2023 Ram 3500 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Caution The 2023 Ram 3500 carries a complaint index of 20, ranking 13th out of 16 model years, and earns a Caution verdict because it has a park-outside recall despite a relatively low complaint count of 17. Owners most often flagged the Electrical System (29% of complaints) and Engine (24%).
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 20/100
- #13 of 16 3500 years
- Verdict
- Caution
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 17
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 5
- 1 Park Outside
- Crashes
- 0
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Top issue
- Electrical System
Top 2023 Ram 3500 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Electrical System5 (29%)
- Engine4 (24%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires3 (18%)
- Seat Belts2 (12%)
- Airbags1 (6%)
- Brakes1 (6%)
- Fuel System1 (6%)
- Other1 (6%)
- Steering1 (6%)
- Structure & Body1 (6%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Left turn signal activation triggers the high beams instead, a problem tied to a steering column control module recall that some owners say persisted after repeated dealer visits.
- Power steering intermittently cuts out during turns while brakes feel spongy, then returns to normal minutes later.
- The Cummins 6.7L High Output engine has shown premature camshaft valve lifter failure, contaminating engine oil with metallic debris.
- Some trucks experienced full engine lockup, requiring the vehicle to be towed and the engine replaced under warranty.
- The parking brake has engaged on its own while driving, with the warning light on and the brake unable to be released without help.
- A generator-related gasoline leak was reported, linked to a separate equipment recall on the fuel system.
2023 Ram 3500 recalls
5 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 24V413000Jun 6, 2024Transmission & Powertrain214 vehicles
Power train:manual transmission
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2023 Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500 vehicles. An insufficient weld in the transmission control unit can allow transmission fluid to leak on to electrical components, resulting in a loss of drive power or loss of park function.
Risk: A loss of drive power or a loss of park function increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the valve body and control unit, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expecting to be mailed July 26, 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 63B.
- NHTSA 24V199000Mar 14, 2024Airbags38,164 vehicles
Air bags:frontal:driver clockspring/spiral cassette
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) (Stellantis) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Ram 1500, Jeep Wrangler, Jeep Wagoneer, Jeep Grand Wagoneer, Chrysler Pacifica, Ram 3500, Ram 3500 cab chassis, Ram 2500, Ram 4500 cab chassis, Ram 5500 cab chassis, 2023 Jeep Gladiator, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep Grand Cherokee L, Ram 3500 Cab Chassis with a GVWR less than 10,000 lbs., and Chrysler Voyager vehicles. The steering column control module may not be welded properly, which can prevent the driver's air bag from deploying in a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Risk: An air bag that does not deploy in a crash can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the steering column control module, as necessary free of charge. Some owner notification letters were mailed April 11, 2024 through June 20, 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's numbers for this recall are 14B, 33B, 34B, 35B, 36B.
- NHTSA 23V799000Nov 28, 2023Steering185,251 vehicles
Steering:steering control module
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2023 Ram 1500 Classic, Ram 3500 Classic, 3500 Cab Chassis, 2023-2024 Ram 2500, 4500/5500 Cab Chassis, and Ram 3500 vehicles. The steering column control module may cause the high beams to activate when the turn signal is used or activate the turn signal when the high beams are used. In addition, the turn signal self-canceling feature may not function properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Risk: Turn signals and/or high beams that do not function as intended may cause confusion or reduced visibility to other road users, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the steering column control module (SCCM) software, and inspect and replace the module, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 19, 2023. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's numbers for this recall are B2A and D5A.
2023 compared with other 3500 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2023 Ram 3500 reliable?
- NHTSA data gives the 2023 Ram 3500 a complaint index of 20 with 17 complaints, one of the lower complaint counts among the 16 model years tracked. Its verdict is Caution, but that is driven by a park-outside recall rather than a high volume of owner complaints.
- Why is the 2023 Ram 3500 rated Caution instead of Good?
- The verdict is capped at Caution because the truck has a Do Not Drive or Park Outside recall, specifically a 2023 recall telling owners to park outside due to a possible electrical short in the heater grid on Cummins 6.7L diesel models.
- What recalls does the 2023 Ram 3500 have?
- NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns for the 2023 Ram 3500, covering the electrical system (park outside advisory), steering column control module, a rearview camera software issue, an airbag-related steering column module, and a transmission control unit weld defect.
- What is the top complaint area for the 2023 Ram 3500?
- Electrical System complaints make up 29% of all complaints filed for the 2023 Ram 3500, followed by Engine complaints at 24%.
- How does the 2023 Ram 3500 compare to other years?
- With a complaint index of 20, the 2023 model ranks 13th worst of 16 model years, well below the 2018 model year's index of 100 and the 2017 and 2022 model years, which carry Avoid verdicts.