Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2014 Ram 1500
The 2014 Ram 1500 has a notable number of recalls and owner complaints, indicating potential issues. Major concerns include engine-related problems, steering, and electrical flaws. Due diligence is advised when inspecting this model.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2014 Ram 1500 has 17 NHTSA recall campaigns and 1,780 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
NCAP overall rating: 4.0 out of 5 stars, averaged across 6 NHTSA-tested trims.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #23V411000 Crankshaft Position Sensor Failure NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #22V406000 High Pressure Fuel Pump Failure NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #20V475000 Crank Position Sensor Tone Wheel may Delaminate NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #19V757000 EGR Cooler May Crack and Cause Fire NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #19V347000 Tailgate May Open Unexpectedly NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #18V332000 Cruise Control cannot be Cancelled NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #17V821000 Vehicle May Rollaway NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #17V302000 Side Curtain Air Bags may not Deploy in a Rollover NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #16E041000 Seat Cover Affects Air Bag Deployment NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #15V534000 Side Air Bag may Deploy Improperly NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #15V517000 Battery Harness may Rub Engine Mount NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #15V461000 Radio Software Security Vulnerabilities NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #15V459000 Inadvertent Driver Air Bag Deployment NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #15V460000 Inadvertent Side Air Bag Deployment NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #14V392000 Rear Shock Absorbers may Partially Detach NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #14V161000 Improperly Machined Transmission Case/Rollaway NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #13V486000 Random Loss of Instrument Cluster Lighting NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Steering 509 complaints
- Engine 304 complaints
- Electrical System 246 complaints
- Fuel/Propulsion System 214 complaints
- Power Train 192 complaints
- Service Brakes 146 complaints
Of the 1,780 complaints on file, 99 report a crash and 24 a fire; across all 1,780 complaints, owners report 88 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Crankshaft sensor delamination
How to check: Ask for a crankshaft position sensor inspection or replacement record.
Wiring harness shorts
How to check: Look for any visible damage or frayed wires near the battery.
Airbag malfunction
How to check: Verify airbag indicator lights work correctly on startup.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Check for unusual engine noise or stalling.
Red flag: Persistent rough idle or stalling.
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Assess dashboard indicator lights.
Red flag: Persistent airbag or electrical light.
- 03
Low-speed maneuvers
What to check: Test steering responsiveness and ease.
Red flag: Stiff or unresponsive steering.
- 04
City driving
What to check: Watch for dashboard warning lights.
Red flag: Check engine or ABS light activation.
- 05
Highway acceleration
What to check: Monitor for transmission smoothness and power delivery.
Red flag: Hesitation or lurching during acceleration.
- 06
Braking
What to check: Feel for pulsations or grinding in brakes.
Red flag: Excessive vibrations or sounds.
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the crankshaft position sensor been replaced?
- Was there any past electrical shorting?
- Have the airbags been serviced or recalled?
- Are service records available for regular maintenance?
- Is there a history of engine stalling issues?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Service and maintenance records
- Recall repair documentation
- Vehicle history report
- Previous owner records
- Warranty information
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2014 Ram 1500 at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
Looking at a specific 2014 Ram 1500? Check the actual car
This checklist covers the model. From your free try.vin dashboard you can go further — paste the seller's listing for a deal score, or drop their photos for an AI condition report.