When properly maintained and not pushed beyond its limits, the Ram 1500
can last between 200,000 and 250,000 miles depending on the model year and trim level. Rams haven’t always had a stellar reputation for reliability, but if you’re looking for a solidly built, durable vehicle, the American-made pickup is probably one of the first that comes to mind. Ram has gained a better reputation in recent years, but at the end of the day, how long your Ram lasts depends on how well you care for it.
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super app Jerry
has all the details on the reliability of Ram 1500s. We’ll dive into more information on how long Rams typically last, which models are the most and least reliable, and how long you can expect Ram parts to last. Plus, we’ll give you the top tips to prolong the lifespan of your Ram. How many miles can a Ram 1500 last?
Ram 1500s can last between 200,000 to 250,000 miles or more.
Like with any car, its mileage, condition, and age play a role. With more than 40 years under its belt, the Ram 1500 could theoretically get over 300,000 miles when properly cared for. That said, proper care means keeping up with a regular maintenance schedule
and driving your Ram within its working limits. Are you overpaying for car insurance?
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How many years do Rams last?
The average lifespan for a Ram 1500 is between 13 and 17 years.
How reliable is a Ram?
With a reliability score of 85/100 from J.D. Power, the Ram 1500 places comfortably among the most reliable pickup trucks of its kind. That said, some model years are more reliable than others.
Most reliable: 2018 Dodge Ram 1500
While you may think newer models of the Ram 1500 are the most reliable, the 2018 Ram 1500 has the least amount of overall complaints and earned the top spot for the best used Ram 1500 from CarComplaints.com. With just 12 total complaints, the 2018 model year seems to rise above the others regarding the most reliable pre-owned vehicles — and an 81/100 rating for quality and reliability from J.D. Power backs it up.
The 2018 model also got an above-average rating of 3.5 out of 5 from RepairPal, placing it first out of 17 for full-size trucks.
On top of its reliability rating, it also has average annual repair costs with an average severity of repairs and low frequency of issues. Plus, Ram 1500 owners bring their trucks in for unscheduled maintenance less often than the average vehicle owner.
Least reliable: 2014 Dodge Ram 1500
The 2014 Ram 1500 earned a quality and reliability score of just 78/100 from J.D. Power. Although it’s still considered an average score, the biggest issue with this model year was the new EcoDiesel engine and its problems. The 2014 Ram 1500 had 14 recalls—not all were engine problems, but most were engine-related.
The transmission was the 2014 model’s biggest problem, leading to issues like improper downshifting, noisy cold starts, shifting out of drive while driving, revving without acceleration, and more. Although they seem like minor issues, they could eventually amount to a transmission failure.
Are Rams expensive to maintain?
Compared to other full-size pickups, maintenance costs on a Ram 1500 are quite a bit less. According to RepairPal, a Ram 1500’s average annual maintenance cost is $691.
However, total repair and maintenance costs depend on a car’s age, current mileage, and condition.
Brakes
The brake pads
on a Ram 1500 can last between 30,000 to 70,000 miles. However, your driving habits will affect this. If you’re driving in heavy traffic daily and use your brakes frequently, your brake pads will wear more quickly and you’ll need them inspected more often.
Tires
The truck’s tires can last up to 50,000 or 60,000 miles, while others will last only 10,000 miles, depending on the type. Several factors influence your tire’s life length, such as road conditions and tire usage.
If you’re putting around 12,000 to 15,000 miles on your Ram annually and your driving habits are tolerable, an all-season tire’s tread will typically wear in about three years. If you put on greater annual mileage or drive more aggressively, you may need to replace them more often.
Transmission
The Ram 1500’s transmission can last anywhere from 150,000 to 300,000 miles.
While Ram doesn’t have the best reputation for transmissions, caring for your transmission correctly can extend its life. That means regularly checking your transmission fluid levels and giving your Ram time to warm up before hitting the road—especially in cold conditions.
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Spark plugs
Generally speaking, you’ll want to replace the spark plugs on your Ram 1500 every 10,000 to 30,000 miles, give or take.
However, it may be time to change your spark plush if your Ram is guzzling fuel more than usual, is slow to start or won’t start, is slow to accelerate, or your engine is constantly misfiring.
How to prolong the lifespan of your Ram 1500
We can’t stress enough how essential proper maintenance and good driving habits are for prolonging the life of your Ram 1500.
If you’re hoping to reach the 300,000-mile mark on your Ram 1500, here are some tips to help prolong its driving life:
Follow a regular schedule: Your Ram 1500’s car manual will outline the appropriate maintenance schedule for your specific vehicle. You’ll find details on all the services you need, including oil changes, tire rotations, brake inspections, and more.
Invest in quality: It can be tempting to skimp on buying high-quality parts to save a few dollars, but choosing cheap will likely cost you more in the long run. If you want to prolong your Ram’s life, purchase parts and fluids specific to your model and year.
Pay attention to your dash alerts: If a dash light flicks on, don’t ignore it! Problems can still arise even when following a strict maintenance schedule—and your Ram will warn you about them. If you’re unsure what a light means, check your vehicle manual for details or contact a registered mechanic or your local Dodge Ram dealer.
Keep your Ram clean: Cleaning your Ram isn’t the most exciting thing to do, but a clean car not only looks nice, but can also help prolong your truck's life. Giving it a good wash and wax
preserves your truck’s paint while vacuuming and dusting the interior can reduce excessive wear and tear.
Key Takeaway With proper maintenance and care, your Ram 1500 can last over 250,000 miles or beyond 17 years.
Saving on car insurance on your Ram 1500
If you’re looking to maximize your Ram 1500s lifespan, taking care of it inside and out is critical regardless of its model year. If you’re investing in a new Ram, you’ll also want to make sure you have a solid insurance policy to protect it for the duration of its driving life. Jerry
can help you find the perfect policy. Download the Jerry app, enter your driving details, and scan the list of customized quotes from over 50 leading insurance providers. Once you find the right policy, switching over and canceling your existing policy is quick and painless — no phone calls, emails, or hassles.
Best of all, Jerry users save an average of $800+ on car insurance yearly! With those savings, you could get a serious detail done every few months!
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