2023 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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Common 2023 Ram 3500 problems
The 2023 Ram 3500 has been reported to have several common problems based on complaints from owners. One of the most common issues is related to the check engine light, which can be caused by various factors such as worn spark plugs, faulty spark plug wires, vacuum leaks, aftermarket items, and a malfunctioning mass airflow sensor. These issues can lead to poor engine performance, reduced fuel efficiency, and even prevent the vehicle from starting.
Another significant problem reported by owners is related to the transmission. The 2023 Ram 3500 is equipped with the Aisin Transmission, which is supposed to be more reliable than its predecessor, the 68RFE. However, some owners have reported transmission failure, where the truck loses all forward movement. This issue is reportedly caused by a C clip that holds the 1-4 gears in place, which can break and cause the gears to dislodge.
Additionally, some owners have reported issues with the exhaust system, where a message indicating that the exhaust system requires service appears on the dashboard, accompanied by a sudden loss of power. This issue can be caused by various factors, including aftermarket fuel filters, a dirty fuel tank, or a malfunctioning fuel pump.
Lastly, the 2023 Ram 3500 has been reported to have issues with the Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) system, where the EGR flow becomes excessive, triggering a check engine light. This issue can lead to poor engine performance and reduced fuel efficiency.
It is important to note that these issues may not affect all 2023 Ram 3500 models, and some may not experience any of these problems. However, these issues have been reported by several owners, indicating that they are common problems that may affect some vehicles.
2023 Ram 3500 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Ram 3500 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Exterior lighting problems
- Engine problems
- Suspension problems
- Electrical system problems
- Power train problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2023 Ram 3500 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2023 Ram 3500 complaints
The NHTSA has received 11 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2023 Ram 3500.
2024-10-24
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-03-18
- 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.
2024-10-24
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-21
- 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.
2024-09-27
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-30
- VIN: 3C63R3ELXPG
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: On my model year 2023 RAM 3500 equipped with the Cummins 6.7L High Output engine, the premature failure of the camshaft valve lifter has caused the engine camshaft to have abnormal wear due the valve lifter roller bearing seizing. This has also caused metallic debris to contaminate the engine oil causing further damage to other engine components. This potential safety hazard of this incident, potential catastrophic engine failure which may occur while driving and cause the vehicle to stop suddenly without driver input. According reports provided by multiple consumers and dealer service departments for this vehicle model, others have experienced the same failure. The vehicle has not been independently inspected. There were no warning lamps, the only recognizable symptom to the issue is an irregular ticking sound coming from the engine bay upon startup and at warm temperature idle.
2024-06-04
POWER TRAIN,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-03-23
- VIN: 3C7WRTCL1PG
- Components: POWER TRAIN,ENGINE
- Summary: Engine Lockup , towed 650 miles to dealer clsoer to my home and from same place where I bought the truck , said has Waranty, and stays there for almost 3 months , calling them every week and saying we are waiting for chrysler to send an engine and after receiving we will need a week to install
2024-04-29
PARKING BRAKE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-02-01
- Components: PARKING BRAKE
- Summary: The contact owns a 2023 Ram 3500. The contact stated that while driving at unknown speeds, the parking brake engaged without driver input. The parking brake warning light was illuminated. The contact was unable to disengage the parking brake. The contact was aided by another driver. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was unknown. The VIN was not available.
2023-11-28
EXTERIOR LIGHTING,VISIBILITY/WIPER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-11-28
- VIN: 3C63RRHL2PG
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING,VISIBILITY/WIPER
- Summary: Turn on left blinker and the high beams come on doesn’t matter if it’s daytime, night time, headlights on or off, truck running not running. Obviously you don’t want to high beam other drivers when passing on left or turning left. Opened driver door and passenger rear window shattered with 2800 miles on it.
2023-11-15
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-11-15
- VIN: 3C63R3EL8PG
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: The seatbelts do not porperly retract. The get caught in door after use, they fit loose and don’t feel secure. I had a 2018 ram 2500 that did the same
2023-10-25
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-10-01
- VIN: 3C63RRJL9PG
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: Driving vehicle and made a left turn and the power steering stopped working and the brakes went spongy. Made the turn and the power steering started working again. It did it five other times on the same drive, over a fifteen minute period of time. The engine belt is in place and there are no signs of wear. Vehicle has 10,550 miles on it. Dealer states it’s missing some type of clip from the factory.
2023-08-26
WHEELS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-08-15
- VIN: 3C63R3FL1PG
- Components: WHEELS
- Summary: TPMS is installed on the truck but is not available to view anywhere inside the truck. It is 1ton pickup meant for towing. We tow a 15000# camper Ram's official position (I have voicemails) is that monitoring tire pressure while towing is "not required" for safe towing I adamantly disagree and believe they are selling an unsafe product for it's intended use My dealer has gone as far as they can and I have gone as far as I can thru they're Customer "don't" Care The fact that is in installed but not viewable is complete irresponsible. They say I should look at their app while driving. On the app the information is buried several screens in and the text size is literally less than 1/16" tall Again Ram's official position is that monitoring tire pressure is "not required" during towing and if I want to I should use the app on my phone while driving Date in additional details is the date of the first voicemail I received. I also received a followup voicemail on 8/17/23
2023-07-13
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-07-10
- VIN: 3C63RRJL2PG
- Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
- Summary: The contact owns a 2023 Ram 3500. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH, the tailgate opened independently. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact arrived at the residence and became aware that the tailgate was open. The dealer was contacted and stated that none of the vehicle with similar year, make, or model was equipped with a tailgate ajar indicator light. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the failure was a known failure; however, no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 850.
2023-07-12
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,EQUIPMENT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-06-15
- VIN: 3C6MRVJG8PE
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,EQUIPMENT
- Summary: The contact owns a 2023 Ram 3500. The contact stated that while inspecting the vehicle, the generator was turned on and the contact became aware of gasoline leaking. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23E030000 (Fuel System, Gasoline, Equipment). The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who informed the contact that the part to do the repair was not yet available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 14,000.
2023 Ram 3500 recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 5 recalls for different components of the 2023 Ram 3500.
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.
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.
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.
2023-09-28
- Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
- Components: BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION
- Summary: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Ram 1500, Ram 3500 Cab Chassis with GVWR less than 10,000 lbs., and 2022-2024 Ram 2500 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 that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Dealers will update the radio software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 24, 2023. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 97A.
2023-02-09
- Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
- Park Out Side: 1
- Park Out Side: 1
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:RELAYS/SOLENOIDS
- Summary: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Ram 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis, and 4500, 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles equipped with a Cummins 6.7L Turbo Diesel engine. An electrical short may occur in the heater grid relay with the ignition on or off.
- Consequence: An electrical short in the relay can result in an engine compartment fire with the ignition on or off, increasing the risk of injury.
- Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the relay, free of charge. This will be a Phased campaign. Phase 1 will include 2023 model year vehicles. FCA US will notify dealers on or about 3/23/2023 and begin notifying owners on or about 4/5/2023. Phase 2 will include 2022 model year vehicles and Phase 3 will include 2021 model year vehicles. FCA US will notify dealers and owners on or about 4/27/2023 for Phase 2 and 5/11/2023 for Phase 3. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed March 28, 2023. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed April 5, 2023. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 13A. This recall is an expansion of and supersedes recall number 21V-798.
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