Ram 1500 Years to Avoid
Every 1500 model year ranked by owner complaints filed with NHTSA, with recalls and the top problem for each year.
Updated Oct 16, 2026.
Which 1500 years should you avoid?
The 2014, 2016 and 2019 1500 have the most NHTSA complaints. Adjusted for how long each year has been on the road, the 2009, 2023 and 2018 models have the fewest problems.
Complaints by model year
Total complaints. Newer years have had less time on the road, so their totals will keep climbing.
Every year at a glance
| Year | Complaints | Per year | Recalls | Top problem |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 101 | 101 | 9 | Electrical |
| 2025 | 360 | 180 | 8 | Electrical |
| 2024 | 76 | 25 | 6 | Electrical |
| 2023 | 203 | 51 | 11 | Electrical |
| 2022 | 624 | 125 | 16 | Engine |
| 2021 | 683 | 114 | 15 | Engine |
| 2020 | 639 | 91 | 14 | Engine |
| 2019 | 1,492 | 187 | 30 | Electrical |
| 2018 | 664 | 74 | 15 | Electrical |
| 2017 | 882 | 88 | 13 | Steering |
| 2016 | 1,549 | 141 | 17 | Engine |
| 2015 | 1,457 | 121 | 18 | Engine |
| 2014 | 1,773 | 136 | 17 | Steering |
| 2013 | 1,279 | 91 | 12 | Steering |
| 2009 | 37 | 2 | 2 | Transmission |
"Per year" divides complaints by the years since that model year went on sale, so new and old years compare fairly. Highlighted rows have the most complaints.
Get an email when your Ram 1500 gets a new recall
We check NHTSA every month. If a new recall or safety investigation covers the Ram 1500, you'll hear about it the same week.
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Common questions
What is the worst year for the Ram 1500?
The 2014 1500, with 1,773 complaints. Its most reported problem area is the steering.
What is the best year for the Ram 1500?
Among years with at least three years of owner reports, the 2009 1500 has the fewest complaints per year on the road.
Which Ram 1500 years should I avoid?
Be most careful with the 2014, 2016 and 2019 models. Check service records and recall work before buying.