Is a used Ram 1500 a good deal?
Short answer: A used Ram 1500 can be a good deal when the price is in line with local comparable listings, open recalls are fixed and the out-the-door quote has no padded fees. It holds value better than average: iSeeCars measures 38.2% five-year depreciation vs 41.7% for all vehicles, so used prices stay high and discounts are smaller. The biggest money leaks we see are dealer add-ons and fees, not the sticker price.
Looking at a used Ram 1500? Check its VIN free for recalls and complaints, then scan the dealer quote free for junk fees. Want an expert? Check My Deal for $19 (money-back guarantee).
Depreciation and value retention
| Age | Depreciation | Value kept | Typical resale value |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 years | 25.9% | 74.1% | $33,427 |
| 5 years | 38.2% | 61.8% | $27,908 |
| 7 years | 49.9% | 50.1% | $22,592 |
| 10 years | 64.4% | 35.6% | $16,066 |
Its class (full-size pickup) averages 37% after five years; all vehicles average 41.7%. Source: iSeeCars, Ram 1500 resale value.
Recalls and complaints by model year
| Model year | NHTSA recalls | Owner complaints | Most-reported areas |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 30 | 1485 | Electrical System (381), Steering (338), Engine (229) |
| 2020 | 14 | 634 | Electrical System (162), Engine (155), Steering (63) |
| 2021 | 15 | 681 | Engine (276), Electrical System (197), Power Train (98) |
| 2022 | 16 | 619 | Engine (246), Electrical System (194), Power Train (101) |
| 2023 | 11 | 202 | Electrical System (69), Engine (46), Service Brakes (36) |
Source: NHTSA recalls and complaints APIs, pulled 2026-10-07. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Example recall campaigns
- 19V051000 (Visibility:defroster/Defogger/Hvac System): Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019 RAM 1500 vehicles equipped with a 12" touchscreen display and a base-level heating, ventilation and air conditioning ("HVAC") system. Vehicles with this combination do not…
- 19V142000 (Electrical System:12v/24v/48v Battery): Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019 Ram 1500 vehicles equipped with a 48v auxiliary battery system located behind the rear seat (sales code: XBZ). Due to an incorrect assembly repair process, the auxiliary b…
- 19V067000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic:pedals And Linkages): Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019 Ram 1500 vehicles equipped with adjustable pedals. The affected vehicles have a brake pedal that may move too far and separate from pedal assembly.…
- 19E059000 (Structure): Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain Mopar Rear Step Kits, part number 82215289AB, designed for model year 2019 Ram 1500 trucks. In the event of a rear impact crash, the rear step kit may cause the rear control ar…
- 19V020000 (Steering:electric Power Assist System): Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019 Ram 1500 vehicles. The battery ground fastener on the driver-side front fender may have been improperly secured, possibly resulting in a loss of power steering assist.…
Fuel cost
The EPA estimates $2,900–$6,850 per year in fuel for 2022 Ram 1500 versions (12–26 MPG combined across 15 configurations). Source: fueleconomy.gov (EPA/DOE).
Dealer add-ons to watch for
- Paint and fabric protection or ceramic coating packages
- VIN etching and "anti-theft" packages
- Nitrogen-filled tires
- Dealer prep, reconditioning or "certification" fees on top of the advertised price
- Market adjustment or "additional dealer markup" stickers
- Spray-in bedliners, running boards, tonneau covers and lift or leveling kits priced well above parts cost
- In the finance office: extended warranties, GAP, tire-and-wheel and key-replacement plans. All optional; get prices in writing
What to check before you buy
- Run the VIN through our free VIN check or NHTSA and confirm open recalls were repaired.
- Owners report problems most often with: Electrical System, Engine, Steering. Ask for service records covering these and have a mechanic look at them.
- Get a vehicle history report and a pre-purchase inspection by an independent mechanic.
- Compare the price against local listings of the same year, trim and mileage. Dealers price strong-resale models firmly.
- Read the FTC Buyers Guide on the window: it says whether the car is sold as-is or with a warranty (FTC).
- Ask for the full out-the-door price in writing before you visit.
FAQ
Is a used Ram 1500 a good deal?
A used Ram 1500 can be a good deal when the price is in line with local comparable listings, open recalls are fixed and the out-the-door quote has no padded fees. It holds value better than average: iSeeCars measures 38.2% five-year depreciation vs 41.7% for all vehicles, so used prices stay high and discounts are smaller. The biggest money leaks we see are dealer add-ons and fees, not the sticker price.
How much does a Ram 1500 depreciate?
iSeeCars estimates a Ram 1500 loses 38.2% of its value after five years (25.9% after three years, 64.4% after ten).
Does the Ram 1500 have recalls?
NHTSA lists 86 recall campaigns across the 2019–2023 model years combined (counted per year, so a campaign covering several years counts in each). Check any specific car by VIN: an open recall should be fixed free by a franchised dealer before you buy.
Which Ram 1500 year has the most complaints?
Among 2019–2023, the 2019 has the most NHTSA owner complaints (1485). Complaint counts also grow with sales volume and time on the road, so compare years, not models.
How much does a Ram 1500 cost to fuel per year?
The EPA estimates $2,900–$6,850 a year in fuel for 2022 versions, based on its standard mileage and price assumptions.
What dealer add-ons should I refuse on a used Ram 1500?
Common ones are paint/fabric protection, VIN etching, nitrogen tires, dealer prep fees and market adjustments. They are optional; ask for them to be removed or get an itemized out-the-door price.
Looking at a used Ram 1500? Check its VIN free for recalls and complaints, then scan the dealer quote free for junk fees. Want an expert? Check My Deal for $19 (money-back guarantee).
Data as published by each source; pulled 2026-10-07. All used car models