Might be time to say goodby to RAM

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I’ve had 5 RAMs starting with a 1997 1500 and I currently own three of them, but this 2025 3500 has probably cured me of my RAM fixation.

Took my truck in March 31 and it’s not back yet. List was CEL, snapping in steering column, pulls to the right (dangerously with a plow on the front), cargo camera missing from screen, and a recall.

Steering column had to be replaced (took forever to find parts) and CEL was oxygen sensors and bad wire to sensors.

It was determined that there was a problem with the front axle so a new housing was ordered and then Stellantis wanted them to press out the old bushings from the axle and reuse them in the new one. The dealership decided new bushings made more sense.

Stellantis told the dealership that this truck didn’t have a cargo camera, so the dealership had to send them the build sheet!

If this is how Stellantis is going to treat loyal customers, than my RAM 1500 in the garage will be replaced by a Ford. It can’t get much worse!

P.S. Just got recall #4 in the mail.

 

[Dragula]

I’ve had three Rams. First 2004 SLT: Never had an issue with that model. Sold it to a friend who drove for a few years after that. Second was a 2012 SLT, that one had all the electrical issues, which I had to buy a bypass module so the fuel pump wouldn’t keep running. Also had the warped headers, which sucked because of the broken bolts that usually follows. Final Ram is my 2015 Rebel which thankfully hasn’t had any real issues other than the air suspension system. It didn’t give out, but I felt it was on its way. Ripped it out and went conventional set up. So far so good. That will be my last Ram.

My wife had a Durango, which she loved, but after two years it became a brick. All electrical systems basically shut down. Dealership had ZERO clue as to what was happening. Finally got rid of it.

A family member purchased a new Grand Wagoneer and within the first year was in the shop a couple of times, and counting.

No more Stellantis products for me as well.

 

[rvance]

I would agree with the OP, except that all the other brands are crap too. I would look for a pre-2000 model and start rebuilding it.

 

[David Roark]

i'm sure if i were to visit a Ford forum, i'd read just as many horror stories, just like any Chevy, GMC, or any other vehicle forum.

My neighbor loved my truck, so, he went out, traded in his ford 250 and bought a 2500 Spider edition (big mistake) After 1.5 years later, and not starting 3 times (being towed back to the dealer each time) he ended up trading it in for a new Rebel. ( I won't comment on that purchase )

It seems like buying ANY vehicle these days is the luck of the draw. I'm fortunate that my 2020 1500 has never had a single issue, in fact, it's been so good I don't want to trade it in. In 6 years, only the battery has failed me.

As a retired GM employee, I can get their discounts, but, i've read so much about transmissions and engine failures, i'm staying with my Ram.b This being a RAM forum, it means the people here love their RAM trucks.

Sorry to hear about the problems some of you are having, and, if you decide to bail out on RAM, i hope you find a good quality truck.

Ditto on my 2020 ram as well. Back window and light were replaced under warranty the second year and have had no problem since with the exception of replacing the battery and my extended 10 year warranty with Route 66 pays $100.00 on the battery.

 

[Islander39er]

The company I work for has over 600 F550 service trucks. One transmission and two sets of steer tires every 50k is common, not the exception. I tried to get them to give Ram a shot but they buy over 10k new Ford trucks of various sizes every year. The discounts they get from Ford are too steep for Ram to be able to compete. Ford replaces the first transmission. We eat the tires and get rid of the truck before transmission #2 goes out.

You’re rolling with a front plow and loaded with tools. Ever think maybe you are your own worst enemy? You under bought and really need a 5500.

Not saying you're lying, but I do have to point out something I've noticed.

Go to a ram forum, and most people will tell you the hemi's lifter/cam issues are way overblown, and actually happen to a small minority of units, but Ford transmissions are junk.

Go to a Ford forum, and most people will tell you the transmission issues are way overblown, and actually happen to a small minority of units, but rams are junk and almost guaranteed to throw lifters at low mileage.

I have both and my units work fine. But my ram does wear steer tires quickly.

I bet if you go to a GM forum, or Toyota, you'll be told their imperfections are exxagerated too, or at the very least, that their brand is the lesser of all evils, or no worse than the competition. Seems to be a recurring theme among each group.

 

[turkeybird56]

Don’t do what I did and buy the first year of redesign. Maybe RAM will work the bugs out, but it sure SEEMS like too many of the ‘25s and ‘26s are having issues.

My 2019 RAM is a 1st year. Bunch of so so work done, plus 3 major TSB's

 

[pmbrcb]

You need an oldie but goodie......................my 2004 all origonal with 13000 miles.............LOVE IT

 

[Bigdave902]

Have a 2018 Ram 2500 with the ABS recall. Been waiting 16 months so far and they still dont have the parts availabe to complete the recall. ABS has been used in cars and light trucks for 50 years and they cant figure out how to repair it. Makes me wish I would have bought a Ford

 

[KeithP]

Not saying you're lying, but I do have to point out something I've noticed.

Go to a ram forum, and most people will tell you the hemi's lifter/cam issues are way overblown, and actually happen to a small minority of units, but Ford transmissions are junk.

Go to a Ford forum, and most people will tell you the transmission issues are way overblown, and actually happen to a small minority of units, but rams are junk and almost guaranteed to throw lifters at low mileage.

I have both and my units work fine. But my ram does wear steer tires quickly.

I bet if you go to a GM forum, or Toyota, you'll be told their imperfections are exxagerated too, or at the very least, that their brand is the lesser of all evils, or no worse than the competition. Seems to be a recurring theme among each group.

They all build good ones and they all build bad ones. The only persistent issue we have with all the fords we buy is with the F550 transmissions. I know people with 350’s & 450’s that will tell you the transmission is the weak link on their truck. Aside from that they think they’re great. I burned through three F550s. The transmission was the only issue I had with any of them. Well that and the steer tires but that can be rectified with the right type of tires.

 

[N8rofwyo]

Sorry to hear about the hardships - but let’s be honest… new isn’t a guarantee. It’s a gamble buying a vehicle ( new or used ) always has been. It’s a sh*t state of affairs, but it’s not new. Doesn’t matter the brand, it’s our problem now. That’s why we pour over our forums… Hope you get it sorted out sooner than later.

 

[Islander39er]

They all build good ones and they all build bad ones. The only persistent issue we have with all the fords we buy is with the F550 transmissions. I know people with 350’s & 450’s that will tell you the transmission is the weak link on their truck. Aside from that they think they’re great. I burned through three F550s. The transmission was the only issue I had with any of them. Well that and the steer tires but that can be rectified with the right type of tires.

Truer words were never spoken than your first sentence.

I test drove a 2025 ram 1500 last fall. My dad was with me and thought the transmission wasn't acting right. I told him the transmission is the best thing about that truck, according to many. But everything has its lemons.
I wasn't super impressed with the truck overall myself. I was glad to get back in my long suffering 2014. Thanked the salesperson for his time and left knowing I wouldn't return.

I'd buy one used for the right deal, but wouldn't pay for a new one. That's my impression of the 5th gen ram.

 

[Islander39er]

Sorry to hear about the hardships - but let’s be honest… new isn’t a guarantee. It’s a gamble buying a vehicle ( new or used ) always has been. It’s a sh*t state of affairs, but it’s not new. Doesn’t matter the brand, it’s our problem now. That’s why we pour over our forums… Hope you get it sorted out sooner than later.

There are benefits to buying new, but I've heard some people say with a new truck, at least you know the history. Um, no you don't. It has no history.

You have warranties and lemon laws, but like the OP says, that doesn't take the inconvenience out of your truck breaking. I think with a used truck, because of the fact that it's got some miles on, you can get a pretty good idea what you're getting if you know what to look for before buying.
That's my experience, and again, there are exceptions to every rule.

 

[Wahrsuul]

My 2cents - I don't buy any vehicle new anymore, haven't for a long time. I still miss my '09 and regret not trying harder to find someone to fix it, but the wife was involved in that decision.

Yes, when buying used you have no history on it, but it seems it's just as much of a crapshoot with a new one and you don't deal with depreciation.

My brother works for a tool company in R&D. He says the same thing - it's usually bean counters and upper management making decisions often against the advice of the engineers because they think it make more financial sense. Sometimes the engineers are told to make a specific tool. but only use what parts are already available even though some (or all) of the parts won't meet the specs they want. What's an engineer to do?

 

[Graber]

International’s Maxxforce engines about put them out of business. The engineers said this thing isn’t ready but they were overruled (ignored). Now those are hard to give away. Of course that was because of government emissions guidelines they were forced to meet.

 

[Bob Horowski]

markabby your post has me totally confused. Your signature lists 2020 limited but you post says "I'll never own anything made in the past 10 yrs". Which is it?

 

[Docwagon1776]

markabby your post has me totally confused. Your signature lists 2020 limited but you post says "I'll never own anything made in the past 10 yrs". Which is it?

You're confusing posts by different people. JWS said that, not markabby.

 

[Mopar~Man]

My 2001 DODGE Ram, factory ordered, made in St. Louis, 5.2L 2WD, leather interior, HD cooling, limited slip. 46k miles. Never winter driven, always garaged unless its being driven. Second set of tires on it. Photo taken today.

 

[Hootbro]

I am sure somebody from Ford has a similar story looking to jump ship to RAM.

 

[Hawkman]

my conspiracy theory: colleges are putting out engineers determined to bring America to it's knees by designing inferior products. All part of the "destroy America" campaign.

 

[Graber]

I am sure somebody from Ford has a similar story looking to jump ship to RAM.

I’m sure you’re right, but what might be the final straw for me is the fact that RAM CARES reached out to me and I told them my truck was in the shop from March 31 to May 15, front axle and steering column had to be changed, and CEL came back on before I got it home. They told me about open recalls and if CEL problem persists, to let them know. With that lackluster response, maybe it should be called “RAM DOESN’T REALLY CARE”!