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1998-2012 · 14 model years

Dodge Ram 3500 Problems by year

Owners have filed 1,266 complaints about the Dodge Ram 3500 across 14 model years, and it has 26 recalls. The 2004 has the most complaints once its age is allowed for (214). The most reported problem area is the steering, followed by the airbags.

Most complaints for its age2004214 complaints · 7 recallsSee the 2004
Complaints
1,266
Recalls
26
Crashes
109
Fires
34
Injuries
59
Deaths
4

Ram 3500 complaints by model year

Highlighted: the year with the most complaints for its age. Older vehicles have had more time to collect complaints - the Safety Index grade allows for that.

YearComplaintsRecallsCrashesFiresTop problemGrade
20120000-A
20100100-A
20090500-A
200801100-B
2007210141414SteeringF
200625811154SteeringF
20051967236SteeringF
20042147424Transmission & drivetrainF
2003286991AirbagsF
200244120Body, doors & structureC
20010100-A
200058145SuspensionD
19990100-A
19980100-A

Most common Ram 3500 problems

Dodge Ram 3500 recalls 26

Latest Ram 3500 complaints

2006 Dodge Ram 3500Electrical system

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2006 Dodge RAM 3500. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 107,460; however, a Carfax report listed the mileage as 177,000.

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 11772153
2007 Dodge Ram 3500Other & unknownFire

The sound proofing insulation on the firewall caught fire. There was a recall for sagging insulation catching fire on the EGR heat exchanger for this problem, and mine caught fire anyway. I called 911 and the Corbin KY fire department responded to the seen to confirm the fire was out.

Filed Incident Unknown or otherNHTSA 11753921
2007 Dodge Ram 3500Steering

Steering yes it is available for inspection upon request The steering becomes so out the vibration becomes so violent that you can NOT HOLD THE WHEEL you have to pull over anyone driving could be in danger including vehicles around you with how violent the steering wheel vibrates When taken for alignment was told there definitely was a problem said could be a brake caliper hanging up so we put new calipers changed ball joints shocks control arm steering geer box shocks steering dampers trac bar front end...

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alignment & tires balanced Vehicle has not been inspected by anyone but the mechanic that aligned it No warning lights the problem started with a shimmy so we would get it aligned and check tires went on line and found and found a letter that there was a serious problem with 1994 to 2008 Dodge Rams Steering Linkage and the system on our vehicle a Y design is not capable of handling the weight of this vehicle from a article and a letter i read from Chrysler incident has been going on for some time but date below was very serious

Filed Incident SteeringNHTSA 11750160
2004 Dodge Ram 3500Airbags

The contact owns a 2004 Dodge RAM. The contact received recall notifications, NHTSA Capaign Number: 16V352000 (Air Bags and NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V313000 (Air Bags) however the parts were unavailable. The dealer was contacted, however the contact was informed that the parts were in back order. In addition, the contact was informed that the parts were unavailable until October 2026. The manufacturer was contacted. The cotnact was informed that the parts were unavailalbel.

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 11736578
2004 Dodge Ram 3500SteeringTransmission & drivetrainAirbags

The contact owns a 2004 Dodge Ram 3500. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 13V528000 (Steering), 16V352000 (Air Bags), 15V313000 (Air Bags), and 05V462000 (Power Train); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available while the vehicle was in for service. The local dealer was made aware of the issue, and an appointment was scheduled to repair the vehicle. The vehicle remained with the dealer for a week before the contact was informed that parts for the recall repairs...

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were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that on several occasions, while the vehicle was in park(P), the vehicle unexpectedly rolled without warning. The brake pedal was depressed with extra force while shifting to park(P). The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Incident Steering · Power train · Air bagsNHTSA 11726711
2005 Dodge Ram 3500Transmission & drivetrainElectrical systemWheels & tires

The contact owns a 2005 Dodge Ram 3500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 05V462000 (POWER TRAIN). The vehicle was taken to a tire specialist to install larger tires on the vehicle. The contact was informed that the tires were too big and could not be installed on the vehicle. The contact stated that the employees switched the tires and added two low-drive tires on the front end and two larger tires in the rear. The contact stated that while driving 45 MPH back to the residence, the...

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vehicle vibrated violently. The contact almost crashed three times. The contact stated that while the vehicle jerked, the steering wheel was difficult to control. In addition, the odometer failed to function as intended. The contact called the tire shop and asked the contact to drive the vehicle to the shop for an inspection. The contact had safety concerns about driving the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.

Filed Incident Power train · Electrical system · TiresNHTSA 11703233

Questions about the Dodge Ram 3500

Which Dodge Ram 3500 years have the most problems?

By the number of complaints owners filed with NHTSA: 2003 (286), 2006 (258), 2004 (214). Allowing for how long each has been on the road, the 2004 stands out most. Complaint counts also rise with sales, so compare years of the same model rather than different models.

Which Dodge Ram 3500 years have the fewest complaints?

Among model years that have been on the road for at least three years, 2012, 1998, 1999 have the best Safety Index - the fewest complaints, crashes and recalls for their age compared with other Ram 3500 years. Always check the exact vehicle's recalls by VIN before you buy.

What are the most common Dodge Ram 3500 problems?

Across every model year, owners report problems with the steering (315), airbags (231), transmission & drivetrain (171) most often.

How many recalls does the Dodge Ram 3500 have?

NHTSA lists 26 recalls across all Dodge Ram 3500 model years. Each year's page lists the recalls for that year; check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether the repair has been done.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked daily. Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data

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