Ram 3500 problems by model year
Updated from NHTSA data · How we count
NHTSA has 1,811 owner complaints and 62 recalls on file for the Ram 3500 (2007–2026). The 2018 3500 has the most serious complaints, most often about brakes.
- Complaints
- 1,811
- Recalls
- 62
- Model years
- 17
- Worst year
- 2018
Complaints by model year
Newer model years have had less time on the road, so they naturally have fewer complaints. Compare a year against its neighbors rather than against brand-new models.
Worst Ram 3500 years to buy
Ranked by our severity-weighted complaint score (crashes, fires and injuries count extra — how it works).
- 2018 Ram 3500 — 766 complaints, 12 crashes, 2 fires; top problem: Brakes
- 2022 Ram 3500 — 190 complaints, 4 crashes, 5 fires; top problem: Transmission & Drivetrain
- 2019 Ram 3500 — 133 complaints, 11 crashes, 5 fires; top problem: Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
- 2017 Ram 3500 — 250 complaints, 4 crashes, 1 fire; top problem: Brakes
- 2020 Ram 3500 — 116 complaints, 6 crashes, 7 fires; top problem: Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
Fewest serious complaints among years at least 3 years old: 2009 (0 complaints).
Every Ram 3500 model year
| Year | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Injuries | Recalls | Top problem |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 3500 | 27 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 4 | Electrical System |
| 2025 3500 | 43 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 | Electrical System |
| 2024 3500 | 45 | 5 | 1 | 4 | 2 | Brakes |
| 2023 3500 | 17 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 | Engine |
| 2022 3500 | 190 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 12 | Transmission & Drivetrain |
| 2021 3500 | 62 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 9 | Electrical System |
| 2020 3500 | 116 | 6 | 7 | 4 | 11 | Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion |
| 2019 3500 | 133 | 11 | 5 | 9 | 14 | Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion |
| 2018 3500 | 766 | 12 | 2 | 3 | 10 | Brakes |
| 2017 3500 | 250 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 12 | Brakes |
| 2016 3500 | 48 | 2 | 4 | 2 | 14 | Steering |
| 2015 3500 | 45 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 14 | Transmission & Drivetrain |
| 2014 3500 | 43 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 15 | Steering |
| 2013 3500 | 21 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 16 | Steering |
| 2009 3500 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | — |
| 2008 3500 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | Steering |
| 2007 3500 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | Electrical System |
Most common Ram 3500 problem areas (all years)
- Brakes944 complaints
- Electrical System306 complaints
- Transmission & Drivetrain225 complaints
- Engine175 complaints
- Acceleration & Cruise Control165 complaints
- Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion149 complaints
- Driver Assistance & Safety Tech123 complaints
- Wheels & Tires113 complaints
- Steering94 complaints
- Suspension51 complaints
Complaint trend
Ram 3500 recalls
Risk: An instrument panel display that fails to show critical safety information, such as gear selection and warning lights, increases the risk of a crash.
Risk: Trailer brake lights and turn signals that do not illuminate reduce visibility to other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash. Additionally, trailer brakes that fail increase the risk of a crash.
Risk: Driving with a disabled electronic stability control system increases the risk of a crash. Additionally, a driver's side air bag or seat belt pretensioner that does not deploy increases the risk of injury in a crash.
Risk: An instrument panel display that does not show critical information, such as warning lights or gear selection, increases the risk of a crash.
Risk: An inflator rupture may result in sharp metal fragments striking occupants, resulting in injury.
Risk: A driver's side air bag that does not deploy as intended increases the risk of injury in a crash.
Risk: An inflator rupture may result in sharp metal fragments striking occupants, resulting in injury.
Risk: An incorrect warning light can fail to alert the driver to critical safety information, increasing the risk of a crash.
Risk: An inaccurate gear selection display may mislead the driver as to what gear is actually selected, leading to unexpected vehicle movement and increasing the risk of a crash.
Risk: An inflator rupture may result in sharp metal fragments striking occupants, resulting in injury.
Risk: A loss of anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control, or traction control can increase the risk of a crash.
Risk: A rearview camera image that does not display decreases the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Risk: A loss of drive power or a loss of park function increase the risk of a crash.
Risk: Driving with a disabled electronic stability control system can increase the risk of a crash.
Risk: An air bag that does not deploy in a crash can increase the risk of injury.
Risk: 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.
Risk: A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
Risk: An electrical short in the relay can result in an engine compartment fire with the ignition on or off, increasing the risk of injury.
Risk: An unintended tailgate opening while driving may result in a loss of unsecured cargo, possibly creating a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
Risk: Leaking transmission fluid may contact an ignition source within the engine compartment, increasing the risk of a fire.
Risk: An internal loss of communication can result in a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Risk: A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
Risk: An ESC malfunction indicator light that fails to illuminate during an electronic stability control problem can increase the risk of a crash.
Risk: Reduced visibility increases the risk of a crash.
Risk: An air bag that deploys improperly can increase the risk of injury in a crash.
Other Ram models
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. Methodology