Research · Standard Pickup Trucks 4WD · 3 NHTSA variants

2023 Ram 1500Recalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 11 safety recalls and 205 owner complaints for the 2023 Ram 1500. Most complaints involve electrical system (70) and engine (47). The EPA rates it 17–24 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 4–5 stars overall.

Combined MPG
17–24mpg
EPA · 12 versions
NHTSA overall
4–5of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
11campaigns
Latest Jul 2026
Owner complaints
205
Top: electrical system
Fuel cost / yr
$2,800est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

11 NHTSA campaigns · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Seat belts: rear

Free remedy

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2026 Ram 1500 vehicles. The second-row center and left-side seat belt buckle anchors may have been improperly installed. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 210, "Seat Belt Assembly Anchorages."

Seat beltsReported Jul 30, 2026NHTSA 26V495000

Air bags

Free remedy

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2024 Ram 1500 vehicles. The driver's side air bag may not be connected properly, which can cause the air bag not to deploy as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Air bagsReported May 8, 2025NHTSA 25V298000

Visibility: rearview mirrors

Free remedy

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Ram 1500 Classic vehicles equipped with heated trailer tow rearview mirrors. The mirror glass may detach from the driver's side heated trailer tow rearview mirror. As such these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

VisibilityReported Oct 10, 2024NHTSA 24V754000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 3, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

205 complaints filed with NHTSA · Mar 2023 – Oct 2026
  1. Electrical system70
  2. Engine47
  3. Service brakes34
  4. Power train29
  5. Forward collision avoidance21
  6. Steering18
  7. Exterior lighting16
  8. Fuel/propulsion system15
  9. Structure10

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each 1500 model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
200937
2011689
20131,282
20141,780
20151,460
20161,554
2017884
2018667
20191,496
2020642
2021685
2022637
2023205
20240
20260
Crashes reported
10
Fires reported
1
Injuries reported
5
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 3, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Electrical system

70 reports2 crashes
“I am filing this safety complaint regarding a defective ABS Hydraulic Control Unit (HCU) on my 2023 Ram 1500 Classic TRADESMAN CREW CAB 4x4 5.7L Hemi with approximately 87,000 miles. DEFECT DESCRIPTION: The ABS HCU periodically fails, resulting in complete loss of anti-lock braking, traction control, electronic stability control, 4WD and cruise control. This is an identical failure mode to the defect addressed under NHTSA Recall 24V-896, which covered 2017-2018 Ram 2500-5500 trucks. My 2023 Ram 1500 Classic uses the same or substantially similar HCU component and is experiencing the identical failure. SAFETY RISK: The loss of ABS, ESC, 4WD and traction control significantly increases the risk of a crash, particularly in adverse weather conditions. This is not a minor inconvenience — it is a serious safety hazard that FCA/Stellantis has already acknowledged in heavier-duty Ram platforms. MANUFACTURER KNOWLEDGE: FCA was aware of this defect as early as 2016 based on warranty claims and customer complaints. Despite issuing Recall 24V-896 for heavier Ram trucks with the same HCU failure, FCA has failed to extend recall coverage to the 2017-2024 Ram 1500 DS models,…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 27, 2026Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Service brakesODI 11773991

Engine

47 reports1 crash
“I am filing this complaint to formally document a potential safety concern involving the transmission in my Dodge Ram 1500. The transmission has been slipping while driving, and I am concerned that this malfunction could lead to an unexpected loss of drive power or other transmission failure while the vehicle is in operation, potentially creating a serious safety hazard for me, my passengers, and other motorists. The vehicle is currently at a Chrysler Dodge dealership in East Brunswick, New Jersey, for diagnosis and evaluation of the transmission problem. The underlying cause has not yet been confirmed, and the dealership's diagnostic findings are pending. The vehicle and its transmission are available for inspection. I have reported the transmission issue to Chrysler Customer Care and opened a case. I am also submitting this complaint to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) so that my reported transmission problem and related safety concerns are formally documented. I am aware of NHTSA Recall 24V-413, which concerns certain 2023 Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500 vehicles and identifies a potential defect that may result in a loss of drive power or…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 27, 2026Power train, EngineODI 11773954

Service brakes

34 reports2 crashes
“My truck went into park while in traffic and engaged the parking brake. I believe it is part of the eTorque electrical stalling failure. I had to turn off the truck, put it in drive, then put it in park, then turn off parking brake, then back into drive.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 21, 2026Electrical system, Unknown or other, Service brakesODI 11765951
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 3, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

12 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Standard Pickup Trucks 4WD, Standard Pickup Trucks 2WD
Engines
3.0L 6-cyl turbo diesel · 3.6L 6-cyl hybrid · 5.7L 8-cyl hybrid · 3.6L 6-cyl · 5.7L 8-cyl
Transmissions
Automatic 8-spd
Drive
4-Wheel Drive · Rear-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Diesel · Regular Gasoline · Midgrade Gasoline

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 3, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
1500 4WD
Auto 8-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Diesel, Turbo · 4-Wheel Drive
212924$3,900418
1500 HFE 2WD
Auto 8-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
202623$2,800394
1500 2WD
Auto 8-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L, Mild Hybrid · Rear-Wheel Drive
202522$2,900407
1500 4WD
Auto 8-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L, Mild Hybrid · 4-Wheel Drive
192421$3,050417
1500 2WD
Auto 8-spd, 8 cyl, 5.7 L, Mild Hybrid · Rear-Wheel Drive
182320$3,700443
1500 Classic 2WD
Auto 8-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
172520$3,200444
1500 4WD
Auto 8-spd, 8 cyl, 5.7 L, Mild Hybrid · 4-Wheel Drive
172219$3,900457
1500 Classic 4WD
Auto 8-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L · 4-Wheel Drive
162319$3,400474
1500 2WD
Auto 8-spd, 8 cyl, 5.7 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
152217$4,350514
1500 4WD
Auto 8-spd, 8 cyl, 5.7 L · 4-Wheel Drive
152117$4,350523
1500 Classic 2WD
Auto 8-spd, 8 cyl, 5.7 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
152117$4,350523
1500 Classic 4WD
Auto 8-spd, 8 cyl, 5.7 L · 4-Wheel Drive
152017$4,350528
  • 1500 4WD
    Auto 8-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Diesel, Turbo
    21 city · 29 hwy · $3,900/yr
    24
    mpg comb.
  • 1500 HFE 2WD
    Auto 8-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L
    20 city · 26 hwy · $2,800/yr
    23
    mpg comb.
  • 1500 2WD
    Auto 8-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L, Mild Hybrid
    20 city · 25 hwy · $2,900/yr
    22
    mpg comb.
  • 1500 4WD
    Auto 8-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L, Mild Hybrid
    19 city · 24 hwy · $3,050/yr
    21
    mpg comb.
  • 1500 2WD
    Auto 8-spd, 8 cyl, 5.7 L, Mild Hybrid
    18 city · 23 hwy · $3,700/yr
    20
    mpg comb.
  • 1500 Classic 2WD
    Auto 8-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L
    17 city · 25 hwy · $3,200/yr
    20
    mpg comb.
  • 1500 4WD
    Auto 8-spd, 8 cyl, 5.7 L, Mild Hybrid
    17 city · 22 hwy · $3,900/yr
    19
    mpg comb.
  • 1500 Classic 4WD
    Auto 8-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L
    16 city · 23 hwy · $3,400/yr
    19
    mpg comb.
  • 1500 2WD
    Auto 8-spd, 8 cyl, 5.7 L
    15 city · 22 hwy · $4,350/yr
    17
    mpg comb.
  • 1500 4WD
    Auto 8-spd, 8 cyl, 5.7 L
    15 city · 21 hwy · $4,350/yr
    17
    mpg comb.
  • 1500 Classic 2WD
    Auto 8-spd, 8 cyl, 5.7 L
    15 city · 21 hwy · $4,350/yr
    17
    mpg comb.
  • 1500 Classic 4WD
    Auto 8-spd, 8 cyl, 5.7 L
    15 city · 20 hwy · $4,350/yr
    17
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 3, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

4 tested variants
Overall rating
5/ 5
5 of 5
Ram 1500 Crew Cab PU/CC 4WD
Frontal crash
4 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
5 of 5
Rollover
4 of 5
Rollover risk
19.8%
Overall
5 / 5
Ram 1500 Crew Cab PU/CC RWD
Frontal crash
4 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
5 of 5
Rollover
4 of 5
Rollover risk
19.8%
Overall
4 / 5
Ram 1500 Quad Cab PU/EC 4WD
Frontal crash
4 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
5 of 5
Rollover
4 of 5
Rollover risk
19.8%
Overall
4 / 5
Ram 1500 Quad Cab PU/EC RWD
Frontal crash
4 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
5 of 5
Rollover
4 of 5
Rollover risk
19.8%
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 3, 2026Vehicle 17270Vehicle 17269Vehicle 17268
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2023 1500 questions

How many recalls does the 2023 Ram 1500 have?

11 safety recalls as of Nov 3, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.

What are the most common 2023 Ram 1500 problems?

Owners filed 205 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are electrical system (70), engine (47), service brakes (34). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2023 Ram 1500 get?

The EPA rates the 2023 Ram 1500 at 17–24 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (12 versions rated).

How safe is the 2023 Ram 1500?

NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2023 Ram 1500 4–5 out of 5 stars overall.

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 3, 2026