Summary
The RAM 3500 has 43 recalls spanning 2003 through 2025, with the most serious recent issue being a 2021-2023 diesel engine heater grid relay that can short circuit with the ignition on or off and start an underhood fire. Prior repair attempts on some 2021 models did not fully resolve this relay issue, requiring a second repair.
The 2023 model year also has a transmission control unit that can allow fluid to leak onto its electrical components, causing sudden loss of drive power or loss of the park function and allowing an unattended vehicle to roll. On 2022-2024 models, a software fault can prevent the rearview camera from displaying when reversing. The 2021-2022 model years have a steering column control module that can prevent the driver's airbag from deploying in a crash. The 2021 model year has a separate issue where side curtain airbag inflators may not inflate properly when needed.
Going back to 2020-2022, transmission fluid can build up pressure and escape from the dipstick tube, where it can contact an ignition source and start a fire. On 2019-2020 models with the Cummins 6.7L High Output engine, a combination of inadequate oil warmup protection and a software failure to warn of low oil can damage connecting rod bearings, potentially puncturing the engine block and leaking oil onto hot exhaust surfaces. The 2019 model year also has diesel fuel lines that can leak into the engine compartment, brake calipers with swollen seals that cause the brakes to drag and overheat, and a high-pressure fuel pump on the 6.7L Cummins diesel that can fail and cause sudden loss of engine power.
The 2016-2020 model years have side curtain airbag inflators that can rupture, sending metal fragments into the cabin. On 2017 models, the brake hydraulic control unit can fail over time, disabling anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control, and traction control together. The 2015-2018 model years with power locking tailgates can have the tailgate open unexpectedly while driving, allowing cargo to fall into traffic. The 2013-2015 model years carry two separate concerns: side impact sensors that are overly sensitive and can trigger airbags and seatbelt pretensioners without a crash, and front track bar frame bracket welds that can separate from the frame and make the vehicle difficult to steer. The 2013 model also had a transmission snap ring that could shift out of position and cause sudden loss of drive power, along with compliance-level issues involving headlamp shutters and turn signal indicators.
Further back, the 2008-2012 model years saw multiple steering issues on 4x4 trucks, including a left tie rod assembly that can break and a left outer tie rod ball stud that can fracture, both of which can cause total loss of steering control. The 2008 model year has an additional steering defect where the drag link attachment to the pitman arm ball stud can fracture, and a 220-amp alternator that can develop a short under high electrical loads and start an engine compartment fire. The 2003 model year has a steering linkage concern where improperly installed aftermarket drag link assemblies can allow the left tie rod ball stud to fracture and cause loss of vehicle control.
