How Long Do Ram 2500s Last? (9 Important Facts)

The Ram 2500 exists as part of a line of Ram Trucks produced since 1981. The Ram 2500 tagged along at the start of the second generation in 1993 and has been around ever since.

Like the name implies, it is a more powerful version of the Ram 1500 with a superior off-road capability and great diesel option. It also boasts an immense towing capacity alongside a comfortable interior, making it one of the best pickups in its class.

This article deals with questions about the Ram 2500’s durability and tells you everything you need to know. Stay tuned.

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Here is the short answer to how long the Ram 2500 lasts:

The Ram 2500 can stay functional for as long as 250,000 to 300,000 miles with proper maintenance and careful usage. If we go by the average annual mileage of 15,000 miles per year of typical drivers, that’s a lifespan of 15-20 years or possibly more.

How Many Miles Can You Expect From a Ram 2500?

Prospective owners of the Ram 2500 are very much in luck, seeing as it is one of the most reliable trucks in its class.

While conducting our research, we found multiple owners who claim to have surpassed 300,000 miles before major issues. However, they all stressed the importance of regular maintenance and good driving habits.

The Ram 2500 promises at least 250,000 miles, as long as you commit to its maintenance.

How Soon Should You Expect Rust on a Ram 2500?

There are lots of complaints across Ram forums about parts of the Ram 2500 getting rusted early. Some start rusting as early as 10,000 miles, while others are lucky to get through 50,000 miles with no corrosion issues.

Early rust problems are rife in salt belt regions because the roads are salted. Accumulation of salt particles on parts of the truck is a doorway to rust.

rusty spots on the car – close-up rust spot car

One of the best ways to deal with this is to wash the truck regularly to rid it of salt particles.

You could also get an anti-rust solution for your truck. Examples include anti-rust spray and fluid film, amongst others. Please get an expert to handle this for you.

How Long Do Ram 2500s Last Compared to Similar Trucks?

With its staggering lifespan estimate, the Ram 2500 is certainly one of the most durable trucks available right now. But how durable is it compared to some of its most formidable rivals in the full-size pickup class? Let’s answer that.

Ram 2500 Vs. Ford F-250

The Ford F-250 is part of an exquisite line of pickup trucks known as the Ford Super Duty. It sports a V8 diesel engine and impressive towing capacity, amongst other excellent features.

The Ford F-250 is also very resilient and can last for 300,000 miles or more with adequate maintenance.

That puts the Ford F-250 on level terms with the Ram 2500 in terms of durability. Both vehicles are backed by a solid reputation and are considered reliable by owners and critics alike.

Ram 2500 Vs. Chevrolet Silverado 2500

The Chevrolet Silverado 2500 is one of the top-rated full-size pickup trucks on the market. Besides its consistent quality and reliability, the Silverado 2500 also boasts incredible longevity.

Most long-term Silverado 2500 owners get between 200,000 to 300,000 miles of life service with regular maintenance.

Those numbers put the Ram 2500 and the Silverado 2500 on par when it comes to longevity. Both vehicles also sport enormous engines and enjoy excellent reviews from critics and owners year after year.

Ram 2500 Vs. GMC Sierra 2500 HD

The GMC Sierra 2500 HD takes a seat among the very best heavy-duty trucks on the market. With superb off-road capabilities and excellent towing capacity, it is a quintessential luxury pickup truck. It also boasts an estimated lifetime mileage of 200,000 to 300,000 miles.

Much like the Ram 2500, the Sierra 2500 has a proven record of surpassing 300,000 miles on the odometer. Both trucks are among the most reliable on the market and afford maximum satisfaction to owners.

Since they will last for around the same time, it all boils down to your choice and personal preference.

How Reliable Is a Ram 2500?

The Ram 2500 is one of the most consistent pickup trucks on the markets, and that in itself is proof of its reliability. It has garnered widespread praise and accolades amongst critics and vehicle owners alike.

On J.D. Power, the 2021 Dodge Ram 2500 notched a quality and reliability rating of 84 out of 100, which falls in the “Great” category.

Also, Ram trucks have completed a 3-peat win of the MotorTrend’s Truck Of The Year Award. So, it is no surprise that the Ram 2500 earned an 8.9/10 score on MotorTrend.

It is also ranked #1 on MotorTrend’s list of heavy-duty trucks ahead of rivals like the Ford F-250 and the GMC Sierra 2500.

However, there are some mixed reviews about the Ram 2500. For instance, RepairPal gives it a 2.5/5 rating, faulting its high ownership costs while also admitting that major repairs aren’t frequent.

You should also be reading our article which talks about How Long Do Dodge Ram 3500s Last?

The Best and Worst Years for Ram 2500

According to CarComplaints, the 2001-2003 Ram 2500 models are some of the worst models ever produced. The 2001 model got 130 complaints, the 2002 model got 64 complaints, and the 2003 model leads with 183 complaints.

We have a full list of the best and worst Ram 2500 years here.

On CarComplaints, the 2013 Dodge Ram 2500 notably received myriads of complaints revolving around its infamous death wobble. According to some owners, the death wobble comes up as early as 35,000 miles.

The 2012, 2015, and 2016 models of the Ram 2500 also made HotCar’s list of the worst Ram trucks ever built. The models were faulted for issues ranging from overheating fuel connectors to defective fire extinguishers.

Data on CarComplaints also show that the 2019 and 2020 models have the fewest complaints with 2 and 1, respectively.

Owners on Carproblemzoo.com have lodged a total of 6,377 complaints across 20 model years. The 2003 Ram 2500 also tops the chart here with 765 problems, and the 2006 Ram 2500 follows with 758 problems.

The most commonly reported problem on Carproblemzoo is related to the Ram 2500’s steering, with 1,735 reports. Right next to it are suspension and airbag issues, with 563 and 547 complaints, respectively.

The 2013 Ram 2500 got the lowest rating on Cars.com with 4.4 out of 5 from 38 reviews. The 2021 model is the best so far, with 4.8 from 17 reviews, and the 2018 model follows with 4.7 from 143 reviews.

What About Recalls for These Models?

The severity of issues, particularly with certain models, has forced a number of Ram 2500 recalls. Below are the number of recalls for each model year:

1994: 1
1995: 1
1996: 1
1997: 1
1998: 2
1999: 2
2000: 2
2001: 2
2002: 2
2003: 9
2004: 9
2005: 9
2006: 9
2007: 11
2008: 9
2009: 5
2010: 5
2011: 4
2012: 5
2013: 16
2014: 16
2015: 14
2016: 12
2017: 10
2018: 7
2019: 6
2020: 4
2021: 1

The 2013 and 2014 Ram 2500 have the most recalls with 16, and the 2015 model follows right behind with 12. The 1994-1997 models alongside the 2021 model have the fewest recalls with 1 so far.

Ram 2500 Model Year list

Below is a list of all Dodge Ram 2500 model years:

1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021

Are Ram 2500s Expensive to Maintain?

According to RepairPal, Ram 2500 owners should expect to spend an average of $1,070 for maintenance and repairs per year. That is more than the $936 average for full-size trucks and $652 for all vehicle models.

The Ram 2500 is more expensive to maintain than the Chevrolet Silverado 2500 ($649) and the GMC Sierra 2500 ($912). It is, however, cheaper than the Ford F-250, which has an average annual maintenance cost of $1,241.

CarEdge also estimates about $25,464 for maintenance and repair of the Ram 2500 in its first decade.

How Long Do the Brakes Last?

The Ram 2500 brakes often stay functional between 30,000 to 70,000 miles. This largely depends on your driving habits and how often you use the brakes. Signs of faulty brakes include screeching noises, burning smell, and vehicle instability, amongst others.

How Long Do the Tires Last?

Most Ram 2500 tires last for 50,000 to 60,000 miles, while some can go as far as 100,000 miles. Factors affecting the longevity of tires include road conditions, climate, driving habits, and maintenance.

Tire rotations and proper inflation are maintenance practices you could implement to make your tires last longer.

How Long Do the Transmissions Last?

The Ram 2500’s transmissions can last for 130,000 to 200,000 miles on average. Signs of a faulty transmission include check engine light, leaking fluid, and inadequate response.

What About Insurance Cost?

According to CarEdge, auto insurance for the Ram 2500 cost about $1,579 per year. Insuraviz, on the other hand, estimates about $1,730 per year.

Insurance cost mostly depend on your location, driving history, credit score, demographics, and preferred insurer’s rates.

Tips to Prolong the Life of Your Ram 2500

Below are some tips that could help improve your Ram 2500’s chances of lasting long:

Have a maintenance plan and stick to the schedule
Keep the tires inflated properly
Wash the truck regularly
Use genuine spares for maintenance and repairs
Flush the fluids every two years or, as recommended by the manual

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