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Dodge Ram 1500 — Years to Avoid

Reliability breakdown of every Dodge Ram 1500 model year. Based on NHTSA owner complaints, federal recalls, and safety investigations.

Model Years
22
Years to Avoid
2012, 2005
Best Years
1996, 1995, 1994, 1993, 1992, 1991
2012Avoid
983 complaints7 recalls1 invest.282 TSBs
2011
990 complaints4 recalls1 invest.250 TSBs
2010
635 complaints4 recalls1 invest.16 TSBs
2009
884 complaints2 recalls2 invest.40 TSBs
2008
721 complaints8 recalls2 invest.55 TSBs
2007
701 complaints7 recalls4 invest.68 TSBs
2006
1,080 complaints12 recalls4 invest.52 TSBs
2005Avoid
1,637 complaints7 recalls5 invest.37 TSBs
2004
1,372 complaints8 recalls5 invest.40 TSBs
2003
1,366 complaints5 recalls3 invest.28 TSBs
2002
1,004 complaints6 recalls1 invest.22 TSBs
2001
1,370 complaints3 recalls2 invest.24 TSBs
2000
641 complaints3 recalls1 invest.17 TSBs
1999
769 complaints1 recalls17 TSBs
1998
645 complaints1 recalls17 TSBs
1997
468 complaints1 recalls1 invest.13 TSBs
1996Best Year
407 complaints1 recalls1 invest.9 TSBs
1995Best Year
273 complaints1 recalls4 invest.3 TSBs
1994Best Year
148 complaints1 recalls4 invest.3 TSBs
1993Best Year
7 complaints0 recalls2 invest.3 TSBs
1992Best Year
0 complaints1 recalls3 invest.2 TSBs
1991Best Year
8 complaints0 recalls4 invest.1 TSBs

How we calculate this

Each year receives a composite risk score based on NHTSA owner complaints, federal recalls, safety investigations, and technical service bulletins. Years scoring more than 2x the model's average are flagged as “years to avoid.” Years in the lowest risk bracket are marked as “best years.” All data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Which Dodge Ram 1500 Years Should You Avoid?

Based on federal safety data, the 2012, 2005 Dodge Ram 1500 are the most problematic years, with significantly higher rates of owner complaints, recalls, and safety investigations compared to other model years.

If you're shopping for a used Dodge Ram 1500, consider the 1996, 1995, 1994, 1993, 1992, 1991 model years — these have the fewest reported issues relative to other years.

22 model years analyzed