The RAM 3500 Years To Avoid
We've identified eight RAM 3500 years to avoid, so when you're truck-shopping, you can choose the most reliable model..
America’s love affair with pickup trucks is more than a well-documented trend. In fact, Ford’s F-Series is the current best-selling vehicle in the USA. That said, the F-Series is not the only model vying for pickup truck supremacy; not too far behind is the RAM Series, which ranks third in overall unit sales in the country.
If you’re interested in a pickup truck, it’s hard to go wrong with a RAM 3500 pickup truck in terms of pure power and capability. However, like many used car buyers, you’re probably concerned about the reliability of these trucks. After all, not all RAM 3500 model years are created equal.
Today, we walk you through the RAM 3500 years to avoid due to potential reliability woes and other types of issues. Let’s take a look.
Which RAM 3500 Years To Avoid?
Reliability-wise, the RAM 3500 won’t top any reliability lists soon. Sporting a reliability score of 2.0 out of 5.0, the 2018 RAM 3500 ranks 14th among full-size trucks. With yearly maintenance averaging $1,279, as per RepairPal, owning this pickup truck isn’t going to be cheap.
With that said, below is a quick list of the RAM 3500 model years that used car buyers should avoid:
- 2003 RAM 3500
- 2006 RAM 3500
- 2007 RAM 3500
- 2012 RAM 3500
- 2013 RAM 3500
- 2014 RAM 3500
- 2015 RAM 3500
- 2016 RAM 3500
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2003 RAM 3500
Up until the 2012 model year, the RAM trucks were under the Dodge brand. As such, the problematic 2003 RAM 3500 belongs under the Dodge umbrella and has received 501 complaints and a whopping 15 recalls.
The truck’s cracked dashboard is the most common sore spot for owners. This widespread problem indicates a manufacturing flaw that compromises the interior’s integrity and aesthetics. Affected owners are advocating for a recall to address this issue.
2006 RAM 3500
Next, the 2006 version of the 3500 truck also suffered numerous issues, which prompted 464 complaints and 15 recalls, according to CarComplaints.com. The most common complaint about this vehicle is the faulty A/C heater system. Issues ranged from complete AC failure to problems with the system not sending power to the AC pump, often attributed to faults in the TIPM or PCM. Some owners had to replace the compressor, while others encountered electrical issues with the AC blower.
2007 RAM 3500
The 2007 Dodge Ram 3500 received fewer complaints than the previous two model years but grappled with a staggering 18 recalls. One of the main reasons it belongs to this list of RAM 3500 years to avoid is its steering woes. These problems ranged from tie rod ends popping off, resulting in a loss of steering control, to the frightening “death wobble” — a violent shaking after hitting a bump, leading to loss of vehicle control. Some incidents were severe enough to cause significant vehicle damage and pose serious safety risks.
2012 RAM 3500
Under the RAM brand, the 2012 model year was also riddled with issues. The 2012 Ram 3500 was not spared with the prevalent cases of the “death wobble,” a dangerous and violent shaking of the front end at highway speeds, typically triggered by hitting a bump. Owners described bringing their trucks to a complete stop to regain control. Despite attempts to fix the issue through front-end rebuilds, alignment, tire rotations, and aftermarket stabilizers, the problem persisted for some.
In addition, this truck also struggled with various electrical issues. Frustrated owners have reported safety hazards, including the vehicle unexpectedly shutting off due to key fob ignition switch issues, causing loss of control as the power steering and brakes become non-responsive. Additionally, the integrated trailer brake controller has been noted to fail suddenly, disabling trailer brakes without warning and posing risks to both the driver and others on the road.
THE MOST RELIABLE YEAR FOR THE RAM 3500
With such impressive form and capability, it’s no wonder many buyers are interested in finding a reliable used RAM 3500.
2013 RAM 3500
The 2013 RAM 3500 is hardly an improvement from the previous model year and, unfortunately, shares many issues with its predecessor. As of this writing, it received 200+ complaints, which isn’t bad in itself, but it has 18 recalls under its belt–so reliability is questionable at best.
The 2013 RAM 3500 made this list because of widespread engine issues. Owner complaints ranged from catastrophic engine failure due to broken valve springs requiring complete engine replacement to recurring check engine lights indicating issues like turbo actuator communication failures. Some owners have encountered these issues multiple times, even after replacements and repairs, which often mean hefty price tags.
2014 RAM 3500
The 2014 RAM 3500 shares many of its reliability problems with the 2013 model; it currently has 293 complaints and 17 recalls, which don’t bode well for its long-term reliability. Drivers have reported critical issues, including the failure of the turbo actuator while driving, which led to a drastic loss of power and limited vehicle speed to a mere 10 mph. This issue has not only caused inconvenience but also posed significant safety risks, as vehicles become difficult to maneuver without adequate power.
2015 RAM 3500
Another addition to your list of RAM 3500 years to avoid is the 2015 model year. It’s not as problematic as prior years, but it certainly has notable reliability problems. The drivetrain is at the top of its various main issues. RAM owners have complained about sudden deceleration in limp mode, often due to a faulty turbo booster actuator. Other problems included transmission service alerts leading to stalling or hesitation, usually caused by a defective gear shifter linkage cable that needs replacement.
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2016 RAM 3500
Last but not least, the 2016 iteration is another RAM 3500 year to avoid, no thanks to its high number of complaints and recalls. Perhaps the most pressing issue with this truck lies with its wheels. Problems range from wheels unexpectedly detaching from the vehicle, leading to accidents or fires, to all eight wheel studs breaking on the left rear dual wheels, causing the wheel/tires to separate from the vehicle without warning. Other reports include severe vibration or wobbling due to tire issues, with some owners experiencing tire tread separation at low mileage.
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