Is RAM reliable?
65% of the 70 RAMs we inspected scored 60/100 or higher, averaging 63/100 — they tend to be in slightly better shape than average.
#4 of 24
Longevity rank#1 Tesla holds up to ~185k~134k
Trouble-free mileageacross all body styles70
RAMs inspectedreal pre-purchase inspections63/100
Average conditionall cars we check: 61/100Based on 70 used RAMs we inspected, they tend to be in slightly better shape than average — average condition 63/100 vs 61 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
41%
Oil leaks · Engine
36%
Tires condition & wear · Brakes and tires
30%
Oil leaks · Automatic transmission
30%
Low coolant / cooling system issues · Engine
30%
Share of inspected RAMs where each item was flagged.
How they score
Excellent 36%
Good 29%
Mediocre 13%
Poor 23%
Hidden history
What the seller might not mention — how often we find it on RAMs.
64%had a repainted or replaced panelall cars: 75%
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 ~134k miles. It ranks RAM #4 of 24 brands we have enough data to rate; the longest-lasting, Tesla, holds up to ~185k. 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
1500
39 cars · 82% good
2500
10 cars · profile soon
Recently inspected:
2023 RAM 1500 · 28k mi — flagged: low coolant / cooling system issues, fuel trim out of range. Inspected Aug 10.
2022 RAM TRX · 35k mi — flagged: battery condition, fault codes recently cleared, tires condition & wear. Inspected Jul 18.
The bottom line
RAM trucks often keep rolling well past the point where many rivals fade, with condition holding until roughly 134,000 miles, yet the real risk sits in the electronics and fluids. Active error codes turn up constantly, paired with engine and transmission oil leaks plus cooling shortfalls, so your first moves on any example are a full code scan and a careful look underneath for wet spots. Cleared-code history is also elevated, which means demand the diagnostic trail before you commit. Use those leaks or lingering codes to negotiate hard or walk; the strong longevity only helps when the powertrain stays dry and the modules behave.
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 (41%), oil leaks (36%), tires condition & wear (30%).
Thinking of buying a RAM? Get the exact car inspected before you pay.
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Based on 70 inspections · updated Aug 12, 2026
