Cars·5 min read

Ram 1500 Used: Common Problems & What to Check

LemonProof Team·May 10, 2026

If you're about to look at a used Ram 1500, here's what actually matters: the common problems by engine, electronics, and generation, what to inspect, and how to avoid overpaying. Ram-specific, honest, and to the point.

Quick verdict

The Ram 1500 is widely praised for ride comfort and a premium interior, and its ZF 8-speed automatic is one of the better truck transmissions out there. The "buts" cluster around the 5.7L Hemi "tick" (two different causes, often confused), the eTorque mild-hybrid system on newer trucks, air suspension wear on equipped trucks, and electrical gremlins (the TIPM on older trucks, buggy Uconnect on newer ones). Buy a well-maintained one in a strong year and it's a comfortable, capable truck.

Who it's a fit for: someone who wants the most car-like full-size truck with a nice cabin. Inspect the engine and electronics, and verify recalls.

Generations and how to tell them apart

4th gen (DS, 2009–2018; "Classic" sold alongside the new truck for years) — 3.6L V6 and 5.7L Hemi V8; TIPM electrical issues (2013-2017) and an 8.4" screen that can delaminate. Late 2017/2018 are the sweet-spot years.
5th gen (DT, 2019+) — big leap in interior/tech; 5.7L Hemi with eTorque, plus EcoDiesel. After a rocky first year, 2020-2021 are well-regarded.

Known weak points and common problems

5.7L Hemi "tick" — two kinds, often confused. (1) Exhaust-manifold bolt failures cause a cold-start tick that often fades as the engine warms — common and relatively cheaper to fix. (2) Lifter/camshaft failure (tied to the MDS cylinder-deactivation system) is the expensive one (a top-end repair can run well into the thousands). Listen at cold start and idle, and ask whether the noise has been diagnosed — well-maintained Hemis with good oil-change history fare better.

eTorque (2019+) issues. The mild-hybrid Motor Generator Unit (MGU) can fail, with parts delays that sideline trucks. There was also a 2021 Hemi eTorque engine-stall recall (PCM software), and some loss-of-power reports on 2022-2023. Verify recalls and that the system works.

Air suspension (optional). On equipped trucks, the air suspension is a known wear point as it ages, including cold-weather sagging/freezing. Confirm it raises/lowers evenly and holds height.

Electronics. 4th-gen trucks (2013-2017) had TIPM (power module) gremlins and 8.4" screen delamination; 5th-gen trucks had buggy Uconnect software. Test everything.

Other items. The ZF 8-speed is generally robust ("the fix" for Ram's old transmission woes) but change its fluid around 80,000-100,000 miles; Hemi water pumps can weep coolant around 100,000 miles. The EcoDiesel (2014-2019) had HPFP/EGR/emissions issues (2020+ improved).

That's the Ram 1500 in general. Want to know what to check on THE specific truck you're going to see — its year, mileage and engine? Generate your free report on LemonProof and walk in with your homework done.

Engines and transmissions: which to look for and which to avoid

5.7L Hemi V8 — strong and common; listen for the tick and ask about oil-change history; eTorque adds the MGU consideration on 2019+.
3.6L Pentastar V6 — adequate base engine; note the broader Pentastar "tick" (rocker arms) applies here too.
EcoDiesel — torquey and efficient; only with good service records (2020+ better than 2014-2019).
ZF 8-speed (8HP70, 2013+) — robust; just service the fluid and feel for smooth shifts.

What to actually check on this car

Everything above is the Ram 1500 in general. Which of these issues actually matter for the exact car you're looking at — and the paperwork worth pulling, like the vehicle history report, title status, and an open-recall check — depends on its year, mileage, engine, and how it was driven. Instead of a one-size-fits-all checklist, LemonProof turns all of that into a tailored inspection list for your specific Ram 1500: what to look at, what to ask the seller, and what to negotiate.

Is the price fair?

Full-size trucks hold value, so prices run high; the Ram's plush cabin can command a premium. A fair price depends on engine, cab/bed, 4WD, trim (Big Horn/Laramie/Limited), mileage, condition and region, so don't treat an exact figure as fact.

Walk in knowing the realistic range for that specific truck and what to knock off for pending items (a Hemi tick to diagnose, tired air suspension, eTorque/MGU risk, electronics, tow wear). LemonProof's report cross-references the model, year, miles and asking price and tells you whether the number adds up. Check whether the asking price is fair →

FAQ

Is a used Ram 1500 reliable? It's comfortable and capable with a strong ZF 8-speed transmission, but watch the Hemi tick, eTorque (2019+), air-suspension wear, and electronics. Late-2017/2018 (4th gen) and 2020-2021 (5th gen) are often cited as the better years.

What is the Ram 1500 Hemi tick? There are two kinds, often confused: a cold-start tick from failed exhaust-manifold bolts (more common, cheaper) and a more serious lifter/camshaft failure tied to the MDS system (expensive). Listen at cold start and idle, and ask whether the noise was diagnosed.

Do Ram 1500s have air suspension problems? On trucks with the optional air suspension, components wear with age and can sag or freeze in cold weather. Confirm the system raises and lowers evenly and holds ride height before buying.

Which Ram 1500 years should I avoid or favor? Approach 2013-2016 (4th gen) with caution for TIPM electrical and engine complaints, and the 2019 first-year 5th gen for early bugs. Stronger picks are late-2017/2018 and well-maintained 2020-2021; verify the 2021 eTorque stall recall by VIN.