What are the most common problems with the 2014 Ram 1500?

By complaint count, steering leads with 506 complaints, then engine with 347 and electrical with 246. These are unverified owner reports and not adjusted for sales.

How many recalls does the 2014 Ram 1500 have?

NHTSA lists 16 recalls for the 2014 model year, ranging from a park pawl issue on 125 trucks to a cruise control recall on 4,815,661 vehicles across models.

What is the gas mileage of a 2014 Ram 1500?

EPA combined ratings run from 15 MPG for the 4WD 5.7L with a 6-speed to 23 MPG for the 2WD 3.0L diesel. The 3.6L is rated 19 to 21 combined.

Is the 2014 Ram 1500 safe?

NHTSA rates it 4 stars overall and 5 stars for side crashes. Rollover is 4 stars for 2WD and 3 stars for 4WD.

Is 2014 a bad year for the Ram 1500?

It has the most complaints of any Ram 1500 model year listed, at 1,775. Counts are not adjusted for sales, so treat it as a reason to check recalls and condition, not as a verdict.

2014 Ram 1500 Problems, Recalls and MPG

The 2014 Ram 1500 has 1,775 owner complaints on file with NHTSA, and steering is the biggest group^[1]^[2]. It also has 16 recalls, so check any truck you are considering by VIN^[3].

1,775owner complaints^[1]

16recalls^[3]

15–23MPG combined (EPA)^[4]

4★NHTSA overall rating^[5]

Problems
Recalls
Fuel economy
Safety
Engine and size
By year
Verdict
FAQ

Most reported problems

Owners filed 1,775 complaints with NHTSA for this model year^[1]. Of those, 98 mention a crash, 24 a fire and 88 an injury^[1]. No deaths are reported^[1]. These are unverified owner reports, one complaint can name several components, and the counts are not adjusted for how many trucks were sold.

Component group	Complaints	Median miles at failure
Steering^[2]	506	83,828
Engine^[6]	347	76,000
Electrical system^[7]	246	49,439
Fuel/propulsion system^[8]	214	62,000
Power train^[9]	192	44,165
Brakes^[10]	182	90,000
Air bags^[11]	125	47,800

Some groups stand out for what happened, not just how often. Air bags have 125 complaints but 41 crashes and 56 injuries^[11]. Power train has 23 crashes in 192 complaints^[9]. Engine has 15 fires^[6].

We also read a small sample of complaint texts in four groups. This is not a measure of how common anything is.

Engine. In a sample of 12 complaints we read, 4 describe a chemical or propane-like smell in the cab, 3 describe stalling or loss of power, and 2 describe clouds of white smoke from the tailpipes^[6].
Fuel/propulsion. In a sample of 12, 4 describe a check engine light or fuel sensor warning and 2 describe trouble with the diesel exhaust fluid system^[8].
Steering. In a sample of 12, 3 describe the truck drifting or veering, and 2 of those say it continued after alignment and 2 describe vibration or a rattle in the steering wheel^[2].
Electrical. In a sample of 12, 4 describe dash or exterior lights that flicker, fail or burn out, 3 describe key or key fob problems and 3 describe a dead battery or a wider electrical failure^[7].

Recalls

NHTSA lists 16 recalls for the 2014 Ram 1500^[3]. Several cover only trucks with the diesel engine, certain cab styles or certain build dates^[12]^[13]^[14], so look up your VIN with NHTSA to see which apply. For every recall below, the fact lists a free remedy and none is marked as not yet available. Newest first.

Engine crankshaft sensor, expanded (23V411). Certain diesel trucks may have a sensor part that breaks down and lets the engine lose track of its timing. The engine can stall, which raises crash risk. Dealers update the engine computer software for free. The recall covers 80,629 vehicles including other models^[12].
High pressure fuel pump (22V406). On diesel trucks the fuel pump can fail and spread debris into the fuel system. The truck can lose drive power, which raises crash risk. Dealers replace the pump and check or replace other fuel parts for free. The recall covers 138,645 vehicles including other models^[15].
Engine crankshaft sensor (20V475). This is the first version of the diesel stall recall that 23V411 later expanded^[12]^[16]. The risk is an engine stall and a crash, and the fix is a free software update at the dealer. It covers 58,016 vehicles including other models^[16].
EGR cooler (19V757). On diesel trucks the exhaust gas cooler can crack and let coolant vapor into the intake, where it may burn. That raises fire risk. Dealers replace the cooler for free and check the intake manifold. It covers 107,980 trucks^[17].
Tailgate latch (19V347). The part that works the power locking tailgate can break, so the tailgate may open while driving. Cargo could fall out and cause a crash. Dealers repair the latch for free. Add 'including other Ram models' after the unit counts for 19V347, 17V302, 15V459, 15V460 and 13V486.^[18].
Cruise control (18V332). A short circuit in the wiring could keep cruise control from switching off, so the truck may hold speed or speed up. That raises crash risk. Dealers update the software for free. Owners were told to stop using cruise control until it is done. The recall covers 4,815,661 vehicles across many models^[19].
Column shifter (17V821). It applies to trucks with a column shifter. If the brake pedal is held down for long periods in Park, a pin can stick and let the transmission leave Park without the brake or key. The truck could roll away. Dealers update software and inspect or replace the part for free. It covers 1,482,874 vehicles including other models^[20].
Side curtain air bags (17V302). A fault in the restraint controller A fault in the restraint controller can disable the side curtain air bags and the belt tensioners that work in a rollover. Injury risk goes up in a crash.. Injury risk goes up in a crash. Dealers update the software for free. It covers 1,021,279 trucks^[21].
Side curtain air bag overlap (15V534). On certain Quad Cab trucks the side curtain air bags may not fully cover the rear roof pillars, which raises injury risk for rear passengers. Dealers inspect them, add a foil patch and replace them if needed, for free. It covers 188,047 trucks^[13].
Battery harness (15V517). On certain diesel trucks the battery wiring can rub on the frame bracket and short out. The truck may stall and fire risk goes up. Dealers check the routing and replace worn harnesses for free. Only 1,655 trucks are covered^[22].
Radio software (15V461). Radio software weaknesses could let outsiders reach vehicle systems over the network. That raises crash risk. Owners get a USB update or can have a dealer install it, free of charge. It covers 1,416,903 vehicles including other models^[23].
Driver air bag wiring (15V459). The steering wheel wiring can rub on a spring and short out, and the driver air bag could go off on its own. Dealers inspect, repair and secure the wiring and add protective caps for free. It covers 1,059,444 trucks^[24].
Side air bag sensors (15V460). Side impact sensors may be too sensitive, so side air bags and belt pretensioners could go off unexpectedly. Dealers update the controller calibration for free. It covers 667,441 trucks^[25].
Rear shocks (14V392). A weak weld can let a rear shock come loose at one end. It may damage the tire or other parts and reduce braking. Dealers inspect and replace affected shocks for free. It covers 20,347 vehicles including other models^[26].
Park pawl (14V161). On a small group of 2014 trucks built in early 2014, the transmission case may have been machined wrongly, so Park may not hold. The truck could roll away. Dealers inspect and replace the transmission if needed, for free. Only 125 trucks are covered^[14].
Instrument cluster warning lights (13V486). Warning lights may randomly fail to light up, so a driver may miss a warning. Dealers update the cluster software for free. It covers 8,370 trucks built in mid 2013^[27].

Fuel economy

EPA ratings depend on engine and drive type. Annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the truck was new^[28].

Engine and drive	City / highway / combined MPG	EPA annual fuel cost
3.0L diesel, 2WD^[4]	20 / 27 / 23	$4,150
3.0L diesel, 4WD^[29]	19 / 26 / 22	$4,350
3.6L, 2WD HFE^[30]	18 / 25 / 21	$3,200
3.6L, 2WD^[31]	17 / 25 / 20	$3,350
3.6L, 4WD^[32]	16 / 23 / 19	$3,550
5.7L, 2WD, 8-speed^[33]	15 / 22 / 17	$4,450
5.7L, 4WD, 8-speed^[34]	15 / 21 / 17	$4,450
5.7L, 2WD, 6-speed^[28]	14 / 20 / 16	$4,750
5.7L, 4WD, 6-speed^[35]	13 / 19 / 15	$5,050

The 3.6L 2WD and 4WD are also rated with Gasoline or E85 at the same numbers^[36]^[37]. The 5.7L engines are rated on midgrade fuel^[35]. In EPA's numbers, the 8-speed automatic beats the 6-speed on the 5.7L by 1 to 2 MPG combined^[28]^[33]^[35]^[34].

Safety ratings

NHTSA gives the 2014 Ram 1500 4 stars overall, 4 stars for frontal crashes and 5 stars for side crashes in every cab and drive type it lists^[5]^[38]. Rollover differs by drive type. The 2WD trucks get 4 stars with a 19.8% rollover risk^[5]^[39]^[40]. The 4WD trucks get 3 stars with a 21.9% rollover risk^[38]^[41]^[42].

Engine and size

EPA lists three engines for 2014 test vehicles: a 3.0L 6-cylinder rated 240 hp^[43], a 3.6L 6-cylinder rated 290 hp^[44] and a 5.7L 8-cylinder rated 390 hp^[45]. These are Canadian-market specifications for dimensions, so US trucks can differ slightly.

Crew cab	Length	Width	Height	Wheelbase	Curb weight
5.7-ft box, 2WD^[46]	226 in	79 in	74 in	140 in	5,143 lb
5.7-ft box, 4x4^[47]	226 in	79 in	75 in	140 in	5,357 lb
6.4-ft box, 2WD^[48]	235 in	79 in	74 in	149 in	5,183 lb

How 2014 compares with other years

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each 1500 model year. The 2014 is highlighted^[3].

Show the numbers

Model year	Complaints	Recalls
2013	1,279	11
2014	1,775	16
2015	1,459	17
2016	1,554	16
2017	883	13
2018	665	15
2019	1,492	29
2020	640	14
2021	683	15
2022	627	16
2023	203	11
2024	77	6
2025	365	8
2026	101	9

The 2014 model year has more complaints on file than any other Ram 1500 year NHTSA lists, at 1,775^[3]. The next highest are 2016 with 1,554 and 2019 with 1,492^[3]. Its 16 recalls tie with 2016 and 2022^[3]. The 2019 model year has the most recalls at 29, and 2015 has 17^[3]. The 2013 model year has 1,279 complaints and 11 recalls^[3]. Years from 2020 on have between 0 and 683 complaints on file, and counts are not adjusted for sales^[3].

Should you buy a used 2014 Ram 1500?

The data does not point to one single flaw. It shows a lot of complaints in steering, engine and electrical groups, and 16 recalls^[1]^[2]^[6]^[7]^[3]. Before buying, run the VIN through NHTSA to confirm every recall was done, especially if the truck is a diesel, since diesel trucks are named in five recalls^[12]^[15]^[16]^[17]^[22]. Ask whether the tailgate, cruise control, shifter and air bag recalls were completed^[18]^[19]^[20]^[21]. Fuel cost swings widely by engine, from $3,200 to $5,050 a year in EPA's numbers^[30]^[35]. A pre-purchase inspection that checks steering feel, warning lights and electrical function is a sensible step given the complaint groups^[2]^[7].

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2014 Ram 1500?: By complaint count, steering leads with 506 complaints, then engine with 347 and electrical with 246^[2]^[6]^[7]. These are unverified owner reports and not adjusted for sales^[1].
How many recalls does the 2014 Ram 1500 have?: NHTSA lists 16 recalls for the 2014 model year, ranging from a park pawl issue on 125 trucks to a cruise control recall on 4,815,661 vehicles across models^[3]^[14]^[19].
What is the gas mileage of a 2014 Ram 1500?: EPA combined ratings run from 15 MPG for the 4WD 5.7L with a 6-speed to 23 MPG for the 2WD 3.0L diesel^[35]^[4]. The 3.6L is rated 19 to 21 combined^[32]^[31]^[30].
Is the 2014 Ram 1500 safe?: NHTSA rates it 4 stars overall and 5 stars for side crashes^[5]. Rollover is 4 stars for 2WD and 3 stars for 4WD^[5]^[38].
Is 2014 a bad year for the Ram 1500?: It has the most complaints of any Ram 1500 model year listed, at 1,775^[3]. Counts are not adjusted for sales, so treat it as a reason to check recalls and condition, not as a verdict^[1].

Facts and sources

NHTSA has 1,775 owner complaints on file for the 2014 Ram 1500 (98 mention a crash, 24 a fire, 88 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
506 complaints name the steering component group (22 crashes, 1 fires, 9 injuries, median mileage at failure 83,828). NHTSA vehicle records
Owner complaints and recalls for every Ram 1500 model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
EPA rating for 1500 2WD, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, Automatic 8-spd, Diesel, Rear-Wheel Drive: 20 city / 27 highway / 23 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,150. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, PU/RC 2WD: overall 4 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 19.8%. NHTSA vehicle records
347 complaints name the engine component group (3 crashes, 15 fires, 12 injuries, median mileage at failure 76,000). NHTSA vehicle records
246 complaints name the electrical system component group (9 crashes, 6 fires, 6 injuries, median mileage at failure 49,439). NHTSA vehicle records
214 complaints name the fuel/propulsion system component group (2 crashes, 7 fires, 3 injuries, median mileage at failure 62,000). NHTSA vehicle records
192 complaints name the power train component group (23 crashes, 0 fires, 7 injuries, median mileage at failure 44,165). NHTSA vehicle records
182 complaints name the brakes component group (8 crashes, 0 fires, 4 injuries, median mileage at failure 90,000). NHTSA vehicle records
125 complaints name the air bags component group (41 crashes, 1 fires, 56 injuries, median mileage at failure 47,800). NHTSA vehicle records
Recall 23V411, filed June 8, 2023: Engine And Engine Cooling. NHTSA recall database
Recall 15V534, filed August 21, 2015: Air Bags › Side / Window. NHTSA recall database
Recall 14V161, filed April 1, 2014: Power Train › Automatic Transmission. NHTSA recall database
Recall 22V406, filed June 9, 2022: Fuel System, Diesel › Delivery › Fuel Pump. NHTSA recall database
Recall 20V475, filed August 13, 2020: Engine And Engine Cooling › Engine › Diesel. NHTSA recall database
Recall 19V757, filed October 24, 2019: Engine And Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Emission Control › Gas Recirculation Valve (Egr Valve). NHTSA recall database
Recall 19V347, filed May 9, 2019: Latches / Locks / Linkages › Tailgate › Latch. NHTSA recall database
Recall 18V332, filed May 17, 2018: Electrical System › Software. NHTSA recall database
Recall 17V821, filed December 20, 2017: Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Lever And Linkage › Column Shift. NHTSA recall database
Recall 17V302, filed May 9, 2017: Air Bags › Side / Window › Curtain. NHTSA recall database
Recall 15V517, filed August 14, 2015: Electrical System › 12V / 24V / 48V Battery › Cables. NHTSA recall database
Recall 15V461, filed July 23, 2015: Equipment › Electrical › Radio / Tape Deck / Cd Etc.. NHTSA recall database
Recall 15V459, filed July 22, 2015: Air Bags › Frontal. NHTSA recall database
Recall 15V460, filed July 22, 2015: Seat Belts. NHTSA recall database
Recall 14V392, filed July 2, 2014: Suspension › Rear › Shock Absorber. NHTSA recall database
Recall 13V486, filed October 17, 2013: Electrical System › Instrument Cluster / Panel. NHTSA recall database
EPA rating for 1500 2WD, 5.7L 8-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Midgrade, Rear-Wheel Drive: 14 city / 20 highway / 16 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,750. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for 1500 4WD, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, Automatic 8-spd, Diesel, 4-Wheel Drive: 19 city / 26 highway / 22 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,350. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for 1500 HFE 2WD, 3.6L 6-cyl, Automatic 8-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 18 city / 25 highway / 21 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for 1500 2WD, 3.6L 6-cyl, Automatic 8-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 17 city / 25 highway / 20 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,350. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for 1500 4WD, 3.6L 6-cyl, Automatic 8-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel Drive: 16 city / 23 highway / 19 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,550. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for 1500 2WD, 5.7L 8-cyl, Automatic 8-spd, Midgrade, Rear-Wheel Drive: 15 city / 22 highway / 17 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,450. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for 1500 4WD, 5.7L 8-cyl, Automatic 8-spd, Midgrade, 4-Wheel Drive: 15 city / 21 highway / 17 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,450. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for 1500 4WD, 5.7L 8-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Midgrade, 4-Wheel Drive: 13 city / 19 highway / 15 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $5,050. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for 1500 2WD, 3.6L 6-cyl, Automatic 8-spd, Gasoline or E85, Rear-Wheel Drive: 17 city / 25 highway / 20 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,350. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for 1500 4WD, 3.6L 6-cyl, Automatic 8-spd, Gasoline or E85, 4-Wheel Drive: 16 city / 23 highway / 19 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,550. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, PU/RC 4WD: overall 4 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 3 stars; rollover risk 21.9%. NHTSA vehicle records
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, PU/EC 2WD: overall 4 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 19.8%. NHTSA vehicle records
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, PU/CC 2WD: overall 4 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 19.8%. NHTSA vehicle records
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, PU/EC 4WD: overall 4 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 3 stars; rollover risk 21.9%. NHTSA vehicle records
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, PU/CC 4WD: overall 4 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 3 stars; rollover risk 21.9%. NHTSA vehicle records
EPA Test Car List, 2014 Ram 1500 with 3.0L 6-cylinder: rated 240 hp. www.epa.gov
EPA Test Car List, 2014 Ram 1500 with 3.6L 6-cylinder: rated 290 hp. www.epa.gov
EPA Test Car List, 2014 Ram 1500 with 5.7L 8-cylinder: rated 390 hp. www.epa.gov
Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, RAM 1500 CREW CAB 5.7-FT BOX 2WD: length 226 in, width 79 in, height 74 in, wheelbase 140 in, curb weight 5,143 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, RAM 1500 CREW CAB 5.7-FT BOX 4X4: length 226 in, width 79 in, height 75 in, wheelbase 140 in, curb weight 5,357 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, RAM 1500 CREW CAB 6.4-FT BOX 2WD: length 235 in, width 79 in, height 74 in, wheelbase 149 in, curb weight 5,183 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov

Complaints submitted to NHTSA by owners; unverified reports, one complaint can name several components. Complaint counts are not normalized by sales; compare years of the same model, not different models. EPA annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new. Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles. Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.

2014 Ram 1500: problems, recalls and fuel economy