{"id":"2018_ram_3500","make":"Ram","make_slug":"ram","model":"3500","model_slug":"3500","year":2018,"url":"/ram/3500/2018/","pts":[],"configs":[],"vclass":"Heavy-duty pickup","segment":"Heavy-duty pickup","epa_certified":false,"recalls":[{"campaign":"25V592000","component":"AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN:INFLATOR","mfr":"Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)","reported":"2025-09-11","owner_notified":"2025-09-25","units":1761,"summary":"Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Ram 1500, Ram 2500, and Ram 3500 vehicles. The right and left side curtain air bag inflators may rupture due to a manufacturing defect.","consequence":"An inflator rupture may result in sharp metal fragments striking occupants, resulting in injury.","remedy":"Dealers will replace one or both side curtain air bags, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 25, 2025. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's numbers for this recall are 83C, 91C, and 92C. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning September 18, 2025.","notes":"","park_outside":false,"do_not_drive":false,"mfr_campaign":"83C, 91C, 92C","initiated_by":"ODI","variants":[],"severity":"high"},{"campaign":"25V010000","component":"AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN:INFLATOR","mfr":"Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)","reported":"2025-01-16","owner_notified":"2025-02-13","units":6066,"summary":"Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Ram 3500, Ram 1500, 2016-2020 Ram 2500, and 2016 Ram 3500 Cab Chassis vehicles.  The right and left side curtain air bag inflators may rupture due to a manufacturing defect.","consequence":"An inflator rupture may result in sharp metal fragments striking occupants, resulting in injury.","remedy":"Dealers will replace one or both side curtain air bags, as necessary, free of charge.  Owner notification letters were mailed February 13, 2025.  Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403.  FCA's numbers for this recall are 05C, 09C, and 10C.","notes":"Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153) or go to nhtsa.gov.","park_outside":false,"do_not_drive":false,"mfr_campaign":"05C, 09C, 10C","initiated_by":"ODI","variants":[],"severity":"high"},{"campaign":"24V896000","component":"SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE","mfr":"Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)","reported":"2024-11-27","owner_notified":"2025-01-09","units":317630,"summary":"Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Ram 2500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Pickup, 3500 Cab Chassis, 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles.  The hydraulic control unit (HCU) may fail, which can cause the anti-lock brake (ABS), electronic stability control (ESC), and traction control systems to fail.","consequence":"A loss of anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control, or traction control can increase the risk of a crash.","remedy":"Dealers will replace the brake HCU, or replace the HCU motor, free of charge.  Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed January 9, 2025.  Some owner notification letters were mailed January 9, 2025.  The remaining owner notification letters will be mailed at a future date, anticipated October 2026.  Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403.  FCA's number for this recall is C4B.","notes":"Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153) or go to nhtsa.gov.","park_outside":false,"do_not_drive":false,"mfr_campaign":"C4B","initiated_by":"ODI","variants":[],"severity":"high"},{"campaign":"21V398000","component":"WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS","mfr":"Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)","reported":"2021-05-27","owner_notified":"2021-08-26","units":447985,"summary":"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.","consequence":"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.","notes":"Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.","park_outside":false,"do_not_drive":false,"mfr_campaign":"Y26, Y36","initiated_by":"MFR","variants":[],"severity":"high"},{"campaign":"19V347000","component":"LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TAILGATE:LATCH","mfr":"Chrysler (FCA US LLC)","reported":"2019-05-09","owner_notified":"2019-05-23","units":1103209,"summary":"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.","consequence":"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.","notes":"Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.","park_outside":false,"do_not_drive":false,"mfr_campaign":"V44","initiated_by":"MFR","variants":[],"severity":"high"},{"campaign":"19V021000","component":"STEERING:LINKAGES:DRAG:LINK:CONNECTION","mfr":"Chrysler (FCA US LLC)","reported":"2019-01-25","owner_notified":"2019-03-22","units":795575,"summary":"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.","consequence":"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.","notes":"Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.","park_outside":false,"do_not_drive":false,"mfr_campaign":"V06","initiated_by":"ODI","variants":[],"severity":"high"},{"campaign":"18V398000","component":"BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA","mfr":"Chrysler (FCA US LLC)","reported":"2018-06-14","owner_notified":"2018-08-02","units":1837,"summary":"Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Dodge Journey and RAM 1500, 2500, and 3500 vehicles.  The backup camera may experience a loss of image display while backing up.  As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, \"Rearview Mirrors.\"","consequence":"A loss of image in the rearview camera while backing up can increase the risk of a crash.","remedy":"Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rearview mirror, free of charge.  The recall began August 2, 2018.  Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403.  Chrysler's number for this recall is U56.","notes":"Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.","park_outside":false,"do_not_drive":false,"mfr_campaign":"U56","initiated_by":"MFR","variants":[],"severity":"high"},{"campaign":"18V332000","component":"ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING","mfr":"Chrysler (FCA US LLC)","reported":"2018-05-17","owner_notified":"2018-06-04","units":4815661,"summary":"Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Dodge Journey, Charger and Durango, RAM 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis (more than 10,000lb), 4500 Cab Chassis and 5500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee and Chrysler 300, 2014-2019 RAM 1500, 2015-2018 Dodge Challenger, 2015-2017 Chrysler 200, 2016-2018 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis (less than 10,000 lb), 2017-2018 Chrysler Pacifica and 2018 Jeep Wrangler vehicles.  These vehicles are being recalled to address a defect that could prevent the cruise control system from disengaging.  If, when using cruise control, there is a short circuit within the vehicle's wiring, the driver may not be able to shut off the cruise control either by depressing the brake pedal or manually turning the system off once it has been engaged, resulting in either the vehicle maintaining its current speed or possibly accelerating.","consequence":"If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.","remedy":"Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the software, and perform a software flash on the engine or powertrain control module, free of charge.  The recall began June 4, 2018.  Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403.  Note: Owners are advised to stop using cruise control until the software update has been performed.  In the event that cruise control cannot be disengaged while driving, owners should firmly and steadily apply the brakes and shift the transmission to neutral, placing the vehicle in park once it has stopped.","notes":"Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.","park_outside":false,"do_not_drive":false,"mfr_campaign":"U49,U59-U65,U68,U73","initiated_by":"MFR","variants":[],"severity":"high"},{"campaign":"18V100000","component":"POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION","mfr":"Chrysler (FCA US LLC)","reported":"2018-02-08","owner_notified":"2018-02-26","units":180462,"summary":"Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2017-2018 RAM 1500, 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis, 4500 Cab Chassis, and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles, all equipped with a column shifter.  Pushing the brake pedal for prolonged periods when the vehicle is running and in PARK may cause the Brake Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI) pin to stick in the open position.  With the pin in the open position, the transmission can be shifted out of PARK into any gear without pushing the brake pedal or having the key in the ignition.","consequence":"Being able to shift the transmission without pushing the brake pedal and/or without a key in the ignition can increase the risk of an unintended vehicle rollaway that may result in personal injury or a crash.","remedy":"Chrysler will notify owners and dealers will update the Body Control Module software.  Dealers will also test the BTSI operation, replacing the solenoid as necessary.  The recall began February 26, 2018.  Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403.  Chrysler's number for this recall is U11.","notes":"Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.","park_outside":false,"do_not_drive":false,"mfr_campaign":"U11","initiated_by":"MFR","variants":[],"severity":"high"},{"campaign":"17V824000","component":"EQUIPMENT","mfr":"Chrysler (FCA US LLC)","reported":"2017-12-21","owner_notified":"2018-02-14","units":61791,"summary":"Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling various Dodge, Chrysler, and RAM vehicles equipped with Kidde Plastic-Handle or Push Button 'Pindicator' Fire Extinguishers.  A list of the affected trailer models is available at: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17V824-0103.pdf.  These extinguishers may become clogged, preventing the extinguisher from discharging as expected or requiring excessive force to activate the extinguisher.  Additionally, in certain models, the nozzle may detach from the valve assembly with enough force that it could cause injury and also render the product inoperable.  For a full list of the affected fire extinguisher models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17E062-5427.pdf","consequence":"If the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury in the event of a fire.","remedy":"Chrysler will notify owners instructing them to contact Kidde for a replacement fire extinguisher, free of charge.  The recall began February 14, 2018.  Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403 or Kidde customer service service toll-free at 1-855-262-3540, or online at www.kidde.com and click on \"Product Safety Recall\" for more information. Chrysler's number for this recall is T82.","notes":"Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.","park_outside":false,"do_not_drive":false,"mfr_campaign":"T82","initiated_by":"MFR","variants":[],"severity":"critical"}],"recall_count":10,"critical_count":1,"park_outside":false,"do_not_drive":false,"score":35,"grade":"F","complaints":{"count":799,"crash":16,"fire":2,"injured":6,"deaths":1,"comps":[["Service Brakes",498],["Service Brakes, Hydraulic",140],["Electrical System",137],["Vehicle Speed Control",107],["Forward Collision Avoidance",64],["Unspecified",36]],"by_year":{"2018":6,"2019":32,"2020":17,"2021":21,"2022":64,"2023":264,"2024":197,"2025":104,"2026":94},"excerpts":[["2025-03-22","Air Bags","Lights flash, air bag flashes, seat belt flashes, vehicle startles to start, the electrical system is completely torn apart, the diesel fuel system is not functioning and running properly due to a missing filter, the transmission is a stalling when accelerating, vehicle barely stops, incomplete inspection was not perfo\u2026"],["2025-02-24","Visibility/Wiper","I was driving in dense traffic at 55mph. The rear window suddenly, and without warning, exploded. Glass shards peppered my wife\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s and my back neck. The window is protected by a headache rack (see pictures). My thought is the glass is improperly made, in that it should not explode; or improperly factory installed."],["2022-01-24","Electrical System","8.4\" Uconnect display is now bad. It changes every mode of truck as a \"ghost touch\" and is a severe distraction while driving-climate, music volume, stations, cameras, sensors. It is a widely known problem involving the screen digitizer and nearly every FCA vehicle having the 8.4\" screen fails-Ram, Dodge, Jeep, Chrysle\u2026"]]},"investigations":[{"action":"RQ25003","component":"POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL)","opened":"2025-07-03","closed":"","campaign":"","subject":"Post Recall Remedy Brake Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI) Failure","summary":"The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received 14 Vehicle Owner Questionnaire (VOQ) reports and 6 EWR Death & Injury (D&I) reports describing post recall remedy failures of the brake transmission shift interlock (BTSI) system in certain Model Year (MY) 2013-2018 RAM pickup trucks.The subject vehicle models include 1500, 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500 trucks equipped with a column mounted shift lever.The failures of the BTSI described in the VOQs occurred on vehicles that had all previously been repaired under recall 17V-821 or 18V-100.Both recalls address a potential condition which can cause the BTSI locking pin to become stuck allowing the transmission to be shifted out of Park without"},{"action":"PE22012","component":"SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:HYDRAULIC","opened":"2022-11-28","closed":"2025-03-03","campaign":"","subject":"Loss of Brake Performance","summary":"The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this investigation on November 28, 2022, after receiving 134 reports from consumers alleging an intermittent or permanent loss of braking performance in certain 2017-2018 Ram 2500-3500 pickup trucks manufactured by Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA). The alleged failures continued to occur at a steady rate across both models, at all speeds, with limited detectability.\u00c2\u00a0 Consumers complained that the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) warning light illuminated on their vehicles.\u00c2\u00a0 The ABS module works in conjunction with the Hydraulic Control Unit (HCU), an electromechanical device that controls hydraulic pressure to the individual wheel brake assembl"},{"action":"EA19004","component":"STEERING:LINKAGES:DRAG:LINK:CONNECTION","opened":"2019-12-01","closed":"2025-11-20","campaign":"","subject":"Steering loss due to linkage separation","summary":"On December 17, 2018, NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation PE18016 to investigate alleged drag link failures in the steering system on model year (MY) 2015 and 2016 Ram 2500 trucks manufactured by FCA US, LLC (FCA). \u00c2\u00a0The drag link failures were found to be due to a safety defect with the steering linkage where the drag link adjustable connector (used to adjust the steering system), held in position by two opposing jam nuts, can loosen.\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0 The loosening of this part can lead to wear and deterioration of the threads and eventual separation of the drag link, causing loss of steering.\u00c2\u00a0 During the course of PE18016, it was found that two styles of drag li"},{"action":"PE18016","component":"STEERING:LINKAGES:DRAG:LINK:CONNECTION","opened":"2018-12-17","closed":"2019-12-12","campaign":"19V021000","subject":"Steering loss due to linkage separation","summary":"On December 17, 2018, NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation (PE) 18-016 to investigate the steering system on model year (MY) 2015 and 2016 Ram 2500 manufactured by FCA US, LLC (FCA). Four complaints were received alleging separation of the drag link, a steering linkage that connects between the right front steering knuckle and the pitman arm on the steering box output shaft. The failures were found to be at a threaded coupler within the drag link used for adjusting the length of the linkage during routine maintenance (alignment) of the steering system.Once separation occurs, turning the steering wheel has no effect, and there is no way for the driver to"}],"ncap":[],"popularity":999,"headline":{"range":null,"mpg":null,"ncap":null,"complaints":799},"presskit_trims":[],"generated_at":"2026-09-11 06:27 UTC","sources":["EPA fueleconomy.gov","NHTSA recalls","NHTSA complaints","NHTSA NCAP","NHTSA investigations"]}