The Ram 1500 is one the most popular and powerful full-sized pickup trucks that you can buy. The Ram pickup truck was first introduced in 1981, and since then, it has become one of the most renowned pickup trucks available today. But even the best things on the market have defects and the ram eco diesel is no exception.
In the years 2003 and 2010 to 2016 the Ram 1500 eco diesel suffered the most issues. But later on, with the introduction of the 2017 Ram, almost all problems have been fixed up to the 2024 model. With all these severe problems, it is very important to know about the best and worst years for Ram 1500.
1st generation Ram 1500 eco diesel years to avoid
- Worst years 1981-1984
- Best years 1991-1993
The 1st generation of the Ram didn’t come with many issues. While the initial years had a few minor problems here and there, there wasn’t anything major to be concerned about at the time.
2nd generation Ram 1500 eco diesel years to avoid
- Worst years 2000-2001
- Best years 1994-1999
The early years of this generation were pretty reliable. What makes the 2000 and 2001 models stand out though is the problems with their engine and interior. The dashboard is the biggest problem among these models which would start cracking and even fall apart after a certain mileage.
3rd generation Ram 1500 eco diesel years to avoid
- Worst year 2003
- Best years 2006-2008
The problem with the dashboard still existed in this generation along with several transmission and air conditioning issues which makes the 2003 model the worst one for this generation due to the severity of these issues.
4th generation Ram 1500 eco diesel years to avoid
- Worst years 2010-2012 and 2015-2016
- Best years 2013-2014
The 4th generation of the Ram 1500 is the most problematic as it suffers from the most issues. There were common problems reported by many people concerning the lighting, engine, and transmission of the vehicle. Another common problem was the poor mpg of the vehicle.
Check out Chevy Trax Years to Avoid
Dodge Ram 1500 years to avoid
If you are buying a Ram, you should know that different model years of the Ram are more likely to suffer from problems. The years 2003, 2010 to 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2016 are all very unreliable models of the Ram 1500 and you should avoid buying these. The main problems that exist in all these years are related to the engine, transmission, and brakes.
Another problem is the weak dashboard of the vehicle which will often break down very quickly. After the 2016 model, the Ram 1500 reliability by year has only improved with each new model year according to many Ram reviews.
Most reliable years for ram 1500
The years 2011 and 2017 to 2024 are all very good years for the Ram 1500. These years had almost very few issues that people should be concerned about. Ram had fixed almost all issues with the Ram 1500 in the 2017 model and ever since then, no unreliable model of the Ram 1500 has ever come out according to the review.
Almost all issues related to the engine, transmission, and brakes were fixed after 2016 and the Ram 1500 has remained a pretty reliable vehicle ever since then. If you are going to be purchasing a Ram 1500 eco diesel, you should pick one of the model years that we mentioned here.
Best year is 2017
The 2017 Ram 1500 eco diesel is considered the best year for Ram eco diesel as it comes with very few problems to complain about. It is much more reliable than other ram models and is also very good in performance. If you are looking to buy a Ram 1500 eco diesel, you should be looking to buy the 2017 model first.
Common Problems
Engine problems, While several problems are concerned with the Ram 1500, you’re more likely to encounter an issue with the engine than with the other parts of the Ram 1500. Many people have reported several common problems with the engine of the Ram. Many owners of the Ram 1500 have reported a problem with the Ram where suddenly, the air conditioner will start blowing out hot air on its own.
After a few seconds, high-pitched noises will also start coming out of the vehicle’s engine. Other problems with the engine are regarding the acceleration of the Ram 1500. The truck will randomly accelerate or decelerate while on the go. People have also reported complaints about sometimes fumes coming from the vehicle’s engine and strange squealing noises.
Transmission problems
The Ram’s transmission system is not reliable. The rear axles of the Ram 1500 often fall, so the wheels get locked in place. The transmission problems with the Ram 1500 can cause even more symptoms in the vehicle, including grinding during acceleration, whistling noises from the transmission, shaking, and burning odor.
These issues are also very dangerous for the safety of anyone inside the vehicle. A complaint filed on the NHTSA’s website reported that while stopping at a red light and pressing the brakes, the truck suddenly experienced a burst of acceleration, even though the brake was being applied. However, the car was still accelerating on its own.
What years of Ram to avoid?
If you are looking to buy a used Ram eco diesel for sale or a new one, you should be aware that the model years of 2003, 2010 to 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2016 were all subject to engine and braking problems and that you should avoid buying these.
Which Ram 1500 engine is best?
If you are looking for the best Ram 1500 engine to use, then there is only one obvious answer and that is the 3.0L eco diesel which is much more fuel-efficient than most other engines.
How long will a 3.0L eco diesel engine last?
The 3.0L eco diesel engine can last you a very long time as according to many owners themselves, their eco diesel engine lasted them between 200k to 300k miles which is much higher than the 100k to 200k mile expectancy of most other engines.
What is replacing eco diesel?
The eco diesel engine of the Ram 1500 will be replaced by an electric engine which Ram has claimed themselves to be release in 2024.
- 2007 Toyota Camry Firing Order (With Diagram) - February 2, 2024
- 2008 Honda Accord Firing Order (With Diagram) - February 2, 2024
- 2001 Honda Accord Firing Order (With Diagram) - February 2, 2024
