Ram 1500 4th Generation 2009-2022 (DS/DJ/D2) Review

The Ram 1500's body styles include a two-door Regular Cab and two four-door bodies - a smaller Quad Cab and a larger Crew Cab, available with various bed lengths. The 2013 refresh brought various under-the-skin changes, including the new Pentastar V6 that replaces the tired old PowerTech engine, a new eight-speed automatic transmission, and active grille shutters. In terms of the truck's appearance, fewer changes were made, but a lot more convenience and comfort items were added.

There are detail changes on the front end, most noticeably the lower bumper with its two separate openings on either side in place of the previous long, continuous opening¹. The fog-light housings (on applicable trims) are now upright and no longer horizontal rectangular ones², and the upper part of the lower bumper dips down in the center to accommodate the larger new grille's cutout³. Lower trims get similar quad headlights to the higher trims of the pre-facelift truck, with the prominent amber indicator now clear and less obtrusive. Flagship trims get brand-new projector headlight units with a completely different lens layout and LED DRLs and turn signals⁴. There are changes to the grille designs, depending on the trim. The 'Dodge' script disappears from the Ram logo.

Not much changes at the back, but Sport and Laramie models get smart new LED taillight clusters. In line with losing its Dodge branding, the 'Dodge' script no longer appears in the Ram logo on the tailgate¹.

As always, new wheel designs are apparent¹, but in profile, you can see the changes to the front bumper and headlights as mentioned in the description of the facelift's front end².

The most noticeable interior change is the new head unit between the center vents, containing the new infotainment system, with even base models now getting a touchscreen, albeit a small one¹. The base touchscreen measures five inches and the higher models get an 8.4-inch display. The gauge cluster changes as well, with the main dials moving away further from each other and the driver-information display between them increasing in size².

Over the lifetime of the 4th-generation Ram 1500, five engines and four transmissions were available. The base engine was always a gas V6 and various gas V8s were also available. A diesel engine was also offered - the 3.0-liter V6 EcoDiesel. Both 2WD and 4WD drivetrains were available, the latter with a choice of two transfer cases. Have a close look at a used Ram's specification sheet to see which one you're viewing, as there are countless drivetrain configurations available.

Nobody expects a full-size truck to be thrifty, but there are a few surprises in store. The 5.7 V8, with its cylinder-deactivation technology, is actually more economical than the 4.7 and the diesel produces truly compelling economy figures, considering the torque and hauling ability on offer. The standard fuel tank takes 26 gallons, but the Regular Cab with the long box gets 32 gallons. Real-world fuel-consumption figures submitted by owners are obtained under varying conditions, from highway cruising to hauling and towing, and serve to demonstrate the range of figures possible from a drivetrain.

*实际mpg和MPGe位的es are provided by the EPA. Once a car has been on sale for a significant period of time, the EPA gets real-world figures directly from the customer base. These figures are then provided on the EPA website. Real-world figures are not available for certain models due to a lack of sales, or not enough people partaking in this after-sales survey.

The structure of the 4th-generation Ram 1500 stayed essentially the same from 2009 to 2013, when a stronger frame was adopted, but this did not affect its crash scores. It was again strengthened specifically to improve its score for the IIHS' small-offset frontal crash in 2016, but this did not affect its NHTSA crash scores either.

Trucks didn't enjoy a full suite of safety features in the late 2000s, and the standard safety fare on the 2009 Ram is par for the course: ABS and brake assist for the all-disc braking system, traction and stability control with roll mitigation and trailer-sway control, tire-pressure monitoring, hill-start assist, automatic headlights, and six airbags, including full-length curtains. The SLT gets remote keyless entry and power-adjustable side mirrors too. The Laramie gets rear parking sensors, a park-assist system, and a security alarm. The 2010 Ram 1500's tire-pressure monitoring system also keeps track of the spare tire's pressure. This model year also gains access to new towing options, namely an integrated trailer-brake controller and folding, powered trailer-tow mirrors.

The 2011 Laramie gets a backup camera. Rear side airbags become available on 2012 Ram 1500s. Front parking sensors become available in 2014 and are fitted as standard to the Laramie trims; automatic high beams are standard on the 2014 Laramie Limited. From 2015, the Sport trim also has a backup camera. In 2016 the Big Horn/Lone Star gains front parking sensors, while the Big Horn/Lone Star, Night, and Rebel all get backup cameras. The backup camera is finally standardized across the lineup for the 2018 model year in line with federal regulations.

Being a truck, the 2009-2022 Ram 1500 was available in various body styles. The first is a two-door Regular Cab with a three-seater bench and either a six-foot-four bed or an eight-foot bed. Next up is a four-door Quad Cab with seating for up to six passengers and only available with the shorter bed. Last is the Crew Cab, a longer four-door with more rear-seat space and a short five-foot-seven bed only. Trims are base ST, then SLT and Laramie, with various option packages available to up-spec the trims, such as the SLT's Sport, Big Horn, and Lone Star packages, some being region-specific. The TRX package is off-road-focused and usually listed as a separate trim, so we'll list it separately here as well, along with the Sport package/trim.

The Ram is very customizable and many extras are available, so you'll have to carefully check what has been fitted. Many of the Laramie features, such as the parking sensors, leather upholstery, seat heating, and dual-zone aircon, can be ordered from the XLT and up, while other extras like the RamBox storage compartments in the side of the load box, a rear-seat entertainment system, and navigation could have been fitted as well. Trims come and go almost every year, but the core trims are ST, SLT, TRX, Sport, and Laramie - and these were the only trims for the first two (2009-2010) model years while still under the Dodge name. The Outdoorsman and Big Horn/Lone Star trims arrive in 2011 and are joined by the Tradesman, Express, and Laramie Long Horn in 2012, and the Laramie Limited in 2014.

The 2013 model year also sees the introduction of the high-efficiency HFE 2WD 3.6-liter gas model, joined by an HFE 2WD 3.0-liter diesel model for the 2014 model year. In 2016, the Rebel trim is added, and in 2017, the SLT and Outdoorsman trims are dropped. The Harvest trim is new for 2018. The 2019 model year is a significant one because it sees the arrival of an all-new Ram 1500. However, the 4th generation reviewed here remains on sale from 2019 as a base Ram 1500 Classic, slotting in below the new Ram 1500, with a simplified lineup, fewer trims, and lacking the new 1500's advanced mild-hybrid drivetrains. The Tradesman, Express, and Big Horn / Lone Star trims are retained, the Warlock is all-new, and the rest of the trims are dropped.

Some annual changes apply to the various trims, certain engines, or the entire range. There were so many model years, trims, and changes, that we summarize the most important annual changes here:

2010:

• The maximum tow rating increases from 9,100 lbs to 10,450 lbs with the 3.92:1 axle ratio
• Additional optional tow features include powered and folding trailer-tow mirrors and an integrated trailer-brake controller
• A deceleration fuel cut-off device is fitted to all engines to save fuel
• An iPod-integration package becomes available

2011:

• Dodge gets dropped from the truck's name and it is now just called Ram
• Outdoorsman and Big Horn/Lone Star trims are added

2012:

• 在v8中,六速自动变速器代表laces the old five-speed unit
• The RamBox storage system sees a few improvements
• A bed-extension cargo-management system is introduced
• Heated rear seats become available
• Rear side airbags become available
• Tradesman, Express, and Laramie Long Horn trims are added

2013:

• The truck receives a mild facelift
• All trims receive quad halogen headlights and the Sport and Laramie trims get bi-function projector halogen headlights with LEDs for the turn signals and DRLs
• Sport and Laramie trims get LED taillights
• A stronger and lighter frame is adopted
• Air suspension with five settings, automatic load leveling, and a four-inch ride-height adjustment becomes optionally available
• A new 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine replaces the old 3.7 V6
• A brand-new eight-speed automatic transmission becomes standard on all V6 trims
• The central locking now also locks the tailgate, as well as the RamBox storage compartments (if fitted)
• A full-size six-foot-four cargo bed becomes available for the Crew Cab
• Keyless start and a Wi-Fi hotspot become available
• A next-generation Uconnect infotainment system is fitted with touchscreens ranging from three to 8.4 inches
• All trims up to the Big Horn get a 3.5-inch driver-information display in the gauge cluster and higher trims get a seven-inch TFT driver-information display
• A spray-in bed liner is standard on the Tradesman and Laramie and optional on all other trims
• Heavy-duty shock absorbers front and rear are standard across the lineup from 2013
• The HFE trim is added

2014:

• A new 3.0-liter turbocharged EcoDiesel V6 engine arrives
• All models get a capless fuel-filler system
• Front parking sensors become available for the first time
• Active grille shutters become standard on all models fitted with the eight-speed automatic transmission
• A Class IV trailer-hitch receiver becomes standard on all three Laramie trims
• The Laramie Limited trim is added

2015:

• Maximum tow rating increases to 10,700 lbs
• R/T package becomes available on the Sport

2016:

• Upgraded center console standard on all trims
• Enhanced connectivity
• LED cargo-bed lights become available
• Frame and crash structure reinforced for the IIHS' small-overlap frontal impact
• The Rebel trim is added

2017:

• The six-speed automatic transmission is discontinued completely on 5.7 Tradesman and Express models
• A five-micron cabin air filter is added as standard on all trims
• The Night trim is added
• SLT and Outdoorsman trims are dropped

2018:

• Rear-view camera standard on all trims
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto become standard on all trims that have the Uconnect infotainment system with the 8.4-inch screen fitted as standard or as an option
• The 8.4-inch touchscreen is improved with a higher resolution, pinch-to-zoom functionality, HD Radio, and 4G LTE on-board Wi-Fi
• The Harvest trim is added
• The Limited Tungsten package is added

2019:

• Renamed 1500 Classic and running in conjunction with brand-new 1500 as a base value truck
• Four trims: Tradesman, Express, Warlock, and Big Horn/Lone Star

2020:

• Big Horn/Lone Star trim is dropped

2021:

• The lineup remains unchanged

2022:

• The screen that comes with the optional Electronics Group package is now the large 8.4-inch unit

The interior of the 4th-generation Ram 1500 was highly rated throughout its lifetime with both the design and materials used exuding a premium air not usually expected of a truck. Higher-end trims received more soft-touch surfaces and the Laramie trims are truly luxurious with woodgrain trim and laser-etched leather upholstery. There is plenty of room to stretch out in, especially in the Crew Cab, which can accommodate six passengers in comfort. The vast array of cab and bed combinations mean you can get anything from a rough-and-ready work truck with a vinyl interior to supremely luxurious Crew Cab truck limousine with creature comforts including the latest in infotainment tech, climate-controlled seats, and plenty of safety tech. It pulls off this impression with aplomb thanks to best-in-class ride comfort, courtesy of that coil-sprung rear axle.

Besides the basic service outlined below, fuel filters typically last 15,000 miles or one year, whichever comes first. Transmission oil changes are very important, and here you have to check your service manual. All six-speed automatics are not the same and while the oil-change interval for the 68RFE six-speed is said to be 120,000 miles under normal operating conditions, that of the Aisin AS69RC - if fitted - is just 30,000 miles, so you'll have to check which transmission your vehicle is equipped with. Whatever the intervals may be, we would not extend them past 60,000 miles, regardless of what the book says, in the interest of the transmission's longevity. Transfer-case and differential fluid should be replaced every 60,000 miles or every 15,000-30,000 miles under severe conditions. The cooling system should normally be flushed and refilled every 100,000 miles

The Ram 1500 generally has to get a basic lube service when prompted by the oil-condition indicator and actual distances can vary from 5,000 to 15,000 miles. This is typically every 8,000-10,000 miles, but we'd reduce this to 5,000 miles under severe use, such as towing and in sub-zero or dusty conditions. The basic lube service also includes other checks and tire rotation and costs around $340-$380 at a Ram dealer, depending on the engine, with the diesel always being the most expensive to service. The V6 gas engine takes about 5.9 quarts of 5W-20, which will cost you around $72 with the oil filter included if you want to do the job yourself. The V8 takes seven quarts and with the filter added, the bill will come to around $83. The 3.0-liter turbo-diesel takes a lot more oil - its oil capacity is 10.9 quarts - and it uses the heavy-duty 4W-40 synthetic diesel oil type. With the oil filter added, the all-in parts cost is around $146, a lot more than the gas engines.

A set of six spark plugs for the gas V6 costs around $142. Remember that the 5.7 gas V8 has two spark plugs per cylinder and a full set of 16 will cost you around $304. An air filter on the gas V6 and V8 engines costs around $46 - and $51 on the diesel engine - and they have to be replaced every 30,000 miles. An added expense on the diesel is the 5.2 to eight gallons of diesel-emissions fluid, depending on the year, that has to be replaced at 20,000-mile intervals at a cost of around $30 per 2.5-gallon container. The replacement tire size and wiper-blade size of each trim will be indicated in the owner's manual, or you can ask your dealer.

的是刹车,steering-rela回忆说ted. A brake recall on 2009-2010 Ram 1500s was issued to replace an improperly manufactured retaining clip on the brake booster's input rod that could lead to brake failure. Just over 62,000 2010 and 2011 Ram 1500s with the diesel engine were recalled to replace the power-steering reservoir's cap that may cause excessive vent pressure, resulting in the brake pedal returning too slowly after brake application and the brake lights staying on too long. More than 20,000 2010 models were recalled to replace an improperly manufactured brake-tube assembly between the hydraulic control unit and the master cylinder, which may leak and reduce braking performance. A Ram 1500 electric power steering recall was issued for 2015 and 2016 models to replace an electric power steering (EPS) circuit board that may fail and lead to a loss of steering assistance. One 2013 recall was for resetting the parking brake's cable equalizer because it may fail to hold the vehicle securely on a gradient. A small number of 2019 1500 Classics were recalled to replace the EPS gear assembly because a gear in the assembly may fail, leading to a loss of power assistance, and a handful of 2019 Classics were recalled to replace the steering column, because improperly machined column stub shafts may cause the steering wheel to detach from the column. The 2019 Ram 1500 Classic brake-pedal recall covered 1500 Classic models with adjustable pedal boxes that were recalled for repairs because the brake pedal may detach. A 2019 Ram 1500 power steering recall affected nearly 160,000 1500 Classics and was issued to properly secure a battery-ground fastener on the front fender that might cause a loss of EPS assistance. A few hundred 2021 Classics were recalled to install a retaining clip on the brake master cylinder's pushrod, which may otherwise disconnect and disable the brakes.

虽然没有普遍的Ram 1500 diff problems, there were a few axle-, suspension-, and diff-related recalls. 2009-2011 Ram 1500s were recalled to replace the front tie rod's left outer ball stud, which may fracture and lead to a loss of steering control. On some 2014 models, the rear shock absorbers may have to be replaced because faulty ones with insufficient welding may detach. 2009-2012 Ram 1500s were recalled to replace a pinion nut on the rear axle that may work loose. A rear-axle recall affecting 2011 Ram 1500s was issued to install an oil port in the rear axle to lubricate a bearing that may otherwise seize. 2015 and 2016 Ram 1500s were recalled to replace rear axle assemblies because an improperly heat-treated axle shaft may fracture, causing a wheel to detach. Only 30 2016 Ram 1500s were recalled for a differential pin retaining screw that may cause the differential to fail and lock up. In another very small recall, 64 2016 models were recalled to replace incorrectly manufactured halfshafts that may fracture. Some 2018 and 2019 Ram 1500 and 1500 Classics were recalled to replace an incompletely welded rear driveshaft that may fracture and detach from the vehicle and, in a related recall, models from the same two years were recalled to refill rear differentials that left the factory with too little oil in them - or replace them if they have already suffered damage due to the low oil level.

There were various 2009-2019 Ram 1500 transmission recalls too. Some 2010 Ram 1500s were recalled to replace a faulty wireless ignition node (WIN) that may allow the key to be removed from the ignition without the transmission in Park, in which case a vehicle may roll away unexpectedly. A massive recall of nearly 1.5 million vehicles that also affected the 2009-2017 Ram 1500s was issued for a faulty Brake Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI) that may malfunction and allow the transmission to be shifted out of Park without having to apply the brake. 2013 MY Ram 1500s with the ZF 8HP45 AWD transmission were recalled for a transmission output shaft that may fracture. Entire transmissions of some 2014 models may have had to be replaced under recall because their transmission cases may have been machined incorrectly, preventing the park pawl from engaging when the shifter is in Park. A tiny number of 2018 Ram 1500s were recalled to replace an incorrect park-lock rod that may prevent the transmission from being shifted into Park. 2019 MY 4WD 1500 Classics were recalled to replace a transfer case with a faulty gear inside it that may cause the vehicle to become stuck in Neutral, causing a loss of drive to the wheels and/or the loss of the Park function. So, most of the notable 2009-2022 Dodge Ram 1500 drive-shaft, 4-wheel drive, and four-wheel-drive transfer-case problems were covered by the recalls.

A few fuel-system-related recalls make the list too. Nearly 219,000 2009-2012 Ram 1500s were recalled to have their fuel-tank-strap brackets replaced; these are prone to corrosion and failure. The fuel-tank valves of some 2017 Ram 1500s may be faulty, causing them to leak fuel in a rollover accident and possibly cause a fire; these vehicles were recalled to replace the fuel tanks. 2014-2019 Ram 1500 and 1500 Classics were recalled to replace a faulty high-pressure fuel pump. Some 2019 Classics equipped with certain Mopar rear-step kits were recalled to have these steps replaced, following the discovery that the steps may cause the rear suspension's control arms to potentially puncture the fuel tank in a rear-end crash.

There were a few wheel and tire-related recalls. A small number of 2012 Ram 1500s supplied with an incorrectly sized spare wheel were recalled to replace it, as it can interfere with the stability control's operation. Some 2016 Ram 1500s left the factory with a missing spare-wheel heat shield and these vehicles were recalled to have it installed. 2019 MY 1500 Classics were recalled to replace incorrect tire-pressure monitoring system (TPMS) sensors that may fail to warn the driver of underinflated tires. A mere 27 2019 Classics were recalled to replace a spare-tire placard label that shows an incorrect tire pressure for the spare tire and 2021 models were recalled to replace an incorrect spare tire.

There were more than one HVAC-related recall too. Almost 37,000 2009 models in which the windshield defogging and defrosting functions stopped working were recalled to fix the software programming of the heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) control module. There was a 2013 Ram 1500 coolant-bypass valve recall to have a small number of vehicles' coolant-bypass valves replaced, as these may become stuck and prevent coolant from flowing to the heater core, affecting the HVAC system's ability to defog the windshield. In the 2019 Dodge Ram 1500 buy-back recall, the manufacturer actually bought back 15 Classics because of an incompatible infotainment/HVAC combination that resulted in them not having a functioning windshield-defogging system.

有几个restraint-system-related召回s. The 2012-2016 Dodge Ram 1500 airbag recall covered a small number of 1500s from these model years that might have had aftermarket seat covers fitted that interfere with side airbag deployment. A far bigger airbag recall of more than a million vehicles was for inadvertent airbag deployment due to an electrical short and affected 2012-2014 Ram 1500s. A similar recall of 2013-2015 Ram 1500s was for inadvertent airbag deployment as well, but in this case, it was to update the Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC) module with less-sensitive side-impact sensor calibration. 2014 and 2015 models were recalled because their curtain airbags may not inflate as intended. 2013-2016 models were recalled to update the software of the ORC, which may disable the belt pre-tensioners and curtain airbags. 2015-2020 Ram 1500 and 1500 Classics were recalled to replace a curtain airbag inflator that may rupture. 2019 and 2020 Ram 1500 Classics were recalled to replace front seatbelt retractors that may fail to lock as designed in a crash. The 2019-2020 Ram 1500 airbag safety recall affected close to 300,000 1500 Classics, which were recalled to flash the ORC's memory, which may have become corrupted, thereby disabling seatbelt pre-tensioners and airbags and a tiny number of units from the same year had to have their seat-track position sensor brackets replaced, else the airbag would not deploy in the appropriate way.

There were various 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021 Ram 1500 backup-camera problems resulting in three recalls. Some 2018 MY 1500s were recalled to replace a backup camera that may fail and prevent an image from being displayed on the infotainment screen, while the 2019 and 2020 Ram 1500 screen recall on the Classic models was issued to update display software so that the backup camera's image no longer linger too long on the screen after the vehicle has been shifted out of Reverse, potentially distracting the driver. 2021 models equipped with a trailer-reverse steering module (TRSCM) were recalled because the rear-view camera image may not display at all.

Some 2014 and 2019 Ram 1500 dash and instrument-cluster problems led to a few recalls related to the instrument panel. 2014 models were recalled to reprogram the instrument cluster software because the cluster illumination has been found to fail and leave the displays unreadable. In a 2019 instrument-cluster recall, the entire unit has to be replaced because it may not properly illuminate and warn the driver of certain system failures.

Some 2012 and 2015 Ram 1500s were recalled to replace a fire extinguisher that may malfunction. There were various 2013-2018 Ram 1500 tailgate-latch problems and a recall for models from these years for a tailgate that may open unexpectedly. A Chrysler Group recall of more than 1.4 million vehicles were issued to update radio software that may allow third parties to gain access to the vehicle's networked systems; 2013-2015 Ram 1500s were affected. Almost 46,000 2013 4WD trucks were also recalled to fix a software issue that may disable the stability control. One 2013 recall was to reprogram the Central Body Controller, which may fail to alert the driver of a turn-signal malfunction. 2014-2019 Ram 1500s and 1500 Classics were subject to two recalls. One was to replace an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) cooler that may crack, leak coolant, and potentially cause a fire, and the other was the well-known 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019 Ram 1500 cruise-control recall to address an issue that may prevent the cruise control from being disengaged. 2014-2018 models were recalled to reprogram the powertrain control module (PCM) to prevent a stall.

Ram 1500 EcoDiesel召回2014 - 2015模型was to secure and/or replace a battery harness that may chafe, short out, and cause a stall or a fire. Due to Dodge Ram 1500 PCM problems, some 2018 models were recalled to replace the PCM because a voltage regulator inside it may fail and cause one of the few documented Dodge Ram staling problems. In a case reminiscent of Toyota's unintended acceleration scandal, the 2019-2020 Ram 1500 floor-mat recall on 1500 Classics was to have a floormat modified that may cause the accelerator pedal to jam. The same two years were involved in the Ram 1500 windshield-wiper recall to tighten loose windshield-wiper nuts that may prevent the wipers from operating properly. Some 2019 Classics fitted with the 48-volt auxiliary battery system behind the rear seat may not have had their terminals properly fastened, causing them to overheat and increase the risk of a fire. Around 19,000 Classics of the 2020 model year were recalled to replace the driver-side mirror glass, which may detach.

There was never a Ram 1500 Tradesman, Big Horn, or Laramie recall on these or on any of the other trims specifically; rather, the recalls were usually range-wide or engine-specific.

Here are a few common OBD-II error codes:

• P0016, P0017, and P0020 are camshaft-position error codes.
• P0128 means that the cooling system's thermostat is stuck open.
• P0161, P0172, P0420, and P062a are oxygen-sensor error codes.
• P0181 is a fuel-temperature error code.
• P018c is a fuel-pressure sensor error code.
• The P0300 error codes are misfire codes. P0300 indicates a random misfire condition, but if the last zero is replaced by a number, it means that that specific cylinder is misfiring. So P0302, P0303, and P0306 indicate that cylinders two, three, and six are misfiring.
• The P0440, P0441, P0456, P0457, and P0688 codes are all evaporative emissions control (EVAP) system error codes.
• The P0460 and P0463 error codes are fuel-level sensor errors.
• P0481 is an engine cooling fan error code.
• P04db is a crankcase ventilation system error code.
• P0520 is an oil-pressure sensor error.
• P0642 may indicate a PCM fault.
• P06dd indicates an oil-pressure error.
• P0721, P0731, P0733, P0740, P0750, P0841, P0846, P0868, and P0933 are automatic-transmission error codes. P0721 is an error from the output speed sensor. P0731 indicates an incorrect first-gear ratio and P0733 an incorrect third-gear ratio. P0740 is for a torque-converter clutch-circuit malfunction, P0750 is for a shift-solenoid malfunction, and P0841 indicates low or dirty transmission oil. P0846 and P0868 are transmission fluid pressure errors. P0933 indicates that the transmission is slipping.
• P2122 and P2135 are throttle-position error codes.

The biggest 2009-2022 Ram 1500 problems to look out for are the following:

Although very rarely reported, the bolt that holds the gear between the two camshafts in place on the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 gas engine can fail and cause the gears to slip and potentially result in piston-to-valve contact. This does seem to be a very rare occurrence and the failure mileage is typically between 70,000 and 150,000 miles. Besides the coolant leaks mentioned above in the relevant engine sections, Ram 1500 owners report other coolant leaks too, regardless of engine, noting that the sources of these leaks can be notoriously difficult to find. Carefully test drive a used 1500 but before you go, check the floor underneath the truck for coolant spots, check under the hood for dried antifreeze trails, and when the engine is running, be on the lookout for that tell-tale sweet coolant smell. There were some Ram 1500 fuel-pump problems too, but these don't seem too commonplace. Also related, several 2018 Ram gas tank filling problems related to difficulty fully topping up the tank.

USB接口可以偶尔失败,一些Uconnectinfotainment and radio bugs and malfunctions do occur and can usually be fixed with a software update. There were particularly many Uconnect problems reported on 2013 models at low mileages and these were mostly sorted out under warranty; 2014 was already quite a bit better.

Even reliable brands like Toyota have suffered from rust problems in the USA's rust-belt states where it snows in winter and the roads are salted. The Ram 1500 can also rust and you should avoid buying a truck in a rust-belt state. Carefully check the bodywork, underbody, and frame for rust. A little superficial surface rust is not a deal-breaker, but if the rot goes deeper, walk away. Look for rust that might have been covered up by sealant and/or paint. The older the truck, the higher the risk, especially if the previous owner did not park it in a garage in winter or kept it properly clean. Severe frame rust can occur as early as 45,000-65,000 miles. It can cost hundreds to thousands of dollars to fix rust and repaint panels and frame rot can even write off a vehicle. Check the bodywork and underbody very carefully for rust and corrosion or covered-up rot.

The heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) system is not particularly unreliable, but there were various recalls on the system and certain problems do seem to crop up repeatedly, making it one of the biggest sticking points on 2009 Ram 1500s. The blender-door actuator can fail, causing knocking sounds behind the dashboard. Sometimes, the culprit is the TIPM and not the HVAC system, so have the problem properly diagnosed before starting to replace parts. Make sure all the HVAC recalls have been attended to. Besides the recalls, there weren't too many 2009-2022 Ram 1500 heater and air-conditioner - or AC - problems. HVAC problems crop up on average from around 47,000-112,000 miles. Typical HVAC repairs vary from around $290-380 for a blender-door actuator replacement to $400 or more to restore heater functionality. Replacing an evaporator costs around $1,500. Invasive and extensive HVAC repairs can exceed $3,000. Listen for knocking sounds from the HVAC system, for air distribution problems, and for a lack of cold or hot air.

While there is a long list of issues to be aware of, as you can tell, some other Ram 1500 systems are quite reliable:

• The braking system can cause issues, but this is mostly due to abuse and owners not using engine braking when towing to ease the load on the brakes. In general, there aren't many Ram 1500 brake or ABS problems to speak of.
• While there were various issues with the electric power steering, as mentioned before and covered by recalls, the hardware was mostly sound and in terms of the steering box, steering rack, or rack and pinion, few Ram 1500 problems are noted.
• Besides the well-documented TIPM issues and the WIN-node recall, 2009-2022 Ram 1500 electrical problems with the starter or starting, the alternator, auto start/stop, computer, battery, parking sensors, power windows, driver power door lock, ignition switch, rotary shifter, and key fob are very rare.
• Though there were various transmission-related recalls, there were hardly any Ram 1500 torque-converter or overdrive problems to speak of.
• Except for engine-specific issues, there weren't any model-specific failures of note and, as such, no Ram 1500 Big Horn, Rebel, or Laramie problems worthy of mention.
• Except for the above-mentioned instrument-panel recalls and the Uconnect infotainment bugs, there aren't any other notable Dodge Ram 1500 problems with its fuel gauge, navigation, Bluetooth, or instrumentation in general.
• Although there were various issues with the fueling system, there was never a Ram 1500 fuel-level sensor failure recall, despite the odd owner noting anomalous readings.

In terms of problems, the Ram 1500 had a few particularly bad years, with 2012-2014 models scoring lowest for general reliability and highest for the number of problems. Recalls peaked at 23 in 2019, so there seem to have been many 2019 Ram 1500 production problems in switching the model over to the 1500 Classic. It's disappointing that Ram could not make the transition to the 1500 Classic more seamlessly, seeing that it's already been building the truck for more than a decade at that point. Be that as it may, recalls rapidly declined and there were very few on 2021 and 2022 Ram 1500s. The early models with the 3.7-liter V6 and 4.7-liter V8 PowerTech are to be avoided like the plague. These engines are not particularly reliable, they use a lot of fuel, and they are weak. Early 5.7 Hemi V8s had quite a few problems up to around 2012 and even after that, the MDS can play up, so you'd have to check it out properly.

For light running, you need nothing more than the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6. It offers enough power, good fuel economy, and is quick enough with the slick-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission most of the time. For hard work, hauling, and towing, it has to be the 5.7-liter Hemi, but a 2013 model or newer, because earlier ones suffered more with dodgy valve gear. The MDS can play up, so be sure to check for a full service history. A later 5.7 with the eight-speed transmission should be reliable. The diesel is great for torque and economy, but there were many failures due to the oil cooler, so you'll have to check whether the improved cooler design has been fitted.

The 4th-gen Ram 1500 set a new standard in terms of ride quality and refinement in trucks thanks to its coil-sprung rear end and owners also loved the interior, appearance, and spacious accommodations. However, there were far too many recalls and problems and it will be worth your while to study this review carefully to see which models and years to avoid - and what to check for. A later model 3.6 will be just fine for the vast majority of people, or the 5.7 if you want to tow with it. The car-like ride comfort is a huge boon and makes going for a truck far less of a compromise.