Body complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 5 | 1% | 75,000 miles |
| 2011 | 2 | 1% | 231,000 miles |
| 2010 | 1 | 1% | 63,000 miles |
| 2009 | 2 | 2% | 50,000 miles |
| 2008 | 2 | 1% | 151,000 miles |
| 2007 | 4 | 2% | 21,000 miles |
| 2006 | 4 | 2% | 60,000 miles |
| 2005 | 2 | 1% | 23,000 miles |
| 2004 | 9 | 4% | 57,000 miles |
| 2003 | 53 | 19% | 85,000 miles |
| 2002 | 9 | 20% | 90,000 miles |
| 2001 | 31 | 24% | 100,000 miles |
| 2000 | 9 | 16% | 100,000 miles |
| 1999 | 18 | 17% | 76,000 miles |
| 1998 | 3 | 3% | 155,000 miles |
| 1997 | 5 | 4% | 100,000 miles |
| 1996 | 11 | 9% | 85,000 miles |
| 1995 | 3 | 3% | — |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (doors, hood, frame, rust, paint and trim).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The contact owns a 2012 Ram 3500. The contact stated that while reversing at approximately 1 MPH, the front driver's tie rod fractured and put a whole in the aluminum wheel. The contact who works as an independent mechanic completed the repair. The contact stated that a recall repair for the driver's side outer tie rod had been completed in July 2019. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 97,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Ram 3500. The contact stated that water built up in the rear brake light. The failure occurred each time it rained. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the rear gasket light failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The contact stated that the water damage affected the electrical components in the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 3,000.
During travel on interstate 40 at exit 56, drivers side front tire separated causing damage to inner fender, windshield washer electrical components, and fender and nearly causing catastrophic loss of vehicle control and loss of life of an entire family. All tires were at the proper inflation and temperature range at the time of the incident. With only 20,000 miles on the tire, this seems to be manufactured defect from the general tire company. I no longer consider general tires to be a reliable product and will research and seek replacements from other reputable tire companies. I do recommend product recall of the ameritrac lt235/80r17 tire line as well as product safety compliance inspections of the general tire company.
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Dodge Ram 3500. The contact was driving approximately 50-55 MPH when the spare tire separated from the vehicle. The contact inspected the vehicle and found that the spare tire cable was broken. The spare tire, winch and the pulley had separated from the vehicle. The contact replaced the cable, the winch, the tire, and pulley. The manufacturer advised was contacted but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 64,500 and the current mileage was 65,238. ....updated 12/03/12
The cable holding the spare tire in place broke. The spare fell of the truck, the tire weights close to 90 to 100 lbs, while traveling around 60 MPH. I was flagged by a motorist who was behind me at the time. He stated the tire came off my and bounced into the other opposing lane. A car had to use the shoulder and ditch to avoid the full size spare tire. By the time I found a place to turn around and go back to the aprox location I did not find the spare. The cable holding the tire broke about 6 inches below the winch. By the number replacement winches being sold lost tire reports its only a matter of time before an injury. The cable will not break while the truck is standing still. I have removed the winch from my truck and am saving it.
2006 Dodge Ram 3500 mega cab. At speeds of 65 MPH - 80 MPH the truck shakes violently. This happens every time you reach these speeds. The shake is so bad that it causes you to leave your lane of the road. Chrysler says there is not a problem. But it is severe enough to cause a crash. When this happens it puts the driver out of control.
Happened on both sides 2 month apart. Loud bang and rumble. Inside tire, tread came off of tire. Damaged inside of wheel well, running lights, fenders on the dually, metal supports on fender. Never had this happen in 30+ years of towing and driving trucks.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Dodge 3500. The contact stated the dashboard and instrument panel was cracking and the parts near the top of the glass are detaching. The vehicle was not inspected by the dealer. The contact also stated that the gauges on the instrument panel are functioning normally. The failure mileage was unknown. The current mileage was 57,943. Updated 8/29/11 the dash was cracked in several places all the way to the wndshield. Updated 09/26/11
Frequently asked questions
Which Dodge Ram 3500 years have body problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2003 (53), 2001 (31), 1999 (18), 1996 (11) and 2000 (9) model years. Body complaints make up 19% of all complaints for the 2003.
Is there a recall for Dodge Ram 3500 body problems?
No. NHTSA lists no body & structure recall for any Dodge Ram 3500 model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Dodge Ram 3500 body problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 87,000 miles; 20% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the body (47 mentions), followed by the frame and members (15).
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.