Vehicle 1

RAM 2500

4,196 complaints · 89 recalls

VS

Vehicle 2

FORD F 150

27,152 complaints · 135 recalls

📊 Based on NHTSA owner complaint & recall data
Which Should I Buy?

RAM 2500 vs FORD F 150: The RAM 2500 has 419.6 complaints per year and 89 recalls, while the F-150 has 2715.2 complaints per year and 135 recalls. The RAM's top issue is brakes; the F-150's is powertrain. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.

Category Wins

Lower numbers are better for complaints, recalls, and crashes.

4
RAM 2500
wins all 4 categories
0
FORD F 150
no category wins
CategoryRAM 2500FORD F 150
Total Complaints
All years combined
4,196
✓ lower
27,152
Safety Recalls
Federal campaigns
89
✓ lower
135
Crash Reports
Crash-related complaints
106
✓ lower
745
Avg / Year
Complaints per model year
419.6
✓ lower
2715.2

Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records. Lower is better.

Top Problem Areas

Most frequently reported components across all model years.

RAM 2500

1. SERVICE BRAKES2,825
2. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM862
3. HYDRAULIC484
4. VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL419
5. POWER TRAIN341

FORD F 150

1. POWER TRAIN9,864
2. ENGINE4,840
3. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM3,415
4. UNKNOWN OR OTHER3,136
5. STRUCTURE1,477
🤖
AI Buyer Analysis
DeepSeek interpretation of NHTSA data · cached result
The Verdict

The RAM 2500 has far fewer complaints per year (419.6 vs 2715.2), suggesting a lower rate of reported issues. However, both vehicles have high recall counts, so neither is trouble-free.

💡 Buyer Recommendation

If you prioritize fewer reported problems and lower complaint volume, the RAM 2500 is the better choice. If you need a lighter-duty truck with more model years and parts availability, the F-150 may be more practical despite higher complaint numbers.

Key Differences
  • RAM 2500 averages 419.6 complaints/year vs F-150's 2715.2/year.
  • F-150 has 135 recalls vs RAM's 89.
  • RAM's top issue is SERVICE BRAKES (2825 complaints); F-150's top is POWER TRAIN (9864).
  • F-150 has 745 crash complaints vs RAM's 106.
⚠ Watch on RAM 2500
  • Watch for brake system problems, especially service brakes, which account for the majority of complaints.
  • Electrical system issues are also common, with 862 complaints.
⚠ Watch on FORD F 150
  • Be alert for powertrain problems, the most frequent complaint category with nearly 10,000 reports.
  • Engine issues are also prevalent, with 4,840 complaints.
✓ Before You Buy — Checklist
  • Check NHTSA recall status for both vehicles and ensure all recalls are performed.
  • For RAM 2500, inspect brake system thoroughly and test for any warning lights.
  • For F-150, test drive to check for transmission slipping or engine hesitation.
  • Obtain a vehicle history report to see if previous owners reported issues.
  • Have a trusted mechanic do a pre-purchase inspection focusing on top complaint areas.

Complaints by Model Year

Years available for both vehicles (lower is better).

RAM 2500FORD F 150
2026
0
3
2025
0
294
2024
0
559
2023
141
1396
2022
495
3161
2021
101
4782
2020
158
2530
2019
186
5724
2018
2453
5505
2017
662
3198
RAM 2500 vs FORD F 150 — comparison facts
Comparison
RAM 2500 vs FORD F 150
RAM 2500 total complaints
4,196
FORD F 150 total complaints
27,152
RAM 2500 total recalls
89
FORD F 150 total recalls
135
RAM 2500 avg complaints/year
419.6
FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
2715.2
More reliable overall
RAM 2500
RAM 2500 top complaint area
SERVICE BRAKES
FORD F 150 top complaint area
POWER TRAIN
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration)

Full Reliability Reports

Full Report →

RAM 2500 Reliability & Problems

4,196 complaints · All years · NHTSA data

Full Report →

FORD F 150 Reliability & Problems

27,152 complaints · All years · NHTSA data

Buying a specific RAM 2500 or FORD F 150?

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