2026 Ram 1500

▲ Better than typical
2026 Ram 1500
RENDERED 2026-08-02T09:21:07.228Z

This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Ram 1500 Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2026 highlighted. 2009: 37 complaints 2009 2010: 0 complaints 2011: 0 complaints 2012: 0 complaints 2012 2013: 1250 complaints 2014: 1731 complaints 2015: 1425 complaints 2015 2016: 1500 complaints 2017: 858 complaints 2018: 640 complaints 2018 2019: 1445 complaints 2020: 607 complaints 2021: 654 complaints 2021 2022: 582 complaints 2023: 182 complaints 2024: 68 complaints 2024 2025: 288 complaints 2026: 57 complaints 2026
2026: 57 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
200937
20100
20110
20120
20131250
20141731
20151425
20161500
2017858
2018640
20191445
2020607
2021654
2022582
2023182
202468
2025288
202657

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 44%

44% of complaints: electrical system — 25 distinct reports on file.

Show complaint excerpts

Parasitic draw that causes batteries to die over night. This also affects manager features like air bag sensors, parking sensors, and dash display.

NHTSA ODI report, 20250916

SERVICE BRAKES 12%

12% of complaints: service brakes — 7 distinct reports on file.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING 11%

11% of complaints: exterior lighting — 6 distinct reports on file.

VISIBILITY/WIPER 7%

7% of complaints: visibility/wiper — 4 distinct reports on file.

ENGINE 7%

7% of complaints: engine — 4 distinct reports on file.

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 20251218 — electrical system

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Ram 1500 Pickup, Ram 2500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Cab Chassis, 4500 Ram Cab Chassis, and Ram 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and update the instrument panel software or replace the instrument panel cluster, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 18, 2025.

Campaign 25V826000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20260317 — electrical system, exterior lighting

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2024-2026 Jeep Wagoneer S, 2025-2026 Ram 1500 Pickup, Ram 2500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Cab Chassis, Ram 4500 Cab Chassis, Ram 5500 Cab Chassis, and 2026 Jeep Cherokee vehicles.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the trailer tow module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning March 17, 2026. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 03D.

Campaign 26V059000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20260505 — electrical system

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Ram 1500 Pickup, Ram 2500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Cab Chassis, Ram 4500 Cab Chassis, and Ram 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles. A software error may cause the instrument panel display to fail.

Remedy: Dealers will update the instrument panel software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 5, 2026. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is 35D.

Campaign 26V225000 — check if this car was fixed

R Date not on file — exterior lighting

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2026 Ram 1500 vehicles. The headlight wiring may cause the parking lights and daytime running lights to flicker on and off, or fail.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the headlight assemblies, as necessary, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, are expected to be mailed July, 30, 2026.

Campaign 26V421000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2026 Ram 1500 — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (25 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for service brakes issues (7 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for exterior lighting issues (6 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 26V421000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 25V826000 (electrical system) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 26V059000 (electrical system, exterior lighting) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 26V225000 (electrical system) has been completed.

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2009 ▲ 2024 ▲ 2023

WORST YEARS

■ 2014 ■ 2016 ■ 2019

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 2026 Ram 1500 reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2026 Ram 1500 is rated "better than typical".

What are the most common problems with the 2026 Ram 1500?

The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 44% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2026 Ram 1500 have?

4 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.