The Ram 1500 hardly needs any introduction. Since its debut in 1981, the half-a-ton pickup truck by Dodge has been noted as a hassle-free and durable choice. This specifically applies to those requiring a vehicle to take it all in. As one of the most popular trucks in the country, a used Dodge Ram 1500 is very much worth the cost due to its myriad benefits. However, specific critical points must be considered before confirming a purchase.

Models to avoid

To choose the right Dodge Ram 1500, it is essential first to acquire some knowledge about the model years that must be avoided at all costs. According to the model’s track records over the years, it has been inferred that the model years 2001 to 2003 are the most problematic and must be avoided at all costs.

The car complaints website shows that the complaints received by the 2002 Dodge Ram 1500 have been the highest overall. Most of these complaints have been related to low-quality interior accessories. According to the user complaints, things like broken dashboards have cost them a lot of money to fix.

Besides, the issue is not limited to merely the 2001 model. The Ram 1500 of 2001 and 2003 also show the same interior problems, registering thousands of complaints on the car complaints website. Apart from the difficulties in interior accessories, the 2002 model year also suffers from severe issues in the engine, including engine failure due to oil sludge.

Other model years that have proven problematic for the customers include 2011, 2014, and 2016. While the 2011 model year showed recurring TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module) issues costing up to $1,300 for repair, the 2014 model registered problems with the air suspension system, costing up to $2,000 for repair.

However, the worst model year was 2016, which recorded a dangerous problem of jumping while coming to a halt at lower mileage, an issue that cost the customers almost $10,000 to fix.

Ensure proper maintenance for a lasting used Dodge Ram 1500

Many reputable sources, car dealerships, and auto websites testify to the capability of the Ram 1500 to reach 200,000 to 250,000 miles without requiring any kind of expensive repairs. This has been further confirmed by some owners in Dodge Ram 1500 forums, who claim to have their vehicle running on the original engine for 300,000 miles. However, for that, adequate maintenance is essential.

A proper maintenance schedule to make a used Dodge Ram 1500 live up to its optimal potential requires the following services:

Every 8,000 miles : Alter the oil filters and rotate tires.

Every 20,000 miles : Cabin air filter alteration, examining front suspension and tie rod ends, changing the brake lining if required.

Every 30,000 miles: Change engine air filters and examine transfer case fluid along with front or rear axle surfaces.

Every 100,000 miles : Replace spark plugs and the PCV valve if required.

Every 120,000 miles : Replace the automatic transmission fluid and filter.

According to Repair Pal, on average, maintaining a Ram 1500 costs up to $700. This number is almost a hundred bucks less than the average cost required to maintain full-sized trucks. Even though the numbers may vary depending on the model year, there is no denying that it is far more hassle-free to own a Ram 1500 than any other full-size truck.

Conclusion: Barring the problematic years, a used Dodge Ram 1500 can be anyone’s favorite

Despite some problematic model years, the reputation of the Ram 1500 as one of the most durable pickups on the market is not at all stained. This is because, leaving the problematic years, the other models, specifically those released after 2017, show hardly any issues. There is no doubt that a used Dodge Ram 1500 is a nice catch if specific models are avoided. Keep the points mentioned above in mind while buying a used Dodge Ram 1500.