Which Dodge Ram 3500 year should I avoid?

NHTSA data does not list any Ram 3500 year as a clear avoid, but 2012 ranks worst with a complaint index of 100 and 366 complaints, mostly steering-related at a median 46,840 miles.

Is the 2010 Dodge Ram 3500 reliable?

The 2010 model has the lowest complaint index (0) among the three years covered, with 150 complaints, though it carries 4 do-not-drive recalls, more than 2011 or 2012.

What is the most common problem on the Dodge Ram 3500?

Steering is the top problem area across all years, accounting for 478 of 741 total complaints, or 65%.

Does the Dodge Ram 3500 have steering recalls?

NHTSA lists 13 recall campaigns across the 2010-2012 Ram 3500, and steering is the top complaint category in every one of those years.

Dodge Ram 3500 Best and Worst Years (2010–2012)

No years are flagged as must-avoid, but 2012 has the highest complaint index (100) and most complaints (366), with steering the top issue at a median 46,840 miles. 2010 has the lowest complaint index (0) with 150 complaints, despite 4 do-not-drive recalls.

Model years: 3; 2010–2012
NHTSA complaints: 741
Recall campaigns: 13
Crashes reported: 10
Fires reported: 17
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
2010	No verdict	0	150	3	4	9 !	Steering	—	—
2011	No verdict	50	225	3	5	5	Steering	—	—
2012	No verdict	100	366	4	8	8	Steering	—	—

Most common Dodge Ram 3500 problems (all years)

Share of NHTSA complaints by component group. A complaint naming two components counts once in each.

Steering478 (65%)
Suspension, Wheels & Tires110 (15%)
Engine97 (13%)
Electrical System88 (12%)
Fuel System74 (10%)
Transmission & Powertrain45 (6%)
Brakes37 (5%)
Other21 (3%)
Airbags20 (3%)
Structure & Body9 (1%)

Frequently asked questions

Which Dodge Ram 3500 year should I avoid?: NHTSA data does not list any Ram 3500 year as a clear avoid, but 2012 ranks worst with a complaint index of 100 and 366 complaints, mostly steering-related at a median 46,840 miles.
Is the 2010 Dodge Ram 3500 reliable?: The 2010 model has the lowest complaint index (0) among the three years covered, with 150 complaints, though it carries 4 do-not-drive recalls, more than 2011 or 2012.
What is the most common problem on the Dodge Ram 3500?: Steering is the top problem area across all years, accounting for 478 of 741 total complaints, or 65%.
Does the Dodge Ram 3500 have steering recalls?: NHTSA lists 13 recall campaigns across the 2010-2012 Ram 3500, and steering is the top complaint category in every one of those years.