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Last Updated: December 28, 2022
When you purchase a vehicle, you must ensure proper routine maintenance to keep it running well on the roads. Some vehicle models may cost more to maintain their optimal performance than other vehicle brands. For example, the maintenance cost of Ram trucks is less than the Promaster Cargo Van.
The Ram 1500 truck was first launched in 1981 and became the hottest-selling pickup truck in the United States. The fantastic interior, smooth ride, and potent engine of the Ram trucks make them popular among buyers and experts alike. However, some customer reviews highlight that Rams are less reliable than the other vehicles of similar brands. They are more spontaneous to mechanical breakdown and electrical repairs.
You must be wondering what the actual maintenance cost of ram trucks is and why they are so expensive. Please scroll down to uncover everything you need about Ram maintenance costs.
As mentioned earlier, the Rams have mediocre reliability. It means that they require more frequent repairs than other vehicles. According to RepairPal, ram owners may need to take their vehicles to an auto repair shop about 0.3 times per year for unscheduled repairs and maintenance tasks. Above all, 15% of rams' unscheduled repairs may be considered severe. This data-driven information highlights that Rams require higher sever repairs than the national average of 12% for all vehicle models.
Ram owners may need to pay up to $858 to maintain their trucks' structural integrity and optimal condition. This maintenance cost is also higher than the industry average of $652. The dodge ram maintenance cost may vary depending on your driving habits and vehicle type.
Below we have compared three popular Ram models' average annual maintenance costs. The following table will help you estimate what to pay to keep your rams in the best condition.
Model | Repair Frequency | Est Annual Repair Cost | Reliability |
---|---|---|---|
1500 | 0.2 times per year | $663 | 3.5 out of 5 stars |
2500 | 0.2 times per year | $947 | 2.5 out of 5 stars |
3500 | 0.2 times per year | $1,278 | 2.0 out of 5 stars |
The maintenance cost of the Ram 1500 can range from $15,667 to $17,677 for the first ten years of ownership. This number is significantly higher than the average cost of other vehicle brands. In addition, the Ram 1500 has a 54.8% chance of experiencing a major mechanical breakdown once in a lifetime. The chances of repair severity are also 30% higher than the industrial average for all other models of pickup trucks.
Owners of Ram 2500 are sure to pay a high sum to keep their vehicles running smoothly on the road. The average tune-up cost of ram 2500 in the first ten years of ownership may cost up to $25,464, which is significantly higher than the industry average. In addition, these pickup trucks also have a 79.19% chance of experiencing a severe repair once in a lifetime.
If you're an owner of a Ram 3500, you have a good chance to spend a higher amount on maintaining your vehicle's integrity and optimal performance. According to RepairPal, the Ram 3500 owners are likelier to pay up to $25,844 in the first ten years of their ownership. This number is also significantly higher than the Nation average for all models of similar brands.
Following a maintenance schedule for your Ram vehicles is essential to cut off the expensive auto repair bills. The below-given table will help you determine what component of your rams requires more attention after a specific mileage interval.
Recommended Schedule | Common Repairs | Estimated Cost |
---|---|---|
Every 75,000 miles | Tire rotation and oil change | $40 to $60 |
Every 22,500 miles | Replace the cabin air filter | $70 to $85 |
Every 45,000 miles | Change transfer case fluid, replace engine air cleaner filter, inspect climate control system, and rotate tires | $177 to $220 |
Every 100,000 miles | Inspect exhaust and fuel system, replace transmission filter and fluid, and change spark plugs | $500 to $600 |
Wheel Bearing: A wheel bearing is the most common repair encountered by Ram trucks. Damaged tires can cause potential danger while driving. You need to inspect or replace the wheel of your ram vehicle if you notice an even wear, clicking noise, or humming. The wheel bearing of a Ram vehicle may cost between $535 and $558.
Water Pump Replacement: It would help if you had a well-maintained water pump to prevent your rams from overheating and circulating the coolant. Ram suggests changing the water pump of your vehicles if you notice leaking coolant, overheating, or hear any whining noise. Water pump replacement of your ram vehicle may cost between $337 and $515.
Rear Window shield Replacement: A damaged rear window may cause blurry vision while driving. In addition, you need to replace your back window if it has problems with the seal. This is a significant repair, which may cost up to $325.
Paint Replacement: A paint job can boost the market value of your Ram 1500 and prevent it from corrosion. However, your ram vehicle may experience paint peeling or visible discoloration after a few years. In addition, changing your car's paint may cost from $500 to $4,000.
Engine Replacement: A well-maintained engine is vital to extend the lifetime of your Rams. Replace your vehicle's engine if it is cracked or blocked due to a collision. Your car will automatically require an engine change after coveting high mileage. Changing a worn-out engine of your Ram vehicle with a new one may cost up to $5,500 and $13,000.
Oil Change: An oil change is the most common repair your Ram 1500 may experience. Changing your vehicle oil is recommended after covering 7,500 miles or more. A scheduled oil change will remove the dirt and debris from your car's engine. The average cost of an oil change may range between $125 and $133.
Alternator Replacement: An alternator is essential to power your car's electronic components when driving. Replacing a damaged alternator on Ram 1500 with a new one may cost between $376 and $565. Ram suggests changing your vehicle's alternator after 5-10 years or 8,000 to 15,000 miles.
The routine maintenance tasks will also significantly define the annual dodge 1500 ram maintenance cost. Below are some standard maintenance jobs your Ram 1500 may require after a few years.
Ram 1500 Maintenance | Estimated Cost |
---|---|
Wiper blade replacement | $99 to $118 |
Air filter replacement | $69 to $78 |
New brakes | $213 to $230 |
Battery replacement | $202 to $209 |
New spark plugs | $250 to $290 |
Wheel alignment | $132 to $167 |
The tune-up cost of the Ram 1500 varies depending on where you take your vehicle. You can also expect to pay less at local mechanics than at Ram dealerships. A comprehensive Ram 1500 tune-up may cost up to $400, which may include the following:
Regular maintenance is vital to keep your Rams running smoothly. A well-maintained Ram 1500 can:
An extended car warranty is another ideal approach to limit your dodge ram 1500 maintenance cost. You can purchase an extended Rams warranty from a third-party company. This warranty covers the costlier repairs your Ram truck may encounter in the future and provides some additional perks.
All the new vehicles of Ram come with a limited powertrain warranty and a basic limited warranty. The basic Ram warranty offers coverage for up to 36,000 miles or three years. In contrast, the limited powertrain warranty provides coverage for some essential components of your truck, such as the drive system, transmission, and engine.
Ram's extended warranty is offered through Mopar. You can get a Mopar vehicle protection plan for your new, used, and pre-owned vehicles. Ram extended warranty provides some additional benefits, such as:
Unlike other extended warranties, a Ram extended warranty does not have plan options. All your choices are limited to only a bumper-to-bumper warranty plan.
A Ram truck may look great and offer robust towing power. But unfortunately, this all lays under the umbrella of least-reliable trucks. The brand provides a limited powertrain and basic warranty with all its new trucks. But once the factory warranty expires, Ram owners may have to pay a high sum to maintain these vehicles. In addition, rams may encounter frequent repairs such as oil changes, parking brake replacement, air conditioning evaporator replacement, and drive belt replacement.
Ram trucks can only be worth-looking if you can cover unexpected auto repairs in the future. If you buy a Ram 1500, you may pay up to $852 to maintain it.
Our expert review team is committed to providing honest and objective information. Based on consumer data, we identified the following rating categories and did extensive research to determine the top extended auto warranty providers.
Steven Dillon
Author
Steven is the founder and product tested for The Car Data, that has extensive knowledge in automotive industry. While most of his free time he participates in typical "car guy" activities, his passion for cars, data analytics, and tech, always has his looking for the next cool tool, software, trend, etc. to share with his audience on The Car Data or on his Instagram.
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