NHTSA (USA)Critical
At a glance
What can fail
A weak weld in the transmission control unit may allow transmission fluid to leak onto electrical components, causing loss of drive power or inability to engage park.
What the fix does
This page covers 6 recalls and 13 owner complaints for the 2023 Ram 3500.
With only 13 total complaints spread thinly across several systems, no single pattern dominates the 2023 Ram 3500 complaint set. The most-reported named systems, engine, wheels, and steering, each draw just one complaint, so none of them represent a recurring theme. Individual owners describe issues including a frame-related coil spring mounting problem, engine oil contaminated with metallic debris, and a lighting quirk where the high beams activate when the left turn signal is used. Because each of these comes from a single report, none should be read as a widespread pattern for this model year.
13
Total Complaints
By System
The 2023 RAM 3500 has 6 recalls, the most serious being a fire risk on diesel-equipped trucks where an electrical short in the heater grid relay can ignite an engine compartment fire even with the ignition off.
A separate drivetrain concern affects the transmission control unit, which can leak fluid onto electrical components or allow the transmission to lose its park function, potentially causing the truck to roll away if the parking brake is not applied. Prior repair attempts did not fully resolve this issue, which is why it appears in more than one filing.
On the safety equipment side, a faulty clockspring in the steering column can prevent the driver's airbag from deploying in a crash. Two recalls cover visibility: radio software on certain trims can block the rearview camera image from appearing when backing up, and a steering column control module can cross signals between the turn indicators and high beams, causing each to trigger the other and confusing other drivers about the truck's intentions.
At a glance
What can fail
A weak weld in the transmission control unit may allow transmission fluid to leak onto electrical components, causing loss of drive power or inability to engage park.
What the fix does
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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 →
Dealers will replace the valve body and control unit at no charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The transmission control unit may not be sealed properly, allowing transmission fluid to leak inside. This could cause loss of power to the wheels and, if the parking brake isn't applied, the vehicle could roll away.
What the fix does
Replace the valve body and transmission control unit at a dealership.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The steering column control module may not be welded correctly, which can prevent the driver's airbag from deploying during a crash.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and replace the steering column control module at no charge if needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The steering column control module may cause the high beams to turn on when you use the turn signal, or activate the turn signal when you use the high beams. The turn signal may also fail to self-cancel.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the steering column control module software and replace the module if needed, at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The radio software may prevent the rearview camera image from displaying on the screen, blocking your rear visibility.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the radio software at no cost to restore the rearview image display.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
An electrical short can develop in the heater grid relay whether the ignition is on or off, potentially causing an electrical hazard.
What the fix does
The heater grid relay will be replaced at no cost to you at an authorized dealer.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
