Most common 2001 Dodge Ram 3500 problems
Share of the 130 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Dodge Ram 3500 complaints by model year
Best Ram 3500 years: 2002, 2000, 1999. Years to avoid: 2012, 2011, 2006, 2007, 2008. Compare all years →
2001 Dodge Ram 3500 recalls (1)
Air bags
Vehicle description: pickup trucks. Sound deadener material inside the steering wheel could become detached from the cover and housing. Note: the Ram pickup trucks were built at the warren assembly plant ("s" in the 11th VIN position) from May 16, 2000 through October 23, 2000; st.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the clockspring assembly. Owner notification began June 18, 2001. Also some 1997-200 model year vehicles that, according to warranty records, have had a suspect replacement clockspring installed,…
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into 2 possible defects involving the 2001 Dodge Ram 3500:
2000-2001 Dodge Ram pickup hood latch
The agency opened this investigation based on 30 complaints alleging that the hoods on model year (my) 2000 and 2001 Dodge Ram pickup trucks flew up and blocked the driver's vision.these vehicles have a primary hood latch and a secondary (backup) hood latch.the secondary latch is designed to secure the hood if the primary hood latch is not properly closed or otherwise malfunctions.in these complaints, the secondary…
TIRE VALVE
What 2001 Dodge Ram 3500 owners say
Body & structure all 31 →
The dash on this truck has cracked and fallen in, exposing the wiring inside the dash to the sun. The wiring insulation is not rated for exposure to direct sunlight (uv exposure) and is decomposing, putting the truck at risk of a fire initiating inside the cab at highway speeds, due to exposed wiring shorting to ground. Dodge refuses to remedy it, despite numerous attempts to resolve the issue with them. It is my understanding that this is a widespread issue, yet the nhtsb has not forced Chrysler/Fiat into a recall, claiming that it isn't a safety issue. Do you need to see death before you act?
I have a 2001 3500 Dodge Ram truck, about a month ago I took my truck in to the front aligned and they found that the frame where the steering box is the frame has cracked in it on both side of the frame, causing the steering box to have play it. They said they could not realigned the front end, that the frame needs to be welded and it was going to cost me 2,500.00 . So I park the truck because it is unsafe to drive. The other day I went to move the truck and the steering box fell off the frame, and the crack in the frame on the truck got bigger. I have to strap the steering box to the frame to get it moved we I called Dodge about if there was any recalls on the frame they said no, they ask me how many miles were on the truck and I said what does that have any thing do with it. At this point the truck is unsafe to drive and I 'm still paying the load on it. …
Steering
At speeds above 55 MPH and as semi trucks pass me this roadtrek 190 verilite Dodge Ram 3500 uncontrolably move a foot to 2 feet toward the center line of the road which I fear could cause a head on collision. I have tried various tire pressures to remedy the problem without success. I basically loose control of the steering. The vehicle has only 30,000 miles and excellent tread on tires.
I have a 2001 3500 Dodge Ram truck, about a month ago I took my truck in to the front aligned and they found that the frame where the steering box is the frame has cracked in it on both side of the frame, causing the steering box to have play it. They said they could not realigned the front end, that the frame needs to be welded and it was going to cost me 2,500.00 . So I park the truck because it is unsafe to drive. The other day I went to move the truck and the steering box fell off the frame, and the crack in the frame on the truck got bigger. I have to strap the steering box to the frame to get it moved we I called Dodge about if there was any recalls on the frame they said no, they ask me how many miles were on the truck and I said what does that have any thing do with it. At this point the truck is unsafe to drive and I 'm still paying the load on it. …
Suspension
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Dodge Ram 3500. While driving approximately 40 to 45 MPH over a bump in the road, the vehicle shook violently. The failure recurred. The mechanic diagnosed that the vehicle had the "death wobble". The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 75,000. Updated 03/09/16
My husband noticed a problem with the steering, took to dealer for service, told me it needed track bar and piston, I questioned the cost he then told me only needed a front end alignment, went to repair facility recommended by dealer, specialist wouldn't do work ball joints were bad. Took it back to dealer they refused to work on the vehicle. Took truck to another Dodge dealer, ball joints were so bad they were dangerous, track bar, inner tie rod, and the hub bearings crumbled when they were removed. This vehicle has an extended warranty, that is only covering the ball joints. The vehicle is a 2001 Dodge 3500 4x4 dually, that has never been off paved roads it is not abused and only has 49000 miles on it and Chrysler will not help I feel this is a problem with manufacturing quality.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2001 Dodge Ram 3500 a good car?
Based on 130 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2001 Ram 3500 rates average: about as many complaints as a typical year of the Ram 3500 at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2001 Dodge Ram 3500?
The body & structure — 31 complaints, 24% of all complaints for this model year, most often about body. Next are the steering (17) and suspension (14).
How many recalls does the 2001 Dodge Ram 3500 have?
There is 1 recall for the 2001 Dodge Ram 3500, the most recent from May 8, 2001 (air bags). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Dodge Ram 3500?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2002, 2000 and 1999. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2012, 2011, 2006, 2007 and 2008. See the full Dodge Ram 3500 years comparison.
At what mileage do 2001 Dodge Ram 3500 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 86,000 miles; 24% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
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.