Head-to-head reliability
RAM 1500 vs FORD F 150
How the RAM 1500 and FORD F 150 compare on NHTSA complaints, recalls and crash reports — and which is the lower-risk used buy.
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint & recall records
RAM 1500 vs FORD F 150: The RAM 1500 averages 849 complaints per year, with engine and electrical issues like stalling and battery drain. The Ford F-150 averages 1,131 complaints, with transmission problems such as hard shifts and loss of power. RAM has 15 deaths, Ford has 1. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the RAM 1500 or FORD F 150 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
RAM 1500
The RAM 1500, over the past decade, has accumulated a high volume of complaints, averaging over 800 per year, with a significant portion related to engine and electrical system issues. Owners report stalling incidents, battery drain, and warning light clusters that can affect drivability and confidence. While the truck offers capability, these recurring electronic and powertrain glitches suggest potential for unexpected breakdowns and dealer visits.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 shows a similar complaint volume, averaging over 1,100 per year, but with a stronger emphasis on powertrain problems, particularly transmission harshness and failures. Owners describe hard shifts, jerking, and even loss of power, which can be alarming and potentially dangerous. Electrical issues also appear, but the transmission concerns dominate the ownership experience, indicating a need for careful evaluation of the transmission's condition.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | RAM 1500 | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 8,493 Better | 11,311 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 135 Better | 145 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 397 | 328 Better |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 849.3 Better | 1131.1 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 270 Better | 287 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 15 | 1 Better |
Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records.
What actually goes wrong
The problems owners report
The most-complained-about systems on each vehicle — what fails, and what owners say in their own words.
RAM 1500
- 01ENGINE2,522
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,308
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,279
- 04POWER TRAIN1,207
- 05STEERING1,028
Owners report stalling incidents, often while towing or at speed, with battery drain and warning lights like traction control and 'Parking Brake Deactivated' messages. This can lead to sudden loss of power, a serious safety risk.
Multiple warning lights (seat belt, ABS, check engine) illuminate simultaneously, along with messages like 'Service Transmission.' This suggests a broader electrical gremlin that can be difficult to diagnose and may cause intermittent failures.
Some complaints mention recalls for ABS module configuration, rear seat belt anchor bolts, and turn signal lever latch, indicating known issues that need to be addressed. Additionally, a tonneau cover detached while driving, posing a road hazard.
Infotainment system failures are reported, but also a sudden 'Limp Mode' activation in an EcoDiesel while towing, with a 'Service Electronic Throttle' warning. This can leave the vehicle with reduced power, making it unsafe on highways.
“2023 Ram 1500 V6 eTorque, 40,000 miles. Two stalling incidents have occurred under different conditions. Incident 1: While towing approximately 4,000 lbs, the 12V battery began slowly draining while the vehicle was in motion. Battery voltage gradually dropped…”
“The contact owns a 2023 Ram 1500. The contact stated that on two occasions while driving approximately 60 MPH, the traction control warning light illuminated and the message "Parking Brake Deactivated" was displayed. The contact stated that during the first f…”
FORD F 150
- 01POWER TRAIN3,553
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,071
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,401
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1,164
- 05ENGINE847
The 10R80 automatic transmission is a major source of complaints, with hard shifts, jerks, and clunks between gears, and even loss of power and stalling. This can be unpredictable and dangerous, especially in traffic.
Owners report warning messages like 'Front Camera Malfunction' and 'Pre Collision Assist Not Available' appearing every time the truck starts, indicating persistent sensor or software issues that may affect safety features.
Some complaints mention a loud bang from the transmission and popping from the rear suspension during downshifts, suggesting potential driveline or suspension problems that need inspection.
Recalls for headlights and brake lights indicate potential visibility issues, which are critical for safety. Owners may experience dim or malfunctioning lights, increasing the risk of accidents.
“I started noticing hard and delayed shifts from 7th into 8th gear. My RPM's were not increasing when this happened, and then on a very crowded major road I lost all power, vehicle shut off and drifted, then started up and jerked again very hard. This failure…”
“I am reporting a safety-related transmission problem I experienced with my 2020 Ford F-150 equipped with the 10R80 automatic transmission. While driving normally, the transmission shifts hard (ie: jerks, clunks) between 4-5 and 5-6 gears, and has on occasion…”
Official recalls
Safety recalls on record
Federal recall campaigns — the defect, the risk, and the fix. Confirm any open recall was completed before you buy.
RAM 1500 — 135 recalls
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Ram 1500 Pickup, Ram 2500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Cab Chassis, Ram 4500 Cab Chassis, and Ram 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles. A software error may cause the instrument panel display to fail. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the re…
The risk: An instrument panel display that fails to show critical safety information, such as gear selection and warning lights, increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the instrument panel software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 5, 2026. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is 35D. Vehicle Identification N…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Ram 1500 Pickup, Ram 2500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Cab Chassis, Ram 4500 Cab Chassis, and Ram 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles. A software error may cause the instrument panel display to fail. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the re…
The risk: An instrument panel display that fails to show critical safety information, such as gear selection and warning lights, increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the instrument panel software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 5, 2026. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is 35D. Vehicle Identification N…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2024-2026 Jeep Wagoneer S, 2025-2026 Ram 1500 Pickup, Ram 2500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Cab Chassis, Ram 4500 Cab Chassis, Ram 5500 Cab Chassis, and 2026 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. Due to an improperly designed trailer tow module, the trailer lights…
The risk: Trailer brake lights and turn signals that do not illuminate reduce visibility to other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash. Additionally, trailer brakes that fail increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the trailer tow module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning March 17, 2026. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 03D. V…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2024-2026 Jeep Wagoneer S, 2025-2026 Ram 1500 Pickup, Ram 2500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Cab Chassis, Ram 4500 Cab Chassis, Ram 5500 Cab Chassis, and 2026 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. Due to an improperly designed trailer tow module, the trailer lights…
The risk: Trailer brake lights and turn signals that do not illuminate reduce visibility to other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash. Additionally, trailer brakes that fail increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the trailer tow module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning March 17, 2026. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 03D. V…
FORD F 150 — 145 recalls
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2020 F-150 trucks equipped with high series LED headlamps with Autolamp (On/Off) functionality. The Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) may remain activated instead of dimming to parking lamps when the Master Lighting Switch (MLS) is manually rotated from…
The risk: DRL that cannot dim may reduce the visibility of other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the body control module, free of charge. The recall began March 10, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20C03.
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019-2020 F-150 vehicles. The fastener securing the Power Distribution Box (PDB) 12V cable and Battery Monitoring System (BMS) eyelets to the positive battery terminal may loosen and affect the vehicle's systems such as instrument panel displays and br…
The risk: Inoperative vehicle systems or an engine stall can increase the risk of a crash. Reduced braking and steering efforts increases the risk of a crash. This condition could also create a resistive short, increasing the risk of a fire.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the positive battery cable/BMS/PDB joint for excess sealant adhesive and remove any excessive adhesive, reassemble the joint, and retorque the fastener, as necessary, free of charge. The re…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Ford F-150 and 2017-2019 Ford F-250 Super Duty, F-350 Super Duty, F-450 Super Duty, and F-550 Super Duty pick-up trucks equipped with an engine block heater. Water and contaminants may get into the block heater cable's splice connector causin…
The risk: When the heater is plugged in, prolonged corrosion could cause a resistive short, increasing the risk of overheated or melted wiring which can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will disable the block heater cable, free of charge. Once parts are available, Dealers will replace the engine block heater cable, free of charge. The recall began June 3, 2019. Owners may contact Ford…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2020 F-150 and 2019-2020 F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 Super Duty pickup trucks, and 2018-2019 Ford Explorer, 2019-2020 Expedition, and 2020 Escape vehicles equipped with driver and/or passenger's manual front seat back recliner mechanisms. Also…
The risk: A seat back with an improperly assembled recliner mechanism may have reduced strength and may not adequately restrain an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and Ford and Lincoln dealers will inspect the seat structure and replace them, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 21, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's num…
Buyer analysis
RAM 1500 or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The Ford F-150 has a higher average complaint rate (1,131 per year) compared to the RAM 1500 (849 per year), but the RAM's complaints are more concentrated in engine and electrical issues, while the Ford's are dominated by transmission problems. In practice, the RAM may have more electronic gremlins, but the Ford's transmission failures can be more immediately dangerous. Neither is clearly more reliable, but the nature of the issues differs.
Key differences
- RAM 1500 has more engine and electrical complaints, including stalling and battery drain, while Ford F-150 has more transmission complaints with hard shifts and loss of power.
- Ford F-150 has a higher overall complaint rate per year, but RAM 1500 has more crash-related complaints (397 vs 328) and injuries (270 vs 287), though RAM has more deaths (15 vs 1).
- RAM 1500 recalls focus on electrical system and lighting, while Ford F-150 recalls include transmission-related issues and exterior lighting.
- Owner reports for RAM 1500 mention multiple warning lights and messages, suggesting complex electrical faults, whereas Ford F-150 owners report specific transmission gear issues.
- Check for any history of stalling or battery drain issues, especially if the truck has the eTorque system. Ask for service records related to engine or electrical repairs.
- Inspect the instrument cluster for any flickering or warning lights that stay on, and ensure all recalls (ABS module, seat belt bolts, turn signal lever) have been performed.
- Test drive the truck and pay close attention to transmission shifts, especially between 4-5 and 5-6 gears. Look for any hesitation, jerking, or clunking sounds.
- Check if the truck has had any transmission software updates or repairs. Also, verify that the front camera and pre-collision assist warnings do not appear on startup.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report and check for open recalls on both models.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on the engine, transmission, and electrical systems.
- Test drive at various speeds and conditions, including highway and stop-and-go traffic, to feel for any transmission or stalling issues.
- Ask for maintenance records, especially for transmission fluid changes and any electrical system repairs.
- Check the NHTSA website for the latest complaints and recalls specific to the model year you are considering.
Year by year
Which model years to avoid
Complaints per model year for both vehicles — lower is better. The spikes are the years to scrutinize.
| Year | RAM 1500 | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 24 |
| 2025 | 0 | 329 |
| 2024 | 0 | 617 |
| 2023 | 585 | 1507 |
| 2022 | 3624 | 3432 |
| 2021 | 673 | 5234 |
| 2020 | 622 | 33 |
| 2019 | 1465 | 36 |
| 2018 | 656 | 56 |
| 2017 | 868 | 43 |
Check the actual car
Comparing models is smart. Checking the VIN is essential.
Brand averages tell you the trend. A VIN check tells you what's wrong with the specific RAM 1500 or FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- RAM 1500 vs FORD F 150
- RAM 1500 total complaints
- 8,493
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 11,311
- RAM 1500 total recalls
- 135
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 145
- RAM 1500 avg complaints/year
- 849.3
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1131.1
- More reliable overall
- RAM 1500
- RAM 1500 top complaint area
- ENGINE
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN