RAM 1500 Structure Problems
Owners have filed 417 complaints with NHTSA about structure problems on the RAM 1500 across 15 model years. The 2019 model year has the most (81). The words owners use most often: “rear window” (10% of reports).
- 417structure complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 36mention a crash
- 26mention an injury
- 2related recalls
- 42%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Rear window: mentioned in 41 of 417 complaints (10%)
At what mileage do structure problems happen?
Based on 209 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 417 complaints, 36 mention a crash, 12 a fire, 26 an injury.
RAM 1500 structure complaints by model year
| Model year | Structure complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 1500 | 3 | 3% | — |
| 2025 1500 | 2 | 1% | — |
| 2024 1500 | 3 | 4% | — |
| 2023 1500 | 10 | 5% | — |
| 2022 1500 | 20 | 3% | 8,689 |
| 2021 1500 | 33 | 5% | 5,600 |
| 2020 1500 | 44 | 7% | 15,900 |
| 2019 1500 | 81 | 5% | 26,716 |
| 2018 1500 | 15 | 2% | 14,800 |
| 2017 1500 | 36 | 4% | 24,660 |
| 2016 1500 | 36 | 2% | 37,437 |
| 2015 1500 | 49 | 3% | 40,000 |
| 2014 1500 | 41 | 2% | 30,000 |
| 2013 1500 | 40 | 3% | 36,741 |
| 2009 1500 | 4 | 11% | 87,400 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (2)
Structure:body:tailgate:hinge and attachments
Model years: 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022
Problem: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2022 Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500 pickup trucks. The tailgate may not latch properly due to misaligned tailgate strikers, which could result in the tailgate opening while driving.
Risk: An unintended tailgate opening while driving may result in a loss of unsecured cargo, possibly creating a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the tailgate striker alignment to the box latch and adjust, if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 22, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is ZB8.
Structure:body:tailgate; latches/locks/linkages:tailgate:latch
Model years: 2015, 2016, 2017
Problem: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2015-2017 RAM 1500, 2500, and 3500 pickup trucks equipped with a power locking tailgate and either a 5 foot, 7 inch or 6 foot, 4 inch bed. The tailgate actuator limiter tab may fracture and cause the tailgate to unlatch and open while driving.
Risk: If the tailgate latch releases and the tailgate opens while driving, cargo may fall out, creating a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will repair the vehicle, free of charge. The recall began September 17, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U74.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
On August 11, 2026, following substantial rain, the engine unexpectedly stalled three times while the vehicle was being driven. The most serious occurrence happened at approximately 70 mph in heavy highway traffic. The engine stopped and gauges dropped to zero, while electrical accessories and…
Sunshade attachment point at the headliner breaks. The sunshade them falls down in front of the driver blocking visibility.
The driver's side sun visor falls out of its anchor point and dangles from its internal wiring above the dashboard height, severely obscuring the driver's vision. This is a very unsafe condition that has happened to me while driving on several occasions. Forward vision required for safety is…
The contact owns a 2022 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45-50 MPH in the rain, children in the rear of the vehicle informed the contact that the rear window was allowing water to leak into the vehicle. The water reached several electrical systems, including the rear…
The sunvisors fall out of their brackets while driving, causing immediate loss of visibility. To be clear, it's not the bracket that's designed for the visor to pop in and out of. Itâs the main bracket that holds the visor supposedly permanently in place. Both of mine have broken and fallen out…
Frequently asked questions
Do all RAM 1500s have structure problems?
No. NHTSA has 417 owner complaints about structure for the RAM 1500. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the RAM 1500 structure?
Yes: 2 safety recalls list structure. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
What do owners say about structure problems on the RAM 1500?
The most frequent phrase is “rear window”, in 41 of 417 complaints.
Other RAM 1500 problems
- Steering problems (2,661)
- Engine problems (2,391)
- Electrical System problems (2,372)
- Power Train problems (1,447)
- Service Brakes problems (1,092)
- Fuel/propulsion System problems (1,072)
- Air Bags problems (572)
- Vehicle Speed Control problems (537)
See all RAM 1500 problems.