Ram split from Dodge in 2009 and has focused exclusively on trucks since. The 1500 lineup has earned strong reliability marks since the 2019 redesign, with a robust ZF-derived 8-speed transmission and the proven 5.7L Hemi V8 (subject to Hemi tick / MDS lifter issues). The 2500/3500 Heavy Duty trucks with the 6.7L Cummins are still the benchmark for heavy-duty diesel reliability. The eTorque mild-hybrid system on 2019+ Ram 1500 has had 48V battery issues.
J.D. Power's 2024 study placed Ram slightly above the Stellantis average but below the industry average overall. Consumer Reports ranks Ram mid-pack.
New body, ZF 8-speed, Hemi V8. Best-built Ram in decades.
Reference-class heavy-duty diesel. Aisin AS69RC trans on 3500 HO is bulletproof.
Older DS body but well-sorted drivetrain. Reliable workhorse.
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Cylinder head cracks, EGR cooler failure, emissions class action.
48V mild-hybrid battery and BSG (belt-driven starter generator) failures.
Cylinder deactivation lifter collapse; $4K+ repair.
Hemi tick / MDS lifter failure (2009-2024 still occurring), EcoDiesel 3.0L cylinder head cracks, eTorque 48V battery, ZF 8-speed valve body on some 2019-2020 trucks, and Uconnect 5 software bugs.
Average $853/year per RepairPal - higher than Toyota/Ford trucks. Cummins HD Ram has the strongest diesel resale value in the industry.
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Newer 1500s (2019+) and Cummins HD trucks are reliable. Older models and EcoDiesel are problematic.
A loud ticking noise from the 5.7L Hemi V8, often a worn MDS lifter caused by cylinder deactivation. Repair runs $3,000-$5,000.
Yes - the inline-6 Cummins is the gold standard for heavy-duty diesel reliability. 500K+ miles is realistic with maintenance.
No. The 3.0L V6 EcoDiesel had cylinder head cracks, EGR failures, and a Dieselgate-style emissions settlement.
Interior quality wins for Ram. Powertrain reliability is roughly even. F-150 has more transmission/cam phaser issues; Ram has more lifter and electrical issues.
200-250K for a well-maintained 1500. Cummins HD trucks routinely cross 400K.