Ram 4500 years to avoid and best years
Newer Ram 4500 years have more owner complaints per year than the older ones. 2015 has the most complaints per year, at 1 (7 complaints). Among years old enough to compare, the fewest complaints per year are 2016 at 0 (from 1 complaint), 2024 at 0 (from 1 complaint), and 2013 at 0 (from 3 complaints). The Ram 4500 2025 and 2026 model years are too early to compare: none has had 3 full years on the road yet. On the 2015 Ram 4500, 1 of 7 complaints name Electrical system.
Data as of .
2016
2024
2013
2025–26
Ram 4500 reliability by year
Each year is complaints filed in that year’s first 3 years on the road, divided by however many of those years have passed. A model year younger than 3 years is too early to compare, so it is left out of the years named as having the fewest or the most complaints. Recalls are a separate count. The numbers are for the US-market Ram 4500. How we count.
By model year
| Year | Per year on the road | Complaints | Recalls | Most-filed complaint | Avg. combined MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Too early | 0 | 0 | 4 | — | — |
| 2025 Too early | 0 | 0 | 4 | — | — |
| 2024 Fewest | 0 | 1 | 2 | Steering, Powertrain | — |
| 2023 | 0 | 0 | 4 | — | — |
| 2022 | 1 | 3 | 4 | Powertrain | — |
| 2021 | 0 | 0 | 5 | — | — |
| 2020 → | 1 | 4 | 10 | Diesel fuel system, Visibility | — |
| 2019 → | 1 | 6 | 10 | Engine | — |
| 2018 → | 0 | 9 | 7 | Hydraulic brakes | — |
| 2017 → | 0 | 5 | 7 | Hydraulic brakes | — |
| 2016 Fewest | 0 | 1 | 7 | Structure | — |
| 2015 → Most | 1 | 7 | 8 | Electrical system | — |
| 2014 → | 1 | 8 | 9 | Engine | — |
| 2013 → Fewest | 0 | 3 | 9 | Engine | — |
Years with a → link have a full model-year page.
What owners file about
Generations
- Body styles
- Cab chassis
- Oil
- 0W-40 (6.4L V8 gasoline, all temps) · 7 qt capacity
- Tire size
- LT225/70R19.5, LT225/80R17.5, LT245/70R19.5 (trim/chassis dependent)
Known issues for this generation
Recall 18V-277 covers certain 2018 Ram 4500 and 5500 cab chassis trucks: the primary and secondary brake hoses between the brake master cylinder and the hydraulic control unit may have been manufactured incorrectly and could leak brake fluid, which can reduce braking performance and increase crash risk. Dealers inspect the hoses and replace them if necessary. Recall 21V-398 also covers certain 2012-2021 Ram 4500 cab chassis vehicles: incorrect lug-nut torque information in service and owner's manuals may cause flanged lug nuts to be undertorqued; dealers update the published torque specification and inspect wheel studs.
.JPG){kind=link}
- Body styles
- Cab chassis
- Oil
- 0W-40 or 5W-40 (6.4L gas common; diesel may differ) · 7 qt capacity
- Tire size
- LT225/70R19.5, LT225/80R17.5, LT245/70R19.5 (trim/chassis dependent)
Known issues for this generation
Recall 21V-398 covers certain 2012-2021 Ram 4500 cab chassis vehicles: incorrect information in the service and owner's manuals may cause flanged lug nuts to be undertorqued, which can allow a wheel to loosen or detach and increase crash risk. Dealers update the torque specification in the owner's manual and published service documents, and inspect the vehicle's wheel studs.
Frequently asked questions
Which Ram 4500 years have fewer owner complaints?
Among years old enough to compare, the fewest complaints per year are 2016 at 0 (from 1 complaint), 2024 at 0 (from 1 complaint), and 2013 at 0 (from 3 complaints).
Which Ram 4500 year has the most owner complaints?
2015 has the most complaints per year, at 1 (7 complaints). On the 2015 Ram 4500, 1 of 7 complaints name Electrical system.
How do Ram 4500 owner complaints compare by year?
Newer Ram 4500 years have more owner complaints per year than the older ones.
Which Ram 4500 years are too early to compare?
The Ram 4500 2025 and 2026 model years are too early to compare: none has had 3 full years on the road yet.
What engine oil does a US Ram 4500 use?
0W-40 or 5W-40 (6.4L gas common; diesel may differ)
What NHTSA recalls affect the US Ram 4500?
Recall 21V-398 covers certain 2012-2021 Ram 4500 cab chassis vehicles: incorrect information in the service and owner's manuals may cause flanged lug nuts to be undertorqued, which can allow a wheel to loosen or detach and increase crash risk. Dealers update the torque specification in the owner's manual and published service documents, and inspect the vehicle's wheel studs.
Where should I confirm Ram 4500 maintenance specs?
Use the US owner manual and under-hood labels for oil grade, capacities, and tire pressures; this page summarizes common US fitments but does not replace the manual.