The Ram 1500's reliability story is mixed - strong powertrains, but persistent electrical, HEMI lifter, and EcoDiesel issues. Here is the year-by-year breakdown of which Rams to avoid and which deliver the comfort and capability the truck is known for.
Avoid: 2013 (first-year 8HP), 2019 (first-year DT 5th gen), 2014 EcoDiesel
Buy: 2017-2018 (mature 4th gen 5.7 HEMI) or 2020-2021 (DT post-launch)
Scores 1-10 based on NHTSA complaint volume, severity of reported issues, recall history, and class-action exposure. Higher is better.
| Year | Score | Summary | Top 3 Problems | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 5.5/10 | First-year 8HP ZF transmission. Software issues. | · 8HP early shifter complaints · TIPM failure · Death wobble (4WD) |
AVOID |
| 2014 | 6/10 | First year EcoDiesel - emissions scandal incoming. | · EcoDiesel emissions (settlement) · TIPM · Air suspension |
AVOID |
| 2015 | 6.5/10 | Mid-cycle. Continued TIPM and EcoDiesel issues. | · EcoDiesel · TIPM · 5.7 HEMI MDS tick (early) |
AVOID |
| 2017 | 7.5/10 | TIPM largely sorted. Mature 4th gen. | · MDS lifter · Air suspension · Electrical |
CAUTION |
| 2018 | 8/10 | Best of 4th gen. Solid reliability. | · MDS lifter · Air suspension · Sensor |
CAUTION |
| 2019 | 6.5/10 | All-new DT 5th gen launches. eTorque first year. | · 48V mild-hybrid eTorque first-year bugs · Air suspension · Software |
AVOID |
| 2020 | 7.5/10 | DT maturing. Most launch bugs addressed. | · eTorque (improving) · MDS lifter (HEMI) · Sensor recalls |
CAUTION |
| 2021 | 8/10 | Strong mature DT year. | · MDS lifter · Software · Minor |
CAUTION |
Multi-Displacement System lifters collapse on cylinders 1/4/6/7. Class action In re Chrysler-Ram MDS Lifter Litigation filed 2021. Tick at cold start is the warning sign.
HEMI lifter details →Same TIPM module shared with Jeep and Chrysler causes no-start, fuel pump always on, random electrical. Class action Velasco v. Chrysler settled.
Run AI diagnosis →Stellantis paid over $300M to settle emissions-defeat-device claims. Affected trucks need emissions rework and have lingering EGR cooler and high-pressure fuel pump issues.
Diesel problems →Quadra-Lift compressors and bags fail at 80-120k miles. Many owners convert to coil springs.
Run AI diagnosis →Front-suspension oscillation similar to Wrangler. Worn track bar, ball joints, or steering damper trigger it.
Highway shake details →ZF 8HP transmission harsh shifts and hunting. Stellantis TSB 21-022-19 reflash addresses most.
8HP details →UConnect head unit reboots and loses Apple CarPlay. Software updates partially address.
Run AI diagnosis →Run a $5.99 AI diagnosis tailored to your exact vehicle. Get the most likely cause, repair estimate, and OBD2 code interpretation in under 30 seconds.
Diagnose My 1500 for $5.99Year-, make-, model-specific AI · Powered by NHTSA + AI
If your 1500 is throwing a check engine light, these codes are most often associated with the problems above. Click any code for diagnosis steps.
2013 (first-year 8HP and TIPM) and 2014 EcoDiesel (emissions scandal) are the most-cited worst years.
Mostly yes, but MDS lifter ticking is a known issue. Many owners run MDS-disable tunes preventively.
It is a mixed bag. Strong torque and MPG, but lingering EGR cooler and high-pressure fuel pump issues plus emissions-rework complications.
2019 was the rocky first year of the DT generation with eTorque hybrid bugs. 2020+ models are much more sorted.
2017-2018 (mature 4th gen with 5.7 HEMI) and 2021+ DT are the consensus picks.
Yes, similar to Jeep Wrangler. Solid front axle 4WD trucks can develop steering oscillation from worn track bar or damper.