Posts: 85
Joined: 9/10/2015
Location: Round Rock, TX USA
Hey guys, I'm looking at getting a newer (2015) ram 1500 and my father seems to believe that all dodge products are pieces of junk. I've never really heard of any major issues from them but we've been with gm our whole lives and he is hesitant to switch up- anyone here have any reccomendations of which way to go?
Mediocracy is my middle name.
Posts: 8191
Joined: 4/1/2008
Location: SD, CA USA
I have a 2017 and no issues so far. I also had a 2000 and 2004 Ram and never any major issues. I have the 5.7 hemi and 8 speed 8hp70 transmission, it's awesome compared to the old 5 speed!
There is a large group of people out there that have never owned them and say the tranny will go out in a few months.
Posts: 3131
Joined: 4/1/2008
Location: Kansas City, MO USA
Posts: 1668
Joined: 2/14/2009
Location: Brock, TX USA
I have a 2012 2500, 2012 3500 and a 2016 1500 all diesels, never had an issue with anything major at all, just the normal wear and tear. And the 2500 and 3500 we use for hauling of toy haulers and flatbeds and we have never had issues.
Only 2 things that money can't buy, thats true love and homegrown tomatoes.
Posts: 6858
Joined: 6/24/2010
Location: North Tonawanda, NY USA
Posts: 2637
Joined: 5/15/2012
Location: Richfield, WI USA
Edited Date/Time:
Dodge Ram 1500s are junk...my good friend has had a number of them because his wife's uncle owns the local Dodge dealer..his newest is a 2013 and it's rusting around the wheel well, constantly needs tie rod ends, ball joints, half the exhaust manifolds studs are broke, gas gauge occasionally won't work, had the front gearbox bearing fail. Currently it has a misfire, but he thinks that is fixed after replacing the 16 plugs AGAIN (calls for every 30k). I am sure I am missing many other issues. Granted I wouldn't consider these major issues..but seriously wtf
We give him crap all the time for driving that junk..
Don't know why anyone would buy one. And I doubt a 2015 is any better.
If you do buy it I hope your a good mechanic.
Posts: 85
Joined: 9/10/2015
Location: Round Rock, TX USA
Brad460 wrote:
Dodge Ram 1500s are junk...my good friend has had a number of them because his wife's uncle owns the local Dodge dealer..his newest is a 2013 and it's rusting around the wheel well, constantly needs tie rod ends, ball joints, half the exhaust manifolds studs are broke, gas gauge occasionally won't work, had the front gearbox bearing fail. Currently it has a misfire, but he thinks that is fixed after replacing the 16 plugs AGAIN (calls for every 30k). I am sure I am missing many other issues. Granted I wouldn't consider these major issues..but seriously wtf
We give him crap all the time for driving that junk..
If you do buy it I hope your a good mechanic.
Wow, that sure does seem like a long list of issues lol. I think that the newest generation started in 2014 so hopefully they're better? Not sure, but I'll for sure keep this in mind. Thanks!
Mediocracy is my middle name.
Posts: 3257
Joined: 3/21/2016
Location: BFE, TX USA
Rexblaster wrote:
Hey guys, I'm looking at getting a newer (2015) ram 1500 and my father seems to believe that all dodge products are pieces of junk. I've never really heard of any major issues from them but we've been with gm our whole lives and he is hesitant to switch up- anyone here have any reccomendations of which way to go?
I have a '15 RAM 2500 4X4 with 6.4 and 4.10 gears. One of the best trucks I ever had.
"We don't rent pigs."
Posts: 8191
Joined: 4/1/2008
Location: SD, CA USA
Brad460 wrote:
Dodge Ram 1500s are junk...my good friend has had a number of them because his wife's uncle owns the local Dodge dealer..his newest is a 2013 and it's rusting around the wheel well, constantly needs tie rod ends, ball joints, half the exhaust manifolds studs are broke, gas gauge occasionally won't work, had the front gearbox bearing fail. Currently it has a misfire, but he thinks that is fixed after replacing the 16 plugs AGAIN (calls for every 30k). I am sure I am missing many other issues. Granted I wouldn't consider these major issues..but seriously wtf
We give him crap all the time for driving that junk..
If you do buy it I hope your a good mechanic.
The only thing I can agree with here is that it's somewhat common for exhaust studs to break on the manifold.
You can insert any truck brand name and someone will say they had to get ball joints and tie rod ends every 10k.
I traded in my 2004 with almost 200,000 miles on it and it didn't have rust other than small bubbles starting on the passenger side front door. That is after 13 years and 8 of those years in New England winters with salted roads.
Posts: 2637
Joined: 5/15/2012
Location: Richfield, WI USA
seth505 wrote:
The only thing I can agree with here is that it's somewhat common for exhaust studs to break on the manifold.
You can insert any truck brand name and someone will say they had to get ball joints and tie rod ends every 10k.
I traded in my 2004 with almost 200,000 miles on it and it didn't have rust other than small bubbles starting on the passenger side front door. That is after 13 years and 8 of those years in New England winters with salted roads.
You're probably right...other friends and myself have Tundras and have zero issues..in fact can't imagine ever having to fix anything. Mine is a 2010 with 66k and still like brand new.
Posts: 945
Joined: 1/10/2009
Location: NE, USA
I find that most of the haters are people that have never owned one....I used to be one of those guys, until I bought one in 2003, and Knock on wood I have had no problems with any of the 4 that I 've owned.
I just got my wife a new GMC yukon and that is a very unimpressive truck for what I payed for it. No more GM's..........very cheaply built in my opinion. 
Posts: 187
Joined: 8/28/2017
Location: Ocitillo, CA USA
Funny, my buddy just had his blow a tie rod this afternoon. I'll stick to the 5.9
Hope for the best, Prepare for the worst.
Posts: 9446
Joined: 8/16/2006
Location: CO, USA
I have had a couple of Rams a 2500 V10 and a 2014 1500 and have had only a few minor problems that were covered by warranty, one was a back up camera on the 1500 and the heated seat on the 2500 . I drove the Toyota Tundra and didnt care for it at all which is strange because I liked my Tacoma.I was also looking at a F150 FX4 which I really liked but didnt want the eco boost and couldnt find a V8 in the model I wanted. Love my ram 1500 and like mopars in general both old and new Challengers. If your dad is gonna pay get the GM but if you are paying then get what you want. 
Ed Johnson
Posts: 8191
Joined: 4/1/2008
Location: SD, CA USA
Posts: 1161
Joined: 2/11/2009
Location: CA, USA
I have a 2015 Ram 1500. It's got the hemi 5.7 V8. I keep up with all the maintenance on it. Zero issues. My experience has been very good.
Posts: 1182
Joined: 4/1/2008
Location: USA
I rented a 16 1500 when my 15 150 was in the shop
I was rear ended (by my own kid ) I thought fhe dodge was a piece of shit compared to my ford . It just seemed cheaply made .
Posts: 2556
Joined: 3/4/2014
Location: Cottontown, TN USA
Maybe that reputation was warranted in the past for Dodge (sorry, still think it should be called Dodge Ram), but they have really stepped up recently. The interior was always a negative, but I was impressed with the quality. Oh talk about some room in the cab..... so much space.
I think Dodge offers the most truck for the money right now and that is coming from a Ford lifer
Posts: 382
Joined: 12/8/2014
Location: NY, USA
seth505 wrote:
I have a 2017 and no issues so far. I also had a 2000 and 2004 Ram and never any major issues. I have the 5.7 hemi and 8 speed 8hp70 transmission, it's awesome compared to the old 5 speed!
There is a large group of people out there that have never owned them and say the tranny will go out in a few months.
A young man at my job is suing Chrysler in regards to The Lemon Law. He has a 1500, 2016 and has been waiting for a transmission for almost 4 months due to being on back order . His Dad and Mom bought the truck for him as a Grad present. I feel bad for the kid he's only 23 and actually a pretty good hard working young man. Any thing you buy can have issues it comes down to which ever you choose will help you out if issues arise.
Yeah, I have no clue !!!
Posts: 8191
Joined: 4/1/2008
Location: SD, CA USA
seth505 wrote:
I have a 2017 and no issues so far. I also had a 2000 and 2004 Ram and never any major issues. I have the 5.7 hemi and 8 speed 8hp70 transmission, it's awesome compared to the old 5 speed!
There is a large group of people out there that have never owned them and say the tranny will go out in a few months.nicko-31 wrote:
A young man at my job is suing Chrysler in regards to The Lemon Law. He has a 1500, 2016 and has been waiting for a transmission for almost 4 months due to being on back order . His Dad and Mom bought the truck for him as a Grad present. I feel bad for the kid he's only 23 and actually a pretty good hard working young man. Any thing you buy can have issues it comes down to which ever you choose will help you out if issues arise.
True. I don't feel bad for that kid tho, a new ram as a gift!? Haha.
Posts: 1
Joined: 10/23/2020
Location: Arkansas City, KS USA
I bought a 2017 big horn 5.7 hemi with it having 43000 now when I bought it had 32000, and I just had to take it in to get exhaust manifolds bolts replaced kinda disappointing, got told it a comment thing with hemis, and got another thing I got told was these hemi like to through the cam's was wondering if I gonna have problem with it lasting a long time only bought 7months ago
Posts: 706
Joined: 4/27/2020
Location: Stanley, NM USA
Posts: 9446
Joined: 8/16/2006
Location: CO, USA
I get a new RAM every few years and have only had very minor problems all covered by warranty, only thing so far on my new Rebel was stitching on the leather drivers seat and it was replaced.
Ed Johnson
Posts: 351
Joined: 7/11/2012
Location: Phoenix, AZ USA
Edited Date/Time:
Had a 16 2wd with the 5.7 from new to 60,000 and it never gave me one issue and I did nothing but change the oil. That being said the 2019 f150 3.5 ecoboost I traded it in for is a much better truck as far as finish and quality. The 5.7 did not have enough torque down low for me and the 6.4 isn’t much better.
Posts: 155
Joined: 8/21/2013
Location: Canyon Lake, TX USA
Edited Date/Time:
I've had 5 Ram 1500s since 2005 and no major issues. No problem dragging a 6,500lb boat & trailer all over AZ, KS and TX in that time. All purchased new and the only minor issues were with electronics in the audio system.
As for newer models, we have a 2018 Lone Star and a 2019 Limited right now. Would not trade them for any other makes.
Posts: 3643
Joined: 7/9/2008
Location: Studio City, CA USA
kdizzle_rider wrote:
Had a 16 2wd with the 5.7 from new to 60,000 and it never gave me one issue and I did nothing but change the oil. That being said the 2019 f150 3.5 ecoboost I traded it in for is a much better truck as far as finish and quality. The 5.7 did not have enough torque down low for me and the 6.4 isn’t much better.
Must not have had the 5.7 with 3.92's like my 2019 Laramie. It towed my friends 32ft DCB (9000lbs) to Havasu and back like a dream. Rarely even got into 5th gear on the highway and still averaged about 16mpg for the trip.
My neighbor has a 2019 f150 XLT with the 3.5 and I'd take mine all day long. And I was a Ford guy forever.
Posts: 3643
Joined: 7/9/2008
Location: Studio City, CA USA
avidchimp wrote:
Must not have had the 5.7 with 3.92's like my 2019 Laramie. It towed my friends 32ft DCB (9000lbs) to Havasu and back like a dream. Rarely even got into 5th gear on the highway and still averaged about 16mpg for the trip.
My neighbor has a 2019 f150 XLT with the 3.5 and I'd take mine all day long. And I was a Ford guy forever.
This is up at our place in the Tetons. 2300 miles round trip and it was as nice a ride you can imagine. Averaged 24mpg at 80 even with the 3.92's.
Posts: 351
Joined: 7/11/2012
Location: Phoenix, AZ USA
kdizzle_rider wrote:
Had a 16 2wd with the 5.7 from new to 60,000 and it never gave me one issue and I did nothing but change the oil. That being said the 2019 f150 3.5 ecoboost I traded it in for is a much better truck as far as finish and quality. The 5.7 did not have enough torque down low for me and the 6.4 isn’t much better.
avidchimp wrote:
Must not have had the 5.7 with 3.92's like my 2019 Laramie. It towed my friends 32ft DCB (9000lbs) to Havasu and back like a dream. Rarely even got into 5th gear on the highway and still averaged about 16mpg for the trip.
My neighbor has a 2019 f150 XLT with the 3.5 and I'd take mine all day long. And I was a Ford guy forever.
My 2016 did in fact have the 3.92s. Was a great truck I just wanted more between 2-3k, felt like I always had to rev the truck to get it moving. The little 3.5 ecoboost has that, however we will see if it holds together!
Posts: 2637
Joined: 5/15/2012
Location: Richfield, WI USA
Edited Date/Time:
Brad460 wrote:
Dodge Ram 1500s are junk...my good friend has had a number of them because his wife's uncle owns the local Dodge dealer..his newest is a 2013 and it's rusting around the wheel well, constantly needs tie rod ends, ball joints, half the exhaust manifolds studs are broke, gas gauge occasionally won't work, had the front gearbox bearing fail. Currently it has a misfire, but he thinks that is fixed after replacing the 16 plugs AGAIN (calls for every 30k). I am sure I am missing many other issues. Granted I wouldn't consider these major issues..but seriously wtf
We give him crap all the time for driving that junk..
If you do buy it I hope your a good mechanic.
Replying to myself...Funny thing is...two years later I bought a new Ram 1500 
Posts: 129
Joined: 12/11/2014
Location: Wake Forest, NC USA
kdizzle_rider wrote:
Had a 16 2wd with the 5.7 from new to 60,000 and it never gave me one issue and I did nothing but change the oil. That being said the 2019 f150 3.5 ecoboost I traded it in for is a much better truck as far as finish and quality. The 5.7 did not have enough torque down low for me and the 6.4 isn’t much better.
avidchimp wrote:
Must not have had the 5.7 with 3.92's like my 2019 Laramie. It towed my friends 32ft DCB (9000lbs) to Havasu and back like a dream. Rarely even got into 5th gear on the highway and still averaged about 16mpg for the trip.
My neighbor has a 2019 f150 XLT with the 3.5 and I'd take mine all day long. And I was a Ford guy forever.avidchimp wrote:
This is up at our place in the Tetons. 2300 miles round trip and it was as nice a ride you can imagine. Averaged 24mpg at 80 even with the 3.92's.
I have the identical truck in a 2020, so far its been great. I only have about 6k miles on it though, haven't done any highway trips so can't comment on the mileage. Around town it's been about 17.
Posts: 190
Joined: 6/1/2018
Location: Las Vegas, NV USA
kdizzle_rider wrote:
Had a 16 2wd with the 5.7 from new to 60,000 and it never gave me one issue and I did nothing but change the oil. That being said the 2019 f150 3.5 ecoboost I traded it in for is a much better truck as far as finish and quality. The 5.7 did not have enough torque down low for me and the 6.4 isn’t much better.
avidchimp wrote:
Must not have had the 5.7 with 3.92's like my 2019 Laramie. It towed my friends 32ft DCB (9000lbs) to Havasu and back like a dream. Rarely even got into 5th gear on the highway and still averaged about 16mpg for the trip.
My neighbor has a 2019 f150 XLT with the 3.5 and I'd take mine all day long. And I was a Ford guy forever.avidchimp wrote:
This is up at our place in the Tetons. 2300 miles round trip and it was as nice a ride you can imagine. Averaged 24mpg at 80 even with the 3.92's.
I have a ‘19 limited. How in the world are you guys getting that kind of mileage? I get 14 around town and 17-18 on highway going 80. When towing, 8-10 mpg.
