Top 5 Problems Ram Truck 1500 4th Generation 2009-17

These are the Ram 1500 top problems for the 4th generation of the full size pickup truck, covering model years 2009 to 2017. If you are a Ram 1500 truck owner, or are in the market for one, or you maintain one, you should check out this video! Len shows you the top 5 common issues with the Ram 1500, and offers tips on how to correct, repair, or replace the issues.

For more Ram 1500 videos, check out our playlist:

How to Replace the Radiator:

How to Manually Release Park

0:00 Top Problems Ram 1500 4th Gen 2009-17
0:33 BTSI Brake Transmission Shift Interlock
1:59 TIPM Totally Integrated Power Module
4:25 Cam & Lifter Failure
6:19 Cooling System
7:39 Tailgate Locks

This process should be similar on the following vehicles:
2011 Ram 1500
2012 Ram 1500
2013 Ram 1500
2014 Ram 1500
2015 Ram 1500
2016 Ram 1500
2017 Ram 1500
2018 Ram 1500

Check out our playlist:

⚠ DISCLAIMER:
While 1A Auto strives to make the information provided in this video as accurate as possible, it makes no claims, promises, or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or applicability of the content. No information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. All do-it-yourself projects entail some risk. It is the sole responsibility of the viewer to assume this risk. 1A Auto is not responsible or liable for any loss damage (including, but not limited to, actual, consequential, or punitive), liability, claim, or any other injury or cause related to or resulting from any information posted in this video.

[AAuto]

√ *Watch the Video*
√ *Do it Yourself*
√ *Save Money*

[SkittleEagle]

Im a ford guy. But i have a have a 2015 ram 1500 crew cab 4x4 5.7.
Honestly every brand has issues, no truck is perfect. I work in concrete but I cant afford a bigger truck. I load up mine with up to 2500 lbs in the bed at times. ive pulled close to 12000lbs with a trailer. No issues with the truck so far. Running strong. Its all about maintenance and some tlc. Yeah there might be a few lemons here and there but if you take care of your truck it will last regardless of the brand.👍

[cjr]

I am a Ram convert since 2011. I have had less trouble with my Ram than all of my friends and family with their Ford and GM trucks. My first Ram 1500 gave me 225, 000 trouble free miles. My new truck is a 2019 Ram 1500 classic. I am hoping to get the same great life out of it as well.

[RonAday]

I have recently began to do all my service myself (2015 Ram 1500 5.7L). This channel has been invaluable in learning about the do's and dont's with my Truck. Back in the day (30 years ago or so) I rebuilt 2 engines for my 77 Ford 1/2 Ton. But things have changed so much since then. Thank you for making these videos to help those of us trying to save a few bucks (sometimes more than a few) by doing the work ourselves. :) I usually buy my parts from the dealer (OEM), but next time I will order from 1A. On a side note, I changed my water pump yesterday and I was shocked by how small the radiator is. I mean ... it's really thin. On my old Ford the radiator was massive. Huge. Guess technology has advanced enough to make everything smaller.

[rickydrawdy]

I have a 2015 ram 1500 4×4 bighorn crewcab. 87, ooo miles and no issues. Best truck I have ever owned.

[chasefeller]

Should have mentioned exhaust manifold bolts. Seems like everyone has that problem with the 4th gen ram with hemi. Ive had it happen twice. Also gone through two rear pinion seals on the rear differential.

[kurthoman]

I own a 2015 1500. This is my 6th truck. I’ve had Ford, Toyota and Dodge/Ram in different trucks over 33 years. This has been my best truck ever.

[IIPOLOII]

1A auto has been the biggest help with all of my vehicles, really appreciate what you guys do !!

[brunoramos]

I’ve had my 2012 Ram for about 5 years now, a new Battery / Transmission oil pan / water pump was pretty much all the repairs I had to deal with so far, other than that it’s a work horse ☝🏼

[brian]

Ram are no different than most vehicles manufactured today. Ford and Chevy have a lot of common failure items. So whoever you buy your truck from its a roll of the dice.

[AlMai]

Have had a 2013 ram 1500 sport with the 5.7 for 8 years, absolutely zero issues, transmission shifts like a dream. The maintenance and fixes so far have been easy to work on. I understand that eventually I’ll have to replace the lifters and probably upgrade the camshaft, I will also be upgrading my exhaust manifold to a higher quality one but other than that nothing else. My dad got a 2018 limited ford f150 and already having weird issues with the 1080r transmission

[BKHolmstrom_]

I just bought a 2014 1500 SLT with the 5.7L Hemi, 97, 500 miles. I've only had it two weeks - so far, so good. It was a Canadian truck so more rust than normal underneath; that's what I'm targeting first - shocks/struts on all four wheels and the oil pan. Otherwise the engine runs and sounds good, transmission is good. I haven't noticed any coolant issues, my buddy already advised me to keep up the oil changes rigorously.Thanks for the tips, I wasn't aware of the coolant/radiator/water pump stuff. I'll keep an eye on them.

[chrispatton]

Informative video, but here is what I’ve experienced with my 2014 1500 Ram. I had the tailgate issue first off, luckily it was covered because of a recall issue. The second common thing on these Rams is the hemi tick, which stems from broken manifold bolts. That happened to my truck at 110k miles. And the most common issue, which happened to my truck at 38k (just out of warranty) was the fuel level sensor went bad. To repair that issue, the dealer wanted $900.00. Most of the cost is labor because you need to drop the gas tank. My car wouldn’t pass smog because of this issue so I had to get it fixed.

[Rocketman]

Great video. Thank you. Just wanted to mention that there's a recall for the tailgate latch. Was told by dealer the tailgate could open. Exactly what you where saying.

[adana.arriazas.]

Thank you so much for taking the time to explain to the world issues with our rams!

[jimeckenrode]

Well I have a 2013 Ram with the Hemi and have had two of the problems. I had a radiator hose clamp break and also had the manifold bolts break. The truck has 110, 000 miles and those are the only problems I have had. As far as oil consumption I change oil at 5000 miles and the oil level has never been down, it does not use any oil. I love this truck.

[colonelab]

love how at the end he says how much fun he had making this video and he hopes that we had fun watching and learning something new. lol yeah! I really enjoyed learning how my truck is a pos and all the future fun im about to have with it !!! lol

[frankmolina]

I have a 2009 ram 1500 and have had none of these issues in the 10 years of owning it.

[trapxicanoofficial]

Thanks for an awesome video ! I’m actually gonna check out a 2009 1500 with 75k miles on it tomorrow and this video will definitely help me inspect it out better

[sinapatimauigoa]

Thanks A1 Auto for your cool clear explaination of these small things thats make sure to get use to it, so we dont have a big problem coming after, thanks guys.