VehicleVerdict

2001 Dodge Ram 3500 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2001 Dodge Ram 3500 sits mid-pack among Ram 3500 years: 168 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 160, with a single recall and 2 closed investigations. Complainants reported 21 injuries in total across these filings.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across body & structure (31), steering (20), and brakes (19), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

168

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

2

Investigations

15

Crash-involved

4

Fires reported

21

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2001 compare to other Ram 3500 years?

Ram 3500 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2001 highlighted502 complaints1991: 5 complaints1992: 11 complaints1993: 26 complaints1994: 102 complaints1995: 132 complaints1996: 182 complaints1997: 153 complaints1998: 134 complaints1999: 146 complaints2000: 77 complaints2001: 168 complaints2002: 59 complaints2003: 330 complaints2004: 276 complaints2005: 240 complaints2006: 349 complaints2007: 284 complaints2008: 221 complaints2009: 130 complaints2010: 214 complaints2011: 293 complaints2012: 502 complaints
Ram 3500 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2001 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Ram 3500 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2001 Dodge Ram 3500 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Body & Structure3118%
Steering2012%
Brakes1911%
Transmission148%
Suspension148%
Fuel System138%
Tires & Wheels127%
Airbags117%
Electrical System85%
Engine74%
Other53%
Speed Control42%
Lighting42%
Trailer Hitch21%
Seat Belts21%
Visibility & Wipers11%
Seats11%

Does the 2001 Dodge Ram 3500 have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

01V153000AirbagsMay 8, 2001 · 216,100 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PICKUP TRUCKS. SOUND DEADENER MATERIAL INSIDE THE STEERING WHEEL COULD BECOME DETACHED FROM THE COVER AND HOUSING. NOTE: THE RAM PICKUP TRUCKS WERE BUILT AT THE WARREN ASSEMBLY PLANT ("S" IN THE 11TH VIN POSITION) FROM MAY 16, 2000 THROUGH OCTOBER 23, 2000; ST. LOUIS NORTH ASSEMBLY PLANT ("J" IN THE 11TH VIN POSITION) FROM MAY 19, 2000 THROUGH OCTOBER 23, 2000; LAGO ALBERTO ASSEMBLY PLANT ("M" IN THE 11TH VIN POSITION) FROM MAY 23, 2000 THROUGH OCTOBER 23, 2000; AND SALTILLO ASSEMBLY PLANT ("G" IN THE 11TH VIN POSITION) FROM MAY 23, 2000 THROUGH OCTOBER 23, 2000. IMPORTANT: VEHICLES THAT HAVE ALREADY HAD THE PROPER CLOCKSPRING INSTALLED, ACCORDING TO WARRANTY RECORDS, HAVE BEEN EXCLUDED FROM THIS RECALL. IN ADDITION, 1997-2000 MODEL YEAR VEHICLES THAT HAVE HAD A SUSPECT REPLACEMENT CLOCKSPRING INSTALLED, ACCORDING TO WARRANTY RECORDS, HAVE BEEN ADDED TO THIS RECALL.

Consequence

WHEN THIS OCCURS, THE MATERIAL COULD INTERFERE WITH THE CLOCKSPRING RIBBON AND CAUSE AN OPEN CIRCUIT. THE DRIVER AIR BAG SYSTEM WILL BECOME DISABLED, AND THE AIR BAG WARNING LAMP WILL ILLUMINATE ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CLOCKSPRING ASSEMBLY. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JUNE 18, 2001. ALSO SOME 1997-200 MODEL YEAR VEHICLES THAT, ACCORDING TO WARRANTY RECORDS, HAVE HAD A SUSPECT REPLACEMENT CLOCKSPRING INSTALLED, WILL ALSO BE INCLUDED IN THIS CAMPAIGN. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 DODGE RAM 3500.THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DASHBOARD HAD SLOWLY DISINTEGRATED OVER THE LAST TWO YEARS. THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED, BUT NO REPAIR WAS PERFOEMED AND THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED TO KEEP THE DASHBOARD COVERED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 99,000 AND…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · January 1, 2009

“WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL TOWARDS THE RIGHT, THE WHEELS WOULD NOT TURN WITH THE STEERING WHEEL. THE OWNER WAS UNABLE TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE. THIS CAUSED THE DRIVER TO HIT AN EMBANKMENT HEAD ON. THE OWNER HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP TO BE INSPECTED. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · March 17, 2004 · crash

“WHILE APPLYING ABS AT LOW SPEEDS, BRAKES FAILED, RESULTING IN A MINOR COLLISION. DEALERSHIP FOUND THAT SEALS OF MASTER CYLINDER/ FRONT DISC ROTORS, AND CALIPERS WERE RUINED. *AK THE CALIPERS WERE LEAKING FLUID ON THE RIGHT FRONT SIDE. THE PADS WERE REPLACED. THE BRAKES WERE FINE SO CONSUMER DROVE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · May 13, 2002 · crash

“MY DAUGHTER LOST HER LEFT ARM WHEN IT WENT THROUGH THE DRIVER'S SIDE WINDOW DURING A VEHICLE CRASH. SHE WAS DRIVING A 2001 DODGE RAM 3500 DUALLY. THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND THE FRONT AXLE CAME OFF. I SUSPECT A VEHICLE DEFECT IN THE AXLE AND AIRBAGS. I WANT TO KNOW WHY VEHICLES DON'T HAVE SAFETY…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · August 28, 2004 · crash

“2001 DODGE RAM 3500 2 WHEEL DRIVE. FRONT END "DEATH WOBBLE". HAPPENS OVER 40 MPH WHEN YOU HIT A LARGE BUMP. WON'T STOP TILL YOU SLOW DOWN. HAVE HAD SINCE NEW AND STARTED TO FAIL AFTER 36,000 MILE WARRANTY EXPIRED. HAVE CHANGED BALL JOINTS AND IDLER ARM AND HAS BEEN TO SEVERAL FRONT END SHOPS SAYING…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · October 27, 2010

2001 Dodge Ram 3500 — common questions

Is the 2001 Dodge Ram 3500 reliable?

It is close to typical for the Ram 3500: 168 NHTSA complaints, 1 recall, and 2 investigations on file.

What are the most common 2001 Ram 3500 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are body & structure (31 complaints), steering (20 complaints), brakes (19 complaints).

Does the 2001 Dodge Ram 3500 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2001 Dodge Ram 3500. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2001 Dodge Ram 3500 under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 2 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Dodge Ram 3500 years should you avoid?

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.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.