The Lemon Index2025 Ram 1500.
The 2025 Ram 1500 is so far one of the worst years by owner complaints: 468 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 206, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about electrical, it has 11 recalls, and it gets 15 to 23 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 468 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Ram 1500 year. 2025 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 2K to 14K miles on the car (51 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 2K–13K miles
- lights complaints mostly came at 2K–12K miles
Recalls 11
- back over prevention 2026
A radio software error may cause the rearview camera image not to display.
- 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.
Show all 11 recalls
- electrical 2026
A software error may cause the instrument panel display to fail.
- lights 2026
Due to an improperly designed trailer tow module, the trailer lights may fail to illuminate and the trailer brakes may fail.
- airbags 2025
A software error in the occupant restraint controller module may cause the driver's side air bag and/or seat belt pretensioner not to deploy in a crash and disable the electronic stability control (ESC) system.
- electrical 2025
A software error may cause the instrument panel cluster display to be blank.
- transmission & drivetrain 2025
A software error may cause the gear selection display to be inaccurate.
- tires 2025
A software error may cause an incorrect tire inflation pressure message to display on the instrument panel.
- lights 2024
Incorrect headlight module software may cause the headlights to become inoperative.
- wheels 2024
The front wheel hub encoder rings may be damaged, which can disable the electronic stability control system.
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 857 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- "Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Flash Process-Related Failure "
- Drained Battery, Low System Voltage, Battery Not Charging, High System Voltage
- Engine Oil Leak
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Fuel cost and engines
About $2800–5300 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 3.0L 6-cyl, 3.6L 6-cyl.
In owners' words
Due to cold weather tire pressure went down, notice on screen is telling me to inflate to 50 psi. This information is incorrect.
2025 Ram 1500 owner · NHTSA complaint 11703150
More owner reports
The engine will shut off at random times without warning causing the vehicle to stop suddenly
NHTSA complaint 11721914
Vehicle repeatedly has issues starting, This has previously been identified as an Aux Drain issue. Vehicle checked my OEM however consistently reoccurs. This is not a suitable remedy for a 2 year old, OEM maintained vehicle.
NHTSA complaint 11764384
Quick answers
Is the 2025 Ram 1500 reliable?
It's too early to be sure. So far it has drawn 2.1× the average car's complaints per car sold, against other 2025 cars after the same time on the road (early Lemon Index 206; 100 is average). The best Ram 1500 year by this measure since 2010 is 2023.
What are the most common 2025 Ram 1500 problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are electrical (55%), automatic emergency braking (18%) and engine (18%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2025 Ram 1500 have?
11 safety recalls (latest: back over prevention). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2025 Ram 1500 get?
15 to 23 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
At what mileage do 2025 Ram 1500 problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 2,000 and 14,000 miles. The middle report was at 5,000 miles, from 51 complaints.
Does the 2025 Ram 1500 have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2025 Ram 1500 cost in fuel a year?
About $2800 to $5300 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2025 Ram 1500 have?
3.0L 6-cyl, 3.6L 6-cyl.
What Ram 1500 year is better than the 2025?
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