2014 RAM 1500 wheels problems
moderate 10 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $400 · see wheels across all vehicles →
Of the 6 model years of RAM 1500 we track for wheels problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 10.
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: Factory Goodyear Wrangler SR-A tires on 2014 RAM 1500s have a documented pattern of sidewall cracking and catastrophic blowouts even with adequate tread depth and proper maintenance—inspect tires closely before purchase and plan on early replacement. The truck also comes from the factory with a 17-inch spare that's unsafe for extended driving if you have 20-inch wheels, and used units may come equipped with severely aged, deteriorated tires.
Multiple 2014 RAM 1500 owners report factory-installed Goodyear Wrangler SR-A tires (275/60R20) failing catastrophically between 13,000 and 20,000 miles. One owner experienced a sidewall blowout with 8/32 tread remaining after 1 year; another found tiny cracks around the entire sidewall on all four tires at 13,158 miles despite nearly new tread depth. A third owner had a rear tire explode from the outer sidewall on a low-speed maneuver after 20,000 miles. When sent for analysis, Goodyear stated no factory defect existed but refused to provide investigation reports or honor warranty claims despite failures occurring within warranty period and mileage limits.
A separate issue affects spare wheel adequacy: multiple owners discovered their trucks came from the factory with a 17-inch full-size spare while equipped with 20-inch primary wheels. Tire dealers advised this 3-inch diameter mismatch is unsafe for any significant distance and could cause undisclosed drivetrain damage. RAM's customer service provided case numbers but did not resolve the concern.
One owner reported traction bar fracture at 47,000 miles causing wheels to wobble and vehicle sway, rendering the truck undriveable. Used purchases occasionally arrive with pre-existing dry-rot tires requiring immediate $800–$900 replacement. One report cited front wheel bearing replacement at 44,000 miles and warped front rotors at 39,000 miles.
Failure modes owners describe
Tire sidewall cracking and premature failure
Factory-installed Goodyear Wrangler SR-A tires (275/60R20) develop tiny cracks in sidewalls while tread remains nearly new. Tires fail catastrophically despite low mileage and proper maintenance.
When: 13,158 to 20,000 miles; within first 1-2 years of ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Tiny cracks visible around entire sidewall circumference; Catastrophic blowout splitting tire from side to side; Sudden loss of pressure during normal driving; Tread depth adequate (8/32 to nearly new) at time of failure
Repairs/costs cited: Full tire replacement required; Goodyear tire analysis refused to provide owner with investigation report; Goodyear denied warranty coverage despite failure within warranty period and mileage; tire replacement cost $800–$900 for full set
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Goodyear stated no factory defect found but refused to send investigation report to owner; no warranty coverage provided
Mismatched spare wheel diameter
2014 RAM 1500 equipped from factory with 20-inch wheels but supplied with 17-inch full-size spare. Significant diameter difference creates handling and potential drivetrain damage risk if spare is used for extended driving.
When: Present at delivery from factory
Symptoms owners cite: Spare wheel 3 inches smaller in diameter than primary wheels; Tire dealer warned of danger from extended spare use; Potential undisclosed drivetrain damage risk
Repairs/costs cited: No repair performed; owner contacted RAM National Customer Center and received case number but described interaction as 'run around'
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: RAM National Customer Center provided case number but did not resolve concern; no warranty coverage clarification provided for potential damage from spare use
Traction bar fracture
Traction bar fractured, causing wheels to wobble and vehicle to sway during driving. Vehicle became undriveable following failure.
When: 47,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Wheels began to wobble; Vehicle swayed on road during driving; Vehicle unable to be driven after failure
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer was not notified of failure
Worn-out original tires on used truck purchase
2014 RAM 1500 sold as used vehicle with deteriorated 6-year-old tires already showing advanced dry rot. Tires failed inspection within weeks of purchase.
When: Present at used vehicle purchase; failure detected within 3 weeks in February 2020
Symptoms owners cite: Visible dry rot on all four tires; Tire shop advised complete tire replacement needed; Multiple flat tires occurring
Repairs/costs cited: Tire replacement cost $800–$900; owner unable to afford replacement and subsequently unable to travel safely
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership offered only 30-day used vehicle warranty; no accommodation for pre-existing tire condition; sales staff unhelpful and unprofessional per owner account
Front wheel bearing and rotor wear at moderate mileage
Front wheel bearings required replacement and front rotors warped at relatively low mileage.
When: 39,000 miles (rotors); 44,000 miles (bearings)
Symptoms owners cite: Front rotors warped; Front wheel bearing failure
Repairs/costs cited: Front wheel bearings replaced; front rotors warped
Synthesized from 10 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Common questions
How serious is the wheels problem on the 2014 RAM 1500?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 10 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $400 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the wheels typically fail?
Across the 8 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most wheels failures cluster between 22,000 and 44,000 miles, with the median around 24,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 22,000; a quarter make it past 44,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $400 for wheels repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to wheels?
No active recalls currently cover wheels issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.