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Dodge Ram 2500 — Years to Avoid

Reliability breakdown of every Dodge Ram 2500 model year. Based on NHTSA owner complaints, federal recalls, and safety investigations.

Model Years
21
Years to Avoid
2012, 2011
Best Years
2002, 1993, 1992, 1991
2012Avoid
384 complaints5 recalls1 invest.296 TSBs
2011Avoid
389 complaints4 recalls1 invest.272 TSBs
2009
261 complaints5 recalls3 invest.41 TSBs
2008
405 complaints9 recalls3 invest.65 TSBs
2007
505 complaints11 recalls4 invest.69 TSBs
2006
899 complaints9 recalls5 invest.47 TSBs
2005
540 complaints9 recalls8 invest.49 TSBs
2004
753 complaints9 recalls8 invest.38 TSBs
2003
866 complaints9 recalls6 invest.31 TSBs
2002Best Year
210 complaints2 recalls27 TSBs
2001
561 complaints2 recalls1 invest.24 TSBs
2000
269 complaints2 recalls1 invest.19 TSBs
1999
422 complaints2 recalls1 invest.18 TSBs
1998
310 complaints2 recalls19 TSBs
1997
275 complaints1 recalls1 invest.15 TSBs
1996
365 complaints1 recalls2 invest.13 TSBs
1995
354 complaints1 recalls6 invest.6 TSBs
1994
210 complaints1 recalls8 invest.6 TSBs
1993Best Year
55 complaints0 recalls2 invest.3 TSBs
1992Best Year
43 complaints0 recalls3 invest.2 TSBs
1991Best Year
16 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 2500 Years Should You Avoid?

Based on federal safety data, the 2012, 2011 Dodge Ram 2500 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 2500, consider the 2002, 1993, 1992, 1991 model years — these have the fewest reported issues relative to other years.

21 model years analyzed