The RAM 1500 is an excellent option in the segment and it offers the best-in-class comfort among its rivals as well. Coming from FCA’s stable, the pickup truck has faced a fair share of reliability issues in the past. But after entering its fifth-generation model in 2019, things have improved drastically. When comparing it with its rivals, the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and the Ford F-150, the RAM 1500 have seen significant improvements in terms of reliability and selling numbers. We’ll have a detailed look at the issues that might come up with the latest 2022 RAM 1500 in the future.
RAM 1500 user complaints and problems
The 2022 RAM 1500 has had a good start with a low number of complaints, unlike its previous fourth-generation model. Since the latest model has not seen any updates in terms of its powertrain, the complaints against the 2022 model do include reports against its powertrain with the previously reported problems in place. Like other FCA branded vehicles, the RAM 1500 encountered several powertrain-related problems such as laggy acceleration, coolant leak, eco diesel engine failure, and random engine stall while driving. Thankfully though, not all the issues crept into the latest 2022 model of the truck and this could be the start of a trouble-free journey for the truck.
Engine problems
- Laggy acceleration: Plenty of RAM 1500 trucks from its 2018 and 2019 model years were plagued by this issue. Several thousands of affected owners stated in their reports that while accelerating after coming to a stop, the engine would lag severely. The lag in power delivery would pose a serious safety concern on the highways.
- Coolant leak with fire risk: There are several complaints regarding the EGR malfunction on the affected vehicles. A coolant leak from the EGR system would cause the engine to overheat with a high risk of fire as well.
- Transmission shifting to neutral: Numerous owners of the RAM 1500, especially the 2019 model, complained about this issue. The reports mentioned that while driving the transmission would pop out of gear to neutral. The instrument cluster would show a message stating to shift to park mode before shifting back to drive.
- A random shutdown of the engine while driving: The biggest and the riskiest problem that the RAM 1500 has been facing for a couple of generations. Thousands of trucks were affected by this and it can be categorized as a serious safety concern as well. All the complaints to date said that the engine would stall randomly while driving. In some cases, the engine stall occurred while the vehicle was being driven at highway speeds.
- Exhaust manifold damage with ticking sound from powertrain: Another widespread issue with the RAM 1500 is the exhaust manifold damage. It is a design defect that would cause the exhaust manifold to loosen up and leak exhaust gases. The loose bolts would fly off from underneath the vehicle, causing a constant ticking sound before happening.
Safety problems
- Airbags not deploying: Several reports were mentioning that the airbags of the affected vehicles failed to deploy. Despite being involved in crashes, the airbags failed to deploy resulting in injuries to the driver along with the occupants.
Electrical problems
- Infotainment issues and instrument cluster issues: Several 2018 RAM 1500 models had issues with their infotainment systems where the screen ould delaminate. Moreover, the features such as radio, other connectivity options, and the rearview camera display would stop working randomly. The 2019 and 2020 models faced problems where the instrument cluster would go blank randomly while driving. In a few cases, the instrument cluster would become excessively bright, distracting the driver while driving.
2022 RAM 1500 recalls
The issues faced by the RAM 1500 are lengthy and the list of its recalls are extensive too. The truck has been recalled several times before regarding the complaints it faced. However, the latest 2022 model of the truck faced just a single recall despite facing complaints regarding repetitive issues such as the powertrain faults.
|
Recall Date |
NHTSA Campaign ID |
Component Affected |
Recall Issue |
Explanation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
February 8, 2018 |
18V100000 |
POWER TRAIN |
Vehicle May Rollaway |
Being able to shift the transmission without pushing the brake pedal and/or without a key in the ignition can increase the risk of an unintended vehicle rollaway that may result in personal injury or a crash. |
|
May 17, 2018 |
18V332000 |
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL |
Cruise Control cannot be Cancelled |
If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash. |
|
June 14, 2018 |
18V398000 |
BACK OVER PREVENTION |
Loss of Visibility in Backup Camera/FMVSS 111 |
A loss of image in the rearview camera while backing up can increase the risk of a crash. |
|
August 9, 2018 |
18V524000 |
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM |
Voltage Regulator may Fail and Cause Stall |
A vehicle stall can increase the risk of a crash. |
|
January 24, 2019 |
19V020000 |
STEERING |
Loose Ground Causing Power Steering Assist Loss |
A loss of power steering could vary the steering effort required, possibly causing vehicle oversteer or understeer, increasing the risk of a crash. |
|
February 5, 2019 |
19V067000 |
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC |
Brake Pedal May Separate From Pedal Assembly |
If the brake pedal separates from the pedal assembly, the driver may be unable to brake the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash. |
|
May 31, 2019 |
19V407000 |
AIR BAGS, SEAT BELTS |
ORC May Malfunction and Disable Safety Functions |
Disabled airbags and seat belt pretensioners increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash. |
|
October 24, 2019 |
19V757000 |
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING |
EGR Cooler May Crack and Cause Fire |
Combustion in the intake manifold can increase the risk of a fire. |
|
April 2, 2020 |
20V191000 |
BACK OVER PREVENTION |
Rearview Image Can Remain on Display/FMVSS 111 |
The lingering rearview image can distract the driver, increasing the risk of a crash. |
|
April 9, 2020 |
20V208000 |
VISIBILITY |
Windshield Wipers May Not Operate Properly |
Reduced visibility increases the risk of a crash. |
|
October 8, 2020 |
20V622000 |
VISIBILITY |
Driver Side Mirror Glass Can Detach/FMVSS 111 |
Missing driver-side mirror glass reduces visibility and increases the risk of a crash. |
|
August 12, 2021 |
21V632000 |
AIRBAGS |
Side Curtain Airbag Inflator May Rupture |
A separated inflator end cap or inflator rupture can allow compressed gas to escape, resulting in the end cap or other components being propelled into the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury or crash. |
|
June 10, 2021 |
21V438000 |
BACK OVER PREVENTION |
Rearview Camera Image May Not Display/FMVSS 111 |
A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rearview, increasing the risk of a crash or injury. |
What model year of the RAM 1500 to avoid?
Despite having a generation upgrade, the RAM 1500 seems to be having a chute-the-chute journey. The 2022 RAM 1500 still faced several complaints regarding the infamous engine shutting down issue it encountered in the previous generation. Moreover, it has been three model years of the truck in its new generation yet, FCA has been incompetent in improving the reliability aspect of the truck. Hence, avoiding the truck from the used car lot would be the better option.
Should you buy a used RAM 1500?
The 2022 RAM 1500 is the most comfortable truck in its segment as compared to its staunch rivals. With a plethora of onboard features and competitive performance, the truck has managed to set its own customer base. However, a majority of them are left disappointed with their purchase. The truck lacks dependability extensively and the NHTSA records of complaints and recalls prove it as well. Hence, opting for a used RAM 1500 wouldn’t be a great idea after all.



