Ram 2500 best and worst years

Each year is compared with the typical (middle) complaint count of the heavy-duty trucks we cover from the same model year, using owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Comparing within a year is fairer than one overall ranking, because older trucks have had more time to collect complaints.

Fewest complaints for their age

201027 complaints vs. 62 typical
2005422 complaints vs. 376 typical
2008342 complaints vs. 286 typical
2015214 complaints vs. 178 typical
2020162 complaints vs. 112 typical

Most complaints for their age

20182,594 complaints vs. 127 typical
2007360 complaints vs. 98 typical
2017696 complaints vs. 245 typical
2009228 complaints vs. 82 typical
2014341 complaints vs. 149 typical

Every year

Year	Complaints	Typical that year	Compared
2003	661	290	Above average
2004	582	348	Above average
2005	422	376	About average
2006	670	384	Above average
2007	360	98	Above average
2008	342	286	About average
2009	228	82	Above average
2010	27	62	Below average
2013	178	102	Above average
2014	341	149	Above average
2015	214	178	About average
2016	258	131	Above average
2017	696	245	Above average
2018	2,594	127	Above average
2019	193	105	Above average
2020	162	112	Above average
2021	108	74	Above average
2022	181	103	Above average

Years not listed are too new to compare fairly, have too few trucks to compare against, or NHTSA lumps them in with other trucks.

What each generation is known for

2003–2009
5.9L and 6.7L Cummins diesel, 5.7L Hemi V8 gas
Steering parts lead the complaints and the left tie rod was recalled; Takata airbag recalls are common; the 5.9L Cummins is well regarded.
2010–2012
6.7L Cummins diesel and 5.7L Hemi V8 gas
Steering parts lead the complaints with a tie rod recall; early 6.7L Cummins emissions parts are the common engine repairs.
2013–2018
6.7L Cummins diesel, 6.4L and 5.7L Hemi V8 gas
2017–2018 trucks had a recalled ABS unit failure that drives most complaints; the 6.7L Cummins is generally well regarded.
2019–2026
6.7L Cummins diesel and 6.4L Hemi V8 gas
2019–2020 diesels had a fuel pump recall; transmission fluid leak and heater relay fire recalls are the other big items.

Read this before deciding. Complaint counts aren't reliability scores. Best-selling trucks collect more complaints simply because more are on the road, and one widely reported problem (or a recall) can drive a year's numbers. The condition and history of the specific truck you're looking at matter more than its year. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and bring our inspection checklist.