 | Transmission / powertrain | A sudden loss of power or a loss of 'PARK' function may increase the risk of a crash. |
| 19V887000 | 2019-12-12 | 2019 | Tires | Without a warning indicator, the driver will be unaware if low tire pressure occurs, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 19V812000 | 2019-11-14 | 2019 | Steering | An intermittent loss of power steering assist may cause an inconsistent steering effort, especially during lower speed maneuvers, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 19V757000 | 2019-10-24 | 2015–2019 | Engine and cooling | Combustion in the intake manifold can increase the risk of a fire. |
| 19E059000 | 2019-08-27 | 2019 | Body structure | Contact with the fuel tank may cause a fuel leak, increasing the risk of a fire. |
| 19V556000 | 2019-07-26 | 2019 | Electrical system | Failure of the instrument cluster to properly illuminate may prevent the driver from receiving warnings about the vehicle's systems and increase the risk of crash. |
| 19V448000 | 2019-06-13 | 2019 | Tires | The driver, referencing the tire placard label, may incorrectly inflate the spare tire, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 19V407000 | 2019-05-31 | 2019–2020 | Air bags | Disabled air bags and seat belt pretensioners increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash. |
| 19V347000 | 2019-05-09 | 2015–2018 | Latches and locks | If the tailgate opens while the vehicle is being driven, cargo may fall out the vehicle and create a road hazard, increasing the risk of crash. |
| 19V324000 | 2019-04-25 | 2018–2019 | Transmission / powertrain | A fractured rear driveshaft could detach from the vehicle and become a road hazard, or it may result in a loss of drive power, both of which can increase the risk of a crash. |
| 19V201000 | 2019-03-14 | 2019 | Steering | If the steering wheel detaches from the steering column, the driver may lose control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of crash. |
| 19V142000 | 2019-02-28 | 2019 | Electrical system | If the auxiliary battery system overheats, there is an increased risk of a fire within the cabin even if the ignition is off. |
| 19V067000 | 2019-02-05 | 2019 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | If the brake pedal separates from the pedal assembly, the driver may be unable to brake the vehicle, increasing the risk of crash. |
| 19V051000 | 2019-01-24 | 2019 | Visibility (windows, mirrors, wipers) | The lack of a functioning windshield defrosting and defogging system may decrease the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of crash. |
| 19V020000 | 2019-01-24 | 2019 | Steering | A loss of power steering could vary the steering effort required, possibly causing vehicle oversteer or understeer, increasing the risk of crash. |
| 18V822000 | 2018-11-20 | 2019 | Seats | If the sensor cannot identify that the seat is in the full-forward position and adjust the frontal air bag deployment accordingly, there would be an increased the risk of a injury in the event of a crash. |
| 18V556000 | 2018-08-23 | 2018–2019 | Transmission / powertrain | If the rear axle assembly fails, it can cause a loss of drive or the rear wheels may lock up. Either scenario increases the risk of a crash. |
| 18V524000 | 2018-08-09 | 2018 | Electrical system | A vehicle stall can increase the risk of a crash. |
| 18V486000 | 2018-07-27 | 2015–2017 | Body structure | If the tailgate latch releases and the tailgate opens while driving, cargo may fall out, creating a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 18V398000 | 2018-06-14 | 2018 | Backup camera / rear sensors | A loss of image in the rearview camera while backing up can increase the risk of a crash. |
| 18V332000 | 2018-05-17 | 2015–2019 | Electrical system | If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash. |
| 18V280000 | 2018-05-01 | 2018 | Transmission / powertrain | If the incorrect park lock rod is installed, the transmission may not shift into 'PARK' and keep the vehicle from moving, increasing the risk of unintended vehicle movement and the risk of a crash. |
| 18V100000 | 2018-02-08 | 2017–2018 | Transmission / powertrain | Being able to shift the transmission without pushing the brake pedal and/or without a key in the ignition can increase the risk of an unintended vehicle rollaway that may result in personal injury or a crash. |
| 17V824000 | 2017-12-21 | 2015 | Equipment / accessories | If the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury in the event of a fire. |
| 17V821000 | 2017-12-20 | 2015–2017 | Transmission / powertrain | Being able to shift the transmission without pushing the brake pedal and/or without a key in the ignition can increase the risk of an unintended vehicle rollaway that may result in personal injury or a crash. |
| 17V434000 | 2017-07-07 | 2017 | Fuel System, Gasoline | In the event of a rollover crash, leaking fuel in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire. |
| 17V302000 | 2017-05-09 | 2015–2016 | Air bags | If the rollover side curtain air bags and seat belt pretensioners are disabled, there is an increased risk of injury to the vehicle occupants in the event of a crash that necessitates activation of these safety systems. |
| 17V198000 | 2017-03-23 | 2016–2017 | Transmission / powertrain | A broken or locked up differential may result in a loss of motive power and possibly a loss of vehicle control. Either scenario increases the risk of a crash. |
| 16E041000 | 2016-05-16 | 2015–2016 | Equipment / accessories | If the seat cover impedes the air bag deployment, the seat thorax air bags may not provide adequate protection in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of a injury. |
| 16V301000 | 2016-05-16 | 2016 | Transmission / powertrain | A fractured halfshaft may damage underbody components and create road debris, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 16V167000 | 2016-03-23 | 2015–2016 | Steering | If the vehicle experiences a loss of power steering assist, extra steering effort will be required, especially at lower speeds, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash. |
| 15V663000 | 2015-10-16 | 2016 | Tires | Without a heat shield, heat from the exhaust system may damage the spare tire. When used, the damaged tire may have a tread separation or side wall rupture, resulting in a loss of control and an increased risk of a crash. |
| 15V661000 | 2015-10-15 | 2015–2016 | Transmission / powertrain | If the rear axle shaft was not properly heated treated, it may fracture and a wheel separation could occur, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 15V534000 | 2015-08-21 | 2015 | Air bags | In the event of a vehicle crash, if a SABIC does not inflate as intended, there is an increased risk of injury to the rear seat occupant. |
| 15V517000 | 2015-08-14 | 2015 | Electrical system | If the harness shorts, the vehicle may stall and there is an increased risk of a fire. |
| 15V461000 | 2015-07-23 | 2015 | Equipment / accessories | Exploitation of the software vulnerability may result in unauthorized remote modification and control of certain vehicle systems, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 15V460000 | 2015-07-22 | 2015 | Seat belts | Air bags that unexpectedly deploy increase the risk of a crash or injury. |
What this data can and can't tell you
8,527 unverified owner reports, not adjusted for sales. Method.
Other Ram models in the index
Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation consumer complaint files (nhtsa.gov), retrieved 2026-09-25; NHTSA recalls database (nhtsa.gov/recalls), retrieved 2026-09-23. Model years 2015–2025. Free to cite with a link to this page.