The 2025 Ram 1500 is a paradox on wheels: beloved by staff for its ride quality and highway dominance, yet plagued by recurring mechanical issues. After 30,000 miles in our long-term test, the truck’s allure remains strong, but so does its tendency to visit the service department. This is not a case of minor annoyances; it’s a pattern of failures that raise questions about the durability of modern truck engineering.
The Good: A Road Trip King
The Ram excels when it’s running. Testers describe a “peaceful” driving experience, particularly when towing. The air suspension levels loads effectively, and the truck handles trailers with surprising stability, even at high speeds (80 mph was casually noted). The digital trailer assistance systems, though imperfect, are appreciated by those who tow regularly. Despite quirks—like the Tow mode resetting every ignition cycle—the Ram proves itself a capable workhorse when it’s on the road.
However, the high praise is offset by a critical flaw: the mirrors. Despite being massive and necessary for towing, their sheer size creates dangerous blind spots in everyday driving. The mirrors are often cited as a major impediment to visibility, and some drivers find them to be an unacceptable compromise.
The Bad: A Recurring Service Case
The Ram has required four unscheduled service visits in just 30,000 miles. A wastegate actuator failure crippled the turbocharger, forcing a repair under warranty. The trailer control module needed replacement due to intermittent light issues. The forward-collision system malfunctioned, necessitating a radar module swap. These issues, while covered by warranty, suggest a concerning trend for a truck that should be built to endure.
Adding insult to injury, the trifold tonneau cover failed structurally when a plastic clamp and piece of railing broke. The cover nearly detached on the freeway, and a replacement costs $2200—four times the original option price.
Fuel Economy and Other Quirks
Fuel economy has also regressed, dropping from 16 mpg to 15 mpg. Towing at high speeds exacerbates this issue. The digital instrument cluster occasionally displays the wrong model year, and the transmission exhibits occasional clunkiness. Even small annoyances, like the manual-folding tow mirrors on a $68,320 truck, add to the growing list of complaints.
The Verdict: A Flawed Masterpiece?
Despite its mechanical issues, the Ram 1500 retains a strong following among testers. The combination of comfort, capability, and towing prowess is undeniable. However, the recurring service visits and questionable design choices—like the oversized mirrors—cannot be ignored. The Ram is a truck that makes you overlook its flaws not because they’re small but because everything else is that good. Whether that’s a compliment or a warning depends on how you feel about relationships built on compromise.
Months in Fleet: 11 months Current Mileage: 35,410 miles
Average Fuel Economy: 15 mpg
