2009–2024
Ram 1500 years to avoid
By Hari Vinayak · Updated 2026-06-12
Quick answer
Ram 1500 years to avoid: 2013–2016, 2019. Best used years: 2017–2018, 2020+. Hemi tick, air suspension, and electrical gremlins are the Ram trifecta — all checkable in one inspection. Steel-spring trims with records are the value play.
Years to avoid
2013–2016
Air suspension failures on equipped trims and early 3.6 Pentastar issues; also check the cam/lifter health on Hemis.
2019
First year of the new generation plus eTorque debut — more TSBs than the years after.
Best years to buy
2017–2018
Last of the proven previous generation; coil suspension trims avoid air-ride bills.
2020+
New-gen teething sorted; interior and ride lead the class.
The bottom line
Hemi tick, air suspension, and electrical gremlins are the Ram trifecta — all checkable in one inspection. Steel-spring trims with records are the value play.
Year guidance narrows the search, but every used car is its own story. See the full used Ram 1500 buyer check for known issues, mileage guidance, and what to verify before you visit.
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