Gasoline-powered trucks have been a mainstay in the automotive market for quite some time, with diesel trucks all too often forgotten. However, diesel trucks are fast becoming more popular by the day because of their numerous advantages. For one, diesel trucks are more efficient than their gasoline counterparts, as diesel is more combustible than gasoline. Diesel pickups are also about 20 percent more thermally efficient than gasoline, so they tend to have higher power and torque figures.
Updated July 2023: Diesel engines have peculiar advantages over their gasoline-powered alternatives, and these advantages aren't lost on true gearheads. Hence, we've refreshed this list to provide the most updated information and help guide you as you search for a reliable used diesel-run pickup truck.
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It's also worth mentioning that diesel pickups are typically more reliable and longer-lasting than gasoline. Since diesel engines are traditionally gear-driven, the possibility of components failing is relatively low. The fact that diesel engines are often built using heavy-duty materials that can withstand wear and strain also adds to their dependability. So, if you are in the market for a diesel pickup truck built like a tank, you will find this article very helpful.
We used pricing information from J.D. Power and Kelley Blue Book as well as reliability and maintenance statistics from Car Edge, RepairPal, and Consumer Reports to compile this list of the most reliable used diesel pickup trucks.
11 2007 Dodge Ram 2500
Starting Used Price: $13,900
Purpose-built and designed for demanding applications, the heavy-duty Dodge Ram 2500 has a 6.7-liter Cummins turbo diesel engine producing 350 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque. The powertrain comes mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. Two-wheel- and four-wheel-drive options are available. This truck can tow up to 16,400 lbs and carry a payload of 5,020 lbs.
Reliability
If you're after a robust Dodge Ram 2500, you can seek an early build 2007 model. It has a 325-hp 5.9-liter turbocharged inline-six-cylinder engine. J.D. Power gave the 2007 Dodge Ram 2500 a quality and reliability score of 81/100 which is great even by modern standards.
- Average Yearly Maintenance Costs: $822 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Costs During The First 10 Years: $25,464 (CarEdge)
- Total Recalls: 11 (NHTSA)
- Worst Ram 2500 Year To Buy Used: 2013 Ram 2500 (the most problematic year according to Car Complaints and suffered from the dreaded death wobble)
10 2000 Ford F-250 Super Duty
Starting Used Price: $10,200
Tough-as-nails, the Ford F-250 Super Duty is a legendary utilitarian workhorse designed for both work and play. Under the hood, Ford offers an available 7.3-liter diesel V8 making 235 horsepower and 500 lb-ft of torque. With proper maintenance, the F-250 Super Duty can serve you for up to half a million miles.
Reliability
A major reason behind the longevity of the 7.3-liter Power Stroke boils down to the fact that the engine relies on its computer calibration and a catalytic converter in the exhaust system to meet emissions standards. Thanks to this arrangement, the 7.3-liter Power Stroke is not susceptible to problems like engine oil contamination and cracking of the EGR cooler, which the 6.0-liter Power Stroke suffered from.
- Average Yearly Maintenance Costs: $1,241 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Costs During The First 10 Years: $14,929 (CarEdge)
- Total Recalls: 4 (NHTSA)
- Worst Ford F-250 Year To Buy Used: 2006 Ford F-250 Super Duty (has the most overall complaints regarding suspension problems, radiator leaks, fuel injection pump failure, and problematic ignition coils)
9 2007 Chevrolet 3500HD
Starting Used Price: $10,000
There's a guarantee that the 2007 Chevrolet 3500HD will conquer any job when it comes to towing and hauling capabilities. More than just a work truck, however, it is a luxuriously appointed vehicle with loads of eye-catching cues. It includes a unique dash and door panel design with wood grain and metallic accents.
Reliability
Behind its confident grille is a 6.6-liter Duramax LBZ that makes up to 360 hp and 650 lb-ft of torque. This powertrain can run for 300,000 miles before requiring any serious repairs.
- Average Yearly Maintenance Costs: $825 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Costs During The First 10 Years: $14,686 (CarEdge)
- Total Recalls: 1 (NHTSA)
- Worst Chevrolet 3500HD Year To Buy Used: 2008 Chevrolet 3500HD (6 recall and reliability problems like excessive oil consumption that would cost about $2,700 to fix)
8 1993 Dodge W250
Starting Used Price: $6,950
The Dodge W250 trucks produced from 1991 to 1993 are fast becoming collector's items, mainly because of their reliability and vintage looks.
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Reliability
Choose the 1993 Dodge W250, and you get a very reliable 5.9-liter Cummins engine that pumps out over 160 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque. That’s nearly twice more torque than Dodge's V8 gas engines. In terms of its design, the 5.9-liter Cummins engine was quite ahead of its time, as it featured a direct fuel injection system and a turbocharger that hugely impacted drivability and towing capability.
- Average Yearly Maintenance Costs: $487 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Costs During The First 10 Years: N/A
- Total Recalls: 0 (NHTSA)
- Worst Dodge W250 Year To Buy Used: 1988 Dodge W250 (electrical problems and high repair costs)
7 2018 Ram 3500
Starting Used Price: $40,950
In the market for a modern diesel-powered truck that combines excellent towing and hauling capacity with remarkable ride quality? The 2018 Dodge Ram 3500 is a compelling option. It features a Cummins 6.7-liter inline-six diesel engine with 350 horses and 930 lb-ft of torque. This engine is highly rated, as it can tow up to 31,210 lbs and haul 6,720 lbs of stuff.
Reliability
Part of the 2018 Ram 3500’s impressive reliability comes from the 6.7-liter Cummins engine. According to Vehq, the engine can easily last over 350,000 miles without modifications, provided it’s well taken care of.
- Average Yearly Maintenance Costs: $1,279 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Costs During The First 10 Years: $25,844 (CarEdge)
- Total Recalls: 8 (NHTSA)
- Worst Dodge Ram 3500 Year To Buy Used: 2017 Dodge Ram 3500 (10 NHTSA recalls, the lowest reliability rating of 1/5 on Consumer Reports, and suspension and transmission problems)
6 2020 Ford F-350 Super Duty
Starting Used Price: $46,600
While GM and Ram introduced all-new HD trucks in 2020, Ford focused on improving its Super Duty lineup's power and towing capacity. Of course, the 2020 Super Duty still comes with many desirable configurations for buyers to choose from.
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Reliability
Its mighty 6.7-liter Power Stroke V8 puts out 475 hp and a class-leading, 1,050 lb-ft of torque. Regarding reliability, you can expect the Ford F-350 Super Duty to last well over 300,000 miles.
- Average Yearly Maintenance Costs: $1,295 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Costs During The First 10 Years: $14,973 (CarEdge)
- Total Recalls: 12 (NHTSA)
- Worst Ford F-350 Super Duty Year To Buy Used: 2008 Ford F-350 Super Duty (reliability issues affecting the engine and transmission)
5 2017 Nissan Titan XD
Starting Used Price:$21,800
The introduction of the Nissan Titan XD redefined the classification system of trucks and placed Nissan's Extra Duty pickup in a class of its own. The Nissan Titan XD lies between the three-quarter-ton and half-ton truck, and for the 2017 iteration, customers get the option of a diesel engine.
Reliability
The equipped 5.0-liter Cummins diesel engine puts out 310 horsepower and 555 lb-ft of torque. The Titan XD's diesel engine is strong, with its life expectancy estimated to be around 300,000 miles.
- Average Yearly Maintenance Costs: $511 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Costs During The First 10 Years: $8,963 (CarEdge)
- Total Recalls: 3 (NHTSA)
- Worst Nissan Titan XD Year To Buy Used: 2004 Nissan Titan XD (7 recalls, has over 1,000 complaints on Car Complaints, most of which revolve around the drivetrain)
4 2020 GMC Sierra 1500
Starting Used Price: $28,350
The 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 diesel pickup's design focuses on durability, efficiency, and power. GMC's design team outfitted the truck with a "no excuses" 3.0-liter Duramax diesel inline-six engine that can tow up to 9,000 lbs. It puts out 277 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque.
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Reliability
To ensure that the Sierra 1500 is highly durable, GMC took on the harshest terrain and weather conditions for testing. The truck got tested at Death Valley in Eastern California at the hottest times of the year and in one of the coldest regions in Canada and performed exceptionally. iSeeCars scores the GMC Sierra 1500 8.4 out of 10 for reliability.
- Average Yearly Maintenance Costs: $727 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Costs During The First 10 Years: 8,948 (CarEdge)
- Total Recalls: 10 (NHTSA)
- Worst Year To Buy Used: 2014 GMC Sierra 1500 (Has the most overall complaints affecting the lights, brakes, engine, AC and heating, electricals, and interior accessories)
3 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
Starting Used Price: $21,700
The 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and its cousin, the GMC Sierra 1500, are well-engineered trucks with good performance and competent driving characteristics. They both share the same 3.0-liter Duramax turbo diesel engines, with enough power and towing capability to meet the needs of light-duty customers.
Reliability
Light, large, and efficient, the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is as reliable as it gets for a full-size pickup truck, as evidenced by its 8.5 out of 10 scores for reliability from iSeeCars.
- Average Yearly Maintenance Costs: $714 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Costs During The First 10 Years: $10,003 (CarEdge)
- Total Recalls: 10 (NHTSA)
- Worst Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Year To Buy Used: 2014 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 (20 recalls and over 2,000 reported complaints)
2 2018 Ford F-150
Starting Used Price: $20,500
The Ford F-150 has been doing healthy numbers for decades, and with the introduction of diesel power, things just got a lot better for the Blue Oval automaker. The 2018 F-150 comes with no fewer than six engines, including a 325-hp 2.7-liter EcoBoost and a 250-hp 3.0-liter Power Stroke turbo diesel V6. This engine links to a 10-speed transmission.
Reliability
The Ford F-150 engine should deliver over 20 years or 300,000 miles of reliable service before needing a rebuild, and that ranks it highly among the most reliable diesel engines ever built.
- Average Yearly Maintenance Costs: $398 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Costs During The First 10 Years: $10,245 (CarEdge)
- Total Recalls: 15 (NHTSA)
- Worst Ford F-150 Year To Buy Used: 2004 Ford F-150 (16 recalls, most overall complaints, and reliability issues affecting the Triton V8 engine)
1 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
Starting Used Price:$8,100
Some have even called it the holy grail of diesel engine pickup trucks, and that’s how highly revered the 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD is. The reasons aren’t so far-fetched – the 6.6-liter Duramax LBZ, among other great truck features. Notably, the 6.6-liter Duramax LBZ V8 diesel engine got introduced in 2006 as an improved version of the 6.6-liter LLY Duramax variant. The changes effected through the upgrade include the addition of webbings to the block, reinforced main-bearing caps, longer bores, and connecting rods made from forged steel.
Reliability
Importantly, the 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD arrived before modern emission restrictions got rolled out, making it highly reliable. Thanks to the 6.6-liter Duramax LBZ V8 diesel engine, the 2006 Chevrolet Silverado has a power output of 360 horses and 650 lb-ft of torque.
- Average Yearly Maintenance Costs: $936 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Costs During The First 10 Years: $14,644 (CarEdge)
- Total Recalls: 11 (NHTSA)
- Worst Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD Year To Buy Used: 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD (14 recalls and over 1,000 complaints due to engine problems, brake problems, electrical faults, and more
