What years of the Dodge Ram 3500 should I avoid?

NHTSA data points to 2011 and 2012 as the years to avoid, with complaint indexes of 86 and 100, the two highest in the lineup, driven mainly by steering complaints.

Is there a best year for the Dodge Ram 3500?

No year reaches a Best or Good rating except 2005. Years 2006 through 2010 are capped at Caution because of Do Not Drive or Park Outside recalls and multiple recall campaigns requiring a dealer visit.

What is the most common problem across all Ram 3500 years?

Steering is the top problem area overall, accounting for 865 complaints, or 51% of the 1,682 total complaints across the 2005-2012 model years.

Does the 2011 or 2012 Ram 3500 have steering recalls?

The listed recalls for 2011 and 2012 focus on transmission/powertrain, electrical, suspension, and other components rather than steering directly, though steering is the leading complaint category reported by owners for both years.

Why is the 2009 Ram 3500 rated Caution despite a complaint index of 0?

The 2009 model's verdict is capped at Caution because it has a Do Not Drive or Park Outside recall, even though its complaint index of 0 is the lowest of any year covered.

Dodge Ram 3500 Best and Worst Years (2005–2012)

Avoid the 2011 and 2012 Dodge Ram 3500, which have the highest complaint indexes (86 and 100) and are dominated by steering problems. No year earns a Best rating; 2005 is the only Good year, while 2006-2010 are capped at Caution mainly due to Do Not Drive or Park Outside recalls.

Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls per model-year, ranked within this model — not a reliability rating. Methodology.

Avoid 2011 Avoid 2012

Model years: 8; 2005–2012
NHTSA complaints: 1,682
Recall campaigns: 27
Crashes reported: 77
Fires reported: 57
Top problem area: Steering

Ram 3500 Complaint Index by year

Higher = more complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and Do-Not-Drive recalls per year on the road, relative to other years of this model.

Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best

Dodge Ram 3500 problems and recalls by year

Year	Verdict	Index	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Recalls	Top issue	MPG	NCAP
2005	Good	14	196	23	6	4	Steering	—	—
2006	Caution	43	257	15	4	8 !	Electrical System	—	—
2007	Caution	71	210	14	14	11 !	Steering	—	—
2008	Caution	29	173	9	14	9 !	Steering	—	—
2009	Caution	0	105	6	2	5 !	Steering	—	—
2010	Caution	57	150	3	4	9 !	Steering	—	—
2011	Avoid	86	225	3	5	5	Steering	—	—
2012	Avoid	100	366	4	8	8	Steering	—	—

Ram 3500 years to avoid: what went wrong

2012 Dodge Ram 3500 Index 100 · 366 complaints · 8 recalls

The 2012 Ram 3500 has the highest complaint index in the lineup at 100, with 366 total complaints. Steering problems make up 61% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 27,750 miles; owners report loss of directional control and, in some cases, wheels or dual wheel assemblies detaching from the axle. Electrical System complaints followed at 14%, with a much higher median failure mileage of 110,386 miles, while Suspension, Wheels & Tires problems occurred at a median of 28,500 miles. The year has 8 recall campaigns, including a lug nut torque specification recall and a fire extinguisher recall.

2012 steering problems →2012 electrical system problems →2012 suspension, wheels & tires problems →

2011 Dodge Ram 3500 Index 86 · 225 complaints · 5 recalls

NHTSA lists 225 complaints for the 2011 Ram 3500, giving it a complaint index of 86. Steering issues account for 73% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 42,000 miles; owners describe abnormal noise from the rear axle area followed by the truck jerking to one side, sometimes leading to a crash. Suspension and wheel complaints followed at 13%, failing around 36,000 miles. Electrical System problems, including alternator and wiring harness connector issues covered by two recalls, appeared at higher mileage near 87,269 miles. The year carries 5 recall campaigns total.

2011 steering problems →2011 suspension, wheels & tires problems →2011 engine problems →

Most common Dodge Ram 3500 problems (all years)

Share of NHTSA complaints by component group across all model years.

Steering865 (51%)
Suspension, Wheels & Tires246 (15%)
Electrical System238 (14%)
Engine192 (11%)
Airbags152 (9%)
Transmission & Powertrain127 (8%)
Fuel System110 (7%)
Brakes77 (5%)
Other54 (3%)
Visibility & Wipers54 (3%)

A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.

Frequently asked questions

What years of the Dodge Ram 3500 should I avoid?: NHTSA data points to 2011 and 2012 as the years to avoid, with complaint indexes of 86 and 100, the two highest in the lineup, driven mainly by steering complaints.
Is there a best year for the Dodge Ram 3500?: No year reaches a Best or Good rating except 2005. Years 2006 through 2010 are capped at Caution because of Do Not Drive or Park Outside recalls and multiple recall campaigns requiring a dealer visit.
What is the most common problem across all Ram 3500 years?: Steering is the top problem area overall, accounting for 865 complaints, or 51% of the 1,682 total complaints across the 2005-2012 model years.
Does the 2011 or 2012 Ram 3500 have steering recalls?: The listed recalls for 2011 and 2012 focus on transmission/powertrain, electrical, suspension, and other components rather than steering directly, though steering is the leading complaint category reported by owners for both years.
Why is the 2009 Ram 3500 rated Caution despite a complaint index of 0?: The 2009 model's verdict is capped at Caution because it has a Do Not Drive or Park Outside recall, even though its complaint index of 0 is the lowest of any year covered.