Ram 3500 Problems by Year

We compared every Ram 3500 model year from 2007–2026 using 2,356 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, 62 recalls and federal defect investigations. The years to avoid are 2018, 2017, 2022, 2025 and 2014, which drew far more complaints than other 3500 years at the same age. The best years are 2023, 2021 and 2013.

16model years
2,356complaints
62recalls
2018, 2017worst years
2023, 2021best years

Complaints by model year

’07’09’13’14’15’16’17’18’19’20’21’22’23’24’25’26631152021371343158071371166219017454327
Owner complaints per model year, Ram 3500. Colour = our verdict for that year (red: avoid, orange: caution, green: better than average, blue: too new).
YearComplaintsvs. typical*RecallsTop problemVerdict
2026277.3×4ElectricalCaution
2025431.8×5ElectricalCaution
202445−15%2ElectricalAverage
202317−75%5EngineGood
20221902.1×12TransmissionAvoid
202162−38%9ElectricalAverage
2020116typical11Fuel SystemAverage
20191371.2×14Fuel SystemAverage
20188076.5×10BrakeAvoid
20173152.6×12BrakeAvoid
2016134typical14SteeringAverage
2015137typical14TransmissionAverage
20142021.6×15SteeringCaution
2013115−15%16SteeringAverage
20093−97%2SteeringGood
20076−98%1ElectricalGood

* Complaints compared with the median 3500 year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.

Most common Ram 3500 problems

Latest Ram 3500 recalls

Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panel

NHTSA recall 26V-225 · Apr 9, 2026 · 65,348 vehicles

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Ram 1500 Pickup, Ram 2500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Cab Chassis, Ram 4500 Cab Chassis, and Ram 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles. A software error may cause the instrument panel display to fail.

Remedy: Dealers will update the instrument panel software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 5, 2026. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is 35D.

Electrical system › Integrated trailer brake control

NHTSA recall 26V-059 · Feb 2, 2026 · 456,287 vehicles

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2024-2026 Jeep Wagoneer S, 2025-2026 Ram 1500 Pickup, Ram 2500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Cab Chassis, Ram 4500 Cab Chassis, Ram 5500 Cab Chassis, and 2026 Jeep Cherokee vehicles.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the trailer tow module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning March 17, 2026. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403.

Air bags › Air bag/restraint control module

NHTSA recall 25V-882 · Dec 18, 2025 · 52,565 vehicles

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2025 Ram 2500 Pickup, 3500 Pickup, 3500 Cab Chassis, 4500 Cab Chassis, and 5500 Cab Chassis trucks. 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…

Remedy: Dealers will update the occupant restraint controller module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 15, 2026. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 800-853-1403.

Air bags › Side/window › Curtain › Inflator

NHTSA recall 25V-824 · Dec 1, 2025 · 1,589 vehicles

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019 Ram 1500 Classic, Ram 2500, and Ram 3500 vehicles. The right and left side curtain air bag inflators may rupture due to a manufacturing defect.

Remedy: Dealers will replace one or both side curtain air bags, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 18, 2025. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403.

Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panel

NHTSA recall 25V-826 · Dec 1, 2025 · 72,509 vehicles

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Ram 1500 Pickup, Ram 2500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Cab Chassis, 4500 Ram Cab Chassis, and Ram 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles. A software error may cause the instrument panel cluster display to be blank.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and update the instrument panel software or replace the instrument panel cluster, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 18, 2025.

All 62 Ram 3500 recalls by year →

Frequently asked questions

What years of the Ram 3500 should you avoid?

2018, 2017, 2022, 2025 and 2014 — these years have the most complaints relative to other 3500 years at the same age, led by brakes problems in the 2018.

What is the best year for the Ram 3500?

2023 has the fewest complaints compared with other 3500 years at the same age, followed by 2021 and 2013. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.

What are the most common Ram 3500 problems?

Across all years, owners report the most problems with the brakes (994), electrical system (374) and transmission & drivetrain (327). Brake complaints peak in the 2018 model year.

How many recalls has the Ram 3500 had?

62 recalls across 2007–2026. The model year with the most is 2013. See all 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.