Verdict · NHTSA data
A typical year for this model
The 1995 Dodge Ram 3500 sits mid-pack among Ram 3500 years: 132 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 161, with a single recall and 6 closed investigations. Complainants reported 12 injuries in total across these filings.
Brakes leads the complaint categories with 38 reports (29% of the total).
132
NHTSA complaints
1
Recalls
6
Investigations
11
Crash-involved
7
Fires reported
12
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 38 | 29% | ▲ up |
| Transmission | 20 | 15% | ▲ up |
| Suspension | 20 | 15% | ▲ up |
| Electrical System | 10 | 8% | ▼ down |
| Tires & Wheels | 9 | 7% | ▲ up |
| Speed Control | 7 | 5% | ▲ up |
| Fuel System | 6 | 5% | — flat |
| Lighting | 5 | 4% | — flat |
| Steering | 5 | 4% | ▼ down |
| Body & Structure | 3 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Engine | 3 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Airbags | 2 | 2% | — flat |
| Visibility & Wipers | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Latches & Locks | 1 | 1% | — flat |
| Other | 1 | 1% | — flat |
| Seat Belts | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MODEL 3500 LIGHT DUTY TRUCKS ONLY. OPERATION OF THE HEADLAMPS OVER AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME CAN RESULT IN HEADLAMP SWITCH FAILURE, CAUSING THE HEADLAMPS OR PARK LAMPS TO GO OUT.
Consequence
IF THE LIGHTS FAIL, A VISIBILITY PROBLEM COULD OCCUR, INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HEADLAMP SWITCH INCLUDING A RELAY IN THE PARK LAMP WIRING CIRCUIT.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH OWNER TRIED TO STOP THE VEHICLE. AS SOON AS OWNER HIT THE BRAKE, THE FRONT LEFT WHEEL LOCKED UP, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO SKID INTO THREE VEHICLES. OWNER ALSO STATES THAT THE AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY. SERVICE MANAGER AT THE DEALER SAID THAT THE BRAKE SHOES WERE INSTALLED…”
“THE DODGE MASON DUMP TRUCK BECAME ENGULFED IN FLAMES WHILE ENGAGED IN SNOW PLOWING OPERATION, CONSUMER BELIEVES THIS FIRE WAS DIRECTLY RELATED TO RECALL 99V-115 FOR THE CLUTCH ASSEMBLY THEREFORE THE CONSUMER REQUEST REIMBURSEMENT. NLM”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 DODGE RAM 3500. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS SERVICING THE VEHICLE, HE NOTICED CRACKS AND CORROSION IN THE COIL SPRING TOWER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE…”
“BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH KEEPS BURNING OUT. WIRE OVER HEATS AND MELTS PLUG AND SWITCH/ BRAKES DON'T STOP THE TRUCK LOADED. WE CHANGE THE FROUNT PADS 20 TO ONE SET OF REAR BRAKES. REAR BRAKES VERY IN AFECTIVE”
“WITH THE WHEEL SKINS AND SMALL HOLES IN THE WHEELS, PUTTING AIR IN THE INNER DUAL REAR TIRES IS IMPOSSIBLE WITHOUT REMOVING REAR WHEELS. YOU CANNOT ADEQUATELY CHECK TIRE PRESSURE ON THESE INNER TIRES. THE MANUFACTURER OR ANY OTHER MANUFACTURER SHOULD PROVIDE A MEANS FOR THE VEHICLE USER TO EASILY…”
It is close to typical for the Ram 3500: 132 NHTSA complaints, 1 recall, and 6 investigations on file.
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (38 complaints), transmission (20 complaints), suspension (20 complaints).
Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1995 Dodge Ram 3500. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
NHTSA opened 6 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Ram 3500 years to avoid are 2012, 2006, 2003, 2011, 2007, 2004, 2005, 2008, 2010, 2009. The cleanest record among Ram 3500 years belongs to 1991.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.