RoadVitals

2026 RAM 3500

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
22
+2 complaints in 30 days
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
4
Latest Apr 9, 2026
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
1

Overview

Our database contains 22 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2026 RAM 3500, most frequently naming the electrical, brakes and driver assistance categories. 4 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 216 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

4 campaigns cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL

Apr 9, 2026
65,348 units potentially affected
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Ram 1500 Pickup, Ram 2500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Cab Chassis, Ram 4500 Cab Chassis, and Ram 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles. A software error may cause the instrument panel display to fail. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards numbers 102, "Transmission Shift Position Sequence," 105, "Hydraulic and Electric Brake Systems," 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment," 126, "Electronic Stability Control Systems for Light Vehicles," 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems," 138, "Tire Pressure Monitoring System," and/or 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
The risk: An instrument panel display that fails to show critical safety information, such as gear selection and warning lights, increases the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Dealers will update the instrument panel software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 5, 2026. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is 35D. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning April 16, 2026.
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)Manufacturer number 35DView on NHTSA.gov

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INTEGRATED TRAILER BRAKE CONTROL; EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS; EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL

Feb 2, 2026
456,287 units potentially affected
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2024-2026 Jeep Wagoneer S, 2025-2026 Ram 1500 Pickup, Ram 2500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Cab Chassis, Ram 4500 Cab Chassis, Ram 5500 Cab Chassis, and 2026 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. Due to an improperly designed trailer tow module, the trailer lights may fail to illuminate and the trailer brakes may fail.
The risk: Trailer brake lights and turn signals that do not illuminate reduce visibility to other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash. Additionally, trailer brakes that fail increase the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Dealers will replace the trailer tow module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning March 17, 2026. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 03D. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on February 10, 2026.
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)Manufacturer number 03DView on NHTSA.gov

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL

Dec 1, 2025
72,509 units potentially affected
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Ram 1500 Pickup, Ram 2500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Cab Chassis, 4500 Ram Cab Chassis, and Ram 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles. A software error may cause the instrument panel cluster display to be blank. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard numbers 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems," 105, "Hydraulic and Electric Brake Systems," and 102, "Transmission shift lever sequence, starter interlock, and transmission braking effect."
The risk: An instrument panel display that does not show critical information, such as warning lights or gear selection, increases the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Dealers will inspect and update the instrument panel software or replace the instrument panel cluster, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 18, 2025. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 800-853-1403. Chrysler's numbers for this recall are B4C and B8C. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning December 4, 2025.
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)Manufacturer number B4C, B8CView on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

Driver assistanceElectricalPowertrain (other)
Filed Aug 5, 2026

Started with only 320 miles just days after purchasing this new 2026 RAM 3500 on XXX. I have taken the truck to three differ RAM dealerships as this issue continues to occur. [XXX]; [XXX]; and [XXX] Westside all had attempted to fix the issue. I had to return the truck a number of times to [XXX] and [XXX] for the same reasons. The following warmings messages are displayed: FCW/Cruise Control Unavailable Service Required - occurs when using cruise control, Service Electronic Stability Control, Auto Emergency Braking (AEB) Unavailable Service Required, Park Sense Temporarily Unavailable, Service Antilock Brake System, 4WD System Temporarily Unavailable, and Service engine light comes on. Two RAM dealers are saying the issue is the speed sensor, which has been replaced over three times. The RAM dealership had to open an engineer ticket with the manufacture, but the issue is not fixed. The Jacksonville service manger told me I can keep bringing the truck in, but until a different manufacture makes a new speed sensor, the truck will continue to have the same issue. I use the RAM 3500 to pull my RV. Brake system failure put myself and family and others safety at risk while on the road, therefore, I do not drive the truck in fear the brake system will fail and I won't be able to stop 20,000 pounds of truck and RV. The truck is available for inspection, but I am currently in the process of returning the truck under Flordia's Lemon Law. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID
11754877
Incident
Oct 28, 2025
Powertrain (other)
Filed Aug 4, 2026

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Rear Axle Failure - Dealership has the truck currently How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? - It was not Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? - Yes Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? - yes, by the dealer Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? - No warning of any kind. Just loud grinding noise

NHTSA ID
11754685
Incident
Jul 23, 2026
BrakesDriver assistanceElectrical
Filed Jun 21, 2026

Just driving down the road and abs service, traction control service, 4wd service, automatic emergency brake disabled front and rear sensor service lights come on then go off and come back on later with a check engine light vehicle has less than. 500 miles

NHTSA ID
11745440
Incident
Jun 20, 2026
Brakes
Filed Jun 17, 2026

The contact owns a 2026 Ram 3500. The contact stated that occasionally while hauling a trailer and driving at various speeds, the factory-integrated Trailer Brake Controller failed to respond as intended. Additionally, while driving during strong winds, the vehicle was pushed off the road onto the shoulder and onto the grass. No warning light was illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 1,000.

NHTSA ID
11744818
Incident
Jun 17, 2026
Mileage
1,000 mi
BrakesElectrical
Filed May 14, 2026
Crash reported

Hello, I am formally documenting a serious safety incident involving my recently purchased 2026 Dodge Ram 3500 Tradesman 6.7L dually, purchased from Towbin Dodge in [XXX] , on May 9, 2026. On May 13, 2026—only five days after purchase—we were operating the truck for our dumpster business while towing a GN trailer loaded with approximately 5 tons. We were traveling down Mount Charleston after a pickup when a critical brake failure occurred. While descending the mountain grade, the truck’s braking system failed to respond. A warning light appeared on the dashboard indicating an issue with the electric brake system. We had tow/haul mode and exhaust braking engaged, but neither system functioned properly. When my father pressed the brake pedal, the vehicle did not slow down. With a steep descent ahead and no effective braking response, my father was forced to steer the vehicle off the road into a ditch to avoid a direct impact with the mountain, which could have resulted in a fatal collision. After stopping, we noticed signs of extreme brake overheating, and the system appeared to be close to catching fire. I have video and other documentation of the incident. The vehicle is currently in the dealer’s possession. This is a major safety failure occurring within days of purchase, and I am requesting a full investigation into the brake system and all related components, including any recalls, defects, or electronic braking malfunctions. I do not want the truck anymore! Given the severity and risk to life involved, I am requesting immediate action and a full resolution regarding this vehicle. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID
11737840
Incident
May 13, 2026
Driver assistance
Filed May 7, 2026

Vehicle sends cluster warnings about Auto Emergency Braking unavailable/inoperable, Electronic Stability Control needs service, Antilock Brake System needs service, Parksense Unavailable, and ultimately the Check Engine indicator illuminates after restarting the vehicle. An error code also is present in the computer, U1412. This has happened twice now in a two week period. These systems are critical to safe operation of he vehicle, especially in emergency braking conditions, and could affect both the operator and the general public if they indeed failed. The vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer, yet, and is scheduled for 5/8/2026

NHTSA ID
11736214
Incident
May 6, 2026
BrakesDriver assistanceElectrical
Filed Apr 20, 2026

Vehicle at dealership a third time for same issue relating to U1412 code associated with ABS system. First time it was towed on 1/19/2026 and second time I took it to the dealership before it required towing on 3/26/2026. This time the truck required towing again after not being able to go into gear or being able to turn it off. Multiple warning lights on the dash. Still waiting for diagnosis but service department knew this problem from other vehicles and said manufacturer isn’t sure of cause.

NHTSA ID
11732297
Incident
Apr 16, 2026
BrakesDriver assistanceElectrical
Filed Apr 20, 2026

Second incident relating to U1412 code where ABS related warning lights coming on. On 1/19/26 it had the same issue but was towed due to undriveable and would turn off. This time I drove straight to Dodge dealership where they got the codes, unlike last time due to batteries dead. Ram performed two flash updates and felt issue was fixed. Car is currently at dealership for third incident of same nature and had to be towed exactly same as first time on 1/19/26. Towed in on 4/16/2026. Three times when new truck less than 6 months old and 10k miles. Unsafe as mentioned on other report.

NHTSA ID
11732296
Incident
Mar 26, 2026

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

9100879

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Front Passenger Display Module Verify "Z" part number availability. Order a "Z" part number for all Exchange Orders, Warranty, Mopar, Customer Pay and Service Contract. Order "68" part number for New, Unsold units only.

113795

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

HEADLAMP

113743

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

HEADLAMP

08-302-26

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; POWER TRAIN

Flash: Electronic Shift Module (ESM) Updates Customers must experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination and the vehicle must SYMPTOM: exhibit/set the following Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC): ● U1057-00 - High Speed Fd-Can3 Communication Bus Performance. Customers may also comment on the following: ● If the vehicle has a low or drained battery and requires a jump start, once jump started, the vehicle will not shift out of Park. This bulletin involves reprogramming the ESM with the latest available software.

113783

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

MODULE & MODULE KIT - FUEL PUMP/LEVEL UNIT

113744

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; ENGINE

SENSOR - TURBOCHARGER SPEED

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

RAM 3500 by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2027000
2026Viewing224056.1
2025365055.3
2024402060.7
2023175048.9
202218712261.7
2021629161.0
202011211262.3
201913414263.7
201878911467.6
201730413467.2
201613316367.3
201513616461.0
201420217461.1
201311418360.6
2012002
2011002
2010003
2009321
2008410
2007610

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. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.