Ram 3500 years to avoid (and the best years)
2,476 NHTSA owner complaints and 68 recalls across 15 model years, 2010 to 2026. Built from NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, generated October 26, 2026.
- 2,476complaints
- 68recalls
- 80reported crashes
- 53reported fires
- 55reported injuries
- 2reported deaths
Which Ram 3500 years should you avoid?
By NHTSA owner complaints, the Ram 3500 years to avoid are 2018 and 2017. The typical Ram 3500 year has 134 complaints on file.
- 2018: 801 complaints, 6.0 times the typical year. Most complaints name the brakes (83% of complaints) and the electrical system (17% of complaints).
- 2017: 310 complaints, 2.3 times the typical year. Most complaints name the brakes (61% of complaints) and the electrical system (11% of complaints).
What are the best Ram 3500 years?
The Ram 3500 years with the fewest complaints on file are the 2023 (17), 2021 (62) and 2020 (116). Model years after 2023 are left out: they have not been on the road long enough to compare.
NHTSA does not publish sales figures, so these are complaint counts, not a rate per car on the road. A year that sold more cars collects more complaints, and older years have had longer to collect them.
Every model year
| Year | Complaints | vs typical year | Recalls | Crashes | Injuries | Our read | Most reported |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 26 | 0.2× | 4 | 1 | 0 | Few red flags | Electrical system |
| 2025 | 42 | 0.3× | 5 | 0 | 0 | Few red flags | Electrical system |
| 2024 | 43 | 0.3× | 2 | 5 | 4 | Few red flags | Electrical system |
| 2023 | 17 | 0.1× | 5 | 0 | 0 | Few red flags | Engine |
| 2022 | 189 | 1.4× | 12 | 4 | 7 | Few red flags | Transmission and drivetrain |
| 2021 | 62 | 0.5× | 9 | 0 | 0 | Few red flags | Electrical system |
| 2020 | 116 | 0.9× | 11 | 6 | 4 | Few red flags | Fuel system |
| 2019 | 134 | 1.0× | 14 | 10 | 8 | Few red flags | Fuel system |
| 2018 | 801 | 6.0× | 11 | 15 | 6 | Approach with caution | Brakes |
| 2017 | 310 | 2.3× | 13 | 9 | 2 | Approach with caution | Brakes |
| 2016 | 134 | 1.0× | 16 | 12 | 6 | Few red flags | Steering |
| 2015 | 136 | 1.0× | 16 | 3 | 1 | Few red flags | Transmission and drivetrain |
| 2014 | 202 | 1.5× | 17 | 9 | 9 | Some concerns to check | Steering |
| 2013 | 114 | 0.9× | 18 | 3 | 2 | Some concerns to check | Steering |
| 2010 | 150 | 1.1× | 8 | 3 | 6 | Few red flags | Steering |
Most reported problem areas
Share of the 649 complaints sorted by system, all years together.
- Engine & powertrain280 (43%)
- Steering, suspension & tires141 (22%)
- Electrical & infotainment100 (15%)
- Brakes56 (9%)
- Other systems43 (7%)
Recalls (68)
Electrical system · 26V225000 · Apr 2026 · model years 2025, 2026
An instrument panel display that fails to show critical safety information, such as gear selection and warning lights, increases the risk of a crash.
Exterior lighting · 26V059000 · Feb 2026 · model years 2025, 2026
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.
Airbags · 25V882000 · Dec 2025 · model year 2025
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.
Airbags · 25V824000 · Dec 2025 · model year 2019
An inflator rupture may result in sharp metal fragments striking occupants, resulting in injury.
Electrical system · 25V826000 · Dec 2025 · model years 2025, 2026
An instrument panel display that does not show critical information, such as warning lights or gear selection, increases the risk of a crash.
Airbags · 25V765000 · Nov 2025 · model years 2021, 2022
A driver's side air bag that does not deploy as intended increases the risk of injury in a crash.
Airbags · 25V592000 · Sep 2025 · model year 2018
An inflator rupture may result in sharp metal fragments striking occupants, resulting in injury.
Electrical system · 25V530000 · Aug 2025 · model year 2026
An incorrect warning light can fail to alert the driver to critical safety information, increasing the risk of a crash.
Transmission · 25V297000 · May 2025 · model year 2025
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.
Airbags · 25V010000 · Jan 2025 · model years 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019
An inflator rupture may result in sharp metal fragments striking occupants, resulting in injury.
Brakes · 24V896000 · Nov 2024 · model years 2017, 2018
A loss of anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control, or traction control can increase the risk of a crash.
Safety · 24V436000 · Jun 2024 · model year 2022
A rearview camera image that does not display decreases the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Safety · 24V415000 · Jun 2024 · model year 2022
Driving with a disabled electronic stability control system can increase the risk of a crash.
Transmission · 24V413000 · Jun 2024 · model year 2023
A loss of drive power or a loss of park function increase the risk of a crash.
Airbags · 24V199000 · Mar 2024 · model years 2023, 2024
An air bag that does not deploy in a crash can increase the risk of injury.
Steering · 23V799000 · Nov 2023 · model years 2023, 2024
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.
Safety · 23V654000 · Sep 2023 · model years 2022, 2023
A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
Electrical system · 23V060000 · Feb 2023 · model years 2021, 2022, 2023
An electrical short in the relay can result in an engine compartment fire with the ignition on or off, increasing the risk of injury.
Structure · 22V904000 · Dec 2022 · model years 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022
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.
Transmission · 22V835000 · Nov 2022 · model years 2020, 2021, 2022
Leaking transmission fluid may contact an ignition source within the engine compartment, increasing the risk of a fire.
Engine · 22V642000 · Aug 2022 · model year 2022
An internal loss of communication can result in a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Safety · 22V407000 · Jun 2022 · model year 2022
A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
Brakes · 22V140000 · Mar 2022 · model years 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022
An ESC malfunction indicator light that fails to illuminate during an electronic stability control problem can increase the risk of a crash.
Body & glass · 22V035000 · Jan 2022 · model years 2019, 2020
Reduced visibility increases the risk of a crash.
Airbags · 21V925000 · Nov 2021 · model years 2021, 2022
An air bag that deploys improperly can increase the risk of injury in a crash.
Fuel system · 21V880000 · Nov 2021 · model years 2019, 2020
An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
Electrical system · 21V798000 · Oct 2021 · model years 2021, 2022
A vehicle fire increases the risk of injury.
Airbags · 21V632000 · Aug 2021 · model years 2015, 2016
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.
Engine · 21V439000 · Jun 2021 · model years 2019, 2020
Low oil can damage the engine, causing an oil leak or a punctured engine block, increasing the risk of a fire.
Safety · 21V398000 · May 2021 · model years 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021
Wheel separation can cause a vehicle crash.
Electrical system · 21V163000 · Mar 2021 · model year 2021
A vehicle fire increases the risk of injury.
Safety · 20V191000 · Sep 2020 · model years 2019, 2020
The lingering rearview image can distract the driver, increasing the risk of a crash.
Engine · 20V511000 · Aug 2020 · model years 2019, 2020
A damaged engine block may leak oil, which can contact hot engine or exhaust components, increasing the risk of a fire.
Structure · 20V207000 · Apr 2020 · model years 2019, 2020
A bed step that unexpectedly fails while in use increases the risk of injury to the user.
Transmission · 20V043000 · Jan 2020 · model years 2019, 2020
The leaking transmission fluid may contact the turbocharger or another ignition source within the engine compartment, increasing the risk of a fire.
Brakes · 19V635000 · Aug 2019 · model year 2019
The swollen seals can cause the brakes to drag, potentially overheating the brakes and increasing the risk of a crash.
Fuel system · 19V498000 · Jun 2019 · model year 2019
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
Safety · 19V347000 · May 2019 · model years 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018
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.
Steering · 19V021000 · Jan 2019 · model years 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018
A drag link separation can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of crash.
Steering · 18E096000 · Oct 2018 · model years 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018
The weakened connection may result in a fractured steering drag link, causing a loss of steering and increasing the risk of a crash.
Structure · 18V486000 · Jul 2018 · model years 2015, 2016, 2017
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.
Safety · 18V398000 · Jun 2018 · model year 2018
A loss of image in the rearview camera while backing up can increase the risk of a crash.
Electrical system · 18V332000 · May 2018 · model years 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 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.
Transmission · 18V100000 · Feb 2018 · model years 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.
Airbags · 18V021000 · Jan 2018 · model year 2010
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Safety · 17V824000 · Dec 2017 · model years 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018
If the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury in the event of a fire.
Transmission · 17V821000 · Dec 2017 · model years 2010, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 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.
Engine · 17V562000 · Sep 2017 · model years 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017
The leaking water pump can increase the risk of an engine compartment fire.
Safety · 17V499000 · Aug 2017 · model years 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017
If the wheel fractures, a loss of vehicle control can occur, increasing the risk of a crash.
Airbags · 17V302000 · May 2017 · model years 2014, 2015, 2016
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.
Airbags · 16V947000 · Dec 2016 · model year 2010
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Electrical system · 16V739000 · Oct 2016 · model years 2010, 2013
If the alternator fails, the vehicle may stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash. There is also the possibility that the alternator may short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
Steering · 16V559000 · Jul 2016 · model year 2015
If the bracket components separate from the frame, the vehicle may have a reduced response to steering input, increasing the risk of a crash.
Transmission · 16V495000 · Jul 2016 · model year 2016
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.
Airbags · 16V352000 · May 2016 · model year 2010
These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. These inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling. An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Safety · 16E041000 · May 2016 · model years 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016
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.
Engine · 15V592000 · Sep 2015 · model year 2016
An engine that stalls without warning increases the risk of a crash.
Steering · 15V541000 · Aug 2015 · model years 2013, 2014
If the bracket components separate from the frame, the vehicle may be more difficult to steer and control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Safety · 15V461000 · Jul 2015 · model years 2013, 2014, 2015
Exploitation of the software vulnerability may result in unauthorized remote modification and control of certain vehicle systems, increasing the risk of a crash.
Airbags · 15V459000 · Jul 2015 · model years 2013, 2014
This abrasion may result in an electrical short that could cause driver's frontal air bag to unexpectedly deploy. Inadvertent deployment of the air bag may increase the risk of injury and the possibility of a vehicle crash.
Seat belts · 15V460000 · Jul 2015 · model years 2013, 2014, 2015
Air bags that unexpectedly deploy increase the risk of a crash or injury.
Engine · 14V635000 · Oct 2014 · model years 2010, 2013, 2014
If the connectors overheat, the fuel heater may leak fuel, increasing the risk of a fire.
Steering · 13V529000 · Nov 2013 · model year 2010
A failure of the tie rod assembly may result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Electrical system · 13V486000 · Oct 2013 · model year 2014
Inoperative warning lights may not properly warn the driver of vehicle problems, increasing the risk of a crash.
Exterior lighting · 13V237000 · Jun 2013 · model year 2013
Without a warning that the turn signal is malfunctioning, the driver would continue to use the vehicle, unaware that other drivers on the road are not being notified that the vehicle is turning, increasing the risk of a crash.
Exterior lighting · 13V240000 · Jun 2013 · model year 2013
Improper headlight shutter function during high beam use may reduce the drivers visibility and possibly blind oncoming traffic. Either condition may increase the risk of crash.
Engine · 13V122000 · Apr 2013 · model year 2013
The excessive heat under the engine cover may result in an under hood fire.
Steering · 11V350000 · Jul 2011 · model year 2010
THIS CONDITION COULD RESULT IN THE POTENTIAL LOSS OF DIRECTIONAL STABILITY IN THE LEFT HAND FRONT WHEEL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.