What years to buy and to stay away from

[michaelaland]

Greetings everyone. Well im in search of another Ram 3500 Dually and I was wondering what were the good years and what were the bad ones. Im looking at 2017 thru 2022. If I remember correctly, someone had mentioned that the 2020, 2021 had some major problem? I cant quite remember. Anyway, any direction will appreciated.

 

[Cummins diesel]

Me personally I’d get a 2013- 2018. The 19 and newer have the hydraulic lifters and I think the 20-21 had a few issues with the Aisin transmission losing a snap ring. If you can find a 13-18 with the HO Cummins and Aisin transmission you’ll have a solid truck.

 

[michaelaland]

I found this info on an AI website:

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Best Years for the Ram 3500 Diesel​

2016–2018​

• Why it’s good:
  • Improved torque and towing capacity (up to 930 lb-ft in 2018).
  • More refined emissions systems compared to earlier 2010s models.
  • Optional AISIN automatic transmission is excellent for heavy towing.
• Notable features:
  • Better interior and tech features compared to earlier models.
  • Strong reliability track record.

2020–2022​

• Why it’s good:
  • Part of the 5th generation refresh (starting 2019).
  • Available 1,000+ lb-ft of torque from the high-output Cummins (2020+).
  • Significantly improved ride comfort and cabin refinement.
  • Strong towing (up to 37,100 lbs when properly equipped).
• Modern tech: Better infotainment, safety features, and materials.

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Years to Approach with Caution​

• 2013–2015: First years of the 4th gen refresh. Reports of DEF system and EGR-related issues.
• 2011: Although mechanically solid, the emissions systems were less refined than in later models.
• 2019: First year of the new body style — some early production bugs and recalls.

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️ Diesel-Specific Notes​

• The Cummins 6.7L engine is very reliable, but emissions equipment (DEF, DPF, EGR) can be a weak point in modern diesel trucks.
• The AISIN transmission is preferred over the 68RFE for heavy towing and durability.

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Summary: Best Years by Use Case​

Use Case	Best Year(s)
Heavy Towing	2020–2022 (HO Cummins + AISIN)
Best Reliability	2010–2012 (simpler emissions systems)
Best Balance of Tech & Towing	2016–2018
Budget Buy	2012 or 2014 (with service records)

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Worst Years for Ram 3500 Diesel​

2008–2012 (Early 4th Gen, 6.7L Cummins with early emissions systems)​

• Problems:
  • Introduction of DPF and EGR systems led to increased regeneration issues, clogging, and reliability complaints
  • More frequent check engine lights, limp mode, and turbo failures
  • Transmission issues—especially with the 68RFE (light-duty automatic)
• 2010 and 2012 are often cited as the most problematic years for emissions-related issues.

2013–2014​

• Issues:
  • First years of major interior and tech changes, but many early bugs
  • Still suffering from unresolved emissions-related reliability concerns
  • Inconsistent build quality

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Honorable Mentions​

• 2016–2018: Generally solid years after FCA worked out many emissions bugs. Still had some 68RFE transmission concerns.
• Avoid 2007.5: The mid-year switch from 5.9L to 6.7L brought in the DPF and EGR—lots of teething issues.

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Summary Table​

Year Range	Verdict	Key Notes
2006–2007	Excellent	Reliable 5.9L, no emissions junk
2008–2012	Poor	Early DPF/EGR headaches, 68RFE issues
2013–2014	Mediocre	Improved styling, still some mechanical quirks
2016–2018	Good	Better emissions system, decent reliability
2020–2023	Excellent	High output, strong Aisin, best tech & towing

Less Fuel-Efficient Years:​

2007.5–2013 (Early 6.7L Cummins):

• Heavier trucks, EGR and DPF without DEF
• MPG suffered (~12–14 mpg average)

2019–2024:

• More power, more emissions tech
• MPG typically ~13–16 mpg; better for towing, not for economy

2014–2018 (6.7L Cummins, with Aisin or 68RFE transmission)​

MPG: ~14–17 mpg

• Why it's notable:
  • Better transmission tuning
  • DEF introduced, which actually improved MPG slightly over earlier DPF-only trucks
  • Still fairly reliable emissions systems compared to newer models

 

[06 Dodge]

This is JMHO I would take what AI has to say with a grain of salt, in plain words don't believe every thing it tells you...

 

[magicdd]

Greetings everyone. Well im in search of another Ram 3500 Dually and I was wondering what were the good years and what were the bad ones. Im looking at 2017 thru 2022. If I remember correctly, someone had mentioned that the 2020, 2021 had some major problem? I cant quite remember. Anyway, any direction will appreciated.

Stay away from any Limited with the leather dash. they bubble up bad and Ram doesnt stand behind anything 2019 or newer. the glue and underlayment is just poor Quality.

 

[The Old Lineman]

Me personally I’d get a 2013- 2018. The 19 and newer have the hydraulic lifters and I think the 20-21 had a few issues with the Aisin transmission losing a snap ring. If you can find a 13-18 with the HO Cummins and Aisin transmission you’ll have a solid truck.

 

[nlambert182]

Stay away from any Limited with the leather dash. they bubble up bad and Ram doesnt stand behind anything 2019 or newer. the glue and underlayment is just poor Quality.

To qualify this.....

If it's a 4th gen or a classic there is no bubbling delamination problem with the dash. That's only on the 5th gens.


On 4th gens in general, there are a couple of small nitnoid issues, but nothing major.

2013-2017... third brake light seal leaks sometimes and the rear cab vents may deteriorate. Both are easily fixable and cheap.
2018 - Same issues from the 13-17 plus sometimes the 8.4 UConnect screen delaminates. Reasonably easy and cheap to fix (most of the time).

As far as engine/trans goes... not really many issues to discuss. The emissions system is an issue on every modern diesel, so you have to be prepared for that. Doesn't matter the brand.

For 5th gens:

2019-2020 models had a CP4 high pressure pump issue but were replaced with a CP3 under recall. I'd verify that was done if looking at those year models. They did switch to hydraulic lifters, but I don't have any experience with that version of the engine.
2019-2021ish models did have some issues with the dash bubbling.


For transmissions... the Aisin is a stronger transmission, but the 68RFEs work just fine in most applications. They're pretty reliable as long as you don't tune the truck and turn up the HP. They can't handle anything more than what came stock.

 

[wtgmd1]

For what it is worth, I have a 2022 Longhorn Limited 3500 DRW, 6.7L HO Cummins, Aisen transmission. It has under 16K miles currently. I had a transmission snap ring go out at random (took 9 months to get the part), then 200 miles later the transfer case went out (took 2 months to get the part). 600 miles later the transfer case went out again at random (took 2 months to get another part). As of now, 2 months after the latest repair, all seems well......

 

[noren388]

I bought a Ram from Medina Auto Mall last year, and I can confirm that the staff really know which years are worth it and which ones to avoid. For those in Ohio, if you’re looking between 2017–2022, they’ve got plenty of options, both used and lease.