Likes
- Immense skill set and ability.
- Physically and mechanically robust.
- Unparalleled towing capacity.
- Genuine off-roading chops.
- More comfortable and practical the majority of other dual-cab Utes.
- The image it inspires.
Used RAM 1500 review
2009 - 2021
Dislikes
- A nightmare to park in the majority of metropolitan areas.
- Some examples have been abused and may suffer from mechanical issues.
- Built quality leaves a little to be desired.
- Too large and heavy for some off-road tracks and excursions.
- The image it inspires…
Stuff you should know
The massive (for anywhere outside the US) RAM 1500 of the DS generation first appeared in the United Staes back in 2009 and after near yearly updates, are technically still a current model. However here in Australia, the majority of DS 1500s will span from around 2017 to 2021.
Speaking of the US, in its native market the 1500 is available across more than 12 variants, which begs the question, how do they decide which to buy because here in Australia, we have had only two to choose from, the Express and Laramie, with a light dusting of special editions to keep things interesting.
Also depending on the year and variant, these trim specs are available in either quad cab or the longer rear doored and extra second row seat space, yet a shorter tub sized Crew Cab form.
It’s important to know that many of the 1500’s here on Aussie shores have arrived via grey importers but RAM Trucks Australia is the only company that have imported and distributed the official export-spec left-hand-drive new vehicles directly from the Ram factory in the US, and then, using hundreds of locally sourced parts, converts them to right-hand drive.
Even though many out there despise even the concept of these big American pickups, the reality is, very few other vehicles can do what these can do. We’re talking immense towing ability, genuine off-roading chops, huge practicality not to mention the whole X-factor that these come with.
Yes other vehicles can do one or two of these things in isolation, but to encompass all of them, it pretty much has to be something like a RAM 1500.
However in saying that, they do tend to take up an offensive amount of space on the road, American cars here in Australia have a pretty horrendous reputation when it comes to quality and reliability and if ever a vehicle screamed, I don’t care about the environment, it might very well be the RAM 1500.
What goes wrong
Exterior:
There have been quite a few reports that the rear windows can leak in heavy rain or when going through an automatic car wash. This is mainly due to poorly fitted seals, but it should be an easy and fairly inexpensive fix.
The sliding rear window is also not without its gremlins.
The locking Mechanisms for the tailgate/tray can be potentially faulty, meaning they’ll either get stuck or just fall open.
In earlier models, there are reports of decay and corrosion around the rear wheel arches, both the underside and tray.
Chrome bumpers are known to show rust relatively easily.
Interior:
The U-Connect infotainment system is known to occasionally glitch out over time, plus the Bluetooth connectivity, reversing camera and audio are known to have faults. However, this should be easily fixed with a software update.
There are a few reports of cruise control systems having issues as well, there are cases of it not engaging at all, not staying on or even rare occasions of not being cancellable once it is engaged.
Mechanically:
In Australia, over 95% of RAM 1500 are powered by the (petrol) 5.7-litre Hemi V8 and drive all 4 wheels through an 8-speed auto. The remaining few are powered by the VM Motori V6 diesel which can also be found in a host of various Jeeps, Chryslers & even Maserati.
The diesel power plant is an ok engine, although it does have a few weaknesses considering it is in so few of these in Australia, we’re just focusing on the Hemi V8 for now.
That Hemi V8 is widely considered to be very reliable. It’s in a variety of different makes and models and is supercharged in some applications making ridiculous and reliable horsepower.
There are though, in the earlier models mainly, numerous reports of camshaft and lifter failures, and this has been attributed to a design flaw relating to the angle of the lifters and oil supply complications.
The other cause of a ticking sound may actually be something entirely different. Be careful it’s not misdiagnosed as a lifter noise because another common (and thankfully much cheaper) issue, is exhaust manifold leaks from broken studs and warped manifolds. It too is usually much more obvious on a cold start-up.
The Chrysler Torque flight 8 transmission is a version of the ZF 8HP70 (which is in a whole host of different cars from various manufacturers).
They’re considered very reliable transmission with no single serious problem that causes common catastrophic failures. But there are some safety recalls on the earlier versions so check that they’re up to date. Transmission servicing intervals are every 100,00km but if you want it to last (especially if you’re towing) do
Exterior:
There have been quite a few reports that the rear windows can leak in heavy rain or when going through an automatic car wash. This is mainly due to poorly fitted seals, but it should be an easy and fairly inexpensive fix.
The sliding rear window is also not without its gremlins.
The locking Mechanisms for the tailgate/tray can be potentially faulty, meaning they’ll either get stuck or just fall open.
In earlier models, there are reports of decay and corrosion around the rear wheel arches, both the underside and tray.
Chrome bumpers are known to show rust relatively easily.
Interior:
The U-Connect infotainment system is known to occasionally glitch out over time, plus the Bluetooth connectivity, reversing camera and audio are known to have faults. However, this should be easily fixed with a software update.
There are a few reports of cruise control systems having issues as well, there are cases of it not engaging at all, not staying on or even rare occasions of not being cancellable once it is engaged.
Mechanically:
In Australia, over 95% of RAM 1500 are powered by the (petrol) 5.7-litre Hemi V8 and drive all 4 wheels through an 8-speed auto. The remaining few are powered by the VM Motori V6 diesel which can also be found in a host of various Jeeps, Chryslers & even Maserati.
The diesel power plant is an ok engine, although it does have a few weaknesses considering it is in so few of these in Australia, we’re just focusing on the Hemi V8 for now.
That Hemi V8 is widely considered to be very reliable. It’s in a variety of different makes and models and is supercharged in some applications making ridiculous and reliable horsepower.
There are though, in the earlier models mainly, numerous reports of camshaft and lifter failures, and this has been attributed to a design flaw relating to the angle of the lifters and oil supply complications.
The other cause of a ticking sound may actually be something entirely different. Be careful it’s not misdiagnosed as a lifter noise because another common (and thankfully much cheaper) issue, is exhaust manifold leaks from broken studs and warped manifolds. It too is usually much more obvious on a cold start-up.
The Chrysler Torque flight 8 transmission is a version of the ZF 8HP70 (which is in a whole host of different cars from various manufacturers).
They’re considered very reliable transmission with no single serious problem that causes common catastrophic failures. But there are some safety recalls on the earlier versions so check that they’re up to date. Transmission servicing intervals are every 100,00km but if you want it to last (especially if you’re towing) do it every 50,000km
Other than that, is just random electrical, suspension & drivetrain problems that you see in all cars, but unfortunately, just slightly more frequently than in other cars.
Recalls:
- 2 August 2017 – The Occupant Restraint Control (ORC) module on a number of vehicles may activate a diagnostic trouble code. This affected 6 1500s built from 2014 to 2017.
- 14 May 2020 – Due to a manufacturing defect, the EGR cooler may crack, which can cause coolant to leak into the intake manifold. This affected 438 vehicles built from 2014 to 2019.
- 14 May 2020 – The outer cable sheath may have slipped through the end fitting causing the parking brake to become difficult to operate. This affected 188 vehicles built in 2018.
- 14 May 2020 – Some RAM 1500s may have a defective tailgate latch. This affected 1,084 units across the 1500, 2500 and 3500, built from 2015 to 2017.
- 17 May 2020 – On some RAM 1500, 2500 and 3500s, the master cylinder pushrod clip may not be secured correctly. This affected 3,823 vehicles built from 2015 to 2019.
- 6 September 2020 – A manufacturing defect may cause the windshield wiper arm head joint to strip. This affected 2,541 vehicles built from 2019 to 2020.
- 14 April 2022 – Due to a manufacturing issue, the side airbag’s inflatable curtain inflators may rupture without warning. This only affected 3 units built from 2021 to 2022.
- 20 April 2022 – Due to a manufacturing issue, the side airbag’s inflatable curtain inflators may rupture without warning. This affected 1 unit built in 2021.
- 10 January 2023 – One or both the tailgate strikers may have been misaligned during assembly. This affected 3,015 vehicles built from 2019 – 2022.
Exterior:
There have been quite a few reports that the rear windows can leak in heavy rain or when going through an automatic car wash. This is mainly due to poorly fitted seals, but it should be an easy and fairly inexpensive fix.
The sliding rear window is also not without its gremlins.
The locking Mechanisms for the tailgate/tray can be potentially faulty, meaning they’ll either get stuck or just fall open.
In earlier models, there are reports of decay and corrosion around the rear wheel arches, both the underside and tray.
Chrome bumpers are known to show rust relatively easily.
Interior:
The U-Connect infotainment system is known to occasionally glitch out over time, plus the Bluetooth connectivity, reversing camera and audio are known to have faults. However, this should be easily fixed with a software update.
There are a few reports of cruise control systems having issues as well, there are cases of it not engaging at all, not staying on or even rare occasions of not being cancellable once it is engaged.
Mechanically:
In Australia, over 95% of RAM 1500 are powered by the (petrol) 5.7-litre Hemi V8 and drive all 4 wheels through an 8-speed auto. The remaining few are powered by the VM Motori V6 diesel which can also be found in a host of various Jeeps, Chryslers & even Maserati.
The diesel power plant is an ok engine, although it does have a few weaknesses considering it is in so few of these in Australia, we’re just focusing on the Hemi V8 for now.
That Hemi V8 is widely considered to be very reliable. It’s in a variety of different makes and models and is supercharged in some applications making ridiculous and reliable horsepower.
There are though, in the earlier models mainly, numerous reports of camshaft and lifter failures, and this has been attributed to a design flaw relating to the angle of the lifters and oil supply complications.
The other cause of a ticking sound may actually be something entirely different. Be careful it’s not misdiagnosed as a lifter noise because another common (and thankfully much cheaper) issue, is exhaust manifold leaks from broken studs and warped manifolds. It too is usually much more obvious on a cold start-up.
The Chrysler Torque flight 8 transmission is a version of the ZF 8HP70 (which is in a whole host of different cars from various manufacturers).
They’re considered very reliable transmission with no single serious problem that causes common catastrophic failures. But there are some safety recalls on the earlier versions so check that they’re up to date. Transmission servicing intervals are every 100,00km but if you want it to last (especially if you’re towing) do it every 50,000km
Other than that, is just random electrical, suspension & drivetrain problems that you see in all cars, but unfortunately, just slightly more frequently than in other cars.
Recalls:
- 2 August 2017 – The Occupant Restraint Control (ORC) module on a number of vehicles may activate a diagnostic trouble code. This affected 6 1500s built from 2014 to 2017.
- 14 May 2020 – Due to a manufacturing defect, the EGR cooler may crack, which can cause coolant to leak into the intake manifold. This affected 438 vehicles built from 2014 to 2019.
- 14 May 2020 – The outer cable sheath may have slipped through the end fitting causing the parking brake to become difficult to operate. This affected 188 vehicles built in 2018.
- 14 May 2020 – Some RAM 1500s may have a defective tailgate latch. This affected 1,084 units across the 1500, 2500 and 3500, built from 2015 to 2017.
- 17 May 2020 – On some RAM 1500, 2500 and 3500s, the master cylinder pushrod clip may not be secured correctly. This affected 3,823 vehicles built from 2015 to 2019.
- 6 September 2020 – A manufacturing defect may cause the windshield wiper arm head joint to strip. This affected 2,541 vehicles built from 2019 to 2020.
- 14 April 2022 – Due to a manufacturing issue, the side airbag’s inflatable curtain inflators may rupture without warning. This only affected 3 units built from 2021 to 2022.
- 20 April 2022 – Due to a manufacturing issue, the side airbag’s inflatable curtain inflators may rupture without warning. This affected 1 unit built in 2021.
- 10 January 2023 – One or both the tailgate strikers may have been misaligned during assembly. This affected 3,015 vehicles built from 2019 – 2022.
Should you buy it?
Many consumers just cannot see the point of the RAM 1500, assuming they are utter rubbish and the only things they are good at are towing heavy things and compensating for their owners lack of self esteem, but this is simply the wrong attitude to have.
Very few other vehicles have such a breadth of talents like the RAM 1500 and when compared to the dual-cab utes we are generally more familiar with here in Australia, the big American is simply more comfortable, more practical, is significantly better for towing, is arguably more enjoyable to drive
Plus that HEMI V8 adds a genuine soul to its character, but don’t get us wrong, the Ram 1500 is far from perfect.
Parking in any metro area is a complete nightmare, it’s expensive to own and run and people unfortunately will make assumptions about the sort of person you are.
However, if you genuinely require the RAM 1500’s immense set of skills, and you’re completely aware of what you’re getting yourself into, and you can find an example that ticks all the boxes, it’s a yes from us, a cautious yes but a yes nonetheless.
Many consumers just cannot see the point of the RAM 1500, assuming they are utter rubbish and the only things they are good at are towing heavy things and compensating for their owners lack of self esteem, but this is simply the wrong attitude to have.
Very few other vehicles have such a breadth of talents like the RAM 1500 and when compared to the dual-cab utes we are generally more familiar with here in Australia, the big American is simply more comfortable, more practical, is significantly better for towing, is arguably more enjoyable to drive
Plus that HEMI V8 adds a genuine soul to its character, but don’t get us wrong, the Ram 1500 is far from perfect.
Parking in any metro area is a complete nightmare, it’s expensive to own and run and people unfortunately will make assumptions about the sort of person you are.
However, if you genuinely require the RAM 1500’s immense set of skills, and you’re completely aware of what you’re getting yourself into, and you can find an example that ticks all the boxes, it’s a yes from us, a cautious yes but a yes nonetheless.
Should you buy it?
Many consumers just cannot see the point of the RAM 1500, assuming they are utter rubbish and the only things they are good at are towing heavy things and compensating for their owners lack of self esteem, but this is simply the wrong attitude to have.
Very few other vehicles have such a breadth of talents like the RAM 1500 and when compared to the dual-cab utes we are generally more familiar with here in Australia, the big American is simply more comfortable, more practical, is significantly better for towing, is arguably more enjoyable to drive
Plus that HEMI V8 adds a genuine soul to its character, but don’t get us wrong, the Ram 1500 is far from perfect.
Parking in any metro area is a complete nightmare, it’s expensive to own and run and people unfortunately will make assumptions about the sort of person you are.
However, if you genuinely require the RAM 1500’s immense set of skills, and you’re completely aware of what you’re getting yourself into, and you can find an example that ticks all the boxes, it’s a yes from us, a cautious yes but a yes nonetheless.
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Models, pricing & features
Tech specs
Body style:
- 4-door dual cab ute
Engines:
- 3.0-litre V6 turbo diesel (Laramie)
- 5.7-litre HEMI V8 petrol (Express, Express with RamBox, Laramie, Laramie with RamBox, Warlock, Warlock with RamBox)
Power:
- 179kW – 3.0 litre V6 turbo diesel
- 291kW – 5.7 litre HEMI V8 petrol
Torque:
- 569Nm – 3.0 litre V6 turbo diesel
- 556Nm – 5.7 litre HEMI V8 petrol
Transmission & drivetrains:
- 8-speed automatic, four-wheel drive (4×4)
Fuel consumption:
- 11.9 – 12.2L/100km
Length:
- 5817 – 5850mm
Width:
- 2017 – 2097mm
Height:
- 1983 – 2006mm
Kerb weight:
- 2605-2630kg
Towing (braked/unbraked):
- 4500kg/750kg
Body style:
- 4-door dual cab ute
Engines:
- 3.0-litre V6 turbo diesel (Laramie)
- 5.7-litre HEMI V8 petrol (Express, Express with RamBox, Laramie, Laramie with RamBox, Warlock, Warlock with RamBox)
Power:
- 179kW – 3.0 litre V6 turbo diesel
- 291kW – 5.7 litre HEMI V8 petrol
Torque:
- 569Nm – 3.0 litre V6 turbo diesel
- 556Nm – 5.7 litre HEMI V8 petrol
Transmission & drivetrains:
- 8-speed automatic, four-wheel drive (4×4)
Fuel consumption:
- 11.9 – 12.2L/100km
Length:
- 5817 – 5850mm
Width:
- 2017 – 2097mm
Height:
- 1983 – 2006mm
Kerb weight:
- 2605-2630kg
Towing (braked/unbraked):
- 4500kg/750kg
Body style:
- 4-door dual cab ute
Engines:
- 3.0-litre V6 turbo diesel (Laramie)
- 5.7-litre HEMI V8 petrol (Express, Express with RamBox, Laramie, Laramie with RamBox, Warlock, Warlock with RamBox)
Power:
- 179kW – 3.0 litre V6 turbo diesel
- 291kW – 5.7 litre HEMI V8 petrol
Torque:
- 569Nm – 3.0 litre V6 turbo diesel
- 556Nm – 5.7 litre HEMI V8 petrol
Transmission & drivetrains:
- 8-speed automatic, four-wheel drive (4×4)
Fuel consumption:
- 11.9 – 12.2L/100km
Length:
- 5817 – 5850mm
Width:
- 2017 – 2097mm
Height:
- 1983 – 2006mm
Kerb weight:
- 2605-2630kg
Towing (braked/unbraked):
- 4500kg/750kg
Warranty & servicing
Warranty:
3 years/100,000kms
Servicing:
12 months/12,000kms
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Disclaimer
Please note that pricing information is subject to fluctuations in the automotive market.
Information correct as of December 16, 2021.
The advice provided on this website is general advice only. It has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on this advice, you should consider the appropriateness of the advice, having regard to your own objectives, financial situation and needs.
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