2019 Ram 1500
2019 model shown · Photo: Kevauto, CC BY-SA 4.0

Half-ton pickups · DT generation

2021 Ram 1500: reliability, problems and cost to own

Fair Below average

It scores 37 out of 100 for reliability compared with other half-ton pickups. Over the next 5 years we expect it to cost about $23,831 to own, including $6,472 in repairs.

Reliability

37/100

Below average

Repairs, 5 years

$6,472

at 12,000 mi a year

Fuel, 5 years

$12,000

17 mpg, $3.40/gal

Price today

$28,291

$24,896 – $31,686, estimate

Recalls

15

on record

Owner complaints

683

filed with NHTSA

These are estimates, not guarantees. They come from public NHTSA complaint and recall data and EPA fuel economy, assuming 5 years of ownership and 12,000 miles a year. Change the assumptions or see how it works.

Where repair money is likely to go

Engine & cooling$3,284
Transmission & drivetrain$1,962
Electrical system$340
Steering$238
Driver-assist & stability$224
Brakes$147

Expected over 5 years, by area of the car.

Recalls

Check whether a specific car still has open recalls with its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Before you buy

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Other years of the Ram 1500

Of the years we rate, the 2018 scores best (82/100) and the 2022 worst (29/100).

YearReliability
2027Not rated yet
2026Not rated yet
2025Not rated yet
202471/100
202369/100
202229/100
202137/100
202059/100
201939/100
201882/100
201773/100
201651/100
201555/100

Questions people ask

Is the 2021 Ram 1500 a year to avoid?

Not especially. It scores 37 out of 100, below average for half-ton pickups; the 2017, 2018 and 2024 scored better.

Is the 2021 Ram 1500 reliable?

It scores 37 out of 100 against other half-ton pickups from 2015 to 2024, which is below average. Based on 683 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, we expect about $6,472 in repairs over the next 5 years at 12,000 miles a year.

How much does a 2021 Ram 1500 cost to own?

About $23,831 over 5 years: $5,359 in lost value, $6,472 in repairs and $12,000 in fuel at $3.40 a gallon. A typical one sells for about $28,291 today.

What are the best years of the Ram 1500?

Of the years we rate, the 2018 scores best (82/100) and the 2022 worst (29/100).

How many recalls does the 2021 Ram 1500 have?

15 recalls on record with NHTSA.