Ram 3500 problems
The Ram pickup (marketed as the Dodge Ram until 2010) is a full-size pickup truck manufactured by Stellantis North America (formerly Chrysler Group LLC and FCA US LLC) and marketed from 2010 onwards under the Ram Trucks brand. The current fifth-generation Ram debuted at the 2018 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan, in January of that year.
Previously, Ram was part of the Dodge line of light trucks. The name Ram was first used in 1981 model year Dodge Trucks in October 1980, following the retiring and rebadging of the Dodge D series pickup trucks as well as B-series vans, though the company had used a ram's-head hood ornament on some trucks as early as 1933.
Ram trucks have been named Motor Trend magazine's Truck of the Year eight times; the second-generation Ram won the award in 1994, the third-generation Ram heavy-duty won the award in 2003, the fourth-generation Ram Heavy Duty won in 2010 and the fourth-generation Ram 1500 won in 2013 and 2014, and the current fifth-generation Ram pickup became the first truck in history to win the award three times, winning in 2019, 2020, and 2021.
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Ram 3500 model years
Common Ram 3500 problems
The Ram 3500, a heavy-duty pickup truck produced by the Dodge brand, has been known to have several common problems based on complaints from owners. These issues range from transmission failure to electrical problems and sensor malfunctions.
One of the most common problems with the Ram 3500 is transmission failure, which is often due to a lack of parts. This can lead to long wait times for repairs and significant inconvenience for owners.
Another common issue with the Ram 3500 is sensor malfunctions, which can cause the truck to shut down unexpectedly. This can be a major safety concern, particularly for those who rely on their truck for work or towing.
Electrical problems are also a common issue with the Ram 3500. One owner reported that the radio in their 2020 Ram 3500 had gone out four times, requiring replacement each time. This can be a significant inconvenience, particularly for those who rely on their truck for long trips or daily driving.
In addition to these issues, the Ram 3500 has also been known to have problems with the turbo actuator, which can require expensive repairs. This can be a significant expense, particularly for those who are not covered under warranty.
Finally, some owners of the Ram 3500 have reported issues with the tire pressure sensors, which can require replacement multiple times. This can be a significant inconvenience, particularly for those who rely on their truck for work or towing.
In general, the Ram 3500 has been known to have several common problems based on complaints from owners. These issues range from transmission failure to electrical problems and sensor malfunctions. While these issues can be significant, many of them are covered under warranty, and some owners have reported positive experiences with the Ram brand and their local dealerships. However, it is important for potential buyers to be aware of these common issues and to do their research before making a purchase.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Ram 3500 years
We have researched Ram problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Ram 3500 cars and compiled the top 5 most problematic Ram 3500 model years:
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Ram 3500 model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Ram 3500 years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Ram 3500 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Ram 3500 , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Service brakes problems
- Steering problems
- Electrical system problems
- Power train problems
- Engine problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Ram 3500 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by 3500 model years
A total of 67 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with fire by 3500 model years
There were a total of 50 complaints that resulted in a fire. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with injuries by 3500 model years
There were a total of 51 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with deaths by 3500 model years
There were a total of 2 complaints that resulted in a death. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
The NHTSA has received 2478 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Ram 3500 . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Ram 3500 vehicles.
Latest 25 complaints
Ram 3500 2017
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-26
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-26
- VIN: 3C63R3LL4HG
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES,BACK OVER PREVENTION
- Summary: [XXX] I got a check engine light and associated ABS and traction control light. Roads were dry and braking seemed fine. Lights eventually went out. Service department at dealership said sometimes moisture will cause this. No codes. Between May and October this problem has become repetitive and has been in the dealership service department multiple times. Codes show only when lights are on. Wheel speed sensor has been replaced (twice), but did not solve problem. Other features affected when these lights are on: 4WD will not engage, cruise control inop, rear collision sensor inoperative. My truck has been in the shop (dealership at Lithia in Anchorage, AK) since 10 Oct. Technician has said it needs ABS module and hydraulic pump, but FCA (or Stellantis who issued service contract) will not release parts (or they are out of parts and won’t admit). Apparently Ram engineers don’t believe service tech and are having him chase an electrical problem and now hub replacement. A quick internet search and it appears thousands of Ram owners (17-18) have dealt with this problem. The mileage is just shy of 110,000 and service contract expires at 125k or Jun 25. As a consumer I’m stuck between Ram engineers, and service department at dealership (currently without vehicle). A heavy duty pickup in Alaska is useless w/o 4WD on the rapidly approaching winter. This is obviously a known problem and needs resolution.
Ram 3500 2023
- Date Of Incident: 2024-03-18
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-24
- VIN: 3C63RRJL3PG
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Vehicle was manufactured from the factory with defective frame/left upper coil spring mount causing the coil spring to move off it's locking perch making the coil spring unsecured to the vehicle frame. Yes, the vehicle available for inspection. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The defective coil spring mount allows the unsecured coil spring to move during travel with the potential of becoming dislodged from the vehicle which would cause complete suspension failure and the potential of loss of control of vehicle. This is especially true when towing. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? - Yes, the issue has been confirmed by the dealership and area engineer of Ram/Stellantis. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? - Yes, this have been inspected and confirmed by the dealership, area rep and area engineer of Ram/Stellantis. (See attached work orders) Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? - There were no warning lamps or messages, the very first symptom was just a squeaky spring type noise when driven off the lot after purchasing. That squeak intermittently continued until the squeak became a clunk and a metal on metal type noise and the vehicle didn't feel like it had equal suspension from left to right side of the vehicle. The dealership and area engineer for Ram/Stellantis stated the vehicle has a defective frame/coil mount, vehicle should not be driven on the highway, the vehicle should be repurchased by automaker and parted out/destroyed. This case has been going on for seven months, Ram/Stellantis has been stalling and unwilling thus far to repurchase the vehicle and take ownership of the defective manufactured vehicle.
Ram 3500 2023
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-21
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-24
- VIN: 3C63R3CL2PG
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: Despite having taken my 2023 Ram 3500 HD truck to the Ram dealer 3 times for the same recall, the issue still persists. The recall in question is B2A/NHTSA 23V-799 related to a malfunctioning SCCM that results in high beams activating with left turn signal activation. Also, left turn signal activates with high beam pass activation. Per Ram's protocol, they performed a software reboot upon the first attempt. The problem quickly returned. I returned to the same service department who did not perform any service on the vehicle despite the ongoing problem for more than one week. I took the truck back as it was my main mode of transportation. Because this safety issue has not resolved, I attempted to take it back to a different Ram service center who wanted to perform some incredibly involved electronic disconnection of all systems. I told them this was unacceptable because this was a known recall item that is still active. I have tried calling Ram Cares Customer service, but they have been entirely unhelpful. I am not filing this safety issue because Ram refuses to provide the needed replacement of the SCCM unit, which was the correct fix for this recall because they insist that the recall has been serviced appropriately. I have a recent video that shows the problem still happening, but they have not cared to look at it.
Ram 3500 2017
- Date Of Incident: 2022-10-01
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-22
- VIN: 3C63R3ML2HG
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: The abs and traction control lights flash on and off. They also have remained off and the back on for while. Happens a lot during summer and when driving for a while. While on cruise control and the lights comes sudden loss of power and agrressive engine slow down causing the vehicle to shake. Has happen multiple times.
Ram 3500 2017
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-07
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-22
- VIN: 3C63R3JL5HG
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
- Summary: Component Failure: ABS ECU and HCU modules presented a trouble code C0020-01 after dashboard warning of ABS System problem. Safety Risk: Pulling my 12,000 trailer down the I-5 Grapevine without ABS, Traction Control or Cruise Control is very dangerous to myself and others. Failure Reproduced and confirmed by independent service center. Manufacturer (Stellantis) RAM insisted they change the HCU module before changing the ECU module (P/N 68347098AC). The HCU replacement did not clear the code, The manufactuer has a hold on shipping any ECU units to their dealer network. Truck has been out of service for three weeks! Dated 10/22/2024
Ram 3500 2017
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-18
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-18
- VIN: 3C63RRHL4HG
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: While pulling my trailer on the interstate with cruise control set, I was going up a hill when all of a sudden my engine RPMs skyrocketed and my truck simultaneously lost propulsion. The cruise control system then disabled itself. My truck had slowed down enough that I turned my hazard lights on, and then selected a lower gear due to the decreased speed. While attempting to accelerate back to a normal speed, my trucks RPMs again skyrocketed and my truck simultaneously lost propulsion. I was now fairly certain that my clutch was slipping. I was able to limp the truck back to my shop. I then contacted my dealership asking if this would be covered by the manufacture powertrain warranty, they informed that it was not. I then asked for them to order me a new flywheel, clutch kit, and all other incidental parts. It was at this time the dealer advised that I instead purchase an after-market performance clutch because they had seen very high failure rates from the OEM clutches. Not wanting the risk of using parts not designed by the OEM, I elected to use all OEM replacement parts. Upon installation of the new clutch parts, I discovered the clutch friction material was not even warn down on the slipping clutch. After the repairs, my truck was back to normal until, out of the blue again, the same thing happened with approximately 12,000 miles on the replacement OEM clutch components. Remembering what the dealer said about the high failure rates, I decided to hang onto the original clutch, pressure plate and flywheel incase the want or need to examine it would arise later. My trailer complies with all of the manufactures rated weight capacities. The now slipping replacement OEM clutch has not yet been removed from the truck. I do not want to use after-market replacement parts, however I am now concerned about using the replacement OEM parts due to the unexpected loss of propulsion. Said issues occurred at approximate ODO of 46,800 miles and again at 58,800 miles.
Ram 3500 2018
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-17
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-18
- VIN: 3C63RRHL5JG
- Components: ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: The contact owns a 2018 Ram 3500 and towing a 17,500 lbs RV 5th Wheel. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 60 MPH, the ABS and ESC warnings were illuminated. The contact stated the cruise control was engaged but when the ABS warning light illuminated, the cruise control disengaged. The failure was intermittent but was also occurring when not towing. A dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed and was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.
Ram 3500 2018
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-01
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-18
- VIN: 3C63R3CL1JG
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: ABS AND ELECTRIC BRAKE LIGHTS AND ALARMS AT DEALERSHIP NOW, COST OF OVER 1500.00 WITH ALL THE LAW SUITS AND THOUSANDS OF ABS FAILURES WHY HASNT A RECALL BEEN ISSUED TRUCK HAS 40,000 MILES NEVER BY A RAM AGAIN
Ram 3500 2018
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-01
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-16
- Components: BACK OVER PREVENTION
- Summary: The contact owns a 2018 Ram 3500. The contact stated that while reversing, the rearview camera image was black. The local dealer and manufacturer were not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was 179,000. The VIN was not available.
Ram 3500 2018
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-15
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-15
- VIN: 3C63R3EL6JG
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: ABS failure warning lights on and off constantly. Dealer replaced failed HVU and ABS module for 1181$. This is an open investigation.
Ram 3500 2018
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-16
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-13
- VIN: 3C63RRKL8JG
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: 2018 Ram 3500 Diesel truck with 70,000 miles. While driving the "service electronic braking system" alarm goes off and ABS lights come on and cruise control is disabled, along with electronic stability control. This happened while towing a 20,000 lb fifth wheel trailer and continues to happen with or without a trailer behind the vehicle. This is a known safety problem and there are several class action lawsuits but Ram has yet to authorize a recall on 2018 models. They knew there were defective parts and even put out technical service bulletins to their dealer's service departments. This is a VERY DANGEROUS condition associates with almost all these model trucks. It seems Ram does not care about loss of life but only their profit margins.
Ram 3500 2018
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-11
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-11
- VIN: 3C63R3EL3JG
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: THE ABS BRAKES YES IT IS AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION BY NOT HAVING ABS BRAKEING WHEELS HAVE LOCKED UP HAVE NOT HAD DEALER CHECKIT HAD A MECHANIC PUT ON COMPUTER FOR CODES NO TRUCK HASN'T BEEN INSPECTED BY ANYONE ELSE BUT THE MECHANIC WARNING LIGHTS HAVE COME ON AND OFF A NUMBER OF TIME AND LATELY MORE OFTEN IT STARED ABOUT A YEAR AGO TOOK IT TO DEALER THEN BUT WASN'T REPAIRED PROPERTY
Ram 3500 2018
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-10
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-10
- VIN: 3C63R3CL5JG
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: The Hydraulic Control Unit is malfunctioning, as determined by a RAM truck dealer. The ABS brakes don't work as they should and the cruise control intermittently shuts off.
Ram 3500 2018
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-18
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-07
- VIN: 3C63R3ELXJG
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: Intermittent loss of anti-lock braking system and cruise control. code C0020-01 ABS pump failure. First occurred at approx. 47,900 miles.
Ram 3500 2018
- Date Of Incident: 2024-05-20
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-07
- VIN: 3C63R3ML1JG
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: Service abs/ service electronic brake system/ traction control alarm flashing on/off intermittently with no specific times or conditions. This first happened in may 2024 on a 6 hour road trip. Occasionally I can take it on a short trip and it may not flash the message during that trip and at other times it is constantly going on and off. I have not had this looked at by the dealer. I have read the codes using my personal scanner and it shows C0020-01 (Active) ABS Pump Motor Control- General Electrical Failure. I do not drive this vehicle daily and I can not relate it to wear and tear because the vehicle only has 23,900 miles on it.
Latest 5 recalls Ram 3500
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 156 recalls for different components of the Ram 3500.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Ram 3500 2022
- Report Received Date: 2024-06-13
- Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
- Components: BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
- Summary: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Dodge Durango, 2021-2023 Chrysler Pacifica, Jeep Grand Cherokee L, 2022 Ram 1500, 2500, 3500, Chrysler Voyager, 2022-2023 Jeep Compass, Grand Cherokee, Wagoneer, Grand Wagoneer, and Ram Promaster vehicles. The radio software may prevent the rearview image from displaying. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
- Consequence: A rearview camera image that does not display decreases the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Dealers will update the radio software or the software will be OTA, "Over-The-Air," free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning July 9, 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's numbers for this recall are 66B and 79B.
- Model: Ram 3500 2023
- Report Received Date: 2024-06-06
- Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
- Components: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
- Summary: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2023 Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500 vehicles. An insufficient weld in the transmission control unit can allow transmission fluid to leak on to electrical components, resulting in a loss of drive power or loss of park function.
- Consequence: A loss of drive power or a loss of park function increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Dealers will replace the valve body and control unit, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expecting to be mailed July 26, 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 63B.
- Model: Ram 3500 2022
- Report Received Date: 2024-06-06
- Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
- Components: ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC):CONTROL MODULE
- Summary: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2022 Dodge Durango and Ram 2500 and 3500 vehicles. Due to a software malfunction, the ABS control module may disable the electronic stability control system. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 126, "Electronic Stability Control Systems."
- Consequence: Driving with a disabled electronic stability control system can increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Dealers will update the ABS control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning July 11, 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 55B.
- Model: Ram 3500 2023
- Report Received Date: 2024-03-14
- Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) (Stellantis)
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER CLOCKSPRING/SPIRAL CASSETTE
- Summary: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) (Stellantis) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Ram 1500, Jeep Wrangler, Jeep Wagoneer, Jeep Grand Wagoneer, Chrysler Pacifica, Ram 3500, Ram 3500 cab chassis, Ram 2500, Ram 4500 cab chassis, Ram 5500 cab chassis, 2023 Jeep Gladiator, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep Grand Cherokee L, Ram 3500 Cab Chassis with a GVWR less than 10,000 lbs., and Chrysler Voyager vehicles. The steering column control module may not be welded properly, which can prevent the driver's air bag from deploying in a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
- Consequence: An air bag that does not deploy in a crash can increase the risk of injury.
- Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the steering column control module, as necessary free of charge. Some owner notification letters were mailed April 11, 2024 through June 20, 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's numbers for this recall are 14B, 33B, 34B, 35B, 36B.
- Model: Ram 3500 2023
- Report Received Date: 2023-11-28
- Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
- Components: STEERING:STEERING CONTROL MODULE
- Summary: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2023 Ram 1500 Classic, Ram 3500 Classic, 3500 Cab Chassis, 2023-2024 Ram 2500, 4500/5500 Cab Chassis, and Ram 3500 vehicles. The steering column control module may cause the high beams to activate when the turn signal is used or activate the turn signal when the high beams are used. In addition, the turn signal self-canceling feature may not function properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
- Consequence: Turn signals and/or high beams that do not function as intended may cause confusion or reduced visibility to other road users, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Dealers will update the steering column control module (SCCM) software, and inspect and replace the module, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 19, 2023. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's numbers for this recall are B2A and D5A.
Are you having problems with your Ram 3500?
