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.

Like with any car, its mileage, condition, and age play a role.

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How long can a Dodge Ram 1500 last?

Years: 13-17 years

How long your vehicle will last boils down to how well you care for it. With regular maintenance and care for your battery, drivetrain, and other parts, a Ram could last up to 20 years.

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Dodge Ram 1500 towing capacity

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How reliable is a Ram?

Average reliability: With a reliability score of 85/100 from J.D. Power, the Ram 1500 places comfortably among the most reliable trucks of its kind. That said, some model years are more reliable than others—here are the specs for the most and least reliable 1500 Ram trucks.

Most reliable: 2018 Dodge Ram 1500

While you may think newer models of the Ram 1500 are the most reliable, the 2018 Ram 1500 is one of the more reliable pre-owned vehicles—with the least amount of overall complaints.

CarComplaints.com: It earned the top spot for the best used Ram 1500 with just 12 total complaints.

J.D. Power: 81/100 rating for quality and reliability

RepairPal: The 2018 model 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 to the dealership for unscheduled maintenance less often than the average vehicle owner.

If you were curious, the new Ram 2500 earns slightly better ratings from J.D. Power (82/100). The Chevy Silverado earned the same reliability rating from RepairPal, FYI, and the Toyota Tundra ranks even higher at 4 out of 5 stars.

Least reliable: 2014 Dodge Ram 1500

J.D. Power: 78/100 for quality and reliability

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.

For comparison’s sake, the Jeep Wrangler gets an 84/100 from J.D. Power, the Ford F-150 gets an 83/100, and the Chevrolet Silverado earns 83/100.

Are Rams expensive to maintain?

Annual maintenance cost: $691

Compared to other full-size pickups, maintenance costs on a Ram 1500 are quite a bit less. For instance, the GMC Sierra costs about $727 per year to maintain, according to RepairPal.

Remember that total repair and maintenance costs depend on a car’s age, current mileage, and condition.

Brakes may need to be replaced around 50,000 miles

The

brake pads

on a Ram 1500 can last between 30,000-70,000 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 may need to be replaced around 50,000 miles (or three years)

Your 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:

Tire brand

Road conditions

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 high mileage or drive more aggressively, you may need to replace them more often.

Remember to check for issues like poor alignment that could cause additional tire problems if not rectified.

Transmissions may last the entire life of the truck

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.

Regularly check your transmission fluid levels

Give your Ram time to warm up before hitting the road—especially in winter

Spark plugs should be replaced about every 20,000 miles

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 plugs

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

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, coolant flushes, 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, upgrade to parts and fluids specific to your model and year.

Pay attention to your dash alerts: 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.

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