You pick a truck for power, towing, or style — not surprise repair bills. This article shows which pickups mechanics say can cost more in repairs than buyers expect, so you can avoid budget shocks down the road.
They’ll cover common drivers of high ownership costs, from parts and labor to electrical and overengineered systems, and explain why some models burn through money faster. Keep reading to learn which trucks tend to be the most expensive to maintain and what to watch for when shopping.
Ram 1500 – High repair costs over 10 years
The Ram 1500 often shows higher-than-expected repair and maintenance bills across a decade of ownership. Estimates from industry trackers put ten-year costs near $19,000, and a sizable chance of at least one major repair.
Owners report frequent engine- and drivetrain-related service needs on some model years, which raises shop bills and downtime. Mechanics advise budgeting more than average for parts and labor when shopping for a used Ram 1500.
See detailed cost estimates at RepairPal for typical annual and long-term expenses.
Ford F-150 – Electrical issues reported by mechanics
Mechanics say modern F-150s pack complex electronics that can cause intermittent faults. They report symptoms like random door lock activity, false alarms, dash warnings, and starting problems.
Technicians note troubleshooting often requires dealer-level diagnostic tools and time. Owners have shared long repair histories and, in some cases, recalls affecting wiring and key systems (see the 2025 recall list).
Chevrolet Silverado – Expensive OEM parts and labor
Owners find some Silverado repairs can run higher than expected, especially when dealers handle work. Labor hours for jobs like heater core or engine repairs add up quickly, pushing totals into the high hundreds or thousands.
Independent shops and DIYers can cut costs by using Chevrolet service docs and aftermarket parts. Still, complex engines and specialized components often mean parts and skilled labor remain costly for many repairs, so buyers should budget accordingly.
GMC Sierra – Prone to costly maintenance
They often cost more to maintain than buyers expect, especially on certain model years and engines. Routine service runs about $700–$1,000 a year, with major repairs pushing costs higher.
Owners report issues like drivetrain and electrical faults that can lead to expensive shop visits. Repair estimates and owner surveys back up these patterns for the Sierra over time.
Check detailed maintenance cost data before buying and factor potential major-repair odds into the budget. For estimated long-term costs see GMC Sierra maintenance and repair guides.
Toyota Tundra – Some models see rising repair bills
Owners report that newer Tundra models, especially 2022–2024 trucks with the twin‑turbo V6, have seen higher-than-expected repair costs. Toyota issued recalls and engine replacements after machining debris problems, which increased service visits and bills for some owners.
Independent mechanics also note complex turbo‑charged systems and electronics add labor time and parts expense. Buyers should check recall history and ask dealers about completed repairs before purchasing.
Dodge Ram 2500 – Maintenance can drain wallets
The Ram 2500 earns a reputation for strong capability but also for higher upkeep costs, especially when used for heavy towing or hauling. Mechanics note recurring axle and drivetrain repairs that raise long‑term expenses.
Owners can expect above‑average 10‑year maintenance bills compared with similar heavy‑duty trucks. Repair estimates and annual averages reported by repair sites reflect that pattern, so buyers should budget accordingly.
Nissan Titan – Known for unpredictable repair costs
They can run reliably for many miles, but repair bills vary a lot by year and upkeep.
Some owners report low annual costs near $550, while others hit expensive fixes after major failures.
Common trouble spots include drivetrain and catalytic converter issues that raise repair bills.
Mechanics advise checking maintenance history and known problem years before buying a used Titan.
Find more reliability details and typical repair costs at RepairPal.
Jeep Gladiator – Overengineered parts lead to repairs
They designed some Gladiator components with tight tolerances and complex assemblies, which can make routine fixes more time-consuming.
Shops report engine and electrical work often requires removing multiple systems, raising labor costs and repair time.
Owners should expect higher bills when parts like camshafts or instrument clusters need attention.
Mechanics advise pre-purchase inspections and factoring in potential shop hours for accurate ownership cost estimates.
Honda Ridgeline – Higher than average repair frequency
They tend to have repair needs slightly above many midsize trucks, with some owners reporting recurring electrical and engine issues.
Mechanics note that when problems do occur, they can be more severe and costly than typical maintenance items.
Annual repair costs average near $500, which is lower than some full-size pickups but reflects the frequency and occasional severity of failures.
Buyers should factor in potential out-of-warranty repairs when comparing ownership costs to competitors like full-size trucks.
Ford Super Duty – Labor costs add up quickly
They often face higher shop bills because diesel maintenance and repairs take more time than gas engines. Technicians spend longer diagnosing and working around complex emissions components and heavy‑duty parts.
Shops charge premium labor rates and many owners report multi‑hundred‑dollar service items, so small fixes can become expensive fast. Owners should budget for higher labor hours when shopping or planning maintenance.