VehicleVerdict

2026 Ram 3500 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2026 Ram 3500 sits mid-pack among 3500 years: 41 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 82, with 4 recalls and no defect investigations.

Electrical System leads the complaint categories with 14 reports (34% of the total).

41

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

0

Investigations

3

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

NCAP overall

How does 2026 compare to other 3500 years?

See all 3500 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2026 Ram 3500 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System1434%
Brakes922%
Driver Assistance615%
Speed Control410%
Engine25%
Tires & Wheels25%
Other25%
Transmission12%
Lighting12%

Does the 2026 Ram 3500 have recalls?

4 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

26V225000Electrical SystemApril 9, 2026 · 65,348 units

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."

Consequence

An instrument panel display that fails to show critical safety information, such as gear selection and warning lights, increases the risk of a crash.

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.

26V059000Electrical SystemFebruary 2, 2026 · 456,287 units

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.

Consequence

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.

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.

25V826000Electrical SystemDecember 1, 2025 · 72,509 units

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."

Consequence

An instrument panel display that does not show critical information, such as warning lights or gear selection, increases the risk of a crash.

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.

25V530000BrakesAugust 18, 2025 · 2,885 units

Defect

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2026 Ram 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis, 2500, 4500 Cab Chassis, and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles. The instrument panel may display an incorrect brake system warning light. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 101, "Control and Displays."

Consequence

An incorrect warning light can fail to alert the driver to critical safety information, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the instrument panel cluster, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 9, 2025. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is 79C.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

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…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · May 13, 2026 · crash

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…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · May 13, 2026 · crash

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

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Driver Assistance · June 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…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · April 16, 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 !!!!

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · October 8, 2025

2026 Ram 3500 — common questions

Is the 2026 Ram 3500 reliable?

Its record is better than the model's norm: 41 NHTSA complaints, below the typical 3500 year, with 4 recalls and no open investigations.

What are the most common 2026 3500 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (14 complaints), brakes (9 complaints), driver assistance (6 complaints).

Does the 2026 Ram 3500 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 2026 Ram 3500. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Ram 3500 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the 3500 years to avoid are 2018, 2017, 2014, 2022, 2015, 2013, 2016, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2009. The cleanest record among 3500 years belongs to 2012.

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.