Is the RAM 1500 reliable?
83% of the 40 we inspected scored 60/100 or higher, with an average of 73/100 — it scores noticeably better than the typical used car we inspect.
40
Cars inspectedreal pre-purchase inspections73/100
Average conditionall cars we check: 61/10083%
In good shape (60+)all cars we check: 56%Across 40 used RAM 1500s we inspected, this model scores noticeably better than the typical used car we inspect — average condition 73/100 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
35%
Low coolant / cooling system issues · Engine
35%
Fuel trim out of range · Engine
33%
Oil leaks · Engine
30%
Body control module · Equipment
20%
Share of inspected RAM 1500s where each item was flagged.
How they score
Excellent 50%
Good 33%
Mediocre 8%
Poor 10%
Hidden history
What the seller might not mention — how often we find it on this model.
55%had a repainted or replaced panelall cars: 75%
0%showed structural repairall cars: 4%
35%had fault codes recently clearedall cars: 24%
How long does a 1500 stay good?
Good cars by mileage
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.
More on RAM
Straight from recent RAM 1500 reports
2022 RAM 1500 · 75k mi — flagged: exhaust system, battery condition, worn suspension joints. Inspected Sep 14.
2023 RAM 1500 · 28k mi — flagged: low coolant / cooling system issues, fuel trim out of range. Inspected Aug 10.
The bottom line
A used RAM 1500 can look solid at a glance, yet the real pattern is engine and electronics trouble, often with a computer that's been reset. Cooling-system issues, fuel-trim problems, and oil leaks keep showing up with active error codes, and codes have been cleared on 35 percent of them. Start every look with a scan, then go straight to coolant condition, oil leaks, and fuel trims before you talk money. If cooling is already weak, oil is seeping, or the codes look freshly wiped, negotiate hard or walk.
FAQ
?
?
What are the most common problems on a used RAM 1500?
The items we flag most often are active error codes (35%), low coolant / cooling system issues (35%), fuel trim out of range (33%). Have these checked before buying.
?
Should I worry about cleared fault codes?
On 35% 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.
Book an inspection
Based on 40 inspections · updated Oct 1, 2026
