Complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | vs. typical* | Recalls | Top problem | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 366 | 3.3× | 8 | Steering | Avoid |
| 2011 | 225 | 2.0× | 5 | Steering | Avoid |
| 2010 | 150 | 1.3× | 9 | Steering | Average |
| 2009 | 105 | −14% | 5 | Steering | Average |
| 2008 | 173 | 1.5× | 9 | Steering | Caution |
| 2007 | 210 | 1.7× | 11 | Steering | Caution |
| 2006 | 258 | 1.8× | 8 | Steering | Caution |
| 2005 | 196 | typical | 4 | Steering | Average |
| 2004 | 214 | typical | 4 | Transmission | Average |
| 2003 | 286 | 1.3× | 6 | Airbag | Average |
| 2002 | 44 | −78% | — | Fuel System | Good |
| 2001 | 130 | typical | 1 | Body | Average |
| 2000 | 58 | −59% | 1 | Suspension | Good |
| 1999 | 104 | −34% | — | Transmission | Average |
| 1998 | 105 | −25% | — | Brake | Average |
| 1997 | 125 | −18% | 1 | Transmission | Average |
| 1996 | 124 | typical | 1 | Brake | Average |
| 1995 | 108 | −16% | 1 | Brake | Average |
* Complaints compared with the median Ram 3500 year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.
Most common Dodge Ram 3500 problems
Latest Dodge Ram 3500 recalls
Wheels › Lugs/nuts/bolts/studs
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2012-2021 RAM 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis, 4500 Cab Chassis, and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles. Incorrect information in the Service and Owner's Manuals may cause the flanged lug nuts to be over-tightened, which could result in a broken wheel stud and possible wheel separation.
Remedy: Dealers will update the torque specification in the owner's manual and other published service documents. Dealers will also inspect the vehicle's wheel studs, replacing them if necessary, free of charge.
Air bags › Frontal › Passenger side › Inflator module
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2010 Dodge Ram 3500, Ram 4500/5500, 2010-2011 Dodge Dakota, 2010-2014 Dodge Challenger, 2010-2015 Dodge Challenger, Chrysler 300, and 2010-2016 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to explode.
Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge.
Air bags › Frontal › Passenger side › Inflator module
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Jeep Wrangler, Chrysler 300, Dodge Challenger and Dodge Charger vehicles, and 2009-2011 Dodge Dakota vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa,…
Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge.
Equipment
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling various Dodge, Chrysler, and RAM vehicles equipped with Kidde Plastic-Handle or Push Button 'Pindicator' Fire Extinguishers. A list of the affected trailer models is available at: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17V824-0103.pdf.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners instructing them to contact Kidde for a replacement fire extinguisher, free of charge. The recall began February 14, 2018.
Power train › Automatic transmission › Lever and linkage › Column shift
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Ram 3500 Cab Chassis with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of less than 10,000 lbs, 2011-2017 Ram 3500, 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles, 2009-2017 Ram 1500 and 2010-2017 Ram 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks, all equipped with a column shifter.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update the vehicle software, inspect the BTSI, and, as necessary, replace it, free of charge. The recall began February 26, 2018.
Frequently asked questions
What years of the Dodge Ram 3500 should you avoid?
2012, 2011, 2006, 2007 and 2008 — these years have the most complaints relative to other Ram 3500 years at the same age, led by steering problems in the 2012.
What is the best year for the Dodge Ram 3500?
2002 has the fewest complaints compared with other Ram 3500 years at the same age, followed by 2000 and 1999. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.
What are the most common Dodge Ram 3500 problems?
Across all years, owners report the most problems with the steering (1,017), transmission & drivetrain (349) and suspension (331). Steering complaints peak in the 2012 model year.
How many recalls has the Dodge Ram 3500 had?
32 recalls across 1995–2012. The model year with the most is 2007. See all Dodge Ram 3500 recalls by year.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.