--- title: "Ram 1500 Problems and Years to Avoid" description: "How the Ram 1500 problems and recalls specification changed from 2012 to 2025, compared generation by generation. 6 documented problems with the Ram 1500, with symptoms, affected years, and typical repair costs. 3 of them are serious. 2 carry a recall or TSB number." url: "https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ram/1500/common-problems" updated: "2026-08-20" --- # Ram 1500 Common Problems and Years to Avoid The specification is not the same across every year we cover, the table below shows exactly where it changes. ## Has the Ram 1500 problems and recalls specification changed by year? | Model years | Documented issues | Serious | With a recall or TSB | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [2019-2025](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ram/1500/2019-2025/common-problems) | 6 | 3 | 2 | | [2012-2018](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ram/1500/2012-2018/common-problems) | 6 | 5 | 2 | ## Full specifications by generation The problems and recalls on a Ram 1500 is set by its generation, not its model year, so each generation has one page carrying the complete figures, part numbers and fitment notes for every year it covers. - [2019-2025 Ram 1500 Problems & reliability](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ram/1500/2019-2025/common-problems) - [2012-2018 Ram 1500 Problems & reliability](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ram/1500/2012-2018/common-problems) ## Ram 1500 problems and recalls: common questions ### What are the most common problems with the Ram 1500? The recurring ones are: hemi 'tick', lifter and camshaft failure (5.7l); etorque stalling and 48v faults (recalls + investigation); tailgate may open while driving, misaligned strikers (recall); air suspension leaks and compressor failure; uconnect 12-inch screen delamination / ghost touch. Each is detailed above with symptoms, affected years, and typical cost. ### Which Ram 1500 years should you avoid? The years to be most careful with are those affected by hemi 'tick', lifter and camshaft failure (5.7l) (2019-2024 (5.7L)) and etorque stalling and 48v faults (recalls + investigation) (2019-2024 (eTorque-equipped)) and air suspension leaks and compressor failure (2019-2025 (equipped trucks, typically >70k mi)). A documented problem is not automatically a reason to walk away. Service records showing the repair was done change the picture entirely. ### Are there recalls on the Ram 1500? 2 of the issues listed carry a recall or technical service bulletin: NHTSA 19V-142 (V17); 23V-265; investigation PE24018 (etorque stalling and 48v faults (recalls + investigation)), FCA ZB8 (NHTSA 22V-904 family, Dec 2022) (tailgate may open while driving, misaligned strikers (recall)). Recall work is free at a franchised dealer regardless of age or mileage. Check your VIN on the NHTSA site to see what is outstanding. ### How much do Ram 1500 repairs typically cost? Typical figures for the issues above: hemi 'tick', lifter and camshaft failure (5.7l), $2,500-$5,000+; etorque stalling and 48v faults (recalls + investigation), Free under recall (software/hardware); 48V battery pack out of warranty can exceed $2,000; tailgate may open while driving, misaligned strikers (recall), Free under recall; air suspension leaks and compressor failure, $1,700-$4,000. ## Sources - [FCA media, 2021 Ram 1500 TRX specifications](https://s3.amazonaws.com/chryslermedia.iconicweb.com/mediasite/specs/2021_RAM_1500_TRX_Specificationsncds40e91jnt64taolkbbpi9eq.pdf) - [NHTSA recall 22V-904, tailgate striker (Part 573 report, FCA ZB8)](https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2022/RCLRPT-22V904-2829.PDF) - [FCA Safety Recall V17 / NHTSA 19V-142, 48-volt ground cable fastener (oemdtc)](https://chrysler.oemdtc.com/1318/safety-recall-v17-nhtsa-19v-142-48-volt-ground-cable-fastener-2019-ram-1500/) - [Diesel Hub, 3.0L EcoDiesel oil change guide (gen-3: 8.5 qt, 68507598AA)](https://www.dieselhub.com/maintenance/ecodiesel-oil-change-guide.html) - [fueleconomy.gov, 2022 Ram 1500 EPA ratings](https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/bymodel/2022_Ram_1500.shtml) - [fueleconomy.gov, 2025 Ram 1500 EPA ratings (Hurricane SO/HO)](https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/bymodel/2025_Ram_1500.shtml) - [SD Wheel, 5th-gen Ram 1500 fitment guide (6x139.7, 130 ft-lb)](https://www.sdwheel.com/blogs/1278/5th-gen-ram-fitment-guide) - [Mopar eStore, 68414387AA DT engine air filter](https://www.moparoriginalparts.com/part-ymm/2024-ram-1500-dt-engine-air-filter.html) - [Mopar eStore, 53011248AB TRX 6.2L air filter](https://store.mopar.com/oem-parts/mopar-air-filter-53011248ab) - [Mopar eStore, 68683357AA Hurricane HO oil filter (supersedes 68466307AB)](https://store.mopar.com/oem-parts/mopar-engine-oil-filter-68683357aa) - [Interstate Batteries, Ram 1500 H7/94R fitment](https://www.interstatebatteries.com/vehicle/dodge/dodge-ram-1500) - [Mopar owner info, oil life reset procedure (accelerator method)](https://vehicleinfo.mopar.com/assets/publications/en-us/Ram/2022/2500_3500/om_html/GUID-129DF5D9-F994-45FC-9B5E-504D7FE75BC6.html) - [Blauparts, Ram 1500 TRX 0W-40 (MS-12633) oil change kit](https://www.blauparts.com/ram-1500-trx-oil-change-kit-62l-v8-0w40-ravenol.html) ## Find your exact 1500 - [2025](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ram/1500/2025) - [2024](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ram/1500/2024) - [2023](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ram/1500/2023) - [2022](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ram/1500/2022) - [2021](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ram/1500/2021) - [2020](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ram/1500/2020) - [2019](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ram/1500/2019) - [2018](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ram/1500/2018) - [2017](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ram/1500/2017) - [2016](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ram/1500/2016) - [2015](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ram/1500/2015) - [2014](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ram/1500/2014) - [2013](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ram/1500/2013) - [2012](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ram/1500/2012) More Ram 1500 guides: - [Oil & filter](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ram/1500/oil) - [Battery](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ram/1500/battery) - [Tires & wheels](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ram/1500/tires) - [Wiper blades](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ram/1500/wipers) - [Air & cabin filters](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ram/1500/filters) - [Bulbs](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ram/1500/bulbs) - [Brakes](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ram/1500/brakes) - [Fluids](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ram/1500/fluids) - [Service schedule](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ram/1500/service-schedule) - [Oil light reset](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ram/1500/oil-reset) - [Key fob battery](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ram/1500/key-fob-battery) - [Specs](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ram/1500/specs) Specifications vary with engine option, production date, and market.