Full-Size Pickup Truck

Ram 1500

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Significant concerns from real users

Full-Size Pickup Truck

1380 sources · updated June 2026

⚠ Low risk

Hemi lifter and cam failure on 2019-2024 models — produces audible ticking on cold starts, requires expensive cam and lifter replacement, and severely impacts resale value. High idle hours (over 20% of runtime) significantly increase failure risk. 2025+ models use entirely different engines, so this risk does not apply to current production.

If you're shopping used Rams from 2019-2024, listen for the Hemi tick, that cold-start ticking noise signals lifter failure brewing, a repair that costs thousands and craters resale the moment it starts. Owners report oil pans corroding through at 55k miles, transmissions shuddering, and catastrophic engine failures on brand-new 2024s that didn't survive to their first oil change. One buyer found the parking brake held together with Vise-Grips. The 2025 redesign ditches the Hemi entirely for a Hurricane inline-six, and early expert reviews praise the smooth ride, strong power, and luxury-grade cabin in top trims. But it's too new to prove Stellantis fixed the underlying quality control issues or just swapped problems. Used Hemi-era trucks are a gamble unless you verify low idle hours and no tick. New buyers are beta-testing a clean-sheet powertrain from a company whose recent track record offers little reassurance. If you need a full-size truck now, the F-150 and Silverado have more predictable long-term costs.

The generation that matters

This product isn't one story — here's how each era is regarded.

4th generation (2009–2018)

2009–2018

Solid

Older generation praised for reliability and longevity (e.g., 2002 battery lasting 20 years, 2016 models still running). Common issues include exhaust manifold leaks on 5.7L Hemi and rust on older models, but generally regarded as durable workhorses.

5th generation (2019–2024)

2019–2024

Mixed

Praised by experts for ride quality and luxury (7-year 10Best streak, 2025 Truck of the Year), but community data shows serious reliability concerns: catastrophic engine failures under 10k miles, oil pan corrosion at 55k, persistent electrical issues, and dealerships dismissing obvious problems.

2025+ (Hurricane I-6 era)

2025–present

Mixed

New twin-turbo inline-six praised for refinement and power, but long-term test truck suffered wastegate actuator failure at 30k miles—a complexity issue never seen on old Hemi V-8s. Too early for full reliability picture, but introduces new failure modes.

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Common complaints8 issues

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−Hemi tick/lifter failure systematic issue on 2019-2024 models, requires cam and lifter replacement, costly repair

−Oil pan corrosion reported on 2021-2022 models at low mileage (55k miles), warranty coverage disputed

−Transmission issues reported across multiple model years, hard shifting, hesitation, failures

−Lower towing capacity than Ford F-150 and Chevy Silverado competitors (expert-sourced)

−Electrical gremlins, horn malfunctions, infotainment freezes, sensor failures

−Engine failures on brand-new 2024 models before first oil change (catastrophic piston/rod failure)

−Highest depreciation rate among Big 3 trucks at 31% over 5 years

−Spark plug replacement requires intake manifold removal on V6 models, expensive maintenance

✓

What owners praise7 strengths

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✓

Exceptional ride quality for a pickup truck, notably smooth and refined (expert-sourced: Car and Driver, MotorTrend)

✓

2025+ Hurricane twin-turbo inline-six delivers strong power and torque (expert consensus)

✓

Premium cabin materials and technology in upper trims rival luxury vehicles (expert-sourced)

✓

Some owners report high mileage durability, one example at 300k miles, another at 390k miles

✓

2025 redesign addresses previous generation issues with new powertrain and updated platform

✓

Strong towing capability for daily use, capable full-size truck platform

✓

Available plug-in hybrid Ramcharger variant offers 690 miles combined range (2025+)

📊 How this score was calculated — 6-dimension rubric

High confidence▼

1380 sources analysed with long-term owner data present

1380 sources analysed — strong data quality

Reliability & Durability(22%)2.7

3 positive vs 8 negative long-term reports

User Sentiment(22%)2.4

2,847 positive upvotes vs 8,934 negative upvotes

Complaint Severity(16%)6.5

Complaints: 12 cosmetic, 47 functional, 23 systematic, 4 safety

Consensus Strength(8%)1.3

Opinion is use-case dependent — product divides opinion by intended use

Value for Money(15%)2.0

4 'worth it', 11 'overpriced', 7 mention better-value alternatives

Owner Advocacy(17%)3.2

2 repurchased/gifted, 3 unprompted recommendations, 9 regrets

Scores are percentile ranks: 5.0 is the median product in existence. 8.5+ is reserved for genuinely exceptional products (top ~10%). The score reflects consensus quality, what owners say about the product. Risk is tracked separately and shown above the summary when present. Both are calculated deterministically, so the same signals always produce the same score.

How we score every product →

Specifications2026

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Pricing

Starting MSRP

$42,025

Range

$42,025 - $91,595

Capability

Towing capacity

11,580 lbs max

Payload