NHTSA (USA)Critical
At a glance
This page covers 15 recalls and 200 owner complaints for the 2014 Ram 3500.
Complaints about the 2014 Ram 3500 cluster most heavily around suspension, steering, and the powertrain. On the suspension and steering side, owners frequently describe severe high-speed shaking, often called "death wobble", where the front end oscillates violently at highway speeds, making it difficult to steer or brake until the truck slows down. This is the single most recurring theme across the complaint set. Powertrain reports center on the diesel engine entering limp mode after a turbo signal loss, cutting vehicle speed to around 20 mph on the highway. A secondary electrical pattern involves ABS module failures, where the anti-lock brake system deactivates along with traction control and stability control, and several owners note the replacement module was on back order. A smaller number of reports describe the heater core clogging repeatedly on the Cummins-equipped trucks, resulting in cold air and fogged windows.
200
Total Complaints
9
Crash-Related
6
Fire-Related
3
With Injuries
By System
The 2014 RAM 3500 has 15 recalls, the most serious involving multiple issues that can cause a crash: wheel fractures, steering failures, unexpected airbag deployments, and a software vulnerability that can allow remote takeover of vehicle systems.
On the steering side, a front track bar bracket weld can fail and separate from the frame, making the truck harder to control, and a steering drag link jam nut can loosen and allow the drag link to detach entirely, causing sudden loss of steering. The column shifter can be moved out of park without the brake pedal pressed or a key present, creating a rollaway risk. Trucks equipped with the Cummins 6.7L diesel and certain water pumps can leak coolant into the engine compartment in a way that raises the fire risk. Side impact sensors calibrated too sensitively can trigger the side curtain airbags, seat airbags, and seatbelt pretensioners without a crash, and separately, off-road conditions or debris can disable those same systems so they fail when actually needed. The driver's frontal airbag wiring can chafe against a retainer spring and short out, causing unexpected deployment. Cruise control software on certain vehicles can fail to disengage, maintaining or increasing speed against the driver's input. Wheel studs can break from over-tightening due to incorrect torque specs in the owner's manual, and AEV-modified trucks with cast aluminum Katla wheels face a separate fracture risk. A power locking tailgate can open while driving and drop cargo into traffic. An included fire extinguisher
At a glance
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Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
What can fail
The owner's manual contains incorrect torque specifications for wheel lug nuts. Following these specs can cause over-tightening, which may break wheel studs and lead to wheel separation.
What the fix does
Dealers will correct the torque specifications in the owner's manual and service documents, and inspect and replace wheel studs as needed at no charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The tailgate actuator limiter tab may fracture, causing the power locking tailgate to unlatch and open while the truck is driving.
What the fix does
Dealers will repair the tailgate latch at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The nut securing the outboard steering linkage may loosen, causing the drag link to separate from one end.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the steering linkage nut tightness and either replace the drag link assembly or weld the nut to the adjuster sleeve.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A wiring short circuit can prevent cruise control from disengaging. When engaged, you may not be able to turn it off by braking or using manual controls, causing the vehicle to maintain speed or accelerate unexpectedly.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the engine or powertrain control module software at no cost to fix the cruise control disengagement issue.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The fire extinguisher may clog and fail to spray, or require excessive force to use. In some models, the nozzle may separate from the valve assembly with enough force to cause injury and make the extinguisher unusable.
What the fix does
Chrysler will provide a replacement fire extinguisher at no cost. Contact Kidde or Chrysler to arrange the replacement.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Holding the brake pedal down for extended periods while parked may cause the Brake Transmission Shift Interlock pin to stick open, allowing the transmission to shift out of Park without pressing the brake or turning on the ignition.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the software, inspect the Brake Transmission Shift Interlock, and replace it if needed, at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The water pump may leak coolant because it lacks a vent hole, potentially causing engine overheating.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the water pump at no cost to restore proper cooling system function.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The cast aluminum Katla 8.5" road wheels on your truck's outer surface may crack, causing the tire to lose air rapidly.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace your wheels with new wheels of similar value at no charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Off-road driving or debris impact may cause the roll rate sensor to trigger a fault in the restraint controller, disabling the rollover side curtain airbags and seat belt pretensioners.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the restraint controller software at no cost to restore airbag and pretensioner function.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The welds holding the front track bar frame brackets may be weak, allowing bracket components to separate from the frame.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the front track bar bracket and install a reinforcement bracket to secure it.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The radio software has security weaknesses that could let unauthorized people access some vehicle control systems through a network connection.
What the fix does
A software update will be installed via USB drive (mailed free, downloadable, or installed at a dealer) to close the security vulnerability.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The side impact sensors are overly sensitive, which can cause the side air bag curtains, seat air bags, and seat belt pre-tensioners to deploy unexpectedly.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the Occupant Restraint Control module calibration to correct the sensor sensitivity.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The steering wheel wiring harness may rub against the driver air bag module retainer spring, potentially causing damage.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and secure the wiring harness, add protective caps to the air bag retainer spring ends, at no charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The vehicle's compliance label may be missing required tire size, type, load rating, and pressure information, though correct details appear on nearby tire placards.
What the fix does
Manufacturing process updated to include required tire information on compliance labels going forward. No owner action needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The instrument cluster may lose illumination and cluster warning lights may function erratically, not meeting safety lighting standards.
What the fix does
Dealers will reprogram the instrument cluster module to restore proper illumination and warning light function.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
