The Ram 1500 is one of the most reliable pickups you can choose to buy – according to problems reported by hundreds of actual truck owners. But that is to say, this is not without its share of problems. The most common problem owners have reported is broken exhaust manifold bolts. This is a serious problem that will likely cost hundreds of dollars to fix.
Is the Ram 1500 a reliable truck?
As trucks go, the Ram 1500 is one of the most problem-free vehicles out there. The site aggregates owners’ complaints about different makes and models. After hearing from countless owners, the site named the Ram 1500 their highest-rated full-size truck for reliability.
It found that RepairPal collected data on 17 different trucks. The site is not only about how often a truck needs repair, but also about the cost of the repair and the severity of the problem.
The average Ram 1500 requires $691 in unscheduled maintenance each year. That’s less than the $936 billing surprise for a full-size midsize pickup truck.
What are the problems with the Dodge Ram 1500s?
The most common problem Ram 1500 owners shared with RepairPal was broken exhaust manifold bolts. In total, 331 Ram 1500 owners have reported this problem. RepairPal has found the average cost to repair an exhaust manifold to be between $259 and $316.
This wasn’t the only problem RepairPal owners reported: 290 Ram 1500 drivers said the rear window seal was defective and water had leaked in. Even worse, 231 owners reported leaking expensive coolant. You can repair a window seal for $88 through $111. But a coolant leak can cause your engine to overheat and cost you between $664 and $725. Yikes!
The site also aggregates problems faced by Ram 1500 owners. The site has recorded 11 complaints of the 2016 Ram 1500 jumping when it stalled, and one of those owners even had to replace the transmission. 26 owners reported that the optional air suspension on the 2014 Ram 1500 is not working properly. All told, 24 Ram 1500 truck owners reported that their power steering system failed, and 10 of those owners had to replace the steering rack while one got away with replacing the alternator.
Is RAM 5.7 reliable?
Chrysler started building Ram’s in 2004. With plenty of troubleshooting time, it’s a more reliable engine than many of the other options.
In fact, this RepairPal number one issue reported with the Ram 1500 – broken exhaust manifold bolts – doesn’t seem to affect the 5.7-liter V8. Owners have only reported this problem on the 3.7-liter V6 and the older 4.7-liter V8. This issue affects Rams from 1995 through 2010 exclusively.
So if you’re looking for a reliable Ram 1500, know that the 5.7-liter Hemi V8 doesn’t have the worst owner-reported problem in Ram 1500 history. However, the problem hasn’t been reported as well with Ram’s current V6, either. Engine “Pentastar” volume of 3.6 liters. So both current Ram 1500 engine options are reliable options, according to RepairPal. Will the new turbocharged I6 Hurrican engine destined for the Ram be reliable? We’ll just have to wait and find out.
Find out what it is, or watch more Ram 1500 problems in the video below:
