Ram maintenance: cost, plans & service schedule

Are Rams expensive to maintain?

At the end of the day, upkeep on a Ram is likely to be more expensive than on other vehicles. Rams cost an average of $858 to maintain, according to RepairPal, a site that aggregates automotive repair data. That’s higher than the average across all other automakers. The good news is that Ram maintenance costs are relatively simple to budget for because you usually know when they’ll be needed.

How Ram compares to other automakers

Ram vehicles don’t actually visit repair shops more often than average, according to RepairPal’s data. However, Ram vehicles tend to need more expensive repairs when they do break down. Collectively, other automotive brands average a 12% likelihood of needing “severe” repairs, but Rams average 15%.

“The only real reason I have a Ram truck,” Myers said, “is because Ram didn’t manufacture the powertrain. But my Ram truck isn’t like other Rams — I’ve made a lot of modifications and replaced a lot of parts.”

Ram maintenance and repair costs by model

Ram ownership costs and reliability ratings vary considerably by model. For example, RepairPal gave the Ram 1500 a glowing score for dependability, ranking it No. 1 out of 17 full-size trucks. The Ram 3500, however, was ranked No. 14 in the same category.

NOTE: These estimates combine repair and maintenance fees, even though these are really two separate categories. Unforeseeable fixes fall into the category of repairs, while maintenance covers scheduled preventive services, such as oil changes and tire rotations. We’ll go into a little more detail on each of these to give you a better idea of how they may affect you.

Ram maintenance schedule

Each Ram model has a different timeline for maintenance services, and you should check your manual for specific recommendations. Trucks will typically require more frequent check-ups than cars and minivans since they’re made to do heftier work, for instance.

To give you a general idea of what Ram maintenance might look like, we’ve outlined the recommended maintenance schedule for a 2023 Ram 1500 Classic below.

• Once a month or before a long trip: Check engine oil level, windshield washer and coolant fluids and tire pressure.
• Every year or 10,000 miles (after the first 20,000 miles): Inspect CV/universal joints; inspect and replace the evaporative system fresh air filter.
• Every 12,000 miles: Replace cabin air filter.
• Every 2 years or 20,000 miles: Inspect front suspension and brake linings; inspect and adjust parking brake; replace engine air cleaner filter; inspect front and rear axle surfaces.
• Every 3 years or 30,000 miles: Inspect front and rear axle surfaces.
• Every 6 years or 60,000 miles: Inspect transfer case fluid (after 30,000 miles, then every 60,000).
• Every 10 years or 100,000 miles: Inspect and replace PCV valve.
• Every 10 years or 150,000 miles: Flush and replace engine coolant.
• Every 12 years or 120,000 miles: Change transfer case fluid.

What about oil changes?

You might’ve noticed that the schedule above doesn’t include oil changes and some other common maintenance tasks. That’s because the frequency of oil changes for this vehicle is determined by an automated oil change indicator system, which reminds you when it’s time to take your truck in for maintenance.

Taking care of a vehicle changes everything

Find out how much your local mechanic charges for the services listed in your manual and plan those costs out over the recommended service schedule. These costs may seem expensive when you see them all together, but they’re worth it in the long run.

» MORE: What to know about manufacturers’ extended warranties

Ram repair costs

Repair costs are harder to budget for because they tend to come about unexpectedly and vary wildly. However, some problems are common enough in a line of vehicles that they gain a bit of notoriety. For example, two recent ConsumerAffairs reviewers have mentioned the so-called “hemi tick/tap” — a fairly well-known problem among Ram vehicles.

Alex, a ConsumerAffairs reviewer from Arizona, wrote: “I had a 1999 and 2006 Dodge Ram, both were decent quality. I then purchased a 2015 Ram 1500 Big Horn with the 5.7 and have had nothing but problem after problem after problem. … They’ve lost my business for good. So many common problems (i.e.: manifold bolts snapping, which is where the ‘Hemi Tick’ comes from) and the company won’t fix it.”

T. Michael, a ConsumerAffairs reviewer from Florida, had a similar experience as a veteran Ram truck owner, writing: “This is my third Ram pickup. I have always been very pleased with these trucks until now. The first problem was the ‘hemi-tap.’ … Apparently, the manifolds are not properly cast — they are ‘green.’ In other words they are cheaply manufactured. This cost me about $1,000 to replace two bolts, and I am just waiting for the next bolt to snap.”

Common Ram replacement costs

What to know about Ram warranties

New Ram vehicles come with a manufacturer’s warranty that can save you money on repairs. However, Ram’s three-year/36,000-mile basic limited warranty provides bumper-to-bumper coverage early in each vehicle’s life.

For diesel-powered vehicles, Ram also offers a 100,000-mile diesel powertrain limited warranty that lasts up to five years, and gas vehicles are given the same powertrain warranty but only for 60,000 miles.

Unfortunately, your factory warranties will run out eventually, and once they do, you might find yourself on the hook for a massive repair bill. But there are ways you can protect yourself financially if you want to keep your Ram long-term.

» MORE: 10 most expensive car repairs

Common Ram problems

Customers have told us about issues with their Dodge Ram trucks, including transmission problems, air suspension failures, engine issues and low-quality components. Many have also experienced multiple repairs and recalls, leading to frustration and disappointment with the brand.

How can an extended warranty help?

Purchasing an extended auto warranty lets you be proactive about future automotive spending. Accidents and breakdowns happen, but with an extended warranty, you won’t have to foot the entire bill for covered repairs. Ram’s extended warranty program is worth considering, but you may be able to save if you shop around with other auto warranty companies, too.

» MORE: Car warranty vs. car insurance