My GarageIs RAM reliable?
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.
Buyer's Guide · RAM
Is RAM Reliable? A Used Buyer's Guide
4 min read
Also worth reading: Best Used RAM Models and RAM 1500 Buying Guide.
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.
Quick Verdict
- Overall reliability
- 3.7/5 · Good
- Most reliable models
- RAM 1500 (2019+, DT chassis), RAM 1500 Classic (2019+, DS body), RAM 2500/3500 Cummins (2013+, 6.7L)
- Research carefully
- HEMI-equipped trucks with MDS (2009+), EcoDiesel (2014–2019), 1500 Classic Air Suspension
- Ownership cost
- 3.8/5 · Good
- Maintenance difficulty
- 3.8/5 · Good
- Parts availability
- 4.5/5 · Excellent
Bottom line: 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.
Overall Verdict
★★★★★3.7/5
RAM 1500 half-tons drive the best in the segment — coil-spring rear suspension and refined interiors set the standard. The Cummins-equipped heavy-duty trucks are the pick for towing and long-term durability.
Maintenance
★★★★★3.8/5
Parts availability
★★★★★4.5/5
Ownership cost
★★★★★3.8/5
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.
Top Picks
Best Used RAM Models
Generations that have earned a strong long-term reputation.
RAM 1500 (2019+, DT chassis)
The class-leading half-ton
Pros
- • Coil-spring rear ride quality
- • Excellent interior
- • HEMI or eTorque available
Watch for
- • MDS lifter concerns on HEMI
- • eTorque 48V system adds complexity
RAM 1500 Classic (2019+, DS body)
The older shape, still built
Pros
- • Cheaper than new DT
- • Proven platform
Watch for
- • Same HEMI/MDS considerations
RAM 2500/3500 Cummins (2013+, 6.7L)
Heavy-duty benchmark
Pros
- • 6.7L Cummins is legendary
- • 400k-mile capable
- • Best-in-class towing
Watch for
- • Emissions equipment maintenance on 2013+
- • CP4 fuel pump on some model years — verify or upgrade
RAM 1500 (2013–2018, DS)
Peak simple RAM
Pros
- • HEMI or Pentastar V6
- • Reliable air suspension is optional
Watch for
- • 8-speed automatic torque converter shudder history
- • MDS lifter concerns
RAM 1500 EcoDiesel (V6)
The efficient half-ton diesel
Pros
- • Fuel economy is genuinely excellent
Watch for
- • EGR cooler and emissions equipment complexity
- • Verify recall/settlement history
Side by side
Used RAM models compared
| Model | Reliability | Maintenance | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1500 | 3.9/5 · Good | 4.0/5 · Very good | 2019+ DT with HEMI (MDS-aware) or eTorque is the modern sweet spot. Verify lifter condition; consid… |
Do your homework
Models to Research Carefully
Not deal-breakers — but they reward a careful buyer.
HEMI-equipped trucks with MDS (2009+)
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.
EcoDiesel (2014–2019)
EPA emissions settlement affected some model years. Verify buyback status, updates, and any EGR service history.
1500 Classic Air Suspension
Air suspension is refined but expensive when compressors and bags fail on high-mileage examples.
Engines
Best RAM Engines
Powertrains that have earned a bulletproof reputation.
★★★★★
6.7L Cummins Diesel
Typical lifespan: 400k+ miles
RAM 2500/3500. Legendary durability. Verify CP4 fuel pump status on affected years (or plan for conversion).
★★★★★
3.6L Pentastar V6
Typical lifespan: 200k+ miles
RAM 1500 base, Jeep, Chrysler. Reliable NA V6 — modest for a full-size truck but dependable.
★★★★★
5.7L HEMI (without MDS)
Typical lifespan: 300k+ miles
MDS-deleted HEMIs regularly clear 300k. The engine itself is excellent.
Do your homework
Engines to Research Carefully
Not deal-breakers — but they reward a careful buyer.
5.7L HEMI with MDS (2009+)
Lifter tick and cam wear on cylinder-deactivation examples. Verify condition; MDS delete is a common preemptive fix.
EcoDiesel 3.0L V6
Emissions settlement and EGR cooler concerns. Verify service and settlement history.
6.4L HEMI (Power Wagon, HD)
Excellent engine but shares MDS considerations on some variants.
Inspection checklist
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
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Ownership
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.
The Verdict
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
People Also Ask
How long do RAMs last?
Well-maintained RAM models routinely reach high mileage — the 6.7L Cummins Diesel is commonly good for 400k+ miles with records to back it up. Service history matters far more than the odometer reading.
Are RAMs expensive to repair?
RAM parts are widely available and independent shops know the HEMI and Cummins platforms well. Routine service is competitive with Ford and Chevy.
Which RAM is most reliable?
The RAM 1500, RAM 1500 Classic and RAM 2500/3500 Cummins have the strongest long-term records in the RAM lineup. Pair the right model with the right model year and you avoid most of the brand's known trouble spots.
Should I buy a used RAM?
A used RAM can be a fantastic long-term truck. The important buying factors are:
Frequently Asked Questions
Are RAMs reliable?
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.
Are RAMs expensive to maintain?
RAM parts are widely available and independent shops know the HEMI and Cummins platforms well. Routine service is competitive with Ford and Chevy.
Which RAM models last the longest?
The RAM 1500, RAM 1500 Classic, RAM 2500/3500 Cummins have the strongest long-term track records in the RAM lineup.
Should I buy a used RAM?
A used RAM can be a fantastic long-term truck. The important buying factors are:
What are the most common RAM problems?
The issues that come up most often on used RAMs are: 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.
Which RAM engine is the most reliable?
6.7L Cummins Diesel — RAM 2500/3500. Legendary durability. Verify CP4 fuel pump status on affected years (or plan for conversion).
Are there any RAM models to avoid?
None are outright avoids, but HEMI-equipped trucks with MDS (2009+), EcoDiesel (2014–2019), 1500 Classic Air Suspension deserve a more careful pre-purchase inspection.
How long do RAM vehicles typically last?
A well-maintained RAM from the recommended years should comfortably clear 200,000 miles, and the strongest powertrains in the lineup regularly see 300,000+.
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