Ram 3500 owners filed 1,984 complaints with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for model years 2015–2025 (see the Car Problem Index for all 60 models), and NHTSA lists 54 recall campaigns for the same years. The 2018 Ram 3500 drew the most complaints (801); across all years, owners complain most about brakes (37% of complaints).
Key findings
- Worst model year: 2018, with 801 complaints, led by brakes (500) and 11 recalls.
- Complaints vs recalls: Brakes drew 737 complaints and 3 recalls.
- Stop-driving recalls: 2 recalls told owners to park outside until repaired (23V060000, 21V798000).
- Over-the-air fixes: recalls 24V436000, 20V191000 can be repaired by a software update, without a dealer visit (2 of 54).
- Spike years, compared with a typical model year: 2017 (2.3 times as many complaints), 2018 (6.0 times as many complaints).
- Earliest-failing area: brakes complaints came at a median 16k mi.
- Fire and crash reports: 35 complaints mention a fire and 64 a crash, with 38 injuries and 1 death reported.
Ram 3500 complaints and recalls by model year
| Model year | Complaints | Top problem areas |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 16 recalls | 136 | Transmission / powertrain (32), Engine (27), Brakes (24) median 28k mi · 3 crashes · 5 fires |
| 2016 16 recalls | 134 | Steering (29), Wheels (21), Engine (21) median 23k mi · 12 crashes · 5 fires |
| 2017 13 recalls | 310 | Brakes (142), Service Brakes, Hydraulic (46), Electrical system (33) median 32k mi · 9 crashes · 1 fire |
| 2018 11 recalls | 801 | Brakes (500), Service Brakes, Hydraulic (141), Electrical system (136) median 42k mi · 15 crashes · 2 fires |
| 2019 14 recalls | 134 | Fuel System, Diesel (27), Fuel system (22), Engine (21) median 36k mi · 10 crashes · 5 fires |
| 2020 11 recalls | 116 | Fuel system (33), Engine (27), Fuel System, Diesel (23) median 27k mi · 6 crashes · 7 fires |
| 2021 9 recalls | 62 | Electrical system (17), Transmission / powertrain (11), Engine (10) median 60k mi · 4 fires |
| 2022 12 recalls | 189 | Transmission / powertrain (114), Electrical system (23), Engine (23) median 27k mi · 4 crashes · 5 fires |
| 2023 5 recalls | 17 | Exterior lights (3), Engine (3), Electrical system (3) median 14k mi |
| 2024 2 recalls | 43 | Electrical system (11), Brakes (11), Transmission / powertrain (6) median 15k mi · 5 crashes · 1 fire |
| 2025 5 recalls | 42 | Electrical system (27), Brakes (19), Automatic emergency braking / collision warning (9) median 1k mi |
One recall campaign often covers several model years, so the recall column adds up to 114, more than the 54 separate campaigns. Newer years have had less time to collect reports.
Most-reported Ram 3500 problems, and what they cost to fix
| Problem area | Complaints | Share | Recalls | Median mileage | Estimate the repair |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 737 | 37% | 3 | 16k mi | Brake repair cost |
| Electrical system | 308 | 16% | 6 | 30k mi | Alternator / electrical repair cost |
| Transmission / powertrain | 270 | 14% | 7 | 21k mi | Transmission repair cost |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 191 | 10% | 3 | 60k mi | Brake repair cost |
| Engine | 183 | 9% | 5 | 35k mi | Engine overhaul cost |
| Speed control / acceleration | 169 | 9% | 0 | 27k mi | — |
| Steering | 127 | 6% | 4 | 29k mi | Power steering repair cost |
| Wheels | 105 | 5% | 2 | 18k mi | Wheel bearing replacement cost |
Top problem areas only; one complaint can count twice.
What Ram 3500 owners report
Owners’ own words; dollar figures are what they reported.
Brakes
ABS and traction control system stopped working with only 33000 miles. Dealer states module and pump need replacement. No warranty as vehicle is 4 years old as no driving during covid. This has happen to 1000'S of Ram trucks. Repair is $1600. Will have to drive with out repair.
2018 model-year owner, NHTSA complaint 11485376
ABS failed 2nd time less than 10000 miles after first failure. First failure just before 36000 miles repaired under warranty. 2nd failure just before 46000 miles. No parts available est for repair $1000 to $2000 dollars. Truck now has 52869 on odometer. Failure affects cruise control, and maybe trailer brakes and traction control
2017 model-year owner, NHTSA complaint 11563300
Related recalls: 24V896000 (2017–2018): A loss of anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control, or traction control can increase the risk of a crash. 22V140000 (2019–2022): An ESC malfunction indicator light that fails to illuminate during an electronic stability control problem can increase the risk of a crash. 19V635000 (2019): The swollen seals can cause the brakes to drag, potentially overheating the brakes and increasing the risk of a crash.
737 owners reported brakes problems; the brake repair cost calculator shows what the fix costs where you live.
Electrical system
ABS and traction control pump system electrical failure. Went to a Dodge dealer and had the system read due to light coming on and off. Originally started around 38,000 miles on the truck. A code came up C0020-01. ABS pump motor control electrical failure. Researched on the net. Seems to be a big issue from 2013 on up on trucks. Chaffing wires? Pump failure? Dealer said the ABS pump could possibly be bad.
2018 model-year owner, NHTSA complaint 11464183
The electric fan went out after 1YEAR just over 50,000 miles and it seems it happening on enough vehicles that the fan is on back order. The daytona Dodge dealership misdiagnosed radiator and replaced it, and refused to reimburse after it was checked and found to be good. This might have made installing fan easier. I mentioned this in case it's a on going practice.
2017 model-year owner, NHTSA complaint 11162088
Related recalls: 18V332000 (2015–2018): If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash. 26V225000 (2025): An instrument panel display that fails to show critical safety information, such as gear selection and warning lights, increases the risk of a crash. 25V826000 (2025): An instrument panel display that does not show critical information, such as warning lights or gear selection, increases the risk of a crash.
308 owners reported electrical system problems; the alternator / electrical repair cost calculator shows what the fix costs where you live.
Transmission / powertrain
Transmission will not go in to park when stopped, truck will roll away if parked on grade. Dealer reports no recall on this transmission. Has not been inspected by anyone at this time. No warning lights ,before or after problem started. Problem start about 6 month ago, at about 18,000 miles
2021 model-year owner, NHTSA complaint 11574283
There are two outstanding recalls on the vehicle; VB2, engine cooling fan & W00 shifter cable. I have been talking to dealers & fca about getting the vehicle fixed since august & am told that the parts are not available. The recall notices state that it is unsafe to operate the vehicle, yet the manufacturer is unable to provide parts to make it safe. So I have a vehicle that cannot be used in its current state.
2017 model-year owner, NHTSA complaint 11374169
Related recalls: 22V835000 (2020–2022): Leaking transmission fluid may contact an ignition source within the engine compartment, increasing the risk of a fire. 18V100000 (2017–2018): Being able to shift the transmission without pushing the brake pedal and/or without a key in the ignition can increase the risk of an unintended vehicle rollaway that may result in personal injury or a crash. 17V821000 (2015–2017): Being able to shift the transmission without pushing the brake pedal and/or without a key in the ignition can increase the risk of an unintended vehicle rollaway that may result in personal injury or a crash.
270 owners reported transmission / powertrain problems; the transmission repair cost calculator shows what the fix costs where you live.
Ram 3500 recalls
Check these first: 23V060000 (2021–2023, electrical system: park outside); 21V798000 (2021–2022, electrical system: park outside).
Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for your car’s open recalls.
| Campaign | Announced | Model years | System | Risk (NHTSA's wording) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 26V225000 | 2026-04-09 | 2025 | Electrical system | An instrument panel display that fails to show critical safety information, such as gear selection and warning lights, increases the risk of a crash. |
| 26V059000 | 2026-02-02 | 2025 | Exterior lights | 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. |
| 25V882000 | 2025-12-18 | 2025 | Air bags | 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. |
| 25V824000 | 2025-12-01 | 2019 | Air bags | An inflator rupture may result in sharp metal fragments striking occupants, resulting in injury. |
| 25V826000 | 2025-12-01 | 2025 | Electrical system | An instrument panel display that does not show critical information, such as warning lights or gear selection, increases the risk of a crash. |
| 25V765000 | 2025-11-06 | 2021–2022 | Air bags | A driver's side air bag that does not deploy as intended increases the risk of injury in a crash. |
| 25V592000 | 2025-09-11 | 2018 | Air bags | An inflator rupture may result in sharp metal fragments striking occupants, resulting in injury. |
| 25V297000 | 2025-05-08 | 2025 | Transmission / powertrain | An inaccurate gear selection display may mislead the driver as to what gear is actually selected, leading to unexpected vehicle movement and increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 25V010000 | 2025-01-16 | 2016–2019 | Air bags | An inflator rupture may result in sharp metal fragments striking occupants, resulting in injury. |
| 24V896000 | 2024-11-27 | 2017–2018 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | A loss of anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control, or traction control can increase the risk of a crash. |
| 24V436000 (OTA) | 2024-06-13 | 2022 | Backup camera / rear sensors | A rearview camera image that does not display decreases the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 24V415000 | 2024-06-06 | 2022 | Electronic Stability Control (esc) | Driving with a disabled electronic stability control system can increase the risk of a crash. |
| 24V413000 | 2024-06-06 | 2023 | Transmission / powertrain | A loss of drive power or a loss of park function increase the risk of a crash. |
| 24V199000 | 2024-03-14 | 2023–2024 | Air bags | An air bag that does not deploy in a crash can increase the risk of injury. |
| 23V799000 | 2023-11-28 | 2023–2024 | Steering | Turn signals and/or high beams that do not function as intended may cause confusion or reduced visibility to other road users, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 23V654000 | 2023-09-28 | 2022–2023 | Backup camera / rear sensors | A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 23V060000 | 2023-02-09 | 2021–2023 | Electrical system | An electrical short in the relay can result in an engine compartment fire with the ignition on or off, increasing the risk of injury. |
| 22V904000 | 2022-12-08 | 2019–2022 | Body structure | An unintended tailgate opening while driving may result in a loss of unsecured cargo, possibly creating a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 22V835000 | 2022-11-10 | 2020–2022 | Transmission / powertrain | Leaking transmission fluid may contact an ignition source within the engine compartment, increasing the risk of a fire. |
| 22V642000 | 2022-08-26 | 2022 | Engine and cooling | An internal loss of communication can result in a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 22V407000 | 2022-06-09 | 2022 | Backup camera / rear sensors | A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 22V140000 | 2022-03-10 | 2019–2022 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | An ESC malfunction indicator light that fails to illuminate during an electronic stability control problem can increase the risk of a crash. |
| 22V035000 | 2022-01-27 | 2019–2020 | Visibility (windows, mirrors, wipers) | Reduced visibility increases the risk of a crash. |
| 21V925000 | 2021-11-24 | 2021–2022 | Air bags | An air bag that deploys improperly can increase the risk of injury in a crash. |
| 21V880000 | 2021-11-12 | 2019–2020 | Fuel System, Diesel | An engine stall increases the risk of a crash. |
| 21V798000 | 2021-10-14 | 2021–2022 | Electrical system | A vehicle fire increases the risk of injury. |
| 21V632000 | 2021-08-12 | 2015–2016 | Air bags | A separated inflator end cap or inflator rupture can allow compressed gas to escape, resulting in the end cap or other components being propelled into the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury or crash. |
| 21V439000 | 2021-06-10 | 2019–2020 | Engine and cooling | Low oil can damage the engine, causing an oil leak or a punctured engine block, increasing the risk of a fire. |
| 21V398000 | 2021-05-27 | 2015–2021 | Wheels | Wheel separation can cause a vehicle crash. |
| 21V163000 | 2021-03-11 | 2021 | Electrical system | A vehicle fire increases the risk of injury. |
| 20V191000 (OTA) | 2020-09-10 | 2019–2020 | Backup camera / rear sensors | The lingering rearview image can distract the driver, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 20V511000 | 2020-08-27 | 2019–2020 | Engine and cooling | A damaged engine block may leak oil, which can contact hot engine or exhaust components, increasing the risk of a fire. |
| 20V207000 | 2020-04-09 | 2019–2020 | Body structure | A bed step that unexpectedly fails while in use increases the risk of injury to the user. |
| 20V043000 | 2020-01-24 | 2019–2020 | Transmission / powertrain | The leaking transmission fluid may contact the turbocharger or another ignition source within the engine compartment, increasing the risk of a fire. |
| 19V635000 | 2019-08-29 | 2019 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | The swollen seals can cause the brakes to drag, potentially overheating the brakes and increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 19V498000 | 2019-06-27 | 2019 | Fuel System, Diesel | A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire. |
| 19V347000 | 2019-05-09 | 2015–2018 | Latches and locks | If the tailgate opens while the vehicle is being driven, cargo may fall out the vehicle and create a road hazard, increasing the risk of crash. |
| 19V021000 | 2019-01-25 | 2015–2018 | Steering | A drag link separation can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of crash. |
| 18E096000 | 2018-10-16 | 2015–2018 | Steering | The weakened connection may result in a fractured steering drag link, causing a loss of steering and increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 18V486000 | 2018-07-27 | 2015–2017 | Body structure | If the tailgate latch releases and the tailgate opens while driving, cargo may fall out, creating a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 18V398000 | 2018-06-14 | 2018 | Backup camera / rear sensors | A loss of image in the rearview camera while backing up can increase the risk of a crash. |
| 18V332000 | 2018-05-17 | 2015–2018 | Electrical system | If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash. |
| 18V100000 | 2018-02-08 | 2017–2018 | Transmission / powertrain | Being able to shift the transmission without pushing the brake pedal and/or without a key in the ignition can increase the risk of an unintended vehicle rollaway that may result in personal injury or a crash. |
| 17V824000 | 2017-12-21 | 2015–2018 | Equipment / accessories | If the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury in the event of a fire. |
| 17V821000 | 2017-12-20 | 2015–2017 | Transmission / powertrain | Being able to shift the transmission without pushing the brake pedal and/or without a key in the ignition can increase the risk of an unintended vehicle rollaway that may result in personal injury or a crash. |
| 17V562000 | 2017-09-12 | 2015–2017 | Engine and cooling | The leaking water pump can increase the risk of an engine compartment fire. |
| 17V499000 | 2017-08-10 | 2015–2017 | Wheels | If the wheel fractures, a loss of vehicle control can occur, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 17V302000 | 2017-05-09 | 2015–2016 | Air bags | If the rollover side curtain air bags and seat belt pretensioners are disabled, there is an increased risk of injury to the vehicle occupants in the event of a crash that necessitates activation of these safety systems. |
| 16V559000 | 2016-07-26 | 2015 | Steering | If the bracket components separate from the frame, the vehicle may have a reduced response to steering input, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 16V495000 | 2016-07-01 | 2016 | Transmission / powertrain | If the main output shaft fractures, the vehicle may lose motive power, increasing the risk of a crash. Additionally, the driver may be unable to place the vehicle in PARK, increasing the risk of a vehicle rollaway. |
| 16E041000 | 2016-05-16 | 2015–2016 | Equipment / accessories | If the seat cover impedes the air bag deployment, the seat thorax air bags may not provide adequate protection in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of a injury. |
| 15V592000 | 2015-09-23 | 2016 | Engine and cooling | An engine that stalls without warning increases the risk of a crash. |
| 15V461000 | 2015-07-23 | 2015 | Equipment / accessories | Exploitation of the software vulnerability may result in unauthorized remote modification and control of certain vehicle systems, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 15V460000 | 2015-07-22 | 2015 | Seat belts | Air bags that unexpectedly deploy increase the risk of a crash or injury. |
What this data can and can't tell you
1,984 unverified owner reports, not adjusted for sales. Method.
Other Ram models in the index
Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation consumer complaint files (nhtsa.gov), retrieved 2026-09-25; NHTSA recalls database (nhtsa.gov/recalls), retrieved 2026-09-23. Model years 2015–2025. Free to cite with a link to this page.