Ram maintenance: cost, plans & service schedule
The average Ram driver spends $858 per year on annual repair costs

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Ram trucks are known for their comfortable interiors and strong hauling capabilities, but they are also prone to expensive suspension and electrical issues. Whether you’re thinking about buying a Ram or just deciding whether to keep yours after the warranty runs out, here is what you can expect to pay to keep it on the road.
“A lot of statistics regarding reliability are skewed by the fact that so many brands are work trucks that get trashed from heavy-duty work,” Nathan Myers, a mechanic we spoke with, told us. “If you regularly maintain any vehicle, including a Ram, it’ll more than likely serve you well. It might not be the best brand truck out there, but it’ll serve the average consumer well enough.”
Overall, Ram vehicles have below-average reliability and above-average upkeep costs, but that doesn’t tell the whole story.
Jump to insightRam ownership costs and reliability ratings vary considerably by model.
Jump to insightRam’s extended warranty program is worth considering, but you may want to shop around with third-party auto warranty companies, too.
Jump to insightAre 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.
Year | Ram model | Average annual repair cost | Average reliability rating |
---|---|---|---|
2018 | 1500 | $539 | 3.5 |
2019 | 1500 | $550 | 3.5 |
2020 | 1500 | $691 | 3.5 |
2018 | 2500 | $845 | 2.5 |
2019 | 2500 | $1,070 | 2.5 |
2020 | 2500 | $1,070 | 2.5 |
2018 | 3500 | $1,279 | 2 |
2019 | 3500 | $1,279 | 2 |
2020 | 3500 | $1,279 | 2 |
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
Year | Ram model | Service | Parts | Labor | Average total cost |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2019 | 1500 | Brake caliper replacement | $156 | $195 to $286 | $351 to $442 |
2019 | 1500 | Brake pad replacement | $319 to $450 | $146 to $215 | $466 to $665 |
2019 | 1500 | Alternator replacement | $786 | $110 to $161 | $896 to $947 |
2019 | 1500 | Starter replacement | $264 to $425 | $122 to $179 | $386 to $604 |
2019 | 1500 | Catalytic converter replacement | $3,025 | $183 to $269 | $3,208 to $3,293 |
2019 | 1500 | Fuel injector replacement | $70 | $220 to $322 | $290 to $392 |
2019 | 1500 | Fuel pump replacement | $1,709 | $256 to $376 | $1,965 to $2,085 |
2019 | 1500 | Fuel tank replacement | $275 | $220 to $322 | $495 to $597 |
2019 | 1500 | Head gasket replacement | $1,229 | $1,013 to $1,486 | $2,242 to $2,715 |
2019 | 1500 | Hybrid high-voltage battery replacement | $2,250 | $244 to $358 | $2,494 to $2,608 |
2019 | 1500 | Radiator replacement | $1,199 to $1,219 | $232 to $340 | $1,431 to $1,559 |
2019 | 1500 | Water pump replacement | $804 | $244 to $358 | $1,048 to $1,162 |
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.
Year | Ram model | Most common problem |
---|---|---|
2018 | 1500 | Clunking noise from rear suspension |
2019 | 1500 | Clunking noise from rear suspension |
2020 | 1500 | Clunking noise from rear suspension |
2018 | 2500 | Cruise control will not cancel, causing unintended acceleration |
2019 | 2500 | Cruise control will not cancel, causing unintended acceleration |
2020 | 2500 | Cruise control will not cancel, causing unintended acceleration |
2018 | 3500 | Cruise control will not cancel, causing unintended acceleration |
2019 | 3500 | Cruise control will not cancel, causing unintended acceleration |
2020 | 3500 | Cruise control will not cancel, causing unintended acceleration |
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
FAQ
What if I’m driving in severe weather conditions?
Ram provides specific maintenance schedules for vehicles driven under severe driving conditions, and these can usually be found in your owners manual. According to the automaker, driving in severe driving conditions can include driving in heavy traffic (especially in hot weather), making frequent short trips, idling extensively, driving in dusty, sandy, salty or rough and muddy environments and towing or hauling heavy loads.
For vehicles operated under these conditions, Ram recommends more frequent maintenance checks and services.
Does Ram have a free maintenance plan?
Unlike some other manufacturers, Ram does not offer any complimentary maintenance on a national basis. (Some models in Texas receive free maintenance through the Ram Care Program, which provides four oil changes and four tire rotations over a two-year membership.)
Are Ram trucks worth it?
Overall, there may be some Ram vehicles you want to avoid. However, Ram also offers a handful of models that receive positive feedback from consumers and experts, and there are ways to keep the cost of ownership in check. Whatever you choose, we recommend you do your research and make an educated decision about what’s right for you.
Article sources
ConsumerAffairs writers primarily rely on government data, industry experts and original research from other reputable publications to inform their work. Specific sources for this article include:
- RepairPal, “Ram Reliability Rating.” Accessed June 6, 2025.
- J.D. Power, “2022 Ram 1500 Review Update.” Accessed June 6, 2025.
- RepairPal, “Ram 1500 Reliability Rating.” Accessed June 6, 2025.
- RepairPal, “Ram ProMaster 1500 Reliability Rating.” Accessed June 6, 2025.
- RepairPal, “Ram 3500 Reliability Rating.” Accessed June 6, 2025.
- Juneks Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram, “RAM 1500 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE.” Accessed June 6, 2025.
- CarEdge, “RAM 1500 Maintenance Costs.” Accessed June 6, 2025.
- Car and Driver, “2023 Ram 1500.” Accessed June 6, 2025.
- RepairPal, “Fair Price Estimator.” Accessed June 6, 2025.
- RepairPal, “Ram 1500 Repair & Maintenance Costs.” Accessed June 6, 2025.
- Mopar, “Your Warranty Information.” Accessed June 6, 2025.
- Mopar, “Mopar Vehicle Protection Prepaid Oil Plans.” Accessed June 6, 2025.