2023 Ram 1500: What to check before buying
Owners have filed 145 complaints with NHTSA about this car, most about the electrical, transmission, and steering. The 9 checks below target those problems, in the order you would do them at the car.
2023- Owner complaints
- 145
- Recalls
- 10
- Crashes reported
- 9
- 3 injuries
Your inspection sheet
Tick items off on your phone at the car, or print it. Ticks stay on this device.
0/9 checked
2023 Ram 1500: inspection sheet
Paperwork and questions
Before you go, or before you touch the car0/2
Walk-around and cabin
Engine off, key in hand0/2
Test drive
At least 20 minutes, with some highway0/5
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 2023 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 | 24 mpg |
| 3.6L 6-cylHybrid | 4WD, RWD | 21–23 mpg |
| 5.7L 8-cylHybrid | 4WD, RWD | 19–20 mpg |
- The 2023 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.
Stalling with parking brake engagement
1,489–5,000 miles
Battery voltage drop, stalling
37,400–51,000 miles
Why these checks: what owners reported
NHTSA complaints for the 2023 Ram 1500, grouped by the part owners named. Open a row to read what goes wrong.
Electrical352 crashes
The most common complaint is stalling at low speed. The engine cuts out in traffic, the truck shifts itself into park and the parking brake sets. A low battery or low voltage warning often follows. Dealers often find no codes, though some find P032F. Other reports describe dead batteries, parasitic drain and voltage that sags after driving. A second group covers Uconnect screens that go black or freeze after over-the-air updates, taking the backup camera and defrost with them. Two crash reports involve a stall in traffic and a tailgate that opened by itself while backing up.
Transmission15No crashes
Low-speed stalls dominate. As the truck slows for a light or stop sign, the engine dies, the transmission jumps to park and the parking brake engages. Some reports tie this to auto start/stop or the eTorque system. Dealers often cannot reproduce the fault or retrieve codes. Some trucks still stall after the PCM software update from a customer satisfaction program. Other reports describe unexpected downshifts into first gear, revving without engaging after start/stop on hills, and loss of the gauges and engine power at road speed. Reported mileages are low, from 160 to 14,000.
Steering131 crash
Power steering can fail without warning, sometimes at highway speed, leaving the wheel heavy or locked. In some trucks the voltage drops first and systems shut down one by one before the steering and engine go. Dealers have replaced steering racks and electric power steering units, with long waits for parts. Many reports concern the steering column control module under recall 24V-729, with turn signals that will not cancel or stay on. Owners describe recall parts out of stock for months, and some trucks are not on the recall VIN list. One crash report ties a run off the road to the ESC recall.
Engine12No crashes
Stalling at low speed is the main pattern. The engine shuts off while slowing, turning or creeping in traffic. The truck then sets the parking brake and often shifts to park. Several stalls happen in the middle of a left turn, leaving the truck rolling across oncoming lanes. Warning lights rarely come on beforehand. Dealers often cannot reproduce the problem, though code P032F turns up, and some owners link it to the PE24018 investigation. Separate reports cite fuel injector failures that cause hesitation and shaking, and a water pump belt that failed at under 10k miles.
Brakes82 crashes
Two crash reports, one with an injury, describe brakes that failed to stop the truck. Both tie the failure to the ABS module and ESC recall, and in both cases the owner learned of the recall around or after the crash. Other reports describe the electronic parking brake slamming on when the engine stalls, and automatic emergency braking engaging with nothing ahead, at speeds up to 45 mph. The factory trailer brake controller can also get stuck in a single light electric mode, even after dealers replace the radio, BCM and controller module.
Body and structure8No crashes
Tailgates opening by themselves while driving lead this category. Cargo falls out, and in some cases the tailgate drops onto a towed trailer. The reports come from low-mileage trucks, under 3,000 to under 7k miles, and one owner notes that this latch was recalled on earlier model years. Driver sun visors come loose at the pivot and fall while driving, sometimes again after a warranty repair. Single reports cite mice nesting in the cabin air path and heavy sway in high winds.
Exterior lights6No crashes
The recurring defect is a left turn signal that keeps blinking after the turn is done. Some blinkers also come on at random or stop the right signal from working. Owners connect the problem to recall 23V-799 and the related steering column control module fault. In some cases the dealer does not have the part to fix it. No warning light comes on, so drivers may not notice that the signal is still blinking. Other drivers may then expect a turn that never comes.
Fuel system5No crashes
The main complaint is the engine stalling with auto start/stop. The engine shuts off at a stop, the parking brake sets and the truck will not move, in one case at a light on a 55 mph road. A 3.6L owner reports code P032F and notes that the V8 received a software update while the 3.6L has none yet. Other reports cover a loss of power after a cold start, a fuel pump and control module failure just out of warranty that cost $1809.64, and an unshielded plastic fuel tank punctured by road debris.
In owners' own words
Excerpts from complaints 1500 owners filed with NHTSA, as written. Listen for the same symptoms on your test drive.
I was in downtown Atlanta traffic, moving around 10 miles per hour. The truck suddenly shut off and applied the parking brake. Once restarted the battery light was displayed on the dash. This has happened approximately 10-12 times in the last year. I was lucky this one did not result in an accident. Please help in getting Ram to realize there is a problem. Thank you!
Filed with NHTSA, August 2024
Driving down the freeway, with no previous issues at 80MPH. Next thing the truck stalls and won't restart. Vehicle jumped and runs when connected stops immediately once unjumped. Replaced battery at 51,000 miles and vehicle runs fine. Concern is the alternator is not strong enough to power the vehicle if the battery dies for mysterious reasons.
Filed with NHTSA, June 2025
I have replaced, via warranty, 3 cylinders that have failed within 10,000 miles of the vehicle. This causes my truck to shutter and not accelerate properly. The shop tells me this has been an ongoing problem, however it is not being addressed by Stalantis. Not requesting to do anything for my situation, however it needs to be investigated.
Filed with NHTSA, June 2025
The issue concerns the steering column control module, when the turn signal is used or activate the turn signal self-canceling feature may not function properly. Either issue can cause confusion or reduce visibility for other vehicles, increasing the risk of a crash. I have asked the dealer to fix the issue but have told me they have been out of stock of the part and I have been waiting over 6 months for the fix with no resolution.
Filed with NHTSA, December 2023
Steering column control module went out. Right blinker will not stop and left doesn't work at all. Even in the off position right stays on so I have to put it down to the not working left to stop that but any movement and its starts again. It is a traffic hazard and even though 165,000 Rams were recalled this past year they say its VIN specific and will not cover my $400 repair. My truck is unusable until they repair this.
Filed with NHTSA, July 2025
When trying to enter an interstate going at a slower speed, the car jumped from drive to park. The vehicle could not be driven. I was able to pull over safely. If it had happened in traffic or at a higher speed, it could have been very dangerous. The engine issue light came on shortly later. The vehicle is at the dealer now. They haven’t been able to reproduce the issue.
Filed with NHTSA, November 2023
Engine shut off completely will driving at low speed (20 MPH) on a city street, applied brake to make a left turn, when turn was complete, light came on to put vehicle in park, noticed no RPM and that the engine had stalled. When I cam to a complete stop, the transmission shifted to park and the emergency was set. Engine restarted fine and vehicle continued normally.
Filed with NHTSA, September 2024
How the 2023 compares with other 1500 years
Complaints for this year next to the average for the other model years, area by area.
The 2023 ranks seventh for owner complaints among 9 1500 years, well under the average of the others. Newer years have had less time to collect complaints, so compare like with like.
- Electrical35105
- Transmission1560
- Steering1365
- Engine1253
- Brakes824
- Body and structure815
Recalls to confirm (10)
Recall repairs are free at any Ram dealer, but the seller may never have had them done. Check each campaign number against the VIN.
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.
24V729000SteeringOct 2024
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Ram 1500 vehicles. The turn signal self-canceling feature may not function properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective devices, and Associated Equipment.".
Risk: Turn signals that do not function properly may fail to indicate the driver's intention to change vehicle direction, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the steering column control module as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 23, 2024. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is A1B.
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.
24V413000TransmissionJun 2024
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2023 Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500 vehicles. An insufficient weld in the transmission control unit can allow transmission fluid to leak on to electrical components, resulting in a loss of drive power or loss of park function.
Risk: A loss of drive power or a loss of park function increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the valve body and control unit, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expecting to be mailed July 26, 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 63B.
24V199000AirbagsMar 2024
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) (Stellantis) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Ram 1500, Jeep Wrangler, Jeep Wagoneer, Jeep Grand Wagoneer, Chrysler Pacifica, Ram 3500, Ram 3500 cab chassis, Ram 2500, Ram 4500 cab chassis, Ram 5500 cab chassis, 2023 Jeep Gladiator, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep Grand Cherokee L, Ram 3500 Cab Chassis with a GVWR less than 10,000 lbs., and Chrysler Voyager vehicles. The steering column control module may not be welded properly, which can prevent the driver's air bag from deploying in a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection.".
Risk: An air bag that does not deploy in a crash can increase the risk of injury.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the steering column control module, as necessary free of charge. Some owner notification letters were mailed April 11, 2024 through June 20, 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's numbers for this recall are 14B, 33B, 34B, 35B, 36B.
23V799000SteeringNov 2023
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2023 Ram 1500 Classic, Ram 3500 Classic, 3500 Cab Chassis, 2023-2024 Ram 2500, 4500/5500 Cab Chassis, and Ram 3500 vehicles. The steering column control module may cause the high beams to activate when the turn signal is used or activate the turn signal when the high beams are used. In addition, the turn signal self-canceling feature may not function properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment.".
Risk: Turn signals and/or high beams that do not function as intended may cause confusion or reduced visibility to other road users, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will update the steering column control module (SCCM) software, and inspect and replace the module, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 19, 2023. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's numbers for this recall are B2A and D5A.
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.
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).
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2023 owner complaints, side by side
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