Is RAM reliable?
63% of the 71 RAMs we inspected scored 60/100 or higher, averaging 63/100 — they tend to be in slightly better shape than average.
#3 of 24
Longevity rank#1 Tesla holds up to ~189k~137k
Trouble-free mileageacross all body styles71
RAMs inspectedreal pre-purchase inspections63/100
Average conditionall cars we check: 61/100Based on 71 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
42%
Oil leaks · Engine
37%
Tires condition & wear · Brakes and tires
31%
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 35%
Good 28%
Mediocre 14%
Poor 23%
Hidden history
What the seller might not mention — how often we find it on RAMs.
65%had a repainted or replaced panelall cars: 75%
0%showed structural repairall cars: 4%
35%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 ~137k miles. It ranks RAM #3 of 24 brands we have enough data to rate; the longest-lasting, Tesla, holds up to ~189k. 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
11 cars · profile soon
Recently inspected:
2016 RAM 2500 · 220k mi — flagged: oil leaks, dirty or low engine oil, fault codes recently cleared. Inspected Aug 20.
2023 RAM 1500 · 28k mi — flagged: low coolant / cooling system issues, fuel trim out of range. Inspected Aug 10.
The bottom line
RAM vehicles hold their condition well into high mileage, typically not dipping below decent until 137,000 miles. The catch is electronics and fluid leaks: active error codes are common, along with engine oil leaks, transmission leaks, cooling issues and worn tires. Because codes get cleared on a lot of these, always scan it yourself rather than trusting the warning lights. Get under it to inspect for those leaks first thing. If the electronics and fluids look solid you have room to negotiate other wear; walk away from anything with multiple leaks or a suspiciously clean computer history.
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 (42%), oil leaks (37%), tires condition & wear (31%).
Thinking of buying a RAM? Get the exact car inspected before you pay.
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Based on 71 inspections · updated Aug 22, 2026
