Avoiding certain years of Dodge RAM 1500 is just inevitable. Although Dodge Ram 1500 does a lot of great jobs here and there, users still have to be selective because not all the years are reliable.
Yes, there are a few Dodge RAM 1500 years to avoid at all costs because they have shown certain problems that can cause you a lot of discomforts.
Imagine spending a lot of money trying to fix a new car’s engine and other problems. Don’t bother purchasing them and trying to fix them, simply avoid them like the plague.
Now, let’s learn more about the Dodge RAM 1500 years you should always avoid!
Here Are the Dodge RAM 1500 Years to Avoid
If you want to stay out of many troubles due to faulty parts and engines, consider these Dodge RAM 1500 years and avoid them.
They include: 2003, 2010-2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016. Aside from these, other years are good to go, at least. Do you want to know why these years should be avoided?
We will let it all out!
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1. 2003 Dodge RAM 1500
Many users have complained about the 2003 Dodge RAM 1500 because of the problems with the engine. It is not only the engine that is affected. Many other parts have been found to be faulty too due to faulty design.
Can you imagine seeing your engine light go on again and again shortly after you sorted out a problem? The 2003 Dodge RAM 1500 users experience much frustration as they keep fixing one issue after another. Users also complain that their dashboard is falling off.
You’re probably surprised to hear that, but most people who use a 2003 Dodge RAM 1500 know that the dashboard can crack easily and even get damaged so much that users may feel it will fall off. “It happened to me,” they’ll say while complaining.
2. 2010-2013 Dodge RAM 1500 (5.7-liter V8)
The 2010-2013 Dodge RAM 1500 specializes in weirdly turning off while driving. It is because of the engine and other parts like the camshaft that are wearing out.
Also, transmission issues and countless electrical faults can cause it to turn off while driving. That’s too much trouble for anyone. Successive years did not do any better as complaints continued to mount.
Also, it is unusual for a tow truck to do a lot of towing and still be in good shape, but it is much worse for this model because the power to MPG problem makes it difficult because of the base with a 5.7-liter engine.
3. 2014 Dodge RAM 1500
A first series or release should often be a masterpiece of lessons from previous models, but the 2014 Dodge RAM 1500 is proving that wrong because its new Eco Diesel engine came with a lot of problems for users.
It was recorded that it got no less than 14 recalls because of the problems. It won’t be complete without a mention of the transmission problem, which adds to the myriads of problems already besetting it.
Furthermore, it was reported to be noisy when the truck is at low speed or during cold starts. It also shifted out of the drive while the engine was running. These and other malfunctions make this model highly problematic.
4. 2015 Dodge RAM 1500
Engine failure was the major problem identified with this 2015 Dodge RAM 1500. But it was not just the engine problem alone; there were electrical faults, transmission problems, radio issues, warning lights, and RAMs GPS/UConnect problems.
5. 2016 Dodge RAM 1500
The main problem with the 2016 Dodge RAM 1500 is still the Eco Diesel engine. As a result of the malfunctions of the engine, it has suffered no less than 11 recalls since it was first released.
But that was not all the trouble that it brought to users. Its rear tailgate was equally faulty, just like the airbag and cruise control.
Common Dodge RAM 1500 Problems
The Dodge RAM 1500 has many problems, so you should avoid them. But if you love the brand so much, you wouldn’t want to throw the baby away with the bath water.
So, the best thing to do is avoid the years known to have problems. Some of them have been discussed here. Generally, there are common issues with the Dodge RAM 1500, especially in the affected years.
Identifying these common problems will enable you to cope with them. The brand is not totally a write-off but the years identified are better avoided.
1. Faulty Bolts
The exhaust bolts can break easily. Using them increases your budget for repeated repairs and fixing faulty parts like the bolts that break easily. This is peculiar to those with a 3.7L V6 engine and a 4.7L V8 engine.
2. Coolant leaks
Overheating of the engine in most Dodge RAM 1500s between 1994 and 2010 has been attributed to leaks in the cooling system involving the thermostat and manifold gasket.
3. Power Module Malfunctions
Problems like faulty Air conditioners, airbags, and coolant fans are traceable to the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) of the RAM model.
4. Issues with Body structure
The body structures of the RAM 1500s have problems like faulty lock system, rust, too large, and poor painting.
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Conclusion
I believe by now; you know the Dodge RAM 1500 years to avoid! You need to be aware of some of these issues that make some Dodge RAM 1500 Years a bad idea.
This will help you avoid even future models when other users report similar issues. In the meantime, none of the years identified is a good idea for drivers.