--- title: "Used Ram 1500 Review for Texas: Best Years to Buy" description: "A used Ram 1500 review for Texas: 2015-2022 years and the Ram 1500 Classic compared with NHTSA recalls and complaints, MPG by engine and best years." canonical: https://texas.huntautogroup.com/guides/ram-1500-review-texas/ last_updated: 2026-11-05 language: en --- # Used Ram 1500 Review for Texas: Best Years to Buy Choosing a car # Used Ram 1500 Review for Texas: Best Years to Buy A used Ram 1500 review for Texas: 2015-2022 years and the Ram 1500 Classic compared with NHTSA recalls and complaints, MPG by engine and best years. **[Anthony Hunt](https://texas.huntautogroup.com/about/) ** Updated November 5, 202610 min read ![Used Ram 1500 Review for Texas: Best Years to Buy](https://texas.huntautogroup.com/assets/covers/ram-1500-review-texas.webp) Photo: [Mr.choppers](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:2020_Ram_1500_Rebel_Crew_Cab_4x4,_front_left.jpg) , [CC BY-SA 3.0](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0) , via Wikimedia Commons (cropped) This used Ram 1500 review covers the 2015 to 2022 model years for Texas buyers. In NHTSA's records, the 2020 has the fewest complaints, and the 2018 is the quietest year of the older design. The 2019, the first year of the newer design, has 30 recall campaigns, the most by far. If I were shopping, I would start with a 2020 or 2021, look at a 2018 for the older truck, and treat a 2015, 2016 or 2019 with extra care. Run the VIN for open recalls and get an inspection either way. The evidence here is public data only: NHTSA recall, complaint and crash-test records pulled from api.nhtsa.gov on November 7, 2026, EPA fuel economy from fueleconomy.gov, and size and weight from Transport Canada through NHTSA's vPIC database. No owner reviews, no invented reliability scores and no prices. ## Ram 1500 years for used buyers: 2015 to 2022 The span covers two designs, and from 2019 both were sold at the same time. ### 2015 to 2018 The size records for these trucks start in 2009, so this is the older body. [fueleconomy.gov](https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/findacar.shtml) lists a 3.6-liter V6 with an 8-speed automatic, a 5.7-liter V8 with a 6-speed or 8-speed, and a 3.0-liter diesel six with an 8-speed, in rear-wheel or four-wheel drive. ### 2019 to 2022: the new Ram 1500 and the Ram 1500 Classic The 2019 model year brought a new design, with size records that start in 2018. The older body stayed on sale next to it as the Ram 1500 Classic. Transport Canada lists the Classic from 2019 to 2025 with the same measurements as the 2015-2018 truck. So a "2020 Ram 1500" can be either truck. Check the title and the build sheet. The new truck is longer. A crew cab with the 5.7-foot box measures 233 inches on a 144-inch wheelbase, against 226 and 141 inches for the Classic. From 2019, fueleconomy.gov adds 3.6 V6 and 5.7 V8 versions that the EPA lists as hybrids. NHTSA recalls call the 5.7 version eTorque, and a 2019 recall describes a 48-volt auxiliary battery behind the rear seat on some trucks. From 2021, the EPA also lists a 6.2-liter V8 on premium fuel. ## Used Ram 1500 review by year: recalls, complaints and crash ratings The recall column counts campaigns that list the model year. Many cover only one engine, cab, build window or the Classic alone. "Unknown or other" is skipped when naming the top component. | Model year | Recall campaigns | Owner complaints | Crash / fire complaints | Top named complaint component (count) | NHTSA overall | NHTSA rollover | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 2015 | 18 | 1,461 | 79 / 58 | Steering (342) | 4 stars | 3 or 4 stars | | 2016 | 17 | 1,562 | 92 / 36 | Steering (315) | 4 stars | 3 or 4 stars | | 2017 | 13 | 885 | 80 / 16 | Steering (230) | 4 stars | 3 or 4 stars | | 2018 | 15 | 667 | 25 / 8 | Electrical system (159) | 4 stars | 3 or 4 stars | | 2019 | 30 | 1,497 | 76 / 11 | Electrical system (382) | 5 stars crew cab; 4 stars quad cab | 4 stars | | 2020 | 14 | 644 | 24 / 7 | Electrical system (166) | 5 stars crew cab; 4 stars quad cab | 4 stars | | 2021 | 15 | 686 | 27 / 4 | Engine (277) | 5 stars crew cab; 4 stars quad cab | 4 stars | | 2022 | 16 | no data returned | no data returned | none | 4 stars (Classic versions) | 3 or 4 stars | NHTSA returned no complaint data for 2022 when I pulled it. That does not mean owners reported nothing, so do not read 2022 as a clean year. The crash ratings list at most four tested versions per year, and for 2022 all four are Classic versions. Compare years within the Ram rather than across brands; a popular truck collects more complaints. My guide to [reading NHTSA complaint data](https://texas.huntautogroup.com/guides/how-to-read-nhtsa-complaint-data/) explains why. Check any VIN on [NHTSA's recalls page](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) . **Want a personalized car guide?**Message Anthony on WhatsApp with your budget and what you need. Free, honest advice in English or Spanish. He doesn't sell cars.[WhatsApp](https://wa.me/15559374868?text=Hi%20Anthony%2C%20I%27d%20like%20a%20personalized%20car%20guide%20%28I%20read%3A%20Used%20Ram%201500%20Review%20for%20Texas%3A%20Best%20Years%20to%20Buy%29.) ## The Ram 1500 recalls that matter most These are the campaigns I would confirm first, using NHTSA's component names. ### 2015 to 2018, and the Classic - **Electric power steering (16V167000), 2015-2016 built January 22 to September 13, 2015.** Contamination on the circuit board may cause a loss of steering assist. Steering leads 2015-2017 complaints, so this comes first. - **Side curtain air bag inflators (21V632000, 25V010000 and 25V592000).** These cover 2015-2020 Classic, 2016-2019 and 2018 trucks. The inflator may rupture or its end cap may detach. Two are from 2025, so an older recall report may miss them. - **3.0 diesel (19V757000, 20V475000, 23V411000 and 22V406000), 2015-2019.** The EGR cooler may crack and let coolant combust in the intake, the tone wheel may delaminate and stall the engine, and the fuel pump may fail and starve it of fuel. - **Power locking tailgate (18V486000 and 19V347000), 2015-2018.** The tailgate may open while driving. - **Axles, differential and driveshaft.** Rear axles built June 17 to September 28, 2015 may be heat treated wrong (15V661000). The differential pin screw may come loose on 2016-2017 trucks (17V198000). On 2018-2019 trucks, the rear driveshaft weld may crack (19V324000) and the rear differential may be underfilled (18V556000). - **Brake pedal clip (21V037000), 2020-2021 Classic SLT.** Without the clip, the brake pedal can separate from the brake system. ### 2019 to 2022, the newer design - **Steering (19V201000, 19V020000 and 19V812000), 2019.** Steering column stub shafts may break, and the steering wheel may detach. Two others cover a loss of power steering assist. - **Air bags and seat belts.** Restraint controller memory may corrupt and disable the air bags (19V407000, 2019-2020). The driver air bag may not be connected (25V298000) or may not deploy because of the steering column module (25V765000, 2021-2022). Second-row belt anchors may be installed wrong (26V495000, from July 2026). - **Transfer case (20V080000), 2019 four-wheel drive.** The truck may get stuck in neutral, lose power or lose its PARK function. - **48-volt auxiliary battery (19V142000), 2019.** The battery wire terminal may overheat. - **5.7 eTorque engine software (23V265000), 2021.** A wrong fuel mixture may stall the engine. Stalling appears in 135 of the 2021 complaints. - **ABS module software (24V653000), 2019 and 2021-2022.** The module may disable stability control. - **3.0 diesel fuel pump (22V767000 and 23V263000), 2020-2022.** The pump may fail and stall the engine. - **Rearview camera.** At least nine campaigns cover 2019-2022 trucks, many tied to radio software. ## Ram 1500 problems owners report most **2015 to 2017:** Steering leads all three years (342, 315 and 230), with engine second. Service brakes rank third in 2016 (287). The check engine light and stalling are common in 2015 (120 and 115). **2018:** The quietest year of the older design (667). Electrical system leads, and the text often mentions the screen (109) and camera (68), which matches a 2018 backup camera campaign (18V398000). **2019 to 2020:** Electrical system leads both years (382 and 166). In the 2019 text, steering (360), brakes (188), shifting (158), leaks (154) and the battery (93) come up most. Totals fall by more than half in 2020. **2021:** Engine leads (277). Brakes (200) and stalling (135) stand out in the text. The 5.7 eTorque stall campaign is the closest recall to that theme, and it applies only to that engine. **2022:** NHTSA returned no complaint data, so I cannot say what owners report. That is missing data, not a clean year. These are substring counts and can over-match ("tick" also catches "stick"), so treat them as themes. ## Ram 1500 MPG and specs by engine EPA ratings from [fueleconomy.gov](https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/findacar.shtml) , police and chassis versions excluded. Ranges cover all versions and drive types listed. | Engine | Years in this span | Fuel | Transmission | City / hwy / combined | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 3.6L V6 | 2015-2022 | Regular | 8-speed auto | 16-18 / 23-25 / 19-21 | | 3.6L V6 hybrid (EPA) | 2019-2022 | Regular | 8-speed auto | 17-20 / 18-26 / 17-23 | | 5.7L V8 | 2015-2022 | Midgrade | 6- or 8-speed auto | 13-15 / 18-23 / 14-17 | | 5.7L V8 hybrid (EPA; eTorque in recalls) | 2019-2022 | Midgrade | 8-speed auto | 16-18 / 20-23 / 18-20 | | 3.0L diesel six | 2015-2022 | Diesel | 8-speed auto | 19-23 / 26-33 / 22-26 | | 6.2L V8 | 2021-2022 | Premium | 8-speed auto | 10 / 14 / 12 | The diesel is the efficiency pick on paper, but it carries the most engine and fuel system campaigns. If you are weighing the Ram against a Ford, my [Ram 1500 vs Ford F-150 guide](https://texas.huntautogroup.com/guides/ram-1500-vs-ford-f-150/) and the compare tool put the specs side by side. ## Texas notes for Ram 1500 owners **Heat.** A full-size truck parked outside through Central Texas summers works its AC, cooling system and battery hard. Test the AC from a hot start and check the battery date. My [used cars and Texas heat guide](https://texas.huntautogroup.com/guides/used-cars-and-texas-heat/) has the full list. [fueleconomy.gov's hot weather page](https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/hotweather.shtml) notes AC use can cut a conventional vehicle's fuel economy by more than 25% in very hot conditions, especially on short trips. **I-35 commuting.** The plain 5.7 V8 rates 14 to 17 combined. If the truck will spend most of its life on I-35 between Austin, San Marcos and San Antonio, the hybrid 5.7 rates 18 to 20 and the diesel 22 to 26 on paper. **Towing in the Hill Country.** If you tow a boat to Canyon Lake or a trailer to the ranch, the axle, differential and driveshaft campaigns on 2015-2019 trucks and the 2019 transfer case campaign come first. On a Classic with trailer tow mirrors, confirm the mirror glass campaign (24V754000). Confirm the tow rating for that exact configuration in Ram's specifications for the model year and on the door-jamb label rather than a listing. **Flood history.** Trucks are common in flood-prone parts of Texas. Check for silt, rust and damp carpet under the rear seat, where some trucks carry the 48-volt battery. Read my guide on [how to spot a flood-damaged car](https://texas.huntautogroup.com/guides/how-to-spot-a-flood-damaged-car/) . **Emissions counties.**[TCEQ](https://www.tceq.texas.gov/airquality/mobilesource/vim/overview.html) requires a yearly emissions test before registration for gasoline vehicles 2 through 24 years old in Travis and Williamson counties, and in Bexar County starting November 1, 2026. Diesel vehicles are not tested. Hays, Comal, Guadalupe and Caldwell are not on the list. More in my [inspection and emissions guide](https://texas.huntautogroup.com/guides/texas-vehicle-inspection-and-emissions-rules/) . ## Best years: the Ram 1500s I would shortlist, and the ones I would check extra carefully My opinion, based only on the data shown here. ### Years I would shortlist - **2020 Ram 1500.** The fewest complaints of the years with data (644), 24 crash complaints and 14 campaigns. Confirm the air bag, seat belt and camera campaigns, and the fuel pump campaign on a diesel. - **2021 Ram 1500.** 686 complaints and the fewest fire complaints (4). Engine and stall complaints lead, so on a 5.7 eTorque I want proof the software campaign is done. - **2018 Ram 1500.** The quietest older-design year: 667 complaints and 25 crash complaints. Confirm the curtain air bag, driveshaft and rear differential campaigns. ### Years I would check extra carefully - **2019 Ram 1500.** The first year of the newer design, 30 campaigns and 1,497 complaints, including the steering column and transfer case campaigns. - **2015 and 2016 Ram 1500.** The most complaints (1,461 and 1,562), the most fire complaints (58, in 2015) and the most crash complaints (92, in 2016). Confirm the power steering campaign. - **2022 Ram 1500.** Not because the data is bad, but because it is missing: no complaints returned, and the crash ratings shown are for the Classic. ## Pre-purchase inspection checklist for a used Ram 1500 Use this with my general pre-purchase inspection checklist. 1. Run the VIN on [NHTSA's recall lookup](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) and ask a Ram dealer for completed recalls. Re-check close to purchase. On a diesel, ask for records of the EGR cooler, tone wheel and fuel pump campaigns. 1. Confirm new Ram 1500 or Classic, plus the exact engine, transmission and drive, from the title and build sheet. 1. Turn the steering lock to lock, parked and moving. Assist should be smooth, with no warning lights. 1. Test the brake pedal with the engine running and after several stops. It should be firm. 1. Start the engine cold with the hood open and have a mechanic listen for ticking or knocking. 1. Drive through all gears in traffic and on the highway; note harsh shifts or hesitation. 1. On four-wheel-drive trucks, engage each mode, then confirm the truck holds in PARK. 1. Shift into reverse several times. The camera image should appear and clear after you shift out. 1. Open, close and lock the tailgate. It should latch firmly. 1. Test the AC from a hot start and check the battery. 1. If it tows, check the hitch, wiring, trailer brake output and tow mirrors. 1. Look under the rear seat and the cab carpet for silt or rust. 1. Check the title through [TxDMV Title Check](https://www.txdmv.gov/motorists/buying-or-selling-a-vehicle/title-check-look-before-you-buy) for salvage, flood or buyback brands. For model data across years, see the [Ram 1500 car data page](https://texas.huntautogroup.com/cars/ram-1500/) , and for the recall process, my guide on [checking recalls before buying](https://texas.huntautogroup.com/guides/how-to-check-recalls-before-buying-a-used-car/) . ## Sources - [NHTSA recalls lookup](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) ; recall, complaint and NCAP data from NHTSA (api.nhtsa.gov), data pulled 2026-11-07 - [fueleconomy.gov Find a Car (EPA ratings, 2015-2022 Ram 1500)](https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/findacar.shtml) - Transport Canada size and weight records, through NHTSA's vPIC database - [fueleconomy.gov, Fuel Economy in Hot Weather](https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/hotweather.shtml) - [TCEQ, Vehicle Emissions Inspections in Texas](https://www.tceq.texas.gov/airquality/mobilesource/vim/overview.html) - [TxDMV Title Check](https://www.txdmv.gov/motorists/buying-or-selling-a-vehicle/title-check-look-before-you-buy) ## Frequently asked questions **What are the best years for a used Ram 1500?** Based on NHTSA data, the 2020 has the fewest complaints (644), and the 2018 is the quietest year of the older design (667). No year guarantees a good truck, so inspect it and check its recall history. **Which Ram 1500 years have the most problems in NHTSA data?** The 2016 has the most complaints (1,562), then the 2019 (1,497) and 2015 (1,461). The 2019 also has the most recall campaigns (30). **What is the Ram 1500 Classic?** It is the older body, sold next to the new design from 2019. Transport Canada lists it from 2019 to 2025 with the same size as the 2015-2018 truck. **What MPG does a used Ram 1500 get?** On fueleconomy.gov, the 3.6 V6 and 5.7 V8 rate 14 to 21 combined, the hybrid versions 17 to 23, the diesel 22 to 26 and the 6.2 V8 12. **Does a used Ram 1500 need an emissions test in Texas?** A gasoline Ram needs one in Travis and Williamson counties, and in Bexar County from November 1, 2026, per TCEQ. Diesel vehicles are not tested. **How safe is a used Ram 1500?** NHTSA rates the 2015-2018 trucks 4 stars overall. For 2019-2021, the crew cab is 5 stars and the quad cab 4 stars, with 4 stars for rollover. The 2022 ratings shown are 4 stars, for Classic versions. Educational content. Anthony does not sell, broker or arrange vehicle sales in Texas. Confirm fees and rules with the office named in each source before you pay anything. ## Want a personalized car guide? Message Anthony on WhatsApp with your budget and what you need. Free, honest advice in English or Spanish. He doesn't sell cars. [WhatsApp Anthony](https://wa.me/15559374868?text=Hi%20Anthony%2C%20I%27d%20like%20a%20personalized%20car%20guide%20%28I%20read%3A%20Used%20Ram%201500%20Review%20for%20Texas%3A%20Best%20Years%20to%20Buy%29.) 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Anthony has spent the last year and a half around used cars and auctions, digs into every rule and recall so you don't have to, and knows people across the car business. Need help choosing a car? Ask him, it's free. [anthonyhunts.com](https://anthonyhunts.com)