Is the Dodge Ram 1500 reliable?

The Ram 1500 muscled its way into being the number two best-selling pickup in the U.S. by offering solid reliability and longevity. But how long do these trucks really last? After smoothing out some transmission problems in the early years, Ram’s average truck is capable of reaching over 200,000 miles with few issues.

Key Points

• Your average Ram 1500 pickup truck will last between 200,000 and 300,000 miles, according to reputable auto critics and owners.
• The average annual repair bill for a Ram 1500 is $691. This makes the Ram cheaper to run than its biggest competition from Ford and Chevrolet.
• Expect the repair bills to start getting larger after 100,000 miles, when more parts, such as suspension and drivetrain components, will be due for service.

Ram Dealers Say the 1500 will Last up to 300,000, but the Truth is, it Varies Wildly

Dodge’s Ram 1500 had been a staple of the American pickup scene since the 1970s and held a solid third place in the market. In 2008, Fiat and Chrysler merged to create a new company. In 2009, the classic light-duty truck was rebranded simply as the Ram 1500.

As of 2022, the Ram is only being out-sold by the legendary Ford F-150. If you’re purchasing a new or used model and wondering how long the Ram 1500 pickup truck will last, the quick answer is, up to 300,000 miles.

We have derived this number from numerous auto sources and Ram truck enthusiast forums. Vehicle History‘s real owner reviews also confirm Rams having a longevity of 200,000 to 300,000 miles on average.

Some Vehicle History reviewers mention having to put in some major repairs along the way, but many report having Rams dating as far back as 1999 with mileage numbers well into the high 200,000s.

But does this mean any Ram 1500 will last this long? Absolutely not.

Depending on who you ask, the answer as to how long a Ram 1500 will last can vary wildly. Some owners have had problems with transmission failure with less than 20,000 miles, while others report getting to over 200,000 miles with only a few minor issues.

This is because not all owners treat their vehicles equally. Some Ram owners take their pickup in for service like clockwork, and others wait until something breaks.

Driving Habits and Intended Use Heavily Affect a Ram Pickup’s Chances of Reaching 300,000 Miles

Not everyone has the same driving habits either. Some Rams spend most of their days sitting in a parking lot. Others haul equipment seven days a week. It seems obvious that the trucks with the lighter workload would last longer, but not always.

If you’re looking to buy a new Ram 1500, you have a lot of control over how far the truck will take you. With proper care, a new Ram 1500 can last up to 300,000 miles.

If you’re looking at a Ram that is a few years old, you can still expect north of 200,000 miles.

Regular Maintenance is Key to Getting the Most Mileage, and Ram 1500’s Annual Maintenance Cost is Cheaper than Most Trucks at Under $700

The Ram 1500’s reliability mostly depends on what year the truck was manufactured. And how well it was maintained.

Repair Pal estimates that the yearly average maintenance cost of a Ram 1500 is $691. This is around $245 less than your average pickup, making the Ram 1500 relatively cheap to run.

For the first 30,000 miles or so, basic fluid changes and inspections are about all your average Ram 1500 will need.

By the time your Ram hits the 100,000-mile mark, small components will start to show their age. Spark plugs, engine belts, and possibly the PCV valve will likely need to be replaced.

At 120,000 miles, your Ram 1500 will need a transmission service, and all the suspension components should be inspected.

If you get a fair amount of snow in your area, start looking for signs of rust around the 120,000-mile mark.

Most suspension components like tie-rods and control arms are coated to protect them from the elements. But, over time, small chips from road debris can wear away the coating.

Ram 1500 Trucks are Workhorses, and if Well-maintained, the Pickup will Last Over 200,000 Miles or 15 Years

When it’s all said and done, how long your Ram 1500 will last depends on you. Technically, if you love your Ram and don’t care about the cost, you can keep it going indefinitely. You might have to replace an engine or transmission along the way, but what is a $10,000 repair bill between friends?

However, for most people, there will come a point when the cost to keep their Ram going will outweigh their affection for the old workhorse. For the majority of owners, this number will land between 200,000 and 300,000 miles.

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