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2026 RAM 3500 Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

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.
27
Latest Sep 24, 2026
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
7
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

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2026 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

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

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

16
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

On multiple occasions the U-Connect system in the listed 2026 RAM 3500 has gone completely black and was inoperable until a reset was performed. The trailer brake gain control and exhaust brake are accessed and controlled via the touch screen U-Connect system. This failure poses a significant safety issue when the screen goes black and the controls cannot be accessed when pulling a trailer. This can lead to failure to slow/stop the vehicle while in motion, tire failure on the trailer etc. The only method to regain access to the brake controls is to perform a reset of the U-Connect system which can take 2-3 minutes to complete. Stelantis is and has been aware of this issue for some time and has no resolution at this time.

NHTSA ID 11759518 · filed Aug 25, 2026

The contact owns a 2026 Ram 3500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The message that the trailer was not connected was displayed. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V059000 (Exterior Lighting, Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 11,000.

NHTSA ID 11758321 · filed Aug 20, 2026
All 16 reports naming electrical →

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

12
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

On multiple occasions the U-Connect system in the listed 2026 RAM 3500 has gone completely black and was inoperable until a reset was performed. The trailer brake gain control and exhaust brake are accessed and controlled via the touch screen U-Connect system. This failure poses a significant safety issue when the screen goes black and the controls cannot be accessed when pulling a trailer. This can lead to failure to slow/stop the vehicle while in motion, tire failure on the trailer etc. The only method to regain access to the brake controls is to perform a reset of the U-Connect system which can take 2-3 minutes to complete. Stelantis is and has been aware of this issue for some time and has no resolution at this time.

NHTSA ID 11759518 · filed Aug 25, 2026

2026 Ram 3500 with <2700 miles. The trailer brakes are not applied appropriately when using the brake pedal, even though it will brake appropriately (with 1 of 3 trailers) while squeezing the manual override. This includes all brake levels (1-10 gain). When the trailer is disconnected, the truck will brake and show the appropriate level of pressure on the dash, though when the trailers are connected, one might press their foot 50% of the way down on the pedal while only 5% of the pressure is displayed on the dash and applied to the trailer brakes. This has nearly caused 3 separate accidents while towing (16,600 pounds total) when people merged and braked hard in traffic. Ram dealership initially refused to investigate until persisting and becoming very angry. At that point, the issue was confirmed. Brake module parts are pending replacement at this time. Their current "test methods" don't include an actual trailer and are insufficient to diagnose and identify the issue. There is no doubt that this will kill someone at some point. There was eventually a service trailer brake system message that popped up, though this wasn't persistent and went away automatically, not stored permanently, when the trailer disconnected. This message appeared previously approx 3 times, though there was no trailer connected to the truck at the time. Proximity sensors in the front and rear are also faulty, delaying notification of item in proximity, not displaying at all, or randomly being accurate. It also detects traffic that is a significant distance away. The same Ram dealership repeated the issue and called this "normal or expected behavior". It is, most definitely, not, and may present a danger to small children walking around the vehicle, pets, or potentially property due to the lack of notification of objects present.

NHTSA ID 11758110 · filed Aug 19, 2026
All 12 reports naming brakes →

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

10
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Brand new 2026 Ram 3500 Limited Truck. Front parking sensors goes off when something is 15-25 feet away. Very frustrating as I have to turn off the front parking sensors. Had the same issue on my 2025 Ram 2500. Also, the tailgate is misaligned from the factory. Currently my truck is at the dealership, and they don't know how to realign the tailgate. No fixed. Again very frustrating on a brand-new truck from Ram.

NHTSA ID 11764706 · filed Sep 16, 2026

2026 Ram 3500 with <2700 miles. The trailer brakes are not applied appropriately when using the brake pedal, even though it will brake appropriately (with 1 of 3 trailers) while squeezing the manual override. This includes all brake levels (1-10 gain). When the trailer is disconnected, the truck will brake and show the appropriate level of pressure on the dash, though when the trailers are connected, one might press their foot 50% of the way down on the pedal while only 5% of the pressure is displayed on the dash and applied to the trailer brakes. This has nearly caused 3 separate accidents while towing (16,600 pounds total) when people merged and braked hard in traffic. Ram dealership initially refused to investigate until persisting and becoming very angry. At that point, the issue was confirmed. Brake module parts are pending replacement at this time. Their current "test methods" don't include an actual trailer and are insufficient to diagnose and identify the issue. There is no doubt that this will kill someone at some point. There was eventually a service trailer brake system message that popped up, though this wasn't persistent and went away automatically, not stored permanently, when the trailer disconnected. This message appeared previously approx 3 times, though there was no trailer connected to the truck at the time. Proximity sensors in the front and rear are also faulty, delaying notification of item in proximity, not displaying at all, or randomly being accurate. It also detects traffic that is a significant distance away. The same Ram dealership repeated the issue and called this "normal or expected behavior". It is, most definitely, not, and may present a danger to small children walking around the vehicle, pets, or potentially property due to the lack of notification of objects present.

NHTSA ID 11758110 · filed Aug 19, 2026
All 10 reports naming driver assistance →

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Trucks ignition system does not work properly; manufacturer has no way to diagnose the problem. possible fire hazard? drive system, was not built to factory standards, dealer advised to not to drive out of fear of blowing up while driving down the road.

NHTSA ID 11766831 · filed Sep 24, 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 · filed Aug 5, 2026

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Trucks ignition system does not work properly; manufacturer has no way to diagnose the problem. possible fire hazard? drive system, was not built to factory standards, dealer advised to not to drive out of fear of blowing up while driving down the road.

NHTSA ID 11766831 · filed Sep 24, 2026

The contact owns a 2026 Ram 3500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine, 4WD, ABS, park sensors, and several other unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who replaced the speed sensor for the rear wheels; however, the failure persisted, and the transmission failed to recognize that the gear selector was in park(P). Roadside Assistance arrived and unplugged the battery cables to turn off the engine. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and was waiting for engineers to diagnose the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 458.

NHTSA ID 11709697 · filed Jan 8, 2026

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.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2026 Ram 3500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The message that the trailer was not connected was displayed. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V059000 (Exterior Lighting, Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 11,000.

NHTSA ID 11758321 · filed Aug 20, 2026

The contact owns a 2026 Ram 3500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V059000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact called a dealer while traveling in Braunfels, Texas, and asked about parts availability. The dealer stated that the manufacturer was providing only one part per week to the dealer location, which was causing a long wait for the recall repair. A second dealer, Miller Motor Sales Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram (1196 Milwaukee Ave, Burlington, WI 53105) was contacted and confirmed the limited part supply to the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

NHTSA ID 11726903 · filed Mar 25, 2026

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.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Well this is 2 nd report , got truck in sept , 1 tire blew at 625 miles , did not waste time at dealer this time , came off the ranch got about 10 miles down road tire was losing air ,pulled over was leaking bad ,now remember this is a 1 ton dulley Tk with 6 , six tires , same set of Goodyear tires , feb 26, 4100 miles then , now ok after this I came home went to discount Tire bought 6 new tires have my 6 tires off new Tk in barn , I can't take the risk of killing somebody are myself with another blow out !!! 3 tires off new dealers again said these should not be on this truck

NHTSA ID 11723104 · filed Mar 9, 2026

LT235/80R17, well was on ranch , which I told them I use on ranch so I was charged 995. Bucks extra for AT tires , At 625 miles it popped, well I took to dealer as usual they said my fault ? Well I left . New truck 100k an 2 tire dealers told me they are Juck !!!!

NHTSA ID 11723092 · filed Mar 9, 2026

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

Data on this page last refreshed .