Ram 1500 research: recalls, reliability and buyer's guide

The Ram 1500 is known for a smooth ride (coil springs in back since 2009, air suspension available from 2013) and some of the nicest cabins among pickups. The 2013 update added the efficient Pentastar V6 and 8-speed automatic; 2014-2023 offered the EcoDiesel; the all-new 2019 truck added eTorque mild-hybrid assist; and 2025 replaced the HEMI V8 with a 420- to 540-hp Hurricane twin-turbo six before the HEMI returned for 2026. Engine, cab, bed and axle choices vary widely, so decode the VIN before comparing.

Model years covered: 2011–2026. Verify 2026 specifications, trims and engine availability against current Ram data and the VIN: the HEMI V8 returned for 2026, a revived supercharged TRX was announced in January 2026 as an early 2027 model, and the range-extended REV (formerly announced as the Ramcharger) was not yet in production. Ram 1500 Classic trucks (2019-2024) are the older fourth-generation design.

Last updated 2026-10-15.

Strengths

Things to know before you buy

Generations

Generation 4 (2009–2018)

The fourth-generation (DS) Ram launched for 2009 with a five-link coil-spring rear suspension, a new crew cab and RamBox storage, and became simply the Ram 1500 for 2011. 2011-2012 trucks offered a 3.7L V6, 4.7L V8 and 390-hp HEMI with 4-, 5- and 6-speed automatics. The 2013 update brought the 305-hp Pentastar V6, the 8-speed automatic, air suspension and a nicer cabin; the 240-hp, 420 lb-ft EcoDiesel arrived for 2014 and the Rebel for 2015. The design continued for 2019-2024 as the Ram 1500 Classic.

Buyer takeaway: Target 2013-2018 for the 8-speed automatic and Pentastar or HEMI. EcoDiesels give the best mpg but need settlement and recall status confirmed. 2011-2012 trucks are cheapest but use older transmissions and engines.

Generation 5 (2019–present)

The fifth-generation (DT) Ram 1500 launched for 2019, built in Sterling Heights, Michigan, with a lighter frame, quad and crew cabs only, an available 12-inch screen and eTorque mild-hybrid assist on the 305-hp V6 and 395-hp HEMI. A 260-hp, 480 lb-ft EcoDiesel was offered for 2020-2023 and the 702-hp supercharged TRX for 2021-2024. The 2025 refresh dropped the HEMI and TRX for the 3.0L Hurricane twin-turbo six (420 or 540 hp) and added the RHO; the HEMI returned for 2026.

Buyer takeaway: 2019-2024 trucks offer the widest engine choice; pick the EcoDiesel (2020-2023) for mpg and towing range, the HEMI for a traditional V8, or the TRX for performance. 2025-2026 Hurricane trucks are the most powerful mainstream Rams but newer technology; check recalls by VIN.

Ram 1500 by model year

2026 Ram 1500

For 2026 Ram brought back the 5.7L HEMI V8 (395 hp), alongside the 420-hp and 540-hp Hurricane sixes and the 305-hp V6; a Warlock model is also listed. Ram revealed a revived supercharged TRX in January 2026, marketed as an early 2027 model, so confirm the exact engine and model year by VIN. Recall campaigns for headlight wiring, airbag connectors and camera software already apply to some 2026 trucks.

  • Engines: 3.6 liter pentastar V6 305 hp 269 lb ft; 3.0 liter hurricane twin turbo i6 420 hp 469 lb ft; 3.0 liter hurricane high output twin turbo i6 540 hp 521 lb ft; 5.7 liter hemi V8 etorque mild hybrid 395 hp 410 lb ft
  • Transmissions: 8 speed automatic
  • Drivetrain: Rear wheel drive; Four wheel drive
  • Body style: 4 door quad cab; 4 door crew cab

What changed:

  • 5.7 liter hemi V8 returns
  • Hurricane six and pentastar V6 continue
  • Warlock model offered
  • Revived supercharged trx announced verify model year

What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact engine and trim by VIN; Hurricane twin turbo oil change records and leaks; Transmission shift quality; Air suspension leveling if equipped; Four wheel drive operation if 4x4; Uconnect screens cameras and driver assistance sensors; Towing history and hitch wear; Tires and brakes; Maintenance history; Hemi tick lifter noise if hemi.

2025 Ram 1500

The 2025 Ram 1500 is a major refresh that arrived early, in mid-2024. The HEMI V8 was dropped for a 3.0L Hurricane twin-turbo inline-six with 420 hp and 469 lb-ft (about 18/25 mpg 2WD) or 540 hp and 521 lb-ft in high-output form, used in upper trims and the new off-road RHO, which replaced the TRX. The 305-hp Pentastar V6 continues in lower trims. Confirm engine and recalls by VIN.

  • Engines: 3.6 liter pentastar V6 305 hp 269 lb ft; 3.0 liter hurricane twin turbo i6 420 hp 469 lb ft; 3.0 liter hurricane high output twin turbo i6 540 hp 521 lb ft
  • Transmissions: 8 speed automatic
  • Drivetrain: Rear wheel drive; Four wheel drive
  • Body style: 4 door quad cab; 4 door crew cab

What changed:

  • New 3.0 liter hurricane twin turbo inline six
  • Hemi V8 dropped
  • Trx discontinued
  • High output rho off road model added
  • Refreshed styling and larger screens

What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact engine and trim by VIN; Hurricane twin turbo oil change records and leaks; Transmission shift quality; Air suspension leveling if equipped; Four wheel drive operation if 4x4; Uconnect screens cameras and driver assistance sensors; Towing history and hitch wear; Tires and brakes; Maintenance history.

2024 Ram 1500

2024 is the last year before the big 2025 refresh: the final model year of the original 702-hp TRX (Final Edition), and the last HEMI V8 before Ram switched to the Hurricane six. The 305-hp V6 and 395-hp HEMI (about 18/23 mpg 2WD) continue, and the Ram 1500 Classic ended this year. 2019-2024 trucks have a driver-airbag connection recall, so check the VIN.

  • Engines: 3.6 liter pentastar V6 etorque mild hybrid 305 hp 269 lb ft; 5.7 liter hemi V8 etorque mild hybrid 395 hp 410 lb ft; 6.2 liter supercharged hemi V8 702 hp 650 lb ft trx
  • Transmissions: 8 speed automatic
  • Drivetrain: Rear wheel drive; Four wheel drive
  • Body style: 4 door quad cab; 4 door crew cab

What changed:

  • Final year of the original trx
  • Last hemi before the 2025 hurricane switch
  • Final year of the ram 1500 classic

What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact engine cab bed axle and drivetrain by VIN; Etorque 48v system warnings and start stop; Hemi tick lifter noise if hemi; Transmission shift quality; Air suspension leveling if equipped; Four wheel drive operation if 4x4; Tailgate latch and multifunction tailgate operation; Uconnect screen cameras and driver assistance sensors; Towing history and hitch wear; Tires and brakes; Maintenance history; Trx suspension and off road damage if trx.

2023 Ram 1500

The 2023 Ram 1500 is the last year of the EcoDiesel (260 hp, 480 lb-ft; about 21/29 mpg 4x4). The 305-hp eTorque V6, the 395-hp HEMI (eTorque on most trucks; verify by VIN) and the 702-hp TRX continue. If you want a diesel half-ton Ram, 2020-2023 is the window. Check the EcoDiesel fuel-pump and transmission-control recalls by VIN.

  • Engines: 3.6 liter pentastar V6 etorque mild hybrid 305 hp 269 lb ft; 5.7 liter hemi V8 etorque mild hybrid 395 hp 410 lb ft; 3.0 liter ecodiesel turbodiesel V6 260 hp 480 lb ft; 6.2 liter supercharged hemi V8 702 hp 650 lb ft trx
  • Transmissions: 8 speed automatic
  • Drivetrain: Rear wheel drive; Four wheel drive
  • Body style: 4 door quad cab; 4 door crew cab

What changed:

  • Final model year of the ecodiesel
  • Largely carryover

What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact engine cab bed axle and drivetrain by VIN; Etorque 48v system warnings and start stop; Hemi tick lifter noise if hemi; Transmission shift quality; Air suspension leveling if equipped; Four wheel drive operation if 4x4; Tailgate latch and multifunction tailgate operation; Uconnect screen cameras and driver assistance sensors; Towing history and hitch wear; Tires and brakes; Maintenance history; Ecodiesel high pressure fuel pump recall if diesel; DEF and DPF system operation if diesel; Trx suspension and off road damage if trx.

2022 Ram 1500

For 2022 most Ram 1500s moved to the Uconnect 5 system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in 8.4- and 12-inch sizes. Engines carry over: 305-hp eTorque V6, 395-hp HEMI, 260-hp EcoDiesel (about 22/32 mpg 2WD) and the 702-hp TRX. 2019-2022 trucks have a tailgate-striker recall, so confirm it and other recalls by VIN.

  • Engines: 3.6 liter pentastar V6 etorque mild hybrid 305 hp 269 lb ft; 5.7 liter hemi V8 395 hp 410 lb ft; 5.7 liter hemi V8 etorque mild hybrid 395 hp 410 lb ft; 3.0 liter ecodiesel turbodiesel V6 260 hp 480 lb ft; 6.2 liter supercharged hemi V8 702 hp 650 lb ft trx
  • Transmissions: 8 speed automatic
  • Drivetrain: Rear wheel drive; Four wheel drive
  • Body style: 4 door quad cab; 4 door crew cab

What changed:

  • Uconnect 5 infotainment on most trims
  • Wireless apple carplay and android auto
  • Red edition on limited

What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact engine cab bed axle and drivetrain by VIN; Etorque 48v system warnings and start stop; Hemi tick lifter noise if hemi; Transmission shift quality; Air suspension leveling if equipped; Four wheel drive operation if 4x4; Tailgate latch and multifunction tailgate operation; Uconnect screen cameras and driver assistance sensors; Towing history and hitch wear; Tires and brakes; Maintenance history; Ecodiesel high pressure fuel pump recall if diesel; DEF and DPF system operation if diesel; Trx suspension and off road damage if trx.

2021 Ram 1500

The 2021 Ram 1500 added the TRX, a desert-running performance truck with a 702-hp, 650 lb-ft supercharged 6.2L HEMI (about 10/14 mpg). Regular trucks keep the 305-hp eTorque V6, 395-hp HEMI and 260-hp, 480 lb-ft EcoDiesel. Several 2021 trucks were recalled because the trailer reverse steering module could block the backup camera image; confirm by VIN.

  • Engines: 3.6 liter pentastar V6 etorque mild hybrid 305 hp 269 lb ft; 5.7 liter hemi V8 395 hp 410 lb ft; 5.7 liter hemi V8 etorque mild hybrid 395 hp 410 lb ft; 3.0 liter ecodiesel turbodiesel V6 260 hp 480 lb ft; 6.2 liter supercharged hemi V8 702 hp 650 lb ft trx
  • Transmissions: 8 speed automatic
  • Drivetrain: Rear wheel drive; Four wheel drive
  • Body style: 4 door quad cab; 4 door crew cab

What changed:

  • 702 hp supercharged trx introduced
  • Ecodiesel offered in hfe model
  • Trailer reverse steering control available

What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact engine cab bed axle and drivetrain by VIN; Etorque 48v system warnings and start stop; Hemi tick lifter noise if hemi; Transmission shift quality; Air suspension leveling if equipped; Four wheel drive operation if 4x4; Tailgate latch and multifunction tailgate operation; Uconnect screen cameras and driver assistance sensors; Towing history and hitch wear; Tires and brakes; Maintenance history; Ecodiesel high pressure fuel pump recall if diesel; DEF and DPF system operation if diesel; Trx suspension and off road damage if trx.

2020 Ram 1500

For 2020 Ram added a new third-generation 3.0L EcoDiesel (260 hp, 480 lb-ft) to the new-generation truck, rated about 22/32 mpg in 2WD form, alongside the 305-hp eTorque V6 and 395-hp HEMI (with or without eTorque). Some 2019-2020 trucks have an airbag-controller memory recall, and 2020-2023 EcoDiesels have a high-pressure fuel pump recall, so check the VIN.

  • Engines: 3.6 liter pentastar V6 etorque mild hybrid 305 hp 269 lb ft; 5.7 liter hemi V8 395 hp 410 lb ft; 5.7 liter hemi V8 etorque mild hybrid 395 hp 410 lb ft; 3.0 liter ecodiesel turbodiesel V6 260 hp 480 lb ft
  • Transmissions: 8 speed automatic
  • Drivetrain: Rear wheel drive; Four wheel drive
  • Body style: 4 door quad cab; 4 door crew cab

What changed:

  • Third generation ecodiesel 260 hp 480 lb ft added
  • Largely carryover otherwise

What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact engine cab bed axle and drivetrain by VIN; Etorque 48v system warnings and start stop; Hemi tick lifter noise if hemi; Transmission shift quality; Air suspension leveling if equipped; Four wheel drive operation if 4x4; Tailgate latch and multifunction tailgate operation; Uconnect screen cameras and driver assistance sensors; Towing history and hitch wear; Tires and brakes; Maintenance history; Ecodiesel high pressure fuel pump recall if diesel; DEF and DPF system operation if diesel.

2019 Ram 1500

The 2019 Ram 1500 is all-new and a former North American Truck of the Year: a lighter, stronger frame, a richer cabin with an available 12-inch screen, and eTorque mild-hybrid assist (standard on the 305-hp V6, optional on the 395-hp HEMI). Towing reaches 12,750 lb when properly equipped. No diesel was offered for 2019. The older design was sold alongside as the Ram 1500 Classic, so confirm which truck you have by VIN.

  • Engines: 3.6 liter pentastar V6 etorque mild hybrid 305 hp 269 lb ft; 5.7 liter hemi V8 395 hp 410 lb ft; 5.7 liter hemi V8 etorque mild hybrid 395 hp 410 lb ft
  • Transmissions: 8 speed automatic
  • Drivetrain: Rear wheel drive; Four wheel drive
  • Body style: 4 door quad cab; 4 door crew cab

What changed:

  • All new fifth generation truck
  • Etorque 48 volt mild hybrid standard on V6 optional on hemi
  • Available 12 inch uconnect touchscreen
  • Lighter frame and more capability
  • Quad and crew cab only regular cab moves to classic
  • Ram 1500 classic sold alongside

What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact engine cab bed axle and drivetrain by VIN; Etorque 48v system warnings and start stop; Hemi tick lifter noise if hemi; Transmission shift quality; Air suspension leveling if equipped; Four wheel drive operation if 4x4; Tailgate latch and multifunction tailgate operation; Uconnect screen cameras and driver assistance sensors; Towing history and hitch wear; Tires and brakes; Maintenance history; Classic vs new generation by VIN.

2018 Ram 1500

2018 is the last year the fourth-generation truck was the main Ram 1500; it continued for 2019-2024 as the cheaper Ram 1500 Classic. Engines are the 305-hp 3.6L V6, 395-hp HEMI and 240-hp EcoDiesel (about 20/27 mpg). Some 2018 trucks have rear-differential fill, backup-camera, side-airbag inflator and EcoDiesel recalls, so check the VIN.

  • Engines: 3.6 liter pentastar V6 305 hp 269 lb ft; 5.7 liter hemi V8 395 hp 410 lb ft; 3.0 liter ecodiesel turbodiesel V6 240 hp 420 lb ft
  • Transmissions: 8 speed automatic; 6 speed automatic on some hemi trucks
  • Drivetrain: Rear wheel drive; Four wheel drive
  • Body style: 2 door regular cab; 4 door quad cab; 4 door crew cab

What changed:

  • Final year of the fourth generation as the main ram 1500
  • Continued for 2019 2024 as ram 1500 classic

What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact engine cab bed axle and drivetrain by VIN; Hemi tick lifter and exhaust manifold bolts if hemi; Transmission shift quality; Four wheel drive transfer case and front axle if 4x4; Frame rust and underbody corrosion; Towing history hitch wear and rear suspension; Steering and front suspension wear; Tires and brakes; Maintenance history; Air suspension leveling if equipped; Ecodiesel emissions and EGR cooler recall status if diesel; Ecodiesel high pressure fuel pump recall if diesel; DEF and DPF system operation if diesel.

2017 Ram 1500

The 2017 Ram 1500 is a mature fourth-generation truck with the 305-hp 3.6L V6, 395-hp, 410 lb-ft HEMI V8 or 240-hp EcoDiesel, nearly all with the 8-speed automatic. It still offers regular, quad and crew cabs and the smooth coil-spring ride. Prices are lower than the 2019 redesign; check tailgate-latch, airbag and EcoDiesel recalls by VIN.

  • Engines: 3.6 liter pentastar V6 305 hp 269 lb ft; 5.7 liter hemi V8 395 hp 410 lb ft; 3.0 liter ecodiesel turbodiesel V6 240 hp 420 lb ft
  • Transmissions: 8 speed automatic; 6 speed automatic on some hemi trucks
  • Drivetrain: Rear wheel drive; Four wheel drive
  • Body style: 2 door regular cab; 4 door quad cab; 4 door crew cab

What changed:

  • Largely carryover
  • Mature fourth generation

What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact engine cab bed axle and drivetrain by VIN; Hemi tick lifter and exhaust manifold bolts if hemi; Transmission shift quality; Four wheel drive transfer case and front axle if 4x4; Frame rust and underbody corrosion; Towing history hitch wear and rear suspension; Steering and front suspension wear; Tires and brakes; Maintenance history; Air suspension leveling if equipped; Ecodiesel emissions and EGR cooler recall status if diesel; Ecodiesel high pressure fuel pump recall if diesel; DEF and DPF system operation if diesel.

2016 Ram 1500

The 2016 Ram 1500 carries over the 305-hp Pentastar V6 (about 17/25 mpg 2WD), 395-hp HEMI V8 and 240-hp EcoDiesel (about 20/27 mpg). It is the last model year included in FCA's 2019 EcoDiesel emissions settlement, which required a software update and offered extended warranty coverage. Some 2016 trucks also have side-curtain airbag inflator and axle recalls, so run the VIN.

  • Engines: 3.6 liter pentastar V6 305 hp 269 lb ft; 5.7 liter hemi V8 395 hp 410 lb ft; 3.0 liter ecodiesel turbodiesel V6 240 hp 420 lb ft
  • Transmissions: 8 speed automatic; 6 speed automatic on some hemi trucks
  • Drivetrain: Rear wheel drive; Four wheel drive
  • Body style: 2 door regular cab; 4 door quad cab; 4 door crew cab

What changed:

  • Largely carryover
  • Last model year covered by the ecodiesel emissions settlement

What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact engine cab bed axle and drivetrain by VIN; Hemi tick lifter and exhaust manifold bolts if hemi; Transmission shift quality; Four wheel drive transfer case and front axle if 4x4; Frame rust and underbody corrosion; Towing history hitch wear and rear suspension; Steering and front suspension wear; Tires and brakes; Maintenance history; Air suspension leveling if equipped; Ecodiesel emissions and EGR cooler recall status if diesel; Ecodiesel high pressure fuel pump recall if diesel; DEF and DPF system operation if diesel.

2015 Ram 1500

The 2015 Ram 1500 introduced the off-road-styled Rebel with a raised suspension, skid plates and all-terrain tires, offered with the Pentastar V6 or HEMI. The lineup otherwise carries over: 305-hp 3.6L V6, 395-hp HEMI V8 and 240-hp, 420 lb-ft EcoDiesel, mostly with the 8-speed automatic. EcoDiesel trucks need emissions-settlement and recall status checked by VIN.

  • Engines: 3.6 liter pentastar V6 305 hp 269 lb ft; 5.7 liter hemi V8 395 hp 410 lb ft; 3.0 liter ecodiesel turbodiesel V6 240 hp 420 lb ft
  • Transmissions: 8 speed automatic; 6 speed automatic on some hemi trucks
  • Drivetrain: Rear wheel drive; Four wheel drive
  • Body style: 2 door regular cab; 4 door quad cab; 4 door crew cab

What changed:

  • Off road rebel model introduced
  • Largely carryover

What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact engine cab bed axle and drivetrain by VIN; Hemi tick lifter and exhaust manifold bolts if hemi; Transmission shift quality; Four wheel drive transfer case and front axle if 4x4; Frame rust and underbody corrosion; Towing history hitch wear and rear suspension; Steering and front suspension wear; Tires and brakes; Maintenance history; Air suspension leveling if equipped; Ecodiesel emissions and EGR cooler recall status if diesel; Ecodiesel high pressure fuel pump recall if diesel; DEF and DPF system operation if diesel.

2014 Ram 1500

For 2014 Ram added the 3.0L EcoDiesel V6 (240 hp, 420 lb-ft; about 20/27 mpg 2WD, up to 21/29 in the HFE) alongside the 305-hp Pentastar V6 and the 395-hp, 410 lb-ft HEMI. 2014-2016 EcoDiesels are covered by FCA's emissions settlement and also have EGR-cooler, fuel-pump and crankshaft-sensor recalls, so verify each by VIN.

  • Engines: 3.6 liter pentastar V6 305 hp 269 lb ft; 5.7 liter hemi V8 395 hp 410 lb ft; 3.0 liter ecodiesel turbodiesel V6 240 hp 420 lb ft
  • Transmissions: 8 speed automatic; 6 speed automatic on some hemi trucks
  • Drivetrain: Rear wheel drive; Four wheel drive
  • Body style: 2 door regular cab; 4 door quad cab; 4 door crew cab

What changed:

  • New 3.0 liter ecodiesel V6
  • Hemi torque rises to 410 lb ft
  • 4.7 liter V8 dropped

What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact engine cab bed axle and drivetrain by VIN; Hemi tick lifter and exhaust manifold bolts if hemi; Transmission shift quality; Four wheel drive transfer case and front axle if 4x4; Frame rust and underbody corrosion; Towing history hitch wear and rear suspension; Steering and front suspension wear; Tires and brakes; Maintenance history; Air suspension leveling if equipped; Ecodiesel emissions and EGR cooler recall status if diesel; Ecodiesel high pressure fuel pump recall if diesel; DEF and DPF system operation if diesel.

2013 Ram 1500

The 2013 Ram 1500 was a major update and Motor Trend's Truck of the Year: a 305-hp 3.6L Pentastar V6 with an 8-speed automatic (about 17/25 mpg 2WD) replaced the 3.7L, the HEMI rose to 395 hp with a 6- or 8-speed, and an available four-corner air suspension, refreshed cabin and electric power steering arrived. The 4.7L V8 ended this year. Choose the 8-speed if possible.

  • Engines: 3.6 liter pentastar V6 305 hp 269 lb ft; 4.7 liter V8 310 hp 330 lb ft; 5.7 liter hemi V8 395 hp 407 lb ft
  • Transmissions: 8 speed automatic with pentastar and available with hemi; 6 speed automatic with 4.7 liter and some hemi trucks
  • Drivetrain: Rear wheel drive; Four wheel drive
  • Body style: 2 door regular cab; 4 door quad cab; 4 door crew cab

What changed:

  • New 305 hp pentastar V6 with 8 speed automatic
  • Available four corner air suspension
  • Refreshed grille interior and projector headlamps
  • Electric power steering and active grille shutters
  • Hfe high fuel efficiency model
  • Last year of the 4.7 liter V8

What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact engine cab bed axle and drivetrain by VIN; Hemi tick lifter and exhaust manifold bolts if hemi; Transmission shift quality; Four wheel drive transfer case and front axle if 4x4; Frame rust and underbody corrosion; Towing history hitch wear and rear suspension; Steering and front suspension wear; Tires and brakes; Maintenance history; Air suspension leveling if equipped.

2012 Ram 1500

For 2012 the 4.7L V8 and 390-hp 5.7L HEMI moved to a 6-speed automatic, while the 215-hp 3.7L V6 kept its 4-speed in its final year. Fuel economy stayed around 14/20 mpg for 2WD V8s. Regular, Quad and Crew cabs remain, with several bed lengths. The big 2013 update makes 2012 a value pick.

  • Engines: 3.7 liter V6 215 hp 235 lb ft; 4.7 liter V8 310 hp 330 lb ft; 5.7 liter hemi V8 390 hp 407 lb ft
  • Transmissions: 4 speed automatic 3.7 liter; 6 speed automatic 4.7 liter and hemi
  • Drivetrain: Rear wheel drive; Four wheel drive
  • Body style: 2 door regular cab; 4 door quad cab; 4 door crew cab

What changed:

  • 6 speed automatic replaces the 5 speed on v8s
  • Last year of the 3.7 liter V6

What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact engine cab bed axle and drivetrain by VIN; Hemi tick lifter and exhaust manifold bolts if hemi; Transmission shift quality; Four wheel drive transfer case and front axle if 4x4; Frame rust and underbody corrosion; Towing history hitch wear and rear suspension; Steering and front suspension wear; Tires and brakes; Maintenance history.

2011 Ram 1500

2011 is the first year the truck was sold simply as the Ram 1500 rather than the Dodge Ram. Engines were a 215-hp 3.7L V6 (4-speed automatic), a 310-hp 4.7L V8, or the 390-hp, 407 lb-ft 5.7L HEMI V8 (5-speed automatic; about 14/20 mpg 2WD). Its coil-spring rear suspension gives an unusually smooth ride, and RamBox bed storage was available. Check rear-axle and other recalls by VIN.

  • Engines: 3.7 liter V6 215 hp 235 lb ft; 4.7 liter V8 310 hp 330 lb ft; 5.7 liter hemi V8 390 hp 407 lb ft
  • Transmissions: 4 speed automatic 3.7 liter; 5 speed automatic 4.7 liter and hemi
  • Drivetrain: Rear wheel drive; Four wheel drive
  • Body style: 2 door regular cab; 4 door quad cab; 4 door crew cab

What changed:

  • First model year sold under the ram brand instead of dodge
  • Coil spring rear suspension carries over
  • Rambox bed storage available

What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact engine cab bed axle and drivetrain by VIN; Hemi tick lifter and exhaust manifold bolts if hemi; Transmission shift quality; Four wheel drive transfer case and front axle if 4x4; Frame rust and underbody corrosion; Towing history hitch wear and rear suspension; Steering and front suspension wear; Tires and brakes; Maintenance history; Rear axle bearing noise.

Known issues and what to check

Recalls

Recall applicability varies by model year, generation (Ram 1500 vs. 1500 Classic), production date, engine, cab, equipment and VIN. Check the VIN for open recalls and completed remedies; for 2014-2016 EcoDiesels also confirm the emissions software update.

Similar vehicles to consider

Questions this guide answers