Ram 3500 common problems
Owners of 2015–2025 Ram 3500 vehicles have filed 1,933 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported system is engine & cooling (80% of categorised reports). Below is every reported problem area, ranked by real complaint volume, with recall and crash context — useful if you're researching this model before buying used.
- 1,933
- Owner complaints
- 114
- Recall campaigns
- 62
- Crash-related reports
- 38
- Injury reports
Most reported problem areas
By share of categorised NHTSA complaints across all 11 model years. Each links to what that system covers and its recall history.
How to read this before buying
Complaint volume is not the same as failure rate. A model that sold in large numbers, or one that has been on sale for many years, accumulates more complaints without necessarily being less reliable. Use these figures to learn which systems to inspect, not to rank one model against another.
The single most useful next step is to check the specific vehicle's recalls by VIN — a recall repair is free at any franchised dealer, but only if it has actually been done.
Recent safety events
Full timeline- Recall2025 3500
An instrument panel display that fails to show critical safety information, such as gear selection and warning lights, increases the risk of a crash.
- Investigation opened2022 3500
NHTSA opened investigation PE26002
Loss of Power Steering Assist
- Recall2025 3500
Trailer brake lights and turn signals that do not illuminate reduce visibility to other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash. Additionally, trailer brakes that fail increase the risk of a crash.
- Recall2025 3500
Driving with a disabled electronic stability control system increases the risk of a crash. Additionally, a driver's side air bag or seat belt pretensioner that does not deploy increases the risk of injury in a crash.
- Recall2019 3500
An inflator rupture may result in sharp metal fragments striking occupants, resulting in injury.
- Recall2025 3500
An instrument panel display that does not show critical information, such as warning lights or gear selection, increases the risk of a crash.
Frequently asked
- What are the most common Ram 3500 problems?
- Across 1,933 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for 2015–2025 Ram 3500 vehicles, the most reported systems are engine & cooling (80%), steering (19%), airbags (1%).
- Which Ram 3500 model year has the most complaints?
- In our index, the 2018 Ram 3500 has the most owner complaints, with 778 filed.
- Are Ram 3500 problems dangerous?
- Of the 1,933 complaints on record, 62 mention a crash, 33 mention a fire and 38 mention an injury, and 1 involve a death. Complaint counts are not a failure rate — check the specific vehicle's open recalls by VIN.
Problems by model year
The 2018 accounts for the most complaints (778). Open any year for its full complaint and recall report.
Where this comes from
Every figure is aggregated from consumer complaints filed directly with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration — not forums, reviews or estimates. Component grouping uses our published taxonomy.