Here Are The 5 RAM 3500 Years to Avoid

By Nick Marchenko, PhD

Updated: May 10, 2023

Are you in the market for a RAM 3500? Before you make a purchase, it's important to know which years to avoid. The RAM 3500 has had its fair share of issues with steering, suspension, electrical systems, fuel/propulsion systems, and engines. In this post, we'll take a closer look at which years to avoid and why.

Worst Years of RAM 3500 by Complaints, Severity of Issues Reported, and Recalls

2012 328 2014 155 2015 90 2013 88 2016 78

What are the Biggest Problems with RAM 3500?

2012 RAM 3500

STEERING 216 SUSPENSION 32 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 31 FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 27 ENGINE 26

The RAM 3500 has been reported to have several issues with its steering, suspension, electrical system, fuel/propulsion system, and engine. Owners have complained about the steering feeling loose or having a delay in response, while others have experienced problems with the suspension causing a rough ride. The electrical system has also been a source of frustration for some, with issues ranging from faulty sensors to complete system failure. Additionally, the fuel/propulsion system has been known to cause problems with starting and acceleration, and the engine has had reports of stalling and overheating. Overall, it seems that the RAM 3500 has had its fair share of issues across multiple components.

2013 RAM 3500

STEERING 27 ENGINE 24 FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 14 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 13 VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 12

As someone who's been around cars for quite some time, I can say that the RAM 3500 has had its fair share of issues. The steering system, for one, has been a constant source of complaints from owners. There have been reports of the steering wheel locking up or becoming difficult to turn, which can be dangerous, especially when driving at high speeds. The engine has also been problematic, with issues ranging from excessive oil consumption to complete engine failure. The fuel and propulsion system has had its own set of problems, including fuel leaks and issues with the exhaust system. The electrical system has been known to cause a variety of issues, from dead batteries to faulty wiring. Finally, the vehicle speed control system has been known to malfunction, causing sudden acceleration or deceleration. All in all, it's clear that the RAM 3500 has some serious issues that need to be addressed.

2014 RAM 3500

POWER TRAIN 35 STEERING 32 SUSPENSION 27 ENGINE 23 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 20

Well, let me tell you folks, when it comes to the RAM 3500, you gotta pay attention to all the components that make it go vroom. The power train is obviously a big one - that's what's gonna get you moving down the road. But you can't forget about the steering and suspension, because if those aren't working right, you're gonna be bouncing around like a jackrabbit on a pogo stick. And of course, the engine and electrical system are crucial too - without those, you might as well be driving a fancy paperweight. So if you want a smooth ride in your RAM 3500, you better make sure all those pieces are in tip-top shape.

2015 RAM 3500

POWER TRAIN 21 ENGINE 19 SERVICE BRAKES 16 STEERING 15 SUSPENSION 13

Well, this 2015 RAM 3500 is a bit of a mixed bag, isn't it? On the downside, it's got a few weak spots in the powertrain, engine, service brakes, steering, and suspension. But on the bright side, it's still a mighty capable truck with plenty of towing power and a rugged, no-nonsense design that's sure to appeal to truck enthusiasts. So if you're in the market for a tough, reliable workhorse, this RAM could be just the ticket.

2016 RAM 3500

STEERING 14 POWER TRAIN 14 ENGINE 13 WHEELS 10 UNKNOWN OR OTHER 9

Today, we're looking at the 2016 RAM 3500, a truck that's known for its impressive towing capacity and rugged exterior. However, this particular model has had some reported issues with its steering, power train, engine, and wheels, which may cause concern for potential buyers. While it's a great workhorse, it's important to keep these problems in mind before making a purchase.

Common Issues with RAM 3500

STEERING 320 POWER TRAIN 116 ENGINE 115 SUSPENSION 97 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 90 FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 71 WHEELS 56 SERVICE BRAKES 55 UNKNOWN OR OTHER 54 VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 39

Source

Conclusion

The RAM 3500 has had its fair share of problems across multiple years. Complaints from real owners and official recall statistics indicate that the steering, suspension, electrical system, fuel/propulsion system, and engine have been the most commonly affected components. The 2012 and 2013 models were particularly prone to steering and engine issues, while the 2014 and 2015 models had problems with powertrain and suspension. The 2016 model year also had issues with steering, powertrain, and engine, as well as wheels and other unknown or miscellaneous problems.