Ram 1500 Ranks No. 1 in J.D. Power Vehicle Dependability
The Ram 1500 has earned top honors in the prestigious J.D. Power 2026 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS), ranking first in the Large Light Duty Pickup segment. Announced on February 12, 2026, from Auburn Hills, Michigan, the achievement marks a significant milestone for Ram, underscoring the brand’s commitment to building trucks that deliver lasting quality and real-world reliability.
This recognition places the Ram 1500 at the top of one of the most competitive segments in the industry—full-size light-duty pickups—where durability and long-term dependability are essential for both work and everyday driving.
A Remarkable Climb to First Place
The Ram 1500’s ascent to the No. 1 position reflects substantial year-over-year progress. Improving 13 points compared to the previous year’s study results, the truck moved from fourth place to first in its segment. That leap highlights focused engineering efforts and quality improvements aimed at enhancing durability and minimizing long-term ownership issues.
The gains were driven by strong performance across key areas measured in the study, demonstrating that Ram’s investments in quality and refinement are delivering measurable results. For truck owners who rely on their vehicles day in and day out, these improvements translate directly into greater peace of mind and fewer unexpected problems.
Understanding the J.D. Power Vehicle Dependability Study
The U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study evaluates problems experienced over the past 12 months by original owners of three-year-old vehicles. It serves as a trusted benchmark for long-term reliability and ownership satisfaction.
Results are expressed as Problems Per 100 Vehicles (PP100), with lower scores indicating higher dependability. By focusing on vehicles that have been on the road for three years, the study offers a meaningful snapshot of how well vehicles hold up over time—making the Ram 1500’s segment-leading finish especially significant.
Since its founding in 1968, J.D. Power has provided critical data and insights to automotive manufacturers, retailers, lenders, and insurers, helping shape decisions across the industry. Its studies are widely regarded as authoritative indicators of quality and customer experience.
Backed by America’s Best Full-Size Truck Powertrain Warranty
Beyond strong study performance, the Ram 1500 offers additional confidence through America’s best full-size truck and van limited powertrain warranty—10 years or 100,000 miles. This industry-leading coverage reinforces the brand’s belief in the truck’s long-term durability and underscores its commitment to standing behind every vehicle it builds. Warranty strength and third-party validation from J.D. Power together create a compelling ownership proposition: proven dependability supported by long-term protection.
Continued Momentum for Ram
The Ram 1500’s No. 1 ranking reflects continued progress in strengthening long-term reliability across the Stellantis portfolio. More importantly, it demonstrates that Ram’s focus on durability, quality engineering, and real-world performance is resonating with customers.
For truck buyers seeking a dependable full-size pickup that performs consistently over the years—not just on day one—the Ram 1500’s latest achievement in the 2026 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study sends a clear message: it’s built to last.
