2023 RAM 3500 Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2023 RAM 3500, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Engine417.4%
- Exterior lighting313.0%
- Electrical313.0%
- Seat belts28.7%
- Other / unspecified28.7%
- Steering14.3%
- Suspension14.3%
- Tires & wheels14.3%
- Airbags14.3%
- Visibility14.3%
- Brakes14.3%
- Fuel system14.3%
- Interior & seats14.3%
- Powertrain (other)14.3%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2023 Ram 3500. The contact stated that while driving or while the vehicle was parked, the air bag warning light was intermittently illuminated. Additionally, the check engine warning light was illuminated, and the seat belt warning light was intermittently illuminated while the seat belt was securely buckled. The messages "Service ESC” and “Service Trailer Brake System” were displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.
The contact owns a 2023 Ram Promaster 3500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V720000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that there was no fix available and suggested that the vehicle was no longer driven or parked too near the residence. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
This model of truck has 4 led lights that will never turn off. Using the switch in the cab does not affect them. When the headlight switch is in off, manual, or parking - these lights remain on. Additionally, there is no setting in the software that provides control over these lights. I have interacted with Stallantis Customer Service, and my local dealer -both state: "Lights are working as designed". Contrary to this, the owners manual states that the lights can be turned off using the switch. There are times, after dark, where parking lights are appropriate, but headlights are not. It seems to me a design flaw and dangerous to give the operator of the vehichle zero control over these "halo lights".
Despite having taken my 2023 Ram 3500 HD truck to the Ram dealer 3 times for the same recall, the issue still persists. The recall in question is B2A/NHTSA 23V-799 related to a malfunctioning SCCM that results in high beams activating with left turn signal activation. Also, left turn signal activates with high beam pass activation. Per Ram's protocol, they performed a software reboot upon the first attempt. The problem quickly returned. I returned to the same service department who did not perform any service on the vehicle despite the ongoing problem for more than one week. I took the truck back as it was my main mode of transportation. Because this safety issue has not resolved, I attempted to take it back to a different Ram service center who wanted to perform some incredibly involved electronic disconnection of all systems. I told them this was unacceptable because this was a known recall item that is still active. I have tried calling Ram Cares Customer service, but they have been entirely unhelpful. I am not filing this safety issue because Ram refuses to provide the needed replacement of the SCCM unit, which was the correct fix for this recall because they insist that the recall has been serviced appropriately. I have a recent video that shows the problem still happening, but they have not cared to look at it.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2023 Ram 3500. The contact stated that while driving or while the vehicle was parked, the air bag warning light was intermittently illuminated. Additionally, the check engine warning light was illuminated, and the seat belt warning light was intermittently illuminated while the seat belt was securely buckled. The messages "Service ESC” and “Service Trailer Brake System” were displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.
high beam lights turn on when left turn signal is activated
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
The drivers seat belt does Not lock when brake is applied, and does not retract when unbuckled. I saw a report where several thousands of seat belts have been recalled that were in similar vehicles to mine. Also in that recall the manufacturer was the same as my seat belt. Can you research again to check if my seat belt should have been recalled. Thanks [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The seatbelts do not porperly retract. The get caught in door after use, they fit loose and don’t feel secure. I had a 2018 ram 2500 that did the same
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
TPMS is installed on the truck but is not available to view anywhere inside the truck. It is 1ton pickup meant for towing. We tow a 15000# camper Ram's official position (I have voicemails) is that monitoring tire pressure while towing is "not required" for safe towing I adamantly disagree and believe they are selling an unsafe product for it's intended use My dealer has gone as far as they can and I have gone as far as I can thru they're Customer "don't" Care The fact that is in installed but not viewable is complete irresponsible. They say I should look at their app while driving. On the app the information is buried several screens in and the text size is literally less than 1/16" tall Again Ram's official position is that monitoring tire pressure is "not required" during towing and if I want to I should use the app on my phone while driving Date in additional details is the date of the first voicemail I received. I also received a followup voicemail on 8/17/23
The contact owns a 2023 Ram 3500. The contact stated that while inspecting the vehicle, the generator was turned on and the contact became aware of gasoline leaking. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23E030000 (Fuel System, Gasoline, Equipment). The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who informed the contact that the part to do the repair was not yet available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 14,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
Driving vehicle and made a left turn and the power steering stopped working and the brakes went spongy. Made the turn and the power steering started working again. It did it five other times on the same drive, over a fifteen minute period of time. The engine belt is in place and there are no signs of wear. Vehicle has 10,550 miles on it. Dealer states it’s missing some type of clip from the factory.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Vehicle was manufactured from the factory with defective frame/left upper coil spring mount causing the coil spring to move off it's locking perch making the coil spring unsecured to the vehicle frame. Yes, the vehicle available for inspection. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The defective coil spring mount allows the unsecured coil spring to move during travel with the potential of becoming dislodged from the vehicle which would cause complete suspension failure and the potential of loss of control of vehicle. This is especially true when towing. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? - Yes, the issue has been confirmed by the dealership and area engineer of Ram/Stellantis. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? - Yes, this have been inspected and confirmed by the dealership, area rep and area engineer of Ram/Stellantis. (See attached work orders) Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? - There were no warning lamps or messages, the very first symptom was just a squeaky spring type noise when driven off the lot after purchasing. That squeak intermittently continued until the squeak became a clunk and a metal on metal type noise and the vehicle didn't feel like it had equal suspension from left to right side of the vehicle. The dealership and area engineer for Ram/Stellantis stated the vehicle has a defective frame/coil mount, vehicle should not be driven on the highway, the vehicle should be repurchased by automaker and parted out/destroyed. This case has been going on for seven months, Ram/Stellantis has been stalling and unwilling thus far to repurchase the vehicle and take ownership of the defective manufactured vehicle.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
Nexen Roadian HTX RH5 LT235/80R17E 120R/117/R At approximately 70 mph, I experienced a severe vibration in the steering wheel. Shortly thereafter, the tread separated from the carcass sending pieces of rubber flying. I was able to pull onto the shoulder and change the tire. These are the OEM tires with about 25000 miles. They have never been under or overinflated and I was not hauling or towing anything.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2023 Ram 3500. The contact stated that while driving or while the vehicle was parked, the air bag warning light was intermittently illuminated. Additionally, the check engine warning light was illuminated, and the seat belt warning light was intermittently illuminated while the seat belt was securely buckled. The messages "Service ESC” and “Service Trailer Brake System” were displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
Turn on left blinker and the high beams come on doesn’t matter if it’s daytime, night time, headlights on or off, truck running not running. Obviously you don’t want to high beam other drivers when passing on left or turning left. Opened driver door and passenger rear window shattered with 2800 miles on it.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2023 Ram 3500. The contact stated that while driving at unknown speeds, the parking brake engaged without driver input. The parking brake warning light was illuminated. The contact was unable to disengage the parking brake. The contact was aided by another driver. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was unknown. The VIN was not available.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2023 Ram 3500. The contact stated that while inspecting the vehicle, the generator was turned on and the contact became aware of gasoline leaking. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23E030000 (Fuel System, Gasoline, Equipment). The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who informed the contact that the part to do the repair was not yet available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 14,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2023 Ram 3500. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH, the tailgate opened independently. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact arrived at the residence and became aware that the tailgate was open. The dealer was contacted and stated that none of the vehicle with similar year, make, or model was equipped with a tailgate ajar indicator light. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the failure was a known failure; however, no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 850.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
Engine Lockup , towed 650 miles to dealer clsoer to my home and from same place where I bought the truck , said has Waranty, and stays there for almost 3 months , calling them every week and saying we are waiting for chrysler to send an engine and after receiving we will need a week to install
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .