Ram 3500 reliability and problems by year
Owners have filed 2,341 complaints about the Ram 3500 with NHTSA since 2013, most often about brakes and electrical system. Ram has filed 23 warranty extensions and 2 service campaigns for it, and there are 61 safety recalls on file.
From NHTSA's public data files, downloaded 2026-10-10.
How reliable is the Ram 3500? What NHTSA's records show
We don't give the 3500 a reliability score. NHTSA publishes complaint counts but no sales figures, so complaints can't be turned into a rate or compared between models. Here is what's on file for model years 2013 on.
- Owner complaints
- 2,341
- Filed with NHTSA, all model years
- Warranty extensions
- 23
- Filed by Ram
- Service campaigns
- 2
- Filed by Ram
- Safety recalls
- 61
- Each covers part of the model
Every model year compared
Complaints rise with how many were sold and how long they've been on the road, so a newer or rarer year will show fewer. Compare years of the 3500 with each other.
| Year | Complaints | Most named | Recalls | Warranty / campaigns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 27 | Electrical system (63%) | 4 | 1 |
| 2025 | 43 | Electrical system (65%) | 5 | 5 |
| 2024 | 45 | Electrical system (27%) | 2 | 7 |
| 2023 | 17 | Exterior lights (18%) | 5 | 7 |
| 2022 | 190 | Transmission and drivetrain (60%) | 12 | 18 |
| 2021 | 62 | Electrical system (27%) | 9 | 13 |
| 2020 | 116 | Fuel and propulsion (28%) | 11 | 11 |
| 2019 | 137 | Fuel system (diesel) (20%) | 14 | 11 |
| 2018 | 804 | Brakes (62%) | 10 | 2 |
| 2017 | 313 | Brakes (46%) | 12 | 2 |
| 2016 | 134 | Steering (22%) | 14 | 2 |
| 2015 | 137 | Transmission and drivetrain (23%) | 14 | 4 |
| 2014 | 202 | Steering (20%) | 15 | 2 |
| 2013 | 114 | Steering (32%) | 16 | 2 |
Look up one model year, or a VIN
See the complaints, recalls and warranty extensions for a single 3500 model year, with the typical mileage when owners reported each problem.
Acknowledged by Ram
Warranty extensions and service campaigns Ram filed with NHTSA for the 3500, in its own words. A warranty extension means Ram pays for the repair beyond the normal warranty.
- Warranty extensionJun 2026· Electrical system· model years 2025–2026
Emissions Recall 37D - NOx Sensor - Dealer Notification
- Warranty extensionOct 2025· Transmission and drivetrain· model years 2022
Aisin K1 Clutch/Input Shaft Assembly Replacement XW1 Warranty Extension Customers must experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination and the vehicle must exhibit/set the following Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC): ● P0731-00 - Gear 1 Shift Incorrect Ratio.
- Warranty extensionOct 2025· Transmission and drivetrain· model years 2022
D-25-18 (XW1) Aisin K1 Clutch/ Input Shaft Assembly - Select 2022 RAM Trucks (D2/DD/DP)
- Warranty extensionOct 2025· Transmission and drivetrain· model years 2022
ID-25-15 (XW1) Aisin K1 Clutch/ Input Shaft Assembly - Select 2022 RAM Trucks (D2/DD/DP)
- Warranty extensionJun 2025· Other or unspecified· model years 2019–2024
FCA Caribbean Warranty Newsletter – Volume 11, Issue 6
- Warranty extensionApr 2025· Other or unspecified· model years 2020–2025
FCA Caribbean Warranty Newsletter – Volume 11, Issue 4
- Warranty extensionApr 2025· Other or unspecified· model years 2020–2025
Warranty Newsletter – Volume 11, Issue 4
- Warranty extensionFeb 2025· Other or unspecified· model years 2025
Warranty Bulletin D-25-04 FFB Program - 6.7L Cummins Engine (Sales Codes ETM and ETN), Base Engine Comp, Electronic Comp, Cooling System Comp, Exhaust Gas Recirculation System, Fuel System and Aftertreatment System - Select 2025 2500/3500/4500/5500 Ram Pickup (DD/DJ/D2/DP)
- Warranty extensionOct 2024· Engine· model years 2019–2022
Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) Fluid Freezing Warranty Extension XR1 Customers must experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination and the vehicle must exhibit/set the following Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC): ● P203E-00 - Reductant Level Sensor 1 Circuit…
- Warranty extensionSep 2024· Transmission and drivetrain· model years 2019–2022
Warranty Bulletin D-24-16 (XR1) Urea Delivery Module – Select 2019 - 2022 RAM Trucks (DJ/D2/DD/DP)
- Warranty extensionSep 2024· Other or unspecified· model years 2019–2022
Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) Fluid Freezing Warranty Extension XR1 Customers must experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination and the vehicle must exhibit/set the following Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC): ● P203E-00 - Reductant Level Sensor 1 Circuit…
- Warranty extensionSep 2024· Transmission and drivetrain· model years 2019–2024
WARRANTY BULLETIN D-24-15 announces the addition of the Rear Axle Assembly replacement for 2019 - 2024 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis (DD), RAM 4500/ 5500 Cab Chassis (DP), RAM 3500 Pickup (D2), RAM 2500 Pickup (DJ), RAM 1500 Pickup (DS) and RAM 1500 Pickup (DT) vehicles to the Powertrain…
- Warranty extensionSep 2024· Transmission and drivetrain· model years 2019–2024
FCA Caribbean Warranty Bulletin ID-24-16 Rev. Announces the addition of the Rear Axle Assembly replacement for 2019 - 2024 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis (DD), RAM 4500/ 5500 Cab Chassis (DP), RAM 3500 Pickup (D2), RAM 2500 Pickup (DJ), RAM 1500 Pickup (DS) and RAM 1500 Pickup (DT)…
- Warranty extensionSep 2024· Transmission and drivetrain· model years 2019–2024
FCA CARIBBEAN WARRANTY BULLETIN ID-24-16 Addition of Rear Axle / Differential Assembly for 2019 - 2024 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis (DD) to the Powertrain Service Center (PTSC) Pre-Authorization Program
- Warranty extensionSep 2024· Transmission and drivetrain· model years 2019–2024
WARRANTY BULLETIN D-24-15 Addition of Rear Axle / Differential Assembly for 2019 - 2024 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis (DD) to the Powertrain Service Center (PTSC) Pre-Authorization Program ALL DEALERS
- Warranty extensionJun 2024· Electrical system· model years 2022
FCA Caribbean Warranty Newsletter – Volume 10, Issue 6
- Warranty extensionJun 2024· Brakes· model years 2022
Warranty Operations Newsletter – Volume 10, Issue 6
- Warranty extensionMay 2024· Other or unspecified· model years 2013–2019
Warranty Bulletin D-24-10 (XQ1) Emission Control System Components – Select 2013 - 2019 RAM 2500 Pickup (DJ) and 2013- 2019 RAM 3500 Pickup (D2)
- Warranty extensionMay 2024· Other or unspecified· model years 2013–2019
6.7L Diesel Emissions Warranty Extension XQ1 Special Warranty Extension
- Warranty extensionAug 2023· Fuel system (diesel)· model years 2021–2022
Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) - X97 Warranty Extension Installation of Particulate Matter (PM) sensor.
- Warranty extensionDec 2022· Equipment and accessories· model years 2021–2022
Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) - X97 Warranty Extension Installation of particulate matter sensor. This bulletin involves extending the warranty on the DPF. NOTE: This is an ?Information Only? Technical Service Bulletin to inform the dealer of this warranty Extension.
- Warranty extensionJul 2022· Engine and cooling· model years 2015
Cummins 6.7L Turbocharger Actuator - X99 Warranty Extension This bulletin involves replacing the turbocharger actuator.
- Warranty extensionMar 2022· Electrical system· model years 2015
Cummins 6.7L Turbocharger Actuator - X99 Warranty Extension This bulletin involves replacing the turbocharger actuator.
- Service campaignJan 2026· Body and structure· model years 2025
Customer Satisfaction Notification 76C – Camera Kit - Dealer Notification
- Service campaignJun 2024· Other or unspecified· model years 2019–2022
Customer Satisfaction Notification 90A Diesel Exhaust Fluid
What owners report most
The parts of the car owners named in their complaints, across every 3500 model year. Unverified, and not a failure rate.
- Brakes748 (32%)
- Electrical system370 (16%)
- Transmission and drivetrain301 (13%)
- Engine230 (10%)
- Steering196 (8%)
- Brakes191 (8%)
- Cruise control and speed control166 (7%)
- Other or unspecified132 (6%)
Safety recalls
61 recalls cover at least one 3500 model year. Each covers a range of VINs, not every car. Check one car at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
A software error may cause the instrument panel display to fail.
Due to an improperly designed trailer tow module, the trailer lights may fail to illuminate and the trailer brakes may fail.
A software error in the occupant restraint controller module may cause the driver's side air bag and/or seat belt pretensioner not to deploy in a crash and disable the electronic stability control (ESC) system.
The right and left side curtain air bag inflators may rupture due to a manufacturing defect.
A software error may cause the instrument panel cluster display to be blank.
The steering column control module may cause the driver's side air bag not to deploy as intended.
The right and left side curtain air bag inflators may rupture due to a manufacturing defect.
The instrument panel may display an incorrect brake system warning light. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 101, "Control and Displays.
A software error may cause the gear selection display to be inaccurate. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 101, "Control and Displays.
The right and left side curtain air bag inflators may rupture due to a manufacturing defect.
The hydraulic control unit (HCU) may fail, which can cause the anti-lock brake (ABS), electronic stability control (ESC), and traction control systems to fail.
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.
Due to a software malfunction, the ABS control module may disable the electronic stability control system.
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.
The steering column control module may not be welded properly, which can prevent the driver's air bag from deploying in a crash.
And 46 more recalls on NHTSA.
NHTSA investigations
Defect investigations NHTSA opened. Many close without a recall.
- PE26002Preliminary evaluation· opened Mar 2026, still open· Electrical system· model years 2022
Loss of Power Steering Assist
Led to recall 26E067.
- RQ25003Recall query· opened Jul 2025, still open· Transmission and drivetrain· model years 2013–2018
Post Recall Remedy Brake Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI) Failure
- PE24009Preliminary evaluation· opened Mar 2024, still open· Transmission and drivetrain· model years 2022
2022 RAM Transmission Snap Ring Failure
- EA23001Engineering analysis· opened Mar 2023, still open· Fuel system (diesel)· model years 2019–2021
High pressure fuel pump failure
Led to recall 24V957.
- PE22012Preliminary evaluation· opened Nov 2022, closed Mar 2025· Brakes· model years 2017–2018
Loss of Brake Performance
- PE21021Preliminary evaluation· opened Oct 2021, closed Apr 2023· Fuel system (diesel)· model years 2019–2020
High pressure fuel pump failure
- EA19004Engineering analysis· opened Dec 2019, closed Nov 2025· Steering· model years 2014–2018
Steering loss due to linkage separation
- PE18016Preliminary evaluation· opened Dec 2018, closed Dec 2019· Steering· model years 2013–2018
Steering loss due to linkage separation
Led to recall 19V021000.
- RQ15004Recall query· opened Jul 2015, closed Jan 2016· Electrical system· model years 2013–2015
Software security vulnerability
Led to recall 15V508000.
- AQ14003Audit query· opened Oct 2014, closed May 2016· Steering· model years 2010–2012
Chrysler's execution of 13V-528 & 529
- DP14004Defect petition· opened Sep 2014, closed Jul 2015· Electrical system· model years 2010–2012
Totally Integrated Power Module Failure
- PE11009Preliminary evaluation· opened Apr 2011, closed Feb 2012· Steering· model years 2010
Outer Tie Rod Failure
Led to recall 11V350000.
NHTSA's own page for the 2027 Ram 3500 has the complaint text and every document.
Common questions
Is the Ram 3500 reliable?
We don't score reliability: NHTSA publishes complaint counts but no sales figures, so complaints can't be turned into a rate or compared between models. What's on file for model years 2013 on: 2,341 owner complaints, 23 warranty extensions and 2 service campaigns Ram filed, and 61 safety recalls. The model years with the most complaints are 2018 (804), 2017 (313), 2014 (202). Whether a known problem was fixed on one car is what its service records show.
What are the most common problems with the Ram 3500?
Across every model year since 2013, owners' complaints to NHTSA most often name brakes (32%), electrical system (16%), transmission and drivetrain (13%). Ram has filed 23 warranty extensions covering the 3500, listed on this page.
Which 3500 model years have the most complaints?
2018 (804), 2017 (313), 2014 (202). Complaint counts rise with how many were sold and how long they've been on the road, so compare years of the 3500 with each other rather than with other models.
Has Ram extended the warranty on the 3500?
Yes: electrical system (model years 2025–2026); transmission and drivetrain (model years 2022); transmission and drivetrain (model years 2022), and 20 more. A dealer does a covered repair for free within the extended time or mileage.
How do I check recalls on a 3500?
Enter the car's 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. That answers for one vehicle; the 61 recalls listed here are for the model, and each covers only part of it.