Rams are slightly less reliable than the average vehicle, and they’re generally more expensive especially when it comes to maintenance. The average annual repair cost for a Ram is $858.

Once you purchase your vehicle, you’ll need to do regular maintenance to keep it running smoothly. Some models will cost more than others to maintain. For instance, a Ram 3500 truck won’t cost the same as a Promaster cargo van.

To help you understand what to expect with your new (or new-to-you) Ram, the

car insurance

comparison shopping and broker app

Jerry

has compiled everything you need to know about whether Rams are expensive to maintain.

RECOMMENDED

Thousands of customers saved on average $887/year on their car insurance with Jerry

This app is great, but the customer service is even better! Not to mention convenient! My husband and I got the lowest rate (much lower than the rates I was finding online through my own searches), quickly, and pretty much all through text message! Thank you so much for a hassle free experience👍

Gabriella R.

Find insurance savings

4.7/5 Rating on App Store

How much maintenance does my Ram require?

First, you need to understand that Ram and Dodge are no longer one and the same. In 2010, the company split the name—cars and minivans went under the Dodge nameplate and trucks went under the Ram brand.

Generally speaking, Rams are known for mediocre reliability. You can expect your Ram to require slightly more maintenance than other vehicles.

According to RepairPal, Rams tend to visit the repair shop about 0.3 times per year for unscheduled maintenance with 15% of those repairs considered severe. Ram’s rate is a little higher than the national average (12% across all models).

It’s worth pointing out that while Ford has the exact same frequency of severe repairs, Toyotas have only a 12% probability of having a severe repair.

MORE:

Basic car maintenance schedule

How much does maintenance for a Ram cost?

On average, a Ram costs about $858 per year for standard maintenance. However, your own Ram maintenance cost will depend on the specific model you own.

Let’s look at the average annual maintenance costs for a few popular Ram models.

Budget: Ram 1500

Reliability: 3.5/5 (average)

Annual maintenance cost: $663 (average)

Repair frequency: 0.2 times per year (average)

Mid-range: Ram 2500

Reliability: 2.5/5 (average)

Annual Maintenance cost: $947 (average)

Repair Frequency: 0.2 times per year (average)

Splurge: Ram 3500

Reliability: 2/5 (average)

Annual maintenance cost: $1,278 average)

Repair frequency: 0.2 times per year (average)

Why you should maintain your Ram

We’re going to assume that you’d like to save money and drive safely. If you do, then you should perform regular maintenance on your Ram.

A well-maintained vehicle:

Increases your safety while driving

Saves you money by preventing expensive problems

Keeps your truck performing at its best

Keeps the value of your truck high

We know, it’s easy to get busy and put off maintenance. But just remember, a poorly maintained Ram puts you at risk of driving an unsafe vehicle and having an expensive breakdown. Trust us, it’s much better to plan on regular service appointments than being unpleasantly surprised by a costly Dodge Ram engine replacement cost.

Key Takeaway: In general, Rams are slightly less reliable than the average vehicle. However, some models are more reliable and affordable than others.

How often does a Ram require maintenance?

Mileage	Service	Average cost
Every 7,500 miles	Oil change, tire rotation	$40 to $60
Every 22,500 miles	Change in-cabin air filter	$67 to $82
Every 45,000 miles	Rotate tires, inspect evaporative control system, replace engine air cleaner filter, change transfer case fluid on 4WD vehicles	$177 to $20
Every 100,000 miles	Replace spark plugs, replace transmission fluid and filter, inspect fuel system and exhaust system	$505 to $606

Oil changes

When: Usually required every 7,500 miles

Cost: $125 to $133

Why: Removes excess dirt that can build up in your engine from daily use

DIY?: Maybe—if you have the right tools

Tire replacement

When: NHTSA recommends that tires be replaced every six years, regardless of the number of miles driven

Cost: $200 to $400

Why: Worn-out tires are unsafe and can lead to hydroplaning in wet weather

DIY?: No—allow a professional to ensure a balanced installation for even wear and a smooth ride

Engine replacement

When: If the engine block is cracked, damaged in a collision, or simply worn out due to high-mileage

Cost: $5,600 to $13,000

Why: Your engine is the key to prolonging the life of your vehicle

DIY?: No—take the car to a reputable mechanic for an engine replacement

Windshield replacement

When: If the crack is longer than your hand, extends to the outer edge of the windshield, or deep enough that it goes halfway into the windshield

Cost: $300 to $600

Why: If you can’t see clearly, it’s dangerous to drive

DIY?: No—avoid attempting to install a new windshield yourself

Paint

When: Visible discoloration or paint peeling

Cost: $500 to $4,000

Why: Prevent corrosion and improve resale value with a good paint job

DIY?: Possible—only attempt this if you have a safe place to apply paint and professional-grade tools

Rear window

When: If there are cracks or problems with the seal

Cost: ~$325

Why: You must be able to safely see out the rear window

DIY?: No—it’s worth paying the Dodge Ram rear window replacement cost to a professional

Water pump

When: If you’re leaking coolant, you hear whining, or notice overheating

Cost: $337 to $515

Why: You need a functional water pump to circulate coolant and prevent your Ram from overheating

DIY?: No—this is a complex repair that’s best suited for a professional

Wheel bearing

When: If you notice a humming or clicking noise, uneven wear, or ABS failure

Cost: $535 to $558

Why: Safe tires are the key to safe driving

DIY?: No—a skilled mechanic can take care of this issue quickly and safely

MORE:

How to know if a mechanic is taking too long with car repairs

Finding cheap car insurance

A good way to prevent costly surprises is regular maintenance. But you can also cover yourself with great car insurance.

Jerry

is the fastest way to compare rates with different providers. You tell the app what coverage you want and Jerry will unlock discounts. It only takes 60 seconds and the average user finds $900 in savings. (Hint: You’re probably overpaying for car insurance)

The best part is that Jerry does all the paperwork. It’s simple! Get the app, find savings, pat yourself on the back.