Consumer Reports gave the redesigned 2026 Ram 1500 a predicted reliability score of just 5 out of 100—the lowest of any pickup truck it has evaluated. That’s a striking number for one of America’s best-selling vehicles, and it reflects reliability concerns that have surfaced across multiple model years of the fifth-generation Ram 1500, which launched with the 2019 redesign.

Common documented issues include engine, electrical, steering, and transmission problems. These repairs can run into the thousands of dollars once factory coverage expires. Here’s a year-by-year breakdown of where the Ram 1500 problems concentrate, what to look for before buying used, and how to plan ahead.

Higher Risk Model Years

The early model years in the pickup’s 5th generation redesign are the ones to watch out for.

• 2019: The first year of the redesigned fifth-generation Ram truck has accumulated one of the largest volumes of complaints in this generation on CarComplaints, with 158 complaints listed for the model year as of August 2026. Because CarComplaints combines owner-submitted reports with NHTSA complaint information in portions of its database, this total should be treated as an indicator of reported problem volume rather than a direct reliability score. For recall information, always check the specific VIN on NHTSA.gov, since recall campaigns often span multiple model years.

• 2020: The 2020 model year also accumulated a substantial number of reported problems relative to later years, with 47 complaints listed on CarComplaints as of August 2026. Reported concerns include infotainment problems, water leaks, engine complaints, and electrical issues.

Lower Risk Model Years

Later fifth-generation Ram 1500 model years appear to have accumulated fewer reported problems than the earliest years of the redesign.* However, newer vehicles have also had less time on the road to accumulate complaints, so raw complaint totals should not be treated as a direct measure of comparative reliability.

• 2021: 23 reported issues
• 2022: Just 7 reported issues
• 2023: No reported issues
• 2024: Just 3 reported issues

*CarComplaints report totals as of August 2026.

What Owners Should Know Before Buying Used

For 5th-generation Ram 1500 owners, it’s useful to know that some model years and trim levels have fewer mechanical and electrical issues than others. Of course, it’s important to balance this information with the value of the vehicle, factoring in not just price, but also the likelihood of costly repairs and a coverage plan.

Here’s what to look out for:

Which model year?

The 2019 and 2020 model years have accumulated more owner complaints on CarComplaints than the later fifth-generation years. The 2023 and 2024 models have fewer complaints on the site to date, although their shorter time on the road should be considered when comparing complaint totals across model years.

Which trim level?

Trim level should be chosen based on the features you need, but more heavily equipped trims can include additional electronics, air-suspension components, and convenience systems that may increase repair complexity over time.

Which engine?

The eTorque mild-hybrid system adds a 48-volt motor-generator and battery system to the powertrain, introducing components that buyers should include in a pre-purchase inspection. The 5.7L HEMI V8 has a long production history, but long-term durability still depends on maintenance, operating conditions, and individual vehicle history. EcoDiesel shoppers should review the vehicle’s recall and service history carefully, particularly for emissions-system and fuel-system repairs.

What should you check before you buy?

You should perform all the usual checks you’d carry out when purchasing any used vehicle, such as running a vehicle history report, checking for open recalls by entering the VIN on NHTSA.gov, checking for any recall completion where applicable, and going through the service history carefully, checking for known common failure points.

In addition, you can go through this pre-purchase checklist to try to identify any specific issues with these Ram 1500 model years:

Engine

• Pay attention to hesitation, surging, warning messages, or unusual stop-start behavior during the test drive, and have any symptoms diagnosed by a qualified technician rather than assuming they are related to the eTorque system.
• For EcoDiesel models, review the VIN for open or completed fuel-system and EGR-related recalls, and inspect for signs of coolant or fuel leaks. Can you see any signs of a coolant leak or smell diesel near the engine?

Transmission

• Review the transmission service history and have a qualified technician inspect for delayed engagement, harsh shifting, leaks, or stored diagnostic trouble codes.
• Test the automatic stop-start system for consistent operation. Rough or delayed restarts warrant further diagnosis because several electrical or powertrain issues can produce similar symptoms.

In-Car Technology

• Test the infotainment thoroughly, checking the Uconnect software version and all the functions. Look out for any Uconnect error messages, especially on 2022-2024 models.
• Check the cameras, in particular the backup camera.

Other

• Pay attention to how the steering feels and whether there is any sticking.
• Check the air suspension on the Rebel and Limited models, looking out for anything to indicate the compressor may have issues.
• If possible, it’s highly recommended to arrange an inspection by a trusted mechanic who is experienced with Dodge Ram 1500s.
• Check whether any applicable Ram factory warranty coverage remains and how long (or how many miles) it will remain valid for.

How an Extended Warranty Fits into Ram 1500 Ownership

The Ram 1500 is popular for good reason, and just because there are known failure patterns with certain model years doesn’t mean they should be avoided altogether. Once you know about risks, you can plan ahead and budget accordingly.

For example, if the transmission goes on your vehicle, you can expect to pay an average of $6,000-$7,000 for a replacement system. An extended warranty or vehicle service contract (VSC) can help some owners manage the cost of eligible covered repairs after factory warranty coverage expires. Instead of relying solely on out-of-pocket funds for a major breakdown, drivers can choose a contract with defined coverage, payment terms, and deductibles.

A vehicle service contract provides separate coverage for eligible mechanical breakdowns after factory warranty coverage ends. For drivers concerned about unexpected repair expenses, a VSC can help manage the cost of qualifying covered repairs.

Flexible Coverage So You Can Drive Your Ram 1500 with Confidence

Even if your vehicle has known reliability concerns, an Endurance vehicle service contract can help protect against the cost of eligible covered repairs, subject to your plan’s terms and exclusions. We were included in USA Today’s 2026 “Most Trusted Brands” list.

Endurance is the direct administrator for most of our plans, allowing customers and repair facilities to work directly with our staff during the claims process. Also, we offer an impressive range of benefits with every plan, including 24/7 roadside assistance, rental car reimbursement, and trip interruption coverage, and a free year of our Elite Benefits package with tire coverage, key fob replacement, and more.

Best of all, you can customize our plans to help you choose a coverage level that fits your vehicle, driving needs, and budget. Simply speak to one of our friendly representatives, and they’ll help you tailor a protection package to suit your exact needs.

For coverage information and to take advantage of our 30-day money-back guarantee, call (800) 253-8203. Or go to our online store to see plan recommendations and compare prices now.

Interested readers can also find a wealth of useful resources on our extended warranty blog.