How many miles will a 2004 Dodge Ram last?

The vehicles built in 2004 can typically reach at least 200,000 miles with proper maintenance, and diesel versions with Cummins engines often push beyond 300,000 miles, with many owners reporting 500,000 miles or more under diligent care.

To understand how long a 2004 Ram will last, you must consider the engine type (gasoline versus diesel), how the truck has been used (daily driving, heavy towing, off-road work), and the level of maintenance it has received over its life. The 2004 Ram lineup included gasoline V8 options such as 4.7L and 5.7L Hemi in the lighter 1500 models, and a 5.9L Cummins diesel in the heavier 2500/3500 models; each configuration ages differently. In addition, the health of the cooling system, transmission, frame, and regular service history all influence total lifespan. The sections below outline typical mileage ranges by setup and provide tips to maximize longevity.

Engine configurations and typical lifespans

The following ranges reflect common experiences among owners and technicians, not guarantees.

• Gasoline Ram 1500 with 4.7L or 5.7L Hemi: commonly 200,000–300,000 miles with routine maintenance; many reach 250k–350k with attentive care.


• Diesel Ram 2500/3500 with 5.9L Cummins (and later 6.7L): known for durability, often 300,000–500,000 miles; some exceed 500k with regular servicing.


• Transmission and drivetrain: automatics in these trucks often last 150,000–250,000 miles with proper fluid changes and cooling; higher-mile examples exist with strong maintenance records.


• Frame and body: rust and corrosion can limit usable life if frame integrity degrades; proactive rust protection can help extend service life.

In practice, the actual mileage depends on how well the truck has been cared for, how it has been driven (towing, payload, and highway use), and environmental conditions such as climate and road salt exposure.

Tips to maximize lifespan

Use these practical steps to push miles further and keep performance reliable.

1. Follow the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule, including timely oil changes, filter replacements, coolant flushes, and spark plug service as applicable.


2. Use quality fluids and OEM-recommended specifications for oil, transmission fluid, coolant, and other lubricants.


3. Keep the cooling system in good shape: inspect hoses, radiator, water pump, and thermostat; prevent overheating which is a prime enemy of longevity.


4. Address rust early: wash undercarriage in winter, treat susceptible areas, and consider rust protection where appropriate.


5. Maintain the fuel and air systems: replace fuel and air filters as recommended and monitor for performance changes that could signal obstructions or worn components.


6. Regularly inspect and service the transmission and driveline: fluid changes at recommended intervals; consider a transmission cooler for heavy towing.


7. Stay on top of tires, suspension components, and steering parts: proper alignment and healthy bushings reduce wear on the drivetrain and frame.


8. Drive sensibly and tow within design limits: avoid aggressive acceleration, excessive loads, and thermal stress; let the engine warm up and cool down appropriately.

Adhering to these practices can significantly reduce the likelihood of sudden failures and help a 2004 Ram reach higher mileage milestones.

Reliability considerations for the 2004 Ram

Owners and buyers should weigh typical aging issues and the model’s history when assessing long-term prospects.

• Rust and frame integrity: some regions experience frame corrosion; inspect the frame rails, floor pans, and mounting points when evaluating a used truck.


• Electrical and fuel-system quirks: older Dodges can develop intermittent electrical problems; keep the battery, alternator, and wiring in good condition and address fuel-system concerns promptly.


• Suspension and wear items: bushings, ball joints, tie rods, and U-joints commonly show wear with age; proactive replacement helps prevent breakdowns.

With consistent maintenance and timely repairs, a 2004 Ram can remain a dependable daily driver or work vehicle, though expectations should reflect the truck’s age and mileage.

Summary

Overall, a well-maintained 2004 Dodge Ram is realistically expected to reach around 200,000 miles or more, with diesel variants often surpassing 300,000 miles and many owners reporting 500,000 miles under disciplined upkeep. The precise number depends on engine choice, usage patterns, and how faithfully the maintenance schedule has been followed. Proactive care, prudent driving, and rust prevention are the keys to achieving and possibly exceeding these mileages.

For prospective buyers or current owners, understanding these factors helps set realistic expectations and guides maintenance decisions that maximize the truck’s longevity.

What is the life expectancy of a 2004 Dodge Ram 1500?

around 250,000 to 300,000 miles
Gasoline-powered Ram trucks can expect around 250,000 to 300,000 miles on average. This range makes them an incredibly long-lasting choice. When you need a dependable truck for your personal life, what could be better than a used Ram 1500 for sale?

What is considered high miles for a Ram 1500?

For a gas-powered Ram 1500, high mileage often begins around 100,000 miles, as components like the suspension and brakes may start to show wear, though they can easily last much longer with proper maintenance. For diesel models, "high mileage" is significantly higher, starting around 200,000 miles due to the engines' greater durability. 
Factors that influence what's considered high mileage

• Engine type:
  • Gasoline: While 100,000 miles is a common threshold for high mileage, these trucks can reach 250,000 to 300,000 miles or more with consistent maintenance. 
  • Diesel: High mileage for a diesel Ram 1500 starts much higher, often around 200,000 miles, and these engines are known to last well over 400,000 miles. 
• Maintenance: A truck with a strong maintenance history will handle high mileage better than one that has been neglected. 
• Driving conditions: Highway miles are less taxing than stop-and-go city driving or heavy towing, which can increase wear and tear. 

What year to stay away from a Dodge Ram 1500?

Years to avoid for the Ram 1500 include 2003, the early third-generation years of 2012-2013, and models with the first-generation EcoDiesel from 2014-2019. Additionally, the introduction of the redesigned fifth generation made 2019 a year to be cautious of. Issues with these years often involve electrical failures, engine problems, and transmission issues. 
Early generation (Dodge Ram)

• 2003: A very problematic year with numerous complaints and recalls for issues including airbag systems, engines, and steering. 
• 2012 and 2013: These years, while praised for aspects like ride quality, have significant numbers of complaints and recalls, particularly for electrical system failures. 

Fourth and fifth generation (Ram) 

• 2014-2019 EcoDiesel: The initial generation of the EcoDiesel engine had a range of serious problems, including a recall for a cracked EGR cooler and bottom-end failures. 
• 2014: The first year of the EcoDiesel, this model year also had a high number of recalls, many engine-related. 
• 2016: Faced numerous recalls and reports of engine, transmission, and body integrity issues. 
• 2019: As the first year of the fifth generation, this model is known to have a higher-than-average rate of problems, particularly with its electrical and infotainment systems. 

Other years to approach with caution

• 2010: Notorious for a weak engine and poor fuel economy, although generally reliable and comfortable. 
• 2011: The early Pentastar V6 engines had issues with rocker arm failures and oil pump problems, though overall user ratings were good. 
• 2018: Has been cited for a higher-than-average rate of electrical and infotainment system problems. 

How reliable is the 2004 Dodge Ram 1500?

The 2004 Dodge Ram 1500 has a generally positive reliability reputation among owners, particularly for the 5.7L Hemi engine, but it has common issues to watch for. Common problems include exhaust system rust and leaks, electrical issues with the instrument cluster, and potential head gasket problems with the 4.7L engine. Owners report successes with high mileage on well-maintained models, with some reaching over 200,000 miles. 
Positive aspects

• High mileage potential: Many owners report high mileage on their 2004 Ram 1500s with proper maintenance, with some reaching over 200,000 miles and even 1,000,000 miles (on the original engine). 
• Hemi engine longevity: The 5.7L Hemi engine is considered reliable, especially in earlier models which do not have the cam issues of later years. 
• Strong performance: Owners often praise the truck's performance and capability, particularly models with the Hemi engine. 

Common problems

• Exhaust system issues: Rusting and leaks in the exhaust system, including mufflers and catalytic converters, are frequently reported. 
• Electrical problems: A common electrical issue is the soldering on the instrument cluster, causing the odometer light to malfunction or the gauges to fail. Other electrical problems include faulty power outlets and horns that get stuck on. 
• Engine problems:
  • 4.7L engine: This engine can be prone to head gasket issues, especially if it has been overheated. 
  • 5.7L Hemi engine: While generally reliable, the 5.7L Hemi can develop increased oil consumption over time, and may suffer from ignition coil failures leading to rough idling. 
• Cooling system failures: The plastic-sided radiators are prone to failure, and the transmission's rear seal can leak. 
• Rust: Depending on its history, the truck can be susceptible to rust, especially in the undercarriage and bumpers. 

Before you buy

• Get a vehicle history report: This can help identify a history of accidents or major repairs. 
• Perform a thorough inspection: Look for rust, check the condition of the exhaust, and test all electrical components.
• Consider an engine compression and leak-down test: This can help assess the health of the engine, especially if it's a higher mileage model.
• Check for recalls: Use the vehicle's VIN to check the NHTSA website for any open recalls that need to be addressed.