My GarageAre Used RAM Trucks Reliable?
Short answer: The 5.7L HEMI is a durable, serviceable V8 — but the MDS (cylinder deactivation) 'HEMI tick' and lifter failure story is real on affected years. The 6.7L Cummins in the 2500/3500 is one of the most respected diesels ever built.
The story splits by engine. HEMI + MDS = verify lifter and cam condition. Cummins + basic service = 400,000+ miles. Pentastar V6 = fine but modest for a truck.
Best Used RAM Models
Generations that have earned a strong long-term reputation.
- • Coil-spring rear ride quality
- • Excellent interior
- • HEMI or eTorque available
- • MDS lifter concerns on HEMI
- • eTorque 48V system adds complexity
- • Cheaper than new DT
- • Proven platform
- • Same HEMI/MDS considerations
- • 6.7L Cummins is legendary
- • 400k-mile capable
- • Best-in-class towing
- • Emissions equipment maintenance on 2013+
- • CP4 fuel pump on some model years — verify or upgrade
- • HEMI or Pentastar V6
- • Reliable air suspension is optional
- • 8-speed automatic torque converter shudder history
- • MDS lifter concerns
- • Fuel economy is genuinely excellent
- • EGR cooler and emissions equipment complexity
- • Verify recall/settlement history
Models to Research Carefully
Not deal-breakers — but they reward a careful buyer.
The 'HEMI tick' from lifter and cam wear is well-documented on MDS-equipped trucks. Many owners preemptively delete MDS. Verify lifter condition and consider MDS delete tune.
EPA emissions settlement affected some model years. Verify buyback status, updates, and any EGR service history.
Air suspension is refined but expensive when compressors and bags fail on high-mileage examples.
Best RAM Engines
Powertrains that have earned a bulletproof reputation.
RAM 2500/3500. Legendary durability. Verify CP4 fuel pump status on affected years (or plan for conversion).
RAM 1500 base, Jeep, Chrysler. Reliable NA V6 — modest for a full-size truck but dependable.
MDS-deleted HEMIs regularly clear 300k. The engine itself is excellent.
Engines to Research Carefully
Not deal-breakers — but they reward a careful buyer.
Lifter tick and cam wear on cylinder-deactivation examples. Verify condition; MDS delete is a common preemptive fix.
Emissions settlement and EGR cooler concerns. Verify service and settlement history.
Excellent engine but shares MDS considerations on some variants.
Common Problems
Bring this list to your pre-purchase inspection.
- ✓HEMI lifter tick / MDS lifter failure
- ✓Death wobble on some 2500/3500 examples (steering damper and track bar)
- ✓8-speed automatic torque converter shudder (fluid change often helps)
- ✓Air suspension leaks on high-mileage examples
- ✓EGR and emissions equipment on diesel models
- ✓Rust on cab corners and rockers on Northeast trucks
Maintenance Costs
RAM parts are widely available and independent shops know the HEMI and Cummins platforms well. Routine service is competitive with Ford and Chevy.
The Cummins-equipped HD trucks have one of the strongest long-term ownership cases in the entire truck market when maintained. HEMI half-tons are excellent value when the MDS/lifter question is addressed.
Should You Buy a Used RAM?
A used RAM can be a fantastic long-term truck. The important buying factors are:
- • Engine — Cummins for HD, HEMI (MDS-aware) for half-ton
- • MDS lifter history on HEMI trucks
- • Cummins CP4 fuel pump status on affected years
- • Air suspension condition if equipped
- • Rust on Northeast trucks
Thinking About Buying a Used RAM?
Paste any Marketplace, Craigslist, Cars.com, or dealer listing into Verdict. Get a free AI buying report on that exact RAM in seconds.
- ✓Buy Score
- ✓Market value
- ✓Reliability analysis
- ✓Common problems
- ✓Ownership timeline
- ✓Negotiation points
- ✓Inspection checklist
- ✓Final Verdict
No account required. Always free.