Dodge Ram Problems by Year

We compared every Dodge Ram model year from 1995–2011 using 3,960 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, 55 recalls and federal defect investigations. The years to avoid are 1996, 1998, 2001, 1997 and 1999, which drew far more complaints than other Ram years at the same age. The best years are 2011, 2009 and 2007.

17model years
3,960complaints
55recalls
1996, 1998worst years
2011, 2009best years

Complaints by model year

’95’96’97’98’99’00’01’02’03’04’05’06’07’08’09’10’116196364155174121594593531895840251725927
Owner complaints per model year, Dodge Ram. Colour = our verdict for that year (red: avoid, orange: caution, green: better than average, blue: too new).
YearComplaintsvs. typical*RecallsTop problemVerdict
20110−99%4—Good
201027−86%5TransmissionGood
20099−95%5SteeringGood
200825−86%2SteeringGood
200717−90%1TransmissionGood
200625−85%—ElectricalGood
200540−76%—EngineGood
200458−64%1ElectricalGood
20031891.6×2BodyCaution
20023533.1×3BodyAvoid
20014594.0×9BodyAvoid
20001591.4×6BrakeAverage
19994123.8×9BrakeAvoid
19985174.8×14BrakeAvoid
19974153.9×7BrakeAvoid
19966366.0×10BrakeAvoid
19956195.9×12BrakeAvoid

* Complaints compared with the median Ram year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.

Most common Dodge Ram problems

Latest Dodge Ram recalls

Steering › Linkages › Tie rod assembly

NHTSA recall 10V-657 · Dec 24, 2010 · 15,271 vehicles

Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2008-2011 Dodge Ram 4500 and 5500 vehicles. These vehicles May experience a weakening and fracture of the left ball stud on the tie rod resulting in the potential loss of steering.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners and replace the left outer tie rod free of charge. The safety recall began on March 7, 2011. Owners May contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.

Steering › Hydraulic power assist › Power steering fluid

NHTSA recall 10V-616 · Dec 7, 2010 · 62,166 vehicles

Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 Dodge Ram trucks manufactured from March 2009 through October 2010. Some vehicles equipped with diesel engine and a hydroboost brake system May be equipped with a power steering reservoir cap with excessive vent pressure levels that May result in brake pedals that are slow to…

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners and dealers will replace the power steering reservoir cap free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during February 2011. Owners May contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.

Equipment › Other › Labels

NHTSA recall 10V-474 · Oct 7, 2010 · 772 vehicles

Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2011 Dodge Ram d2, dj, and ds-body vehicles for failing to comply with the requirements of part 567, "certification." some vehicles have been built with certification and/or supplemental tire pressure information labels printed with incorrect weight or seating capacity information.

Remedy: Owners will be provided with replacement certification and/or supplemental tire pressure information labels. At the customer's option, they May take their vehicle to a Chrysler dealer for installation.

Steering › Electric power assist system

NHTSA recall 10V-475 · Oct 7, 2010 · 23,237 vehicles

Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2010 Chrysler sebring, 300, charger (lx) and Dodge challenger (lc), avenger (js), and journey (jc), as well as model year 2011 Dodge Ram light duty pickup (ds) vehicles. Some of these vehicles May experience a separation at the crimped end of the power steering pressure hose assembly.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace as necessary the power steering pressure hoses free of charge. The safety recall began on December 20, 2010. Owners May contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.

Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Master cylinder

NHTSA recall 10V-315 · Jul 7, 2010 · 20,626 vehicles

Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2010 left hand drive Jeep liberty, Dodge nitro and Ram 1500 truck; right and left hand drive Jeep wrangler vehicles. These vehicles May have been built with an improperly formed master cylinder to hydraulic control unit (hcu) brake tube assembly end flare.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the brake tubes free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during August 2010. Owners May contact Chrysler toll-free at 1-800-853-1403.

All 55 Dodge Ram recalls by year →

Frequently asked questions

What years of the Dodge Ram should you avoid?

1996, 1998, 2001, 1997, 1999 and 2002 — these years have the most complaints relative to other Ram years at the same age, led by brakes problems in the 1996.

What is the best year for the Dodge Ram?

2011 has the fewest complaints compared with other Ram years at the same age, followed by 2009 and 2007. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.

What are the most common Dodge Ram problems?

Across all years, owners report the most problems with the brakes (761), transmission & drivetrain (628) and body & structure (380). Brake complaints peak in the 1996 model year.

How many recalls has the Dodge Ram had?

55 recalls across 1995–2011. The model year with the most is 1998. See all Dodge Ram recalls by year.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.