Ram 1500
Approach the 2026 Ram 1500 with caution; its Below Average reliability is primarily driven by critical **trailer tow module failure** concerns and a high number of technical service bulletins (224 TSBs).
Calculated from 10,000+ NHTSA, EPA & owner-complaint data pointsHow we score
2021 modelSpecifications by model year
Compare the stats that matter
Every section below is populated from the available EPA, NHTSA, and vehicle-specification data for this model.
Fuel economy
EPA-rated city, highway, and combined economy by year.
| Year | City MPG | Highway MPG | Combined MPG | City L/100 km | Highway L/100 km | Combined L/100 km |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 10 | 14 | 12 | 23.52 | 16.8 | 19.6 |
| 2025 | 14 | 16 | 15 | 16.8 | 14.7 | 15.68 |
| 2024 | 10 | 14 | 12 | 23.52 | 16.8 | 19.6 |
| 2023 | 10 | 14 | 12 | 23.52 | 16.8 | 19.6 |
| 2022 | 10 | 14 | 12 | 23.52 | 16.8 | 19.6 |
| 2021 | 10 | 14 | 12 | 23.52 | 16.8 | 19.6 |
| 2020 | 15 | 22 | 17 | 15.68 | 10.69 | 13.84 |
| 2019 | 15 | 22 | 17 | 15.68 | 10.69 | 13.84 |
| 2018 | 13 | 18 | 14 | 18.09 | 13.07 | 16.8 |
| 2017 | 13 | 19 | 15 | 18.09 | 12.38 | 15.68 |
| 2016 | 13 | 19 | 15 | 18.09 | 12.38 | 15.68 |
| 2015 | 13 | 19 | 15 | 18.09 | 12.38 | 15.68 |
| 2014 | 13 | 19 | 15 | 18.09 | 12.38 | 15.68 |
| 2013 | 13 | 19 | 15 | 18.09 | 12.38 | 15.68 |
| 2012 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Engine, transmission & drivetrain
Powertrain specifications can vary between model years.
| Year | Body style | Cylinders | Displacement | Fuel type | Transmission | Drivetrain | engine |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | pickup | 8 | 6.2 | Premium | Automatic 8-spd | All-Wheel Drive | Cylinders: 8, Displacement: 6.2, Fuel type: Premium |
| 2025 | pickup | 6 | 3.0 | Premium | Automatic | 4-Wheel Drive | Cylinders: 6, Displacement: 3.0, Fuel type: Premium |
| 2024 | pickup | 8 | 6.2 | Premium | Automatic | 4-Wheel Drive | Cylinders: 8, Displacement: 6.2, Fuel type: Premium |
| 2023 | pickup | 8 | 6.2 | Premium | Automatic 8-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | Cylinders: 8, Displacement: 6.2, Fuel type: Premium |
| 2022 | pickup | 8 | 6.2 | Premium | Automatic 8-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | Cylinders: 8, Displacement: 6.2, Fuel type: Premium |
| 2021 | — | 8 | 6.2 | Premium | Automatic | 4-Wheel Drive | Cylinders: 8, Displacement: 6.2, Fuel type: Premium |
| 2020 | — | 8 | 5.7 | Midgrade | Automatic | Rear-Wheel Drive | Cylinders: 8, Displacement: 5.7, Fuel type: Midgrade |
| 2019 | — | 8 | 5.7 | Midgrade | Automatic | Rear-Wheel Drive | Cylinders: 8, Displacement: 5.7, Fuel type: Midgrade |
| 2018 | — | 8 | 5.7 | Midgrade | Automatic | 4-Wheel Drive | Cylinders: 8, Displacement: 5.7, Fuel type: Midgrade |
| 2017 | — | 8 | 5.7 | Midgrade | Automatic 6-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | Cylinders: 8, Displacement: 5.7, Fuel type: Midgrade |
| 2016 | pickup | 8 | 5.7 | Midgrade | Automatic 6-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | Cylinders: 8, Displacement: 5.7, Fuel type: Midgrade |
| 2015 | pickup | 8 | 5.7 | Midgrade | Automatic 6-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | Cylinders: 8, Displacement: 5.7, Fuel type: Midgrade |
| 2014 | pickup | 8 | 5.7 | Midgrade | Automatic 6-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | Cylinders: 8, Displacement: 5.7, Fuel type: Midgrade |
| 2013 | pickup | 8 | 5.7 | Midgrade | Automatic 6-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | Cylinders: 8, Displacement: 5.7, Fuel type: Midgrade |
| 2012 | pickup | — | — | — | — | — | — |
Pricing & configuration
Original pricing and model configuration where available.
| Year | pricing | Trim | Series | Note | Base price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2025 | Trim: Tungsten | Tungsten | — | — | — |
| 2024 | Trim: Tradesman | Tradesman | — | — | — |
| 2023 | Series: TRX, Trim: Crew Cab | Crew Cab | TRX | — | — |
| 2022 | Series: SLT | — | SLT | — | — |
| 2021 | Series: Tradesman | — | Tradesman | — | — |
| 2020 | Trim: Classic DS, Note: Single Rear Wheels | Classic DS | — | Single Rear Wheels | — |
| 2019 | Series: Tradesman (US) / ST, Trim: DT | DT | Tradesman (US) / ST | — | — |
| 2018 | Series: Longhorn | — | Longhorn | — | — |
| 2017 | Base price: $47,195, Trim: Sport | Sport | — | — | $47,195 |
| 2016 | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2015 | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2014 | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2013 | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2012 | — | — | — | — | — |
Space, dimensions & utility
Seating, cargo, and physical configuration by model year.
| Year | Seats | Doors | Cargo (L) | Cargo (cu ft) | bodyAndInterior | mechanical | Keyless ignition | Seat rows | Cab type | Steering location | Axles | Wheels | Wheelbase | Front wheel | Rear wheel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2025 | 6 | 4 | 1526 | 53.9 | Keyless ignition: Standard, Seat rows: 2 | — | Standard | 2 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2024 | 6 | 4 | — | — | Keyless ignition: Standard, Seat rows: 2 | — | Standard | 2 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2023 | — | — | — | — | Keyless ignition: Standard | — | Standard | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2022 | 5 | 4 | — | — | Keyless ignition: Standard | — | Standard | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2021 | 5 | — | — | — | Cab type: Extra/Super/Quad/Double/King/Extended, Keyless ignition: Standard, Steering location: Left-Hand Drive (LHD), Seat rows: 1 | Axles: 2, Wheels: 4, Wheelbase: 140, Front wheel: 17, Rear wheel: 17 | Standard | 1 | Extra/Super/Quad/Double/King/Extended | Left-Hand Drive (LHD) | 2 | 4 | 140 | 17 | 17 |
| 2020 | 5 | 4 | 1526 | 53.9 | Steering location: Left-Hand Drive (LHD), Seat rows: 2 | Axles: 2, Wheels: 4 | — | 2 | — | Left-Hand Drive (LHD) | 2 | 4 | — | — | — |
| 2019 | 5 | — | — | — | Cab type: Regular, Keyless ignition: Standard, Steering location: Left-Hand Drive (LHD), Seat rows: 1 | Axles: 2, Wheels: 4, Wheelbase: 153.5, Front wheel: 17, Rear wheel: 17 | Standard | 1 | Regular | Left-Hand Drive (LHD) | 2 | 4 | 153.5 | 17 | 17 |
| 2018 | 5 | 4 | — | — | Cab type: Extra/Super/Quad/Double/King/Extended, Keyless ignition: Standard, Steering location: Left-Hand Drive (LHD) | Axles: 2, Wheels: 4, Wheelbase: 120.5, Front wheel: 22, Rear wheel: 22 | Standard | — | Extra/Super/Quad/Double/King/Extended | Left-Hand Drive (LHD) | 2 | 4 | 120.5 | 22 | 22 |
| 2017 | 6 | 4 | — | — | Cab type: Regular, Keyless ignition: Standard, Seat rows: 2 | Axles: 2, Wheels: 4, Wheelbase: 140.5, Front wheel: 20, Rear wheel: 20 | Standard | 2 | Regular | — | 2 | 4 | 140.5 | 20 | 20 |
| 2016 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2015 | 6 | 4 | 1424 | 50.3 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2014 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2013 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2012 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
Safety ratings & driver assistance
NHTSA safety ratings and listed driver-assistance availability.
| Year | nhtsaSafetyRatings | abs | esc | tractionControl | tpms | adaptiveCruiseControl | autoBrake | forwardCollisionWarning | blindSpotMonitoring | laneDepartureWarning | rearCamera | rearCrossTrafficAlert | parkAssist | adaptiveDrivingBeam | autoReverseSystem | pedestrianAeb | rearAeb | blindSpotIntervention | laneCenteringAssist | Overall rating | Frontal crash | Side crash | Rollover | Rated vehicle |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | — | standard | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2025 | — | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2024 | — | standard | standard | standard | standard | — | standard | standard | optional | optional | standard | standard | — | standard | — | optional | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2023 | — | standard | standard | standard | standard | — | optional | standard | optional | optional | — | optional | optional | — | — | optional | optional | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2022 | — | standard | standard | standard | standard | optional | — | — | optional | optional | standard | optional | optional | standard | standard | — | — | optional | optional | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2021 | Overall rating: 5, Frontal crash: 4, Side crash: 5, Rollover: 4, Rated vehicle: 2021 Ram 1500 Crew PU/CC 4WD | standard | standard | standard | standard | optional | optional | standard | optional | optional | standard | optional | optional | optional | standard | optional | — | — | — | 5 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 2021 Ram 1500 Crew PU/CC 4WD |
| 2020 | Overall rating: 5, Frontal crash: 4, Side crash: 5, Rollover: 4, Rated vehicle: 2020 Ram 1500 Crew PU/CC 4WD | standard | standard | standard | standard | — | standard | — | — | — | standard | — | — | standard | standard | — | — | — | — | 5 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 2020 Ram 1500 Crew PU/CC 4WD |
| 2019 | Overall rating: 4, Frontal crash: 4, Side crash: 5, Rollover: 4, Rated vehicle: 2019 Ram 1500 Quad PU/EC 2WD | standard | standard | standard | standard | — | standard | — | — | — | standard | — | — | standard | standard | — | — | — | — | 4 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 2019 Ram 1500 Quad PU/EC 2WD |
| 2018 | Overall rating: 4, Frontal crash: 4, Side crash: 5, Rollover: 4, Rated vehicle: 2018 Ram 1500 Regular PU/RC 2WD | standard | standard | standard | standard | — | — | — | — | — | standard | — | optional | — | — | — | — | — | — | 4 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 2018 Ram 1500 Regular PU/RC 2WD |
| 2017 | Overall rating: 4, Frontal crash: 4, Side crash: 5, Rollover: 4, Rated vehicle: 2017 Ram 1500 Regular PU/RC 2WD | standard | standard | standard | standard | — | standard | — | — | — | standard | — | — | standard | standard | — | — | — | — | 4 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 2017 Ram 1500 Regular PU/RC 2WD |
| 2016 | Overall rating: 4, Frontal crash: 4, Side crash: 5, Rollover: 4, Rated vehicle: 2016 Ram 1500 Regular PU/RC 2WD | — | — | — | standard | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 4 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 2016 Ram 1500 Regular PU/RC 2WD |
| 2015 | Overall rating: 4, Frontal crash: 4, Side crash: 5, Rollover: 3, Rated vehicle: 2015 Ram 1500 Quad PU/EC 4WD | — | — | — | standard | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 4 | 4 | 5 | 3 | 2015 Ram 1500 Quad PU/EC 4WD |
| 2014 | Overall rating: 4, Frontal crash: 4, Side crash: 5, Rollover: 3, Rated vehicle: 2014 Ram 1500 Quad PU/EC 4WD | — | — | — | standard | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 4 | 4 | 5 | 3 | 2014 Ram 1500 Quad PU/EC 4WD |
| 2013 | Overall rating: 4, Frontal crash: 4, Side crash: 5, Rollover: 3, Rated vehicle: 2013 Ram 1500 Regular PU/RC 4WD | — | — | — | standard | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 4 | 4 | 5 | 3 | 2013 Ram 1500 Regular PU/RC 4WD |
| 2012 | Overall rating: 3, Frontal crash: 4, Side crash: 3, Rollover: 3, Rated vehicle: 2012 Ram 1500 Regular PU/RC 4WD | — | — | — | standard | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 3 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 2012 Ram 1500 Regular PU/RC 4WD |
Technology & electrification
Listed infotainment, equipment, battery, and charging data.
Model year reports
2026
NewestApproach the 2026 Ram 1500 with caution; its Below Average reliability is primarily driven by critical **trailer tow module failure** concerns and a high number of technical service bulletins (224 TSBs).
2025
Approach the 2025 Ram 1500 with caution.
2024
Approach the 2024 Ram 1500 with caution; its Below Average reliability is primarily driven by critical air bag non-deployment issues.
2023
The 2023 Ram 1500 carries a 'Below Average' reliability verdict, primarily due to a critical driver's airbag non-deployment risk and a high number of technical service bulletins.
2022
The 2022 Ram 1500, despite its powerful 6.2L V8 and 4-Wheel Drive, carries a Below Average reliability verdict primarily due to concerns surrounding **high pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failure**.
2021
The 2021 Ram 1500, despite its 5-star overall safety rating, carries a "Below Average" reliability verdict for used buyers.
2020
The 2020 Ram 1500 presents a mixed ownership proposition; while it offers a comfortable ride and strong capability, potential buyers must prioritize inspecting for **occupant restraint controller (ORC) failure**.
2019
The 2019 Ram 1500 presents a complex ownership proposition with a "Below Average" reliability verdict and 53 recalls.
2018
Approach the 2018 Ram 1500 with caution; its Below Average reliability verdict is driven by 24 recalls, with the most significant concern being potential side curtain air bag inflator issues.
2017
Approach the 2017 Ram 1500 with caution: its below-average reliability is largely driven by persistent **airbag inflator issues** and a high number of critical recalls, despite a lack of consumer complaints.
2016
The 2016 Ram 1500 offers strong utility with 4-wheel drive and a 4-star overall safety rating, but its Below Average reliability, marked by 25 recalls and concerns over side curtain airbag inflator issues, demands careful pre-purchase inspection.
2015
The 2015 Ram 1500 presents a below-average reliability outlook, primarily due to concerns surrounding **side airbag inflatable curtain (SABIC) inflator failure** and a high volume of 27 safety recalls.
2014
Approach the 2014 Ram 1500 with caution, as its "Below Average" reliability is largely driven by "engine stall risk" in 3.0L EcoDiesel variants.
2013
The 2013 Ram 1500 presents a complex ownership proposition; while capable, its **airbag system malfunction** concerns, alongside numerous recalls and TSBs, demand thorough pre-purchase scrutiny.
2012
The 2012 Ram 1500 stands out for its excellent reliability, boasting 0 recalls and 0 complaints, suggesting a robust ownership experience.
Scores are derived from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints, normalized by vehicle segment averages.
What are the best years for the Ram 1500?
Carfocal currently has 15 published 1500 reports, covering 2012 through 2026. Compare the year-specific reports directly to see how reliability, recalls, ownership costs, and value change over time. The newest published verdict says: Approach the 2026 Ram 1500 with caution; its Below Average reliability is primarily driven by critical **trailer tow module failure** concerns and a high number of technical service bulletins (224 TSBs).
Published year coverage: 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026.
Is the Ram 1500 reliable?
There is no single reliability answer for every Ram 1500. Carfocal's published year reports show why the model year matters, with verdicts that include approach the 2026 ram 1500 with caution; its below average reliability is primarily driven by critical **trailer tow module failure** concerns and a high number of technical service bulletins (224 tsbs). and given the **below average** reliability and the critical **trailer tow module failure**, the 2026 ram 1500 presents a higher ownership risk. Compare the report for the year you are considering before you make a decision.
15 published year-specific reports are available for comparison.
What are common problems with the Ram 1500?
Carfocal answers common-problem questions in the year-specific reports. Published guides currently cover 2012 through 2026.
Problem patterns will populate as repair-prediction coverage expands.
Supporting data
- Published guides
- 15
- Years tracked
- 15
- Data sources
- NHTSA, EPA, owner complaints