Is RAM reliable?
59% of the 67 RAMs we inspected scored 60/100 or higher, averaging 61/100 — they are in about average shape.
#3 of 24
Longevity rank#1 Tesla holds up to ~176k~135k
Trouble-free mileageacross all body styles67
RAMs inspectedreal pre-purchase inspections61/100
Average conditionall cars we check: 60/100Based on 67 used RAMs we inspected, they are in about average shape — average condition 61/100 vs 60 for all cars we check. Every number on this page comes from real pre-purchase inspections — cars people were about to buy and paid an independent inspector to go through point by point, engine to underbody, paint depth to error codes. Not owner surveys, not warranty statistics, not forum lore: what we actually found.
What we found
Most common faults
Active error codes · Electronic equipment
43%
Oil leaks · Engine
37%
Oil leaks · Automatic transmission
31%
Low coolant / cooling system issues · Engine
30%
Tires condition & wear · Brakes and tires
28%
Share of inspected RAMs where each item was flagged.
How they score
Excellent 7%
Good 52%
Mediocre 34%
Poor 6%
Hidden history
What the seller might not mention — how often we find it on RAMs.
66%had a repainted or replaced panelall cars: 76%
0%showed structural repairall cars: 4%
34%had fault codes recently clearedall cars: 23%
Compare with another brand:
Cross-shopping? RAM vs Toyota · RAM vs Honda · RAM vs Ford
How long does a RAM last?
Across every RAM body style we've inspected — sedans, SUVs and anything else pooled together — the average one's condition dips below decent (a 55/100 score) around ~135k miles. It ranks RAM #3 of 24 brands we have enough data to rate; the longest-lasting, Tesla, holds up to ~176k. Shopping a RAM near that mileage? Expect more wear ahead — see which makes give the best odds at your budget.
Good cars by mileage
Good cars by age
Share of RAMs in good shape (scoring 60+/100) by mileage and by age when we inspected them (each dot ≥5 cars; rolled-back odometers excluded from the mileage curve). The dashed grey curve is all cars we check.
RAM models we've inspected
Recently inspected:
2017 RAM ProMaster · 102k mi — flagged: low coolant / cooling system issues, dirty or low engine oil, signs of recent repair. Inspected Jul 7.
2023 RAM 2500 · 97k mi — flagged: gear selector, dirty or low transmission fluid, worn brake rotors. Inspected Jul 2.
The bottom line
RAM trucks punch above their weight on longevity, staying decent out to 135,000 miles and ranking third among brands, so higher-mileage examples aren't automatic walk-aways. The real story is the cluster of electronic error codes, engine and transmission oil leaks, and cooling issues that show up often enough to demand priority checks. Start every inspection with a full code scan and a thorough look underneath for seepage and coolant problems. Cleared codes appear more frequently than average, so treat any wiped history as a red flag and negotiate hard or walk if leaks or active faults aren't already fixed.
FAQ
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What are the most common problems with a used RAM?
Across the RAMs we inspected, the items we flag most often are active error codes (43%), oil leaks (37%), oil leaks (31%).
Thinking of buying a RAM? Get the exact car inspected before you pay.
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Based on 67 inspections · updated Jul 12, 2026
