RAM 3500 electrical problems

372 of the 3,392 complaints filed about the RAM 3500 are about the electrical system — 100% of everything owners reported. The worst model year for it is 2018.

372

Complaints

100%

Share of all complaints

5

Crashes

19

Fires

Electrical System complaints by model year

2007 3500 3 0.8%
2008 3500 1 0.3%

Median failure at 200,000 miles

2013 3500 17 4.6%

Median failure at 27,710 miles

2014 3500 25 6.7%

Median failure at 40,000 miles

2015 3500 19 5.1%

Median failure at 50,000 miles

2016 3500 10 2.7%

Median failure at 9,000 miles

2017 3500 33 8.9%

Median failure at 42,500 miles

2018 3500 136 36.6%

Median failure at 44,000 miles

2019 3500 20 5.4%

Median failure at 55,000 miles

2020 3500 9 2.4%

Median failure at 102,500 miles

2021 3500 17 4.6%

Median failure at 25,000 miles

2022 3500 23 6.2%

Median failure at 7,505 miles

2023 3500 3 0.8%

Median failure at 65,000 miles

2024 3500 11 3.0%

Median failure at 96,000 miles

2025 3500 28 7.5%

Median failure at 500 miles

2026 3500 17 4.6%

Median failure at 6,000 miles

What owners said

2022 RAM 3500 Moses Lake, WA Fire

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

On the morning of August 29th around 8:10am the Ram truck caught fire under the hood with the engine/ignition off, after it was driven around the yard lot and shut off. The fire seems to have originated in the center of the engine on the drivers side of the cylinder head. Mimicking the same patterns as the recall #13A in regards to the heated grid recall that was performed in March of 2025, @121338 miles. The truck now has 157032 miles. The driver was able to extinguish the fire before the fire spread beyond the engine bay. the truck is currently locked up on site at our facility.

NHTSA complaint #11762774 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2024 RAM 3500 new Orleans, LA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

towing control module, brake lights work trailer breaks will not grab, lights on the module do not come on the module has never worked since I bought the 2024 dodge 3500 dually diesel

NHTSA complaint #11762908 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2025 RAM 3500 at 1,000 miles Georgetown, TX

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The contact owns a 2025 Ram 3500. The contact stated that shortly after purchasing the vehicle brand new and filling the fuel tank on December 3, 2025, the DEF depth gauge failed. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where the module was reprogrammed and the physical gauge was replaced. However, the contact obtained internal service notes revealing that the urea pump, the DEF tank, the urea tank wiring harness, the DEF injector, and the fluid had actually been replaced due to an active fuel leak within the DEF system. On March 31, 2026, the vehicle was taken back to the dealer to address a malfunctioning digital rearview mirror. While at the dealer, a recall repair was performed under NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V882000 (Air Bags, Electronic Stability Control (ESC)). The digital mirror was replaced; however, the failure recurred immediately. In May 2026, the vehicle was returned to the dealer for the ongoing mirror issue; however, the service notes only indicated that a part adjustment was performed, and the defect persisted. The contact then took the vehicle to a second dealer to repair the digital mirror and address the DEF system, as the warning light had re-illuminated on the instrument panel. During this visit, the second dealer performed a recall repair under NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V059000 (Exterior Lighting, Electrical System). While the dealer claimed to have serviced both the DEF warning light and the mirror, the mirror failure remained unresolved. After spending a cumulative month at the dealer, the vehicle was diagnosed with an illuminated check engine light caused by a recurring DEF-contaminated fuel leak. The dealer replaced the entire DEF assembly, including the fuel system components, and cleared the DTCs. In July 2026, the vehicle was returned to the dealer yet again for another digital mirror replacement, which failed to resolve the issue. The contact believed there was an inherent manufacturing flaw at the top of the fuel tank causing the repeated DEF system failures. The vehicle was not repaired.

NHTSA complaint #11760342 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2025 RAM 3500 Burleson, TX

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

When driving the Anti lock brakes, cruise control, front and rear collision warning system, automatic emergency breaking system and lane keeping system are disabled. All of these alerts are displayed on the display cluster. All of these systems are disabled at the same time. I was told by the dealership that this is caused by a faulty Wheel Speed Sensor. The Wheel Speed Sensors have been replaced 3 times and have not fixed this problem. This has happened when towing a 14,000lbs trailer and the stability of the truck and load are compromised when breaking with a load.

NHTSA complaint #11759338 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2026 RAM 3500 Peoria, IL

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

On multiple occasions the U-Connect system in the listed 2026 RAM 3500 has gone completely black and was inoperable until a reset was performed. The trailer brake gain control and exhaust brake are accessed and controlled via the touch screen U-Connect system. This failure poses a significant safety issue when the screen goes black and the controls cannot be accessed when pulling a trailer. This can lead to failure to slow/stop the vehicle while in motion, tire failure on the trailer etc. The only method to regain access to the brake controls is to perform a reset of the U-Connect system which can take 2-3 minutes to complete. Stelantis is and has been aware of this issue for some time and has no resolution at this time.

NHTSA complaint #11759518 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2025 RAM 3500 Bellwood, NE

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The 2025 and 2026 dually 3500 Ram trucks with the 12" AAM rear axle are having issues with the rear wheel speed sensors (different sensor for each side). They apparently fail or are not able to properly communicate to the computer. When this happens, the following are disabled: -ABS -Auto Emergency Braking -4x4 -Electronic Stability Control -Cruise Sometimes, the engine won't shut off. The gauge cluster will state it can't detect which position the transmission is in. So, you cannot shift, and you can't shut the truck off, and you can't drive. You are stuck in place with a running engine. Despite Stellantis releasing a new revision of wheel speed sensors (AB revision), they have failed in less than 2,000 miles on my truck. Many, many dually owners are experiencing these failures.

NHTSA complaint #11759017 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2025 RAM 3500 Bellwood, NE

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

I have been submitting reports to you for several months with no resolution. The truck yet again experienced the same problem, twice, within 1 week. It would start but then claim that it couldn't detect what gear it was in and said "can't shut off until transmission is in park". After cutting electrical power to get it to shut off, it would not start. After getting it started, it would not go into gear. Once I got the engine running and transmission to go into gear, it no longer had ABS.

NHTSA complaint #11759018 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2026 RAM 3500 at 11,000 miles Shreve, OH

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The contact owns a 2026 Ram 3500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The message that the trailer was not connected was displayed. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V059000 (Exterior Lighting, Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 11,000.

NHTSA complaint #11758321 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2018 RAM 3500 West Sacramento, CA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The recall for the brake hydraulic contol unit (C4B/NHTSA 24V-896) has not been addressed in years.....I have no brakes on my trailer from this failure. This needs fixed asap.

NHTSA complaint #11755340 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2026 RAM 3500 Bronson, FL

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Started with only 320 miles just days after purchasing this new 2026 RAM 3500 on XXX. I have taken the truck to three differ RAM dealerships as this issue continues to occur. [XXX]; [XXX]; and [XXX] Westside all had attempted to fix the issue. I had to return the truck a number of times to [XXX] and [XXX] for the same reasons. The following warmings messages are displayed: FCW/Cruise Control Unavailable Service Required - occurs when using cruise control, Service Electronic Stability Control, Auto Emergency Braking (AEB) Unavailable Service Required, Park Sense Temporarily Unavailable, Service Antilock Brake System, 4WD System Temporarily Unavailable, and Service engine light comes on. Two RAM dealers are saying the issue is the speed sensor, which has been replaced over three times. The RAM dealership had to open an engineer ticket with the manufacture, but the issue is not fixed. The Jacksonville service manger told me I can keep bringing the truck in, but until a different manufacture makes a new speed sensor, the truck will continue to have the same issue. I use the RAM 3500 to pull my RV. Brake system failure put myself and family and others safety at risk while on the road, therefore, I do not drive the truck in fear the brake system will fail and I won't be able to stop 20,000 pounds of truck and RV. The truck is available for inspection, but I am currently in the process of returning the truck under Flordia's Lemon Law. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11754877 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2018 RAM 3500 at 699,573 miles Conroe, TX

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:INSTRUMENT PANEL:SPEEDOMETER/ODOMETER

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2018 Ram 3500. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 78,546 and at the time of a Carfax report check, it was discovered that the mileage was 699,573.

NHTSA complaint #11754529 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2024 RAM 3500 Highland Lakes, NJ

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Loss of various systems while towing 14,000# trailer in hilly terrain. Loss of trailer brakes caused diminished control on the vehicle. * 4WD System Temporarily Unavailable * Service Antilock Brake System * Service Electronic Stability Control * Service Trailer Brake System The issue was previously repaired 3x. The problem originally happened 3x on the same road in the same spot. Right turn off a road, then going up hill. The first 2x lasting less than 10 miles. The 3rd, approximately 6,000 miles. This time (4th) it happened while towing 14,000# trailer. Made a left turn, then proceeded up a hill. Scanned the truck and got code C0037-2F. "Left Rear Wheel Speed Sensor Signal Erratic". Possibly issue with body / chassis / suspension flex or internal axle component being loose. The sensor was already replaced 2x, along with other components under warranty.

NHTSA complaint #11749466 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2018 RAM 3500 at 23,000 miles Forest Grove, OR Fire

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The contact owns a 2018 RAM 3500. The contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle, the contact noticed an abnormal cracking sound and smoke coming from the engine compartment. The contact inspected and used a fire extinguisher to slow the smoke and electrical sparks down. The contact did not notice any fire. The fire department arrived and disconnected the electrical cables to prevent further damage. The contact stated that the vehicle was inoperable. In addition, the contact stated that the failure occurred while the contact was traveling on vacation. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The contact was informed that the failure was not diagnosed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The vehicle was later towed to an RV service center. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 23,000.

NHTSA complaint #11748890 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2018 RAM 3500 Chelsea, AL

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

ABS/TRACTION CONTROL light and warning alarm goes off continuously. Very dangerous when towing a 15k pound camper.

NHTSA complaint #11747675 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2021 RAM 3500 at 6,000 miles Carrollton, GA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The contact owns a 2021 Ram 3500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, occasionally while activating the left turn signal to make a turn, the rear driver’s side turn signal failed to operate as intended. The message related to the brake light and turn signal was displayed on the instrument panel. In addition, the contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the rear driver’s side brake light failed to operate as intended while depressing the brake pedal. Additionally, while shifted into reverse(R), the reverse warning light fail to illuminate as intended. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where the failure was associated with NHTSA Campaign: 24V197000 (Electrical System, Exterior Lighting); however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 6,000.

NHTSA complaint #11747714 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2023 RAM 3500 at 65,000 miles Farmville, VA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The contact owns a 2023 Ram 3500. The contact stated that while driving or while the vehicle was parked, the air bag warning light was intermittently illuminated. Additionally, the check engine warning light was illuminated, and the seat belt warning light was intermittently illuminated while the seat belt was securely buckled. The messages "Service ESC” and “Service Trailer Brake System” were displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.

NHTSA complaint #11746488 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2026 RAM 3500 Minot, ND

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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

NHTSA complaint #11745440 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2025 RAM 3500 Rogersville, TN

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

3 times to date (10,000 miles/8 months) I have failing abs speed sensors. If I stop moving when all lights come on dash the truck is in operational. I cannot shift gears, put in park or turn engine off. Loose traction control, ads, 4wd, stabiltrac, speedometer. All assitive and braking functions. Code U1412. Dealer replaces speed sensors but problem returns.

NHTSA complaint #11745409 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2024 RAM 3500 Dewey, AZ 1 injured

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

PTC heater short circuited, overheated and scorched/melted itself as well as other plastic Hvac components and sent toxic fumes into the passenger compartment via the HVAC vents. This truck has been in 2 different Dodge dealer service departments multiple times for the same failures. After repairs were performed, the same failures occurred on the way home from the dealer. The PTC heater grid sits INSIDE of the HVAC airway. I am now experiencing multiple adverse medical symptoms from these exposures.

NHTSA complaint #11745306 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2026 RAM 3500 at 1,000 miles Caddo Mills, TX

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INTEGRATED TRAILER BRAKE CONTROL

The contact owns a 2026 Ram 3500. The contact stated that occasionally while hauling a trailer and driving at various speeds, the factory-integrated Trailer Brake Controller failed to respond as intended. Additionally, while driving during strong winds, the vehicle was pushed off the road onto the shoulder and onto the grass. No warning light was illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 1,000.

NHTSA complaint #11744818 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Other RAM 3500 problems