Ram brand mark

Is the 2013–2018 Ram 1500 reliable?

Scored from 8 documented faults · reviewed by the VehicleFaults Research Team

Quick answer

4.5/ 10
Buy with caution

On our documented-fault scoring the Ram 1500 rates 4.5 out of 10 · buy with caution. We hold 8 known faults for it and 2 are rated high severity, so the risk is real but contained. The weak points cluster around engine, transmission and electrical. A well-serviced example with evidence for the big-ticket items is usually a safe buy; the score describes the model, not the specific car in front of you.

Verdict · Walk unless the history is spotless

What the score is built from

Critical
0
High
2
Medium
6
Low
0

Weak points cluster around engine, transmission, electrical, suspension.

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The faults that decide it

ElectricalHigh

TIPM (power distribution module) faults causing no-starts, stalling, or accessory issues.

Typically appears
60,000+ miles
What to inspect
Test all electrical accessories, remote start, and confirm no intermittent no-start history.
Typical repair
Electrical diagnosis & module repair · £120–£900
EngineHigh

Camshaft and lifter failure causing misfires and a rhythmic metallic tapping.

Typically appears
80,000-120,000 miles
What to inspect
Start the engine from cold, open the bonnet, and listen to the upper engine block for a sharp, rhythmic metallic tapping that persists after warm-up.
Typical repair
Suspension refresh (per axle) · £250–£1,100
TransmissionMedium

8-speed automatic hesitation or delayed engagement.

Typically appears
Any
What to inspect
Test-drive from a stop and in stop-go traffic for lag or clunks.
Typical repair
Routine repair · £180–£700
EngineMedium

Exhaust manifold bolt breakage on the Hemi.

Typically appears
80,000+ miles
What to inspect
Listen for an exhaust tick on cold start.
Typical repair
Exhaust / emissions component · £200–£950
SuspensionMedium

Air suspension faults on so-equipped trucks.

Typically appears
70,000+ miles
What to inspect
Confirm the truck levels correctly and check for warning messages.
Typical repair
Suspension refresh (per axle) · £250–£1,100

Costs are indicative UK independent-garage bands for budgeting and negotiation · never a quote.

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Reliability of other Ram models

Ram 2500