Dealer visit checklist
2022 Ram 1500 checklist
Print it or keep it on your phone. Tick each item as you go so nothing gets missed.
Inspect the car
- Check every panel gap and look for mismatched paint (signs of past accident repair)
- Look at the tires: even wear, matching brands, at least 4/32" tread
- Check under the car and engine bay for oil, coolant or other leaks
- Start the engine cold; listen for knocks, ticks or squeals and watch for smoke
- Test every window, lock, seat, light, the A/C, heat and infotainment
- Test drive on city streets and highway: straight braking, smooth shifts, no pulling
- Ask for the service records and a vehicle history report
- Have an independent mechanic do a pre-purchase inspection (about $100–$200)
Known 2022 Ram 1500 problems to check
- eTorque mild-hybrid system (standard on V6 and optional on V8) can experience belt-starter-generator failures, with repair costs ranging $800-$1,400
- Uconnect infotainment system occasionally freezes or loses Bluetooth connectivity, though software updates often resolve this
- Active air suspension (optional) can develop leaks or compressor wear after 60,000-80,000 miles, with repairs costing $1,200-$2,500
- 8-speed automatic transmission may exhibit rough or delayed shifts, especially when cold — a known issue across the 2019-2022 generation
- Rear coil-spring suspension (a Ram exclusive) provides excellent ride quality but alignment and bushing wear can appear earlier than leaf-spring rivals
Ask: have these recalls been fixed?
- VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:WINDSHIELD:ELECTRICAL HEATING ELEMENT: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2022 Ram 1500 vehicles.
- BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2022 Ram 1500, 2500 pickup trucks, and 3500 Cab Chassis vehicles with GVWR less than 10,000 lbs.
- SEAT BELTS:PRETENSIONER: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2022 Ram 1500, Jeep Gladiator, and 2021 Jeep Wrangler vehicles.
- FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Jeep Wrangler, Ram 1500, and 2021-2022 Jeep Gladiator vehicles equipped with 3.0L diesel engines.
- STRUCTURE:BODY:TAILGATE:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2022 Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500 pickup trucks.
- BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Ram 1500 and 2023 Ram 2500 vehicles.
- FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Jeep Wrangler, Gladiator, and 2022-2023 Ram 1500 vehicles equipped with a 3.0L diesel engine.
- AIR BAGS:SENSOR:SIDE IMPACT: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2022 Ram 1500 vehicles.
Negotiate the price
- Know the typical price: about $42,000 for this model year
- Negotiate the out-the-door price, not the monthly payment
- Get the full price with every fee listed in writing before you sign
- Bring your own loan pre-approval so the dealer has a rate to beat
- Say no to add-ons you didn't ask for (paint protection, VIN etching, nitrogen tires)
- Negotiate your trade-in separately, after the car's price is agreed
- Be ready to walk away; another listing is usually a click away