302 of the
4,040 complaints filed about the Dodge RAM 3500
are about the electrical system —
7% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2006.
A mechanic at professional auto shop diagnosed the failed TIPM. It caused the fuel sending pump in the fuel tank to stop pumping. The truck stalled while driving on the highway leaving me stranded in 2-degree weather. I read online that there was a lawsuit for this issue but don't know how to file to recoup the $1200+ repair bill on top of the $200 cost to tow it to the auto repair shop. There was an electrical draw and emergency flashers randomly turning on causing the batteries to die a month prior to the failure of the TIPM. I did have the check engine light come on when the fuel pump was cutting out and stalling. The truck is currently in the shop, and they ordered a new remanufactured TIPM.
NHTSA complaint #11721694 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INTEGRATED TRAILER BRAKE CONTROL
The contact owns a 2011 Ram 3500. The contact stated that the OEM trailer brake controller indicated that the trailer brake was disconnected even though it was attached correctly. The failure occurred while different trailers were hitched to the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic, but the cause of the failure was not determined. The contact replaced the OEM brakes with new OEM brakes; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed and determined that there was not enough amp signal to recognize that the trailer was connected. The mechanic attached a magnetic pigtail line with magnets attached to both ends, and the vehicle recognized that the trailer was connected. The cause of failure was found; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 145,000.
NHTSA complaint #11703652 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2005 Dodge Ram 3500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 05V462000 (POWER TRAIN). The vehicle was taken to a tire specialist to install larger tires on the vehicle. The contact was informed that the tires were too big and could not be installed on the vehicle. The contact stated that the employees switched the tires and added two low-drive tires on the front end and two larger tires in the rear. The contact stated that while driving 45 MPH back to the residence, the vehicle vibrated violently. The contact almost crashed three times. The contact stated that while the vehicle jerked, the steering wheel was difficult to control. In addition, the odometer failed to function as intended. The contact called the tire shop and asked the contact to drive the vehicle to the shop for an inspection. The contact had safety concerns about driving the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.
NHTSA complaint #11703233 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2008 Dodge Ram 3500 in November of 2023. The vehicle was purchased from the dealer, Louies Auto Sales (1514 E Main St, US Hwy 441, Leesburg, FL 34748). The contact stated when the vehicle was purchased the odometer indicated the mileage was 217,000. The contact attempted to sell the vehicle and the service document indicated that in 2011, the odometer reading was 338,221. The selling dealer was not made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the dealer was no longer in business.
NHTSA complaint #11667489 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The wireless ignition module loses connection internally and the truck will lose power while driving. It usually happens when hitting a small bump and the key in the ignition moves. Truck loses electrical power which shuts the engine off which means loss of power steering and brakes.
NHTSA complaint #11644035 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2011 Ram 3500. The contact stated that during cold weather, the engine would not heat up properly and hesitated to start. In addition, the contact stated that on several occasions, the heater grid connector on the driver's side melted bolts and wiring that intruded into the engine, causing piston #6 to misfire. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V060000 (Electrical System) however, the VIN was not included. There was no warning light illuminated. The local dealer was contacted; however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 96,000.
NHTSA complaint #11627228 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The key loses contact and vehicle shuts off at random times. The vehicle is not able to be steered when shut off happens. Could very easily cause an accident. It has happened driving on the highway at highway speeds and also on county roads driving slower. There are no warning messages. I have inspected it myself and believe the ignition box needs replaced
NHTSA complaint #11605941 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2010 Dodge Ram 3500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle shut off without warning. The contact stated that the failure occurred after driving over a bump in the roadway. The contact stated that occasionally, while wiggling the ignition key the engine would turn on before shutting off. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who determined that the ignition switch was faulty and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V373000 (Electrical System). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 270,000.
NHTSA complaint #11558508 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
There seems to be a problem with the wiring harness in the steering column. Lights in the dash flash. You can turn the vehicle off and restart and it will stop. Sometimes the lights will start flashing again and sometimes not.
NHTSA complaint #11540984 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Vehicle will, at random, completely lose all power while driving unexpectedly. There seems to be no cause that precipitates this loss of power. During the night, it is extremely dangerous, because the lights and everything go out.
NHTSA complaint #11519874 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Don’t know, the fireman,said the engine caught on fire, some how look like from on top pointed to the top. I believe I believe it was exhaust? Fire department would write out report and send it to me. Devastated 68+ miles truck was paid off melted the whole front and top of the engine everything down! I want to know what happened?! 2011, dodge ram 1 ton 6.7diesel Cummings ! also melted my boat 2010 nitro Z7 with a 150 mercury bass boat $28,000 boat worth more than that now whet up in value! It had 15 hours only on engine! It’s not completely lost I pray…
NHTSA complaint #11516414 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fobik key ignition vibrates causing switching from (RUN) position to (ACC) position, shutting off the engine and making it almost impossible to steer a 3000kg machine without power steering increasing the risk for accidents.
NHTSA complaint #11468887 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I had a recall on the fuel heater plug and took care of the problem a few years back. I noticed today that the plug is leaking fuel and was wondering if the problem was ever fixed or if they used the same recalled parts? Do you ever recall an already recalled part? or do they ever pay for the part if I fix it myself?
NHTSA complaint #11454389 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
My key fob ignition switch is going bad. The 1st time I noticed is when I was pulling my camper on vacation and the truck just shut off all the lights everything. I safely pulled over and then I tried to start it and it wouldn't start.. I then wiggled the key and then it started. I talk to other people that own rams and they say they have the same problem. So I talked to the dealer and they said the only thing they can do is replace the Ignition. Which could cost more than $600. Now I would think being that this is quite a common thing that Chrysler would take care of the problem before somebody gets hurt or even killed from their vehicle shouting off and not knowing what to do. There are videos on YouTube on how to Terra park and clean the Ignition but I don't think that is a good idea.
NHTSA complaint #11449788 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Key fob will randomly come loose when driving causing all systems to shut down. Shuts down fuel, steering, and power brakes. Any amount of vibration or small bump can cause it to shut down.
NHTSA complaint #11445115 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Truck totally destroyed by spontaneous fire, suspected to be related to short in radio or dashboard. Assessment done by fire department and truck paid off by Progressive Insurance but no compensation for contents of truck. Truck in driveway, not running and fire damaged adjacent vehicle at cost of $7000 paid by vehicle owner and USAA insurance.
NHTSA complaint #11441379 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The WIN Module for the ignition system on my truck is faulty. There has been several time where I'm driving down the highway and the vehicle just shuts off completely. This disables my power steering and brakes. So I either have to shift into neutral and try to start the engine while rolling with a trailer hooked on behind me with no road shoulders to pull off on or if shoulders on road pull off and try to restart the truck then again. There has also been times when I start the truck that the dash lights just flash or the truck starts for a second and then shuts off again on its own with the key still turned to run. The dealer said that this has been happening a lot on these trucks and there is no recall for it. In my opinion this is a major safety hazard for myself and others traveling on the road.
NHTSA complaint #11429618 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
WIN ignition module has slowly been causing difficult starting problems. Now, over even slight bumps, the sloppiness in the connection between the key and the WIN module allows the key to move and the vehicle to shut off while driving. This is becoming more and more common and is very dangerous. Just on my 10 minute drive home from work today, it occurred 4 times. One time, I had just turned right on a red light (with plenty of space between me and oncoming traffic) and the truck shut off completely. Without the key being in the exact right position, I had difficulty restarting the truck and could have been very dangerous to me and the vehicle coming toward me.
NHTSA complaint #11424690 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The ignition shuts off when you hit a slight bump or touch the key. This is even when driving! The truck shuts off and losses complete power, brakes, steering and lights! This is a huge problem after Googling this is happening on 2009- 2019 ram truck models. We have had near misses while pulling a horse trailer and 5th wheel! This should be a recall it's very dangerous! Checking dodge Chrysler is aware of this issue because the 2020 models have different win modules and fobs. HELP
NHTSA complaint #11421650 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
While pulling a trailer, integrated trailer brake controller stopped working and disabled the trailer brakes. All trailer lights worked, just no brakes. Showed red warning in dash and "CF" on brake controller after failure. No warning before failure. Checked connections and tested with another trailer. Even with no trailer, warning is on and trailer brakes are not functional. Created hazard to driver and other motorists by spontaneous loss of brakes. Online forums indicate this is not an isolated incident. More recently, now the trailer running lights have failed. Brake and turn signal lights work, but no running lights. No police report of inspections. Not yet repaired. Available for inspection.
NHTSA complaint #11420194 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.