2014 Ram 3500 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Caution The 2014 Ram 3500 has a complaint index of 67, ranking 6th worst out of 16 model years, and carries a Caution verdict. NHTSA lists 202 complaints and 15 recalls, led by suspension, wheels & tires issues (51 complaints, 25% share).
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 67/100
- #6 of 16 3500 years
- Verdict
- Caution
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 202
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 15
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 9
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 7
- Injuries
- 9
- Top issue
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires
Top 2014 Ram 3500 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires51 (25%)
- Engine45 (22%)
- Steering41 (20%)
- Transmission & Powertrain39 (19%)
- Electrical System27 (13%)
- Fuel System22 (11%)
- Other20 (10%)
- Brakes17 (8%)
- Airbags10 (5%)
- Structure & Body7 (3%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Front airbags failed to deploy during frontal or head-on crashes at highway speeds.
- Owners report sudden fires starting from the engine compartment or from a failed blower motor resistor behind the dash.
- Brakes reportedly activated on their own or failed to stop the truck, in one case leading to a crash while backing up.
- A front wheel rim reportedly fractured while driving, causing loss of control and a crash into a ditch.
- Repeated powertrain control module failures and software updates were reported, including one that stalled the truck while towing.
- Smoke and unusual noise from the tail pipe reportedly preceded an underbody fire on the highway.
2014 Ram 3500 recalls
15 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 21V398000May 27, 2021Suspension, Wheels & Tires447,985 vehicles
Wheels:lugs/nuts/bolts/studs
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2012-2021 RAM 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis, 4500 Cab Chassis, and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles. Incorrect information in the Service and Owner's Manuals may cause the flanged lug nuts to be over-tightened, which could result in a broken wheel stud and possible wheel separation.
Risk: Wheel separation can cause a vehicle crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the torque specification in the owner's manual and other published service documents. Dealers will also inspect the vehicle's wheel studs, replacing them if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on November 30, 2021. Campaign Y36 owner notification letters were mailed on November 30, 2021. Campaign Y26 owner notification letters were mailed on December 1, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US's numbers for this recall are Y26 and Y36.
- NHTSA 19V347000May 9, 2019Structure & Body1,103,209 vehicles
Latches/locks/linkages:tailgate:latch
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks equipped with an 8 foot bed and a power locking tailgate. Chrysler is also recalling all 2013-2014 and 2018 Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks built before April 1, 2018 with a 6 or 8 foot bed and a power locking tailgate. On August 29, 2019 Chrysler expanded the recall to include an additional 693,128 model year 2013-2014 Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks. The tailgate actuator limiter tab may fracture and cause the tailgate to unlatch and open while driving.
Risk: If the tailgate opens while the vehicle is being driven, cargo may fall out the vehicle and create a road hazard, increasing the risk of crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will repair the tailgate latch, free of charge. The recall began May 23, 2019. Chrysler is expected to notify owners of the expanded population on October 18, 2019. Owners may contact FCA US customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US's number for this recall is V44. Note: 2015-2017 MY Ram 1500 pickup trucks with truck beds other than 8 foot, are currently covered under NHTSA recall 18V-486 for this issue.
- NHTSA 19V021000Jan 25, 2019Steering795,575 vehicles
Steering:linkages:drag:link:connection
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Ram 3500 and 2014-2018 Ram 3500 Chassis Cab and Ram 2500 vehicles. The outboard steering linkage jam nut may loosen, allowing one end of the drag link to separate.
Risk: A drag link separation can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will check the steering linkage jam nut tightness, replacing the drag link assembly or welding the nut to the adjuster sleeve, free of charge. The recall began March 22, 2019. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is V06.
2014 compared with other 3500 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2014 Ram 3500 reliable?
- NHTSA data gives the 2014 Ram 3500 a complaint index of 67, ranking 6th worst among 16 model years, with a Caution verdict relative to other 3,500 years.
- What are the most common problems with the 2014 Ram 3500?
- Suspension, wheels & tires complaints lead at 51 (25% share), followed by engine issues at 45 (22%) and steering at 41 (20%), per NHTSA complaint data.
- Does the 2014 Ram 3500 have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 15 recall campaigns tied to the 2014 Ram 3500, covering areas including steering linkage, tailgate latches, engine water pumps, and suspension lug nut torque specs.
- At what mileage do 2014 Ram 3500 problems typically show up?
- Median mileage at failure varies by system: suspension issues median around 34,000 miles, engine issues around 16,500 miles, and fuel system issues as early as 9,790 miles, per NHTSA data.
- How does the 2014 Ram 3500 compare to other years?
- With a complaint index of 67, the 2014 model is worse than 2013 (33), 2015 (40), and 2016 (53), but better than 2017 (87), 2018 (100), 2020 (80), and 2022 (93).