Used Ram 1500 — common problems and service
Common issues, reliability information, and service offers to review before buying this model used.
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The 2019 Ram 1500 (DT generation) has the highest recall-campaign count of any 2019–2026 model year, with 29 NHTSA campaigns, reflecting launch-year teething problems. Specific failure modes are not itemized in the available research, but multiple safety defects were officially identified. This elevates ownership risk compared with later DT-model-year Rams. Recall repairs are typically free, so no repair cost estimate is provided.
The 2020 Ram 1500 has 13 NHTSA recall campaigns, including air bag and back-over prevention campaigns. The source does not detail exact failure modes, but these categories involve potential airbag malfunction and deficient back-over/rear-collision protection, increasing injury risk in crashes or reversing scenarios. Safety recall repairs are usually no-charge.
The 2021 Ram 1500 has 9 NHTSA recall campaigns, specifically brake master cylinder and transmission control module (TCM) recalls. The source does not provide further detail, but the named systems imply possible loss or degradation of hydraulic brake pressure and transmission shifting or control failures, both of which are safety-critical. Recall corrections are generally performed free of charge.
The 2025 Ram 1500 with the 3.0L turbocharged inline-six 'Hurricane' engine accumulated six NHTSA campaigns within its first 18 months, a higher pace than the 2023 or 2024 model years. The source attributes this to the Hurricane platform transition and '2025-specific quality issues.' Specific failure modes are not enumerated, but buyers should verify that all open recall campaigns are completed before purchase or ownership.