Ram 3500 Recalls

The RAM 3500 has 86 recalls spanning 2003 through 2026, with the most serious recent issue being a heater grid relay electrical short on 2021–2023 models equipped with the Cummins 6.7L turbo diesel that can ignite a fire in the engine compartment whether the ignition is on or off.

On the newest production years, 2025–2026 models have a software error that can cause the instrument panel cluster to go blank while driving, hiding gear selection, warning lights, and other critical information. The 2026 model year also has a separate issue where the brake system warning light may display incorrectly, potentially masking a real brake problem. On 2025 models, a software error can cause the gear selection display to show the wrong gear, which can lead to unexpected vehicle movement. The 2025–2026 trailer tow module can cause trailer lights and trailer brakes to fail simultaneously, reducing visibility to following traffic and lengthening stopping distances for the trailer. On 2025 models, a software error in the occupant restraint controller can prevent the driver's airbag and seatbelt pretensioner from deploying in a crash and can also disable electronic stability control.

The 2022–2024 era carries several concerns. On 2022 models, a software malfunction can disable electronic stability control without warning. The 2022–2023 model years have a rearview camera that can fail to display an image when backing up. On 2023–2024 models, a faulty clockspring can prevent the driver's frontal airbag from deploying in a crash. The 2023 model year has a transmission control unit weld that can allow fluid to leak onto electrical components, causing loss of drive power or loss of park function, which can allow the vehicle to roll away. On 2021–2022 models, the side curtain airbag inflators may have been filled with the wrong amount of compressed gas, causing improper deployment in a crash, and a separate issue with the steering column control module can prevent the driver's airbag from deploying as intended.

The 2019–2022 period has a recurring tailgate latch problem where misaligned strikers can allow the tailgate to open while driving, spilling unsecured cargo onto the road. On 2019–2020 models with the Cummins 6.7L High Output engine, the engine calibration software may fail to warn of low oil, and separately, connecting rod bearings can lose their oil film during warmup, potentially puncturing the engine block and leaking oil onto hot exhaust components. The 2019–2020 six-speed automatic transmission can build pressure and leak fluid from the dipstick tube onto the turbocharger, raising fire risk. The 2019 model year has diesel fuel lines that can leak into the engine compartment, and a high-pressure fuel pump that can fail and stall the engine without warning. On 2019 models, front brake caliper seals can swell due to incorrect assembly fluid, causing brake drag, overheating, and extended stopping distances. Windshield wiper arms on 2019–2020 models can loosen and reduce visibility in rain or snow.

The 2016–2018 era includes side curtain airbag inflators on 2016–2019 models that can rupture and send metal fragments into the cabin. On 2016 models with the 6.7L Cummins diesel, the engine control module can short-circuit and stall the engine without warning, and the transfer case output