The Lemon Index2023 Ram 1500.
The 2023 Ram 1500 is so far one of the most reliable years by owner complaints: 269 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 48, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about electrical, it has 14 recalls, and it gets 17 to 24 mpg combined. The best Ram 1500 year is 2000.
Early read
Covers the whole Ram pickup line (1500, 2500 and 3500): Ram reports their sales together.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 269 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Ram 1500 year. 2023 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 10K to 52K miles on the car (37 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- electrical complaints mostly came at 7K–50K miles
Recalls 14
- seat belts 2026
The second-row center and left-side seat belt buckle anchors may have been improperly installed.
- transmission & drivetrain 2026
A software error in the powertrain control module may improperly allow the vehicle speed to exceed the tire speed rating, which can result in a loss of vehicle control.
- airbags 2025
The driver's side air bag may not be connected properly, which can cause the air bag not to deploy as intended.
Show all 14 recalls
- visibility 2024
The mirror glass may detach from the driver's side heated trailer tow rearview mirror.
- steering 2024
The turn signal self-canceling feature may not function properly.
- brakes 2024
Due to a software malfunction, the anti-lock brake system (ABS) control module may disable the electronic stability control system.
- transmission & drivetrain 2024
An insufficient weld in the transmission control unit can allow transmission fluid to leak on to electrical components, resulting in a loss of drive power or loss of park function.
- airbags 2024
The steering column control module may not be welded properly, which can prevent the driver's air bag from deploying in a crash.
- steering 2023
The steering column control module may cause the high beams to activate when the turn signal is used or activate the turn signal when the high beams are used.
- back over prevention 2023
The radio software may prevent the rearview image from displaying.
- fuel system, diesel 2023
The high pressure fuel pump (HPFP) may fail.
- back over prevention 2023
The trailer reverse steering control module (TRSCM) may prevent the rearview image from displaying when the vehicle is placed in reverse.
- electrical 2023
An electrical short may occur in the heater grid relay with the ignition on or off.
- transmission & drivetrain 2022
A build-up of pressure and heat inside the transmission may result in a transmission fluid leak from the dipstick tube.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Ram told dealers about
Ram sent dealers 730 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- CONNECTOR Trailer Tow,WIRING Trailer Tow,CONNECTOR 7 Way,WIRING Rear Bumper If the connector…
- ADAPTER, Engine Oil Filter (Pentastar V6) For all 2014MY replace the Oil Filter Adapter (OFA)
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ram 1500 Crew Cab PU/CC 4WD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Ram 1500 Crew Cab PU/CC RWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Ram 1500 Crew Cab TRX PU/CC 4WD | not rated | not rated | not rated | not rated |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2800–4350 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 3.0L 6-cyl, 3.6L 6-cyl, 5.7L 8-cyl.
In owners' words
Unknown Constant check engine light related to exhaust system and filters. Many parts replaced by dealer and still not fixed.
2023 Ram 1500 owner · NHTSA complaint 11647250
More owner reports
Truck will stall. Truck parking brakes ingage. Then truck battery light comes on. Have to restart truck. Take off parking brake. When youucan get out of traffic must turn off then on to remove battery light that is on
NHTSA complaint 11611204
The Navigation screen bounces back and forth. It's been reset twice and it just goes back to bouncing around. This is a real issue that needs to be recalled and fixed immediately.
NHTSA complaint 11741404
Quick answers
Is the 2023 Ram 1500 reliable?
It's too early to be sure. So far it has drawn 2.1× fewer complaints than average per car sold, against other 2023 cars after the same time on the road (early Lemon Index 48; 100 is average).
What are the most common 2023 Ram 1500 problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are electrical (30%), engine (22%) and brakes (13%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2023 Ram 1500 have?
14 safety recalls (latest: seat belts). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2023 Ram 1500 get?
17 to 24 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2023 Ram 1500 safe?
NHTSA gave it 5 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
At what mileage do 2023 Ram 1500 problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 10,400 and 52,300 miles. The middle report was at 17,700 miles, from 37 complaints.
Does the 2023 Ram 1500 have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 13% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2023 Ram 1500 cost in fuel a year?
About $2800 to $4350 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2023 Ram 1500 have?
3.0L 6-cyl, 3.6L 6-cyl, 5.7L 8-cyl.
What Ram 1500 year is better than the 2023?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2018, 2017 and 2013.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works