Which year to buy

[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.

 

[Brutal_HO]

2017/2018 if you want to avoid the CGI valvetrain issues and stick with a flat tappet engine.

2021 if you want the best blend of available tech (digital tow mirror, trailer surround camera).

2025/2026 if you want the latest engine and trans designs. All new Cummins 6.7 design (same valvetrain), new ZF 8-speed. 430/1075

19-20 had a CP4 pump issue but those were recalled. Avoid one that still has a CP4.

Some 22 owners are experiencing excess regens.

Some 19-24 owners experienced valvetrain issues, I'd say the majority don't. The lifters for 25-26 are the exact same part number as 19-24 so there's that.

In any case, I'd steer anyone looking to an HO/AISIN combo. 17 385/900, 18 385/930, 19-20 400/1000, 21+ bumped to 420/1075.

 

[michaelaland]

2017/2018 if you want to avoid the CGI valvetrain issues and stick with a flat tappet engine.

2021 if you want the best blend of available tech (digital tow mirror, trailer surround camera).

2025/2026 if you want the latest engine and trans designs. All new Cummins 6.7 design (same valvetrain), new ZF 8-speed. 430/1075

19-20 had a CP4 pump issue but those were recalled. Avoid one that still has a CP4.

Some 22 owners are experiencing excess regens.

Some 19-24 owners experienced valvetrain issues, I'd say the majority don't. The lifters for 25-26 are the exact same part number as 19-24 so there's that.

In any case, I'd steer anyone looking to an HO/AISIN combo. 17 385/900, 18 385/930, 19-20 400/1000, 21+ bumped to 420/1075.

Thankyou for the run down, much appreciated. Gives me a start with something to work with....

 

[Ritchie_Rich]

Happy with my truck.

 

[michaelaland]

I found some info online incase anyone was interested, source comes from an AI website called: https://chatgpt.com/

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

with rgards to Fuel economy
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


Aisin Transmission Availability (AS69RC)
The Aisin AS69RC 6-speed automatic was introduced as an option to handle higher torque loads than the standard 68RFE.

• First Offered: 2013 model year
• Available on: Ram 3500 (and 4500/5500) with High Output Cummins
• Continues Through: Present (2025)

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High Output (HO) Cummins Diesel
The HO version of the 6.7L Cummins offers more torque and is paired exclusively with the Aisin transmission.

• 2013–2018:
• • HO Cummins: ~385 hp / 850 lb-ft
  • Aisin AS69RC only with HO engine
• 2019–2024:
• • HO Cummins: 400 hp / 1,000+ lb-ft (2019+ broke the 1,000 lb-ft barrier)
  • Still paired only with Aisin

Example:
· 2019 Ram 3500 HO Cummins: 400 hp / 1,000 lb-ft (Aisin only)
· 2024 Ram 3500 HO Cummins: 420 hp / 1,075 lb-ft (Aisin only)


Best Years for Ram 3500 Diesel
2020–2023 (5th Generation)

• Engine: 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel (High-Output versions available)
• Pros:
• • Significantly improved towing capacity (up to 37,100 lbs with the HO engine)
  • Aisin transmission in HO models offers better durability
  • Updated interior tech (especially from 2021+)
  • Fewer emissions-related complaints than earlier years
• Why it's good: These are some of the most refined, powerful, and capable Ram 3500 diesels ever made, with solid reliability so far.

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)

 

[Ritchie_Rich]

Don’t believe everything on the internet

 

[Brutal_HO]

At least one glaring error in that AI response. Never trust them and I'm in tech...

Aisin Transmission Availability (AS69RC)
The Aisin AS69RC 6-speed automatic was introduced as an option to handle higher torque loads than the standard 68RFE.

• First Offered: 2013 model year
• Available on: Ram 3500 (and 4500/5500) with High Output Cummins
• Continues Through: Present (2025)

[][/]

Wrong. 2025 has the new ZF 8-speed Powerline (TorqueFlite 8AP1075)

This is all over the internet, yet AI LLM's still can't get technical facts correct in many cases. A lot of it has to do with the vast amount of misinformation on the net that gets "learned" by the model as truth.

In another thread, it's claiming the 2023 RAM Cummins uses an HE400VG turbo (it does not).

 

[Ritchie_Rich]

^^^^This. Only one reason I don’t believe any AI stuff on the internet.

 

[michaelaland]

At least one glaring error in that AI response. Never trust them and I'm in tech...



Wrong. 2025 has the new ZF 8-speed Powerline (TorqueFlite 8AP1075)

This is all over the internet, yet AI LLM's still can't get technical facts correct in many cases. A lot of it has to do with the vast amount of misinformation on the net that gets "learned" by the model as truth.

In another thread, it's claiming the 2023 RAM Cummins uses an HE400VG turbo (it does not).

I hear ya, sometimes wrong info out there in AI computer world. I should have checked for verification on some of it before posting. Let me ask you this Mad Irishman, if I was to get the 2019 or 2020 how do I know if the cp4 fuel pump was replaced or not? Bring it in to a dealer?

 

[Brutal_HO]

You could check the VIN for open recall, or pop the hood.

On the driver side front. If it has dual alternators, it's tough to see.

CP4:



CP3 (CP-ISB19S3):

 

[michaelaland]

You could check the VIN for open recall, or pop the hood.

On the driver side front. If it has dual alternators, it's tough to see.

CP4:

View attachment 88126

CP3 (CP-ISB19S3):

View attachment 88127

thankyou for the pics, I didnt think of that, I guess if it had been replaced, they would have recorded it according to the VIN. Thanks again.