2022 Ram 1500: What to check before buying
Owners have filed 506 complaints with NHTSA about this car, most about the electrical, transmission, and engine. The 9 checks below target those problems, in the order you would do them at the car.
2022- Owner complaints
- 506
- Recalls
- 15
- Crashes reported
- 21
- 10 injuries
Your inspection sheet
Tick items off on your phone at the car, or print it. Ticks stay on this device.
0/9 checked
2022 Ram 1500: inspection sheet
Paperwork and questions
Before you go, or before you touch the car0/3
Walk-around and cabin
Engine off, key in hand0/1
Cold start, engine bay, and underside
Ask the seller not to warm the car up first0/2
Test drive
At least 20 minutes, with some highway0/3
These checks are specific to this model year. For tires, body panels, fluids, and the other basics every used car needs, use the general inspection guide.
Which 1500 is it?
EPA figures for each version of the 2022 Ram 1500. Use them to confirm you are looking at the version that was advertised, and as a yardstick on the test drive.
| Version | Drive | EPA rating |
|---|---|---|
| 3.6L 6-cylGas | 4WD, RWD | 19–20 mpg |
| 5.7L 8-cylGas | 4WD, RWD | 17 mpg |
| 6.2L 8-cylGas | 4WD | 12 mpg |
| 3.0L 6-cylDiesel | 4WD, RWD | 24–26 mpg |
| 3.6L 6-cylHybrid | 4WD, RWD | 21–23 mpg |
| 5.7L 8-cylHybrid | 4WD, RWD | 19–20 mpg |
- The 2022 Ram 1500 was sold in six versions. Confirm which one this is from the window sticker, the engine cover, or the VIN report before you compare prices.
- On the hybrid, watch for the car moving off on electric power at low speed and for any hybrid system warning on the dash.
- Reset the trip computer at the start of the drive. A 1500 that averages well under the EPA 12 mpg combined on a mixed route may have an engine or tire problem.
Check the odometer against these mileages
Owners report these failures starting around the mileages below. A car inside one of these ranges deserves a closer look at that part, or records showing it was already fixed.
Low-speed stall, parking brake engages
480–18,002 miles
eTorque motor generator failure
11,374–26,600 miles
Electric power steering loss
25,000–50,000 miles
Why these checks: what owners reported
NHTSA complaints for the 2022 Ram 1500, grouped by the part owners named. Open a row to read what goes wrong.
Electrical1161 crash
The truck stalls at low speed, usually while pulling away from a stop sign or light. It then shifts to park and sets the electric parking brake, which leaves the driver stuck in the intersection. A battery warning and a sudden voltage drop often come with it. Many cases start in the first few thousand miles, and dealers often cannot reproduce the fault. Other reports describe failed 48-volt eTorque batteries and motor generator units with long parts waits, overnight battery drain, and a leaking rear window corroding a module beneath it. One crash with an injury is on file.
Transmission871 crash
Sudden loss of drive is the core pattern. The engine shuts off or the transmission drops into neutral when pulling away from a stop. The parking brake engages, and the truck may run rough for several minutes after a restart. Dealers frequently find no codes. eTorque motor generator units fail with a whine that turns to grinding, then limp mode, and replacement parts are backordered. Smaller groups report fuel leaks after injector work, coolant leaks in nearly new trucks, and constant driveline vibration. One crash involved unintended acceleration at low speed and a minor injury.
Engine76No crashes
Stalling dominates this category too. The engine quits while slowing for a turn or leaving a stop, the transmission goes to park, and the parking brake locks on. A few owners report shutdowns at highway speed. Some trucks derate to a 20 mph limp mode tied to injector faults, and the fault persists after the injectors are replaced. Exhaust manifold leaks on the 5.7 Hemi appear before 25,000 miles. Two complaints describe engine compartment fires, one shortly after a fuel pump recall repair. In one fire, the truck was destroyed.
Brakes282 crashes
Many complaints concern recall 24V653000 for the ABS control module. Owners are waiting on parts that are not yet available. Some trucks show ABS and traction control warnings that also disable four-wheel drive and cruise control, and the warnings stay on after sensor replacement or recall work. Separately, owners describe a pedal that sinks and vibrates, automatic emergency braking that triggers with nothing behind the truck, and stalls that set the parking brake. Two crashes are on file, one with injuries after the brakes reportedly failed to stop the truck.
Steering275 crashes
Electric power steering cuts out without warning, sometimes at highway speed, and leaves the wheel heavy or locked. Five crashes are recorded, with trucks leaving the road and hitting trees, poles, or ditches. Dealers and independent shops have diagnosed failed steering modules, and reported failures cluster between about 25,000 and 50,000 miles. In some cases the loss of assist comes with a battery warning or a full engine shutdown. One fire traced to a chafed starter wire also disabled the steering. Intermittent stiffness when turning left on the highway is also reported.
Fuel system23No crashes
Most complaints concern diesel fuel system recall 23V263000. Owners cannot get the repair because parts are not available. Gas trucks appear under recall 22V767000 with the same delay. Actual failures include fuel leaking under a parked truck after a fuel pump recall repair, a Water in Fuel warning followed by stalling, and stalls from a stop that the dealer could not duplicate. One fire followed a burning smell that persisted through several injector replacements.
Suspension93 crashes
Broken front suspension parts account for the most serious reports. An aluminum lower control arm snapped at highway speed and sent a truck off the road. A dealer-lifted truck lost its front suspension while still running factory control arms. Three crashes are on file, one with an injury. Other complaints describe rear air suspension failure with erratic bouncing, ABS and traction warnings with locked rear wheels, a rear clunk over bumps, and severe sway when towing. Two complaints filed here actually describe infotainment failures.
Acceleration and cruise control83 crashes
Unintended acceleration is the main concern. Owners describe the truck surging when shifted into drive or while braking, with the throttle hanging at high rpm and the brakes struggling to hold it. Three crashes are recorded, including one that struck a motorcyclist. Other reports describe low-speed stalls that set the parking brake and limp mode with ABS and stability warnings. Some owners are still waiting for a fix under the ABS module recall.
In owners' own words
Excerpts from complaints 1500 owners filed with NHTSA, as written. Listen for the same symptoms on your test drive.
Trucks electrical or computers are malfunctioning and draining battery. Causing it to be too weak to start This has occurred twice In our garage. Requiring emergency roadside assistance to jump start. Taken to dealerships three times. They can’t reproduce the problem so they do nothing Of this occurs while driving all systems could fail. Truck has 2438 miles purchased new July 12,2022
Filed with NHTSA, September 2022
The infotainment center will go blank and do a reset while driving, it does not store radio presets for long. Most concerning, I’ve been backing out of my garage when the garage lighting has been turned off and when the vehicles sensors detect a darker surrounding and adjust the dash and infotainment center light level, the infotainment center goes dark for a while and does it’s reset thing thus not having a backup camera until it has had time to reset.
Filed with NHTSA, June 2024
Just purchased brand new and has 681 miles. All the coolant has leaked out onto exhaust causing steam to come into the cab. All over everywhere. The resouvoir is below the minimum level. I stopped the vehicle and was unable to return home because of fear of running out of fluid. The fumes came through the vents. This vehicle only has 681 miles. I purchased this one week ago
Filed with NHTSA, December 2022
The pinion and carrier bearings failed on a less than 3 year old truck with 66k miles. This is way to early for this type of repair and was just out of warranty. This could have caused the truck to lock up while driving possibly injuring myself and other drivers. The noise caused from this was heard months before but was believed to be tire related.
Filed with NHTSA, November 2025
I have 4004 miles on this truck. it has stalled 10 times when I slow down to make a turn at a intersection. the truck stalls out and the emergency brake comes on. sometimes it goes to park and the rest of the time I have to put in park restart and take emergency brake off and then I can continue on my way. So far no one has hit me from behind me but it's still scary.
Filed with NHTSA, November 2022
Engine stalls and shuts off at speeds between 50-60mph and requires you to shift to neutral or park to restart. No check engine light or any other sort of warning light is on after restarting the vehicle. Happened four times in a two mile stretch after having been driven to, and around town approximately 20 miles.
Filed with NHTSA, October 2023
Was driving less than 10 mph and we to make a left turn. As I turned the engine shut down and the emergency brake came on. I was stuck in the intersection. I have less than 200 miles on the truck. I was finally able to restart it.
Filed with NHTSA, December 2022
Just driving car simple road driving, never been off road. ABS light traction control module dashboard lights come on as faulty. Four-wheel-drive will not engage, cruise control will not work. Brought it to the dealer hooked up to a machine faulty speed sensor. Initial repair of speed sensor was performed however, ABS lights , TCM lights are still on, four-wheel-drive and cruise control will still not work.
Filed with NHTSA, September 2025
How the 2022 compares with other 1500 years
Complaints for this year next to the average for the other model years, area by area.
The 2022 ranks fifth for owner complaints among 9 1500 years, close to the average of the others. Newer years have had less time to collect complaints, so compare like with like.
- Electrical11694
- Transmission8751
- Engine7645
- Brakes2821
- Steering2763
- Fuel system2327
Recalls to confirm (15)
Recall repairs are free at any Ram dealer, but the seller may never have had them done. Check each campaign number against the VIN.
25V765000AirbagsNov 2025
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Ram 1500, Ram 2500, Ram 3500, Ram 4500, and Ram 5500 vehicles. The steering column control module may cause the driver's side air bag not to deploy as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection.".
Risk: A driver's side air bag that does not deploy as intended increases the risk of injury in a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the steering column control module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning December 11, 2025. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is 14C. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning November 13, 2025.
25V298000AirbagsMay 2025
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2024 Ram 1500 vehicles. The driver's side air bag may not be connected properly, which can cause the air bag not to deploy as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection.".
Risk: A driver's side air bag that does not deploy as intended increases the risk of injury in a crash.
Fix: Dealers secured the connectors for the air bag, free of charge. All vehicles have been remedied. Owner notification letters were mailed May 27, 2025. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is 08C.
24V754000Wipers and visibilityOct 2024
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Ram 1500 Classic vehicles equipped with heated trailer tow rearview mirrors. The mirror glass may detach from the driver's side heated trailer tow rearview mirror. As such these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility.".
Risk: Detached mirror glass can reduce driver visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the mirror glass, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 5, 2024. Owners may contact FCA Customer Service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is 86B.
24V653000BrakesSep 2024
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019, 2021-2024 Ram 1500 vehicles. Due to a software malfunction, the anti-lock brake system (ABS) control module may disable the electronic stability control system. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 126, "Electronic Stability Control Systems.".
Risk: Driving with a disabled electronic stability control system can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will update the ABS control module software, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed October 10, 2024. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning September 26, 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 85B.
24V436000Backup cameraJun 2024
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Dodge Durango, 2021-2023 Chrysler Pacifica, Jeep Grand Cherokee L, 2022 Ram 1500, 2500, 3500, Chrysler Voyager, 2022-2023 Jeep Compass, Grand Cherokee, Wagoneer, Grand Wagoneer, and Ram Promaster vehicles. The radio software may prevent the rearview image from displaying. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility.".
Risk: A rearview camera image that does not display decreases the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will update the radio software or the software will be OTA, "Over-The-Air," free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning July 9, 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's numbers for this recall are 66B and 79B.
24V437000Backup cameraJun 2024
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling one 2022 Ram 1500 Classic vehicle. The wiring harness may short circuit and prevent the rearview image from displaying. As such, this vehicle fails to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility.".
Risk: A rearview camera image that does not display decreases the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the wiring harness, free of charge. The vehicle has been remedied. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 65B.
23V654000Backup cameraSep 2023
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Ram 1500, Ram 3500 Cab Chassis with GVWR less than 10,000 lbs., and 2022-2024 Ram 2500 vehicles. The radio software may prevent the rearview image from displaying. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility.".
Risk: A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will update the radio software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 24, 2023. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 97A.
23V263000Fuel systemApr 2023
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Jeep Wrangler, Gladiator, and 2022-2023 Ram 1500 vehicles equipped with a 3.0L diesel engine. The high pressure fuel pump (HPFP) may fail.
Risk: Fuel pump failure can result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the HPFP and replace additional fuel system components, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 17, 2023. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 01A.
23V264000AirbagsApr 2023
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2022 Ram 1500 vehicles. The B-pillar impact sensors may be missing, which can result in delayed air bag deployment or non-deployment.
Risk: Air bags that do not deploy as intended increase the risk of injury in a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, install the B-pillar impact sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 4, 2023. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 33A.
23V059000Backup cameraFeb 2023
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Ram 1500 and 2023 Ram 2500 vehicles. The trailer reverse steering control module (TRSCM) may prevent the rearview image from displaying when the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility.".
Risk: A rearview image that does not display while in reverse decreases the driver's visibility of the rear view, increasing the risk of injury or crash.
Fix: Dealers will update the TRSCM software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 1, 2023. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 14A. This recall supersedes and expands previous recall numbers 21V-438 and 21V-918. FCA US Recall ID 63A is a vehicle population expansion of FCA US Recall ID 14A (NHTSA Recall ID 23V-059).
22V904000Body and structureDec 2022
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.
22V766000Seat beltsOct 2022
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2022 Ram 1500, Jeep Gladiator, and 2021 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. The front seat belt retractors may have an improperly welded micro gas generator, which can result in seat belt pretensioner failure.
Risk: A seat belt with pretensioner failure may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: Dealers will replace the front seat belt retractors. free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 8, 2022. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is Z95.
22V767000Fuel systemOct 2022
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Jeep Wrangler, Ram 1500, and 2021-2022 Jeep Gladiator vehicles equipped with 3.0L diesel engines. The high pressure fuel pump (HPFP) may fail, causing an engine stall.
Risk: An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the HPFP and inspect and replace additional fuel system components, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 17, 2023. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is Z96.
22V407000Backup cameraJun 2022
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2022 Ram 1500, 2500 pickup trucks, and 3500 Cab Chassis vehicles with GVWR less than 10,000 lbs. The radio software may prevent the rearview image from displaying. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility.".
Risk: A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will reprogram the radio software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 5, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLS's number for this recall is Z47.
21V871000Wipers and visibilityNov 2021
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2022 Ram 1500 vehicles. These vehicles may have been built with incompatible heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems (HVAC), resulting in the windshield defrosting and defogging system being inoperable to drivers. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 103, "Windshield Defrosting and Defogging Systems.".
Risk: An inoperable defrosting and defogging system can reduce visibility for drivers in certain conditions, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: FCA US, LLC will repurchase the affected vehicles, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 22, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is Y88.
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