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RAM 1500: common problems & condition

38
Cars inspectedreal pre-purchase inspections
66/100
Average conditionall cars we check: 60/100
79%
In good shape (60+)all cars we check: 52%



Across 38 used RAM 1500s we inspected, this model scores noticeably better than the typical used car we inspect — average condition 66/100 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
37%
Low coolant / cooling system issues · Engine
34%
Oil leaks · Engine
32%
Fuel trim out of range · Engine
32%
Body control module · Equipment
18%

Share of inspected RAM 1500s where each item was flagged.

How they score

Excellent 11% Good 68% Mediocre 18% Poor 3%
Hidden history

What the seller might not mention — how often we find it on this model.

58%had a repainted or replaced panelall cars: 76%
0%showed structural repairall cars: 4%
37%had fault codes recently clearedall cars: 23%
How long does a 1500 stay good?
Good cars by mileage
0 25 50 75 100 20–40k mi: 100% in good shape (5 cars) 40–60k mi: 100% in good shape (6 cars) 60–80k mi: 80% in good shape (5 cars) 120–140k mi: 67% in good shape (6 cars) 40k 80k 120k 160k 200k mileage when we inspected it

Share of RAM 1500s 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.

What else does ~$28k buy? A used RAM 1500 typically sells for around $28,490 — compare the odds of getting a good truck across every make at that budget. Compare →
More on RAM

Straight from recent RAM 1500 reports

2016 RAM 1500 · 109k mi — flagged: oil leaks, fault codes recently cleared, fuel trim out of range. Inspected Jun 17.
2022 RAM 1500 · 41k mi — flagged: battery condition, fault codes recently cleared, readiness monitors not ready. Inspected Jun 16.
FAQ
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Is the RAM 1500 reliable?
79% of the 38 we inspected scored 60/100 or higher, with an average of 66/100 — it scores noticeably better than the typical used car we inspect.
?
What are the most common problems on a used RAM 1500?
The items we flag most often are active error codes (37%), low coolant / cooling system issues (34%), oil leaks (32%). Have these checked before buying.
?
Should I worry about cleared fault codes?
On 37% of these cars the ECU codes had been erased shortly before sale, which can hide active faults. Ask for a diagnostic scan and start the engine from cold.
Thinking of buying a RAM 1500? Get the exact car inspected before you pay.
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Based on 38 inspections · updated Jul 12, 2026