2026 Ram 1500
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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2009 | 37 |
| 2010 | 0 |
| 2011 | 0 |
| 2012 | 0 |
| 2013 | 1272 |
| 2014 | 1758 |
| 2015 | 1438 |
| 2016 | 1536 |
| 2017 | 870 |
| 2018 | 657 |
| 2019 | 1471 |
| 2020 | 623 |
| 2021 | 676 |
| 2022 | 603 |
| 2023 | 199 |
| 2024 | 70 |
| 2025 | 333 |
| 2026 | 89 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
52% of complaints: electrical system — 46 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing integrated trailer brake control.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
On September 14, 2026, my 2026 Ram 1500 Limited, with approximately 6,000 miles, caught fire while parked and unattended in my workplace parking lot. I had driven the vehicle approximately six minutes to work and parked it at approximately 1:30 PM.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260914
My 2026 Ram 1500 Bighorn Crew Cab After vehicle startup, approximately five seconds, after initiating forward,, the vehicle experience and abrupt engine shut down while in motion.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260730
Also filed under POWER TRAIN
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
11% of complaints: exterior lighting — 10 distinct reports on file.
10% of complaints: service brakes — 9 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
Q1. Vehicle brake malfunction. Vehicle was from a rental agency. Upon driving, the brakes would not work on two separate occasions. (6/30 and 7/1) Q2.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260711
8% of complaints: power train — 7 distinct reports on file.
8% of complaints: engine — 7 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
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
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
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
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2026 Ram 1500 vehicles. The second-row seat belt buckle anchors may have been improperly installed.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and attach the seat belt buckle anchor to the body structure as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed August 18, 2026. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403.
Campaign 26V495000 — check if this car was fixed
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2026 Jeep Wrangler, Jeep Gladiator, Jeep Compass, Jeep Cherokee, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep Grand Cherokee L, Jeep Grand Wagoneer, Jeep Grand Wagoneer L, Ram Promaster, Ram Promaster EV, Ram 1500, Ram 2500,...
Remedy: Radio software will be updated by a dealer or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning September 2, 2026. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 800-853-1403.
Campaign 26V531000 — check if this car was fixed
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 (46 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for exterior lighting issues (10 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (9 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.
- Verify recall 26V495000 (seat belts) has been completed.
- Verify recall 26V531000 (back over prevention) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
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 52% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2026 Ram 1500 have?
6 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.