FaultScore

RAM 3500 wheel problems

136 of the 3,354 complaints filed about the RAM 3500 are about the wheels — 4% of everything owners reported. The worst model year for it is 2018.

136

Complaints

4%

Share of all complaints

8

Crashes

2

Fires

Wheels complaints by model year

2013 3500 9 6.6%

Median failure at 52,000 miles

2014 3500 21 15.4%

Median failure at 93,000 miles

2015 3500 15 11.0%

Median failure at 47,000 miles

2016 3500 21 15.4%

Median failure at 18,700 miles

2017 3500 21 15.4%

Median failure at 17,449 miles

2018 3500 25 18.4%

Median failure at 13,000 miles

2019 3500 6 4.4%

Median failure at 102 miles

2020 3500 7 5.1%

Median failure at 20,500 miles

2021 3500 7 5.1%

Median failure at 58,000 miles

2023 3500 1 0.7%
2024 3500 1 0.7%
2025 3500 2 1.5%

What owners said

2016 RAM 3500 Brownsville, PA

WHEELS

Pursuant to a manufacturer-issued safety recall (V06) on a steering assembly component, the manufacturer's remedy permanently damaged an otherwise functioning, adjustable steering component and created a financial barrier to basic vehicle maintenance. The component, post remedy, now would have to be replaced in order to allow adjustment to put the vehicle steering system into correct alignment. Driving a vehicle without proper front end alignment can cause premature tire wear contributing to tire failure and/or pulling to the right or left contributing to a possible accident condition. The manufacturer is refusing to pay for the replacement parts/repairs that, but for the recall remedy, would be necessary.

NHTSA complaint #11757644 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2025 RAM 3500 Glendale, AZ

WHEELS

From the first day i bought the truck i noticed it had a very tight vibration coming from the rear. I thought its may just be the Firestone tires that were put on at the factory. I had to drive out of state to a small town in Nevada. After around 3500 miles the vibration became severe and felt like i had a tire seperating. I called the nearest tire centers/shops within about 100 miles of my location. None carried the firestone transforce tires. So i traveled to the Nearest shop around 60 miles and the certified tech and managed assisted me. The did an inspection and found the tire was scalloped and damaged. Due to the size difference in the tires the shop had available, i had to purchase 4 tires they had in stock. When the tech and manager roadforced the wheels and tires he discovered one of the wheels had a defect and was not actually round and had a slight “out of round” defect starting from the hub mount center bead that extended to the outer circumference causing the rim”wheel” to be out of round which is how the tire was severely damaged. An out of round wheel can cause tire failure and thus, a safety issue. To date as i write this report, i have tried twice with a dealership to try to resolve this issue under the warranty.

NHTSA complaint #11756605 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2014 RAM 3500 at 120,000 miles Dundee, NY

WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS

The contact owns a 2014 Ram 3500. The contact stated that while the contact's husband was driving at an undisclosed speed, the driver's side rear outer tire detached. The vehicle was driven to the shoulder of the road. The contact's husband inspected the vehicle and noticed that only one stud was attached to the wheel, and the wheel was tilted sideways. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was towed to the independent mechanic, who informed the contact that the driver's and passenger's side rear outer tire studs had detached. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where the contact was informed that the passenger's side rear outer tire studs had detached again. The vehicle was repaired; however, the contact stated that the rear axle, rims, and rear tire hubs were also damaged. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The contact stated that the failures occurred while hauling horses. The contact referenced an unknown recall with a similar failure description, stating that the vehicle was taken to the dealer three years ago for the recall repair, but the vehicle was only inspected and no repairs were completed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The contact was advised to take the vehicle to the dealer for inspection. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.

NHTSA complaint #11748722 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2025 RAM 3500 Rogersville, TN

WHEELS

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.

2021 RAM 3500 at 92,000 miles Shickley, NE

WHEELS

The contact owns a 2021 Ram 3500. While the contact's husband was driving at 55 MPH, the driver's rear wheel detached. The contact stated that the failure had occurred while a pickup box trailer was hitched to the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was determined that the wheel bolts had detached. The contact was informed that the rear wheel studs had sheared off into the wheel hub. The contact was informed that the rear wheel studs needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V398000 (Wheels); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 92,000.

NHTSA complaint #11724142 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2017 RAM 3500 at 170,000 miles Sparta, WI

WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS

The contact owns a 2017 Ram 3500. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH through a Construction Zone, the front passenger’s side tire independently detached. No warning light was illuminated. On another occasion, while the contact’s husband was driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact's husband noticed that the gear shifter was loose, and the vehicle was stuck in park. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V398000 (Wheels); however, it failed to prevent a failure. The local dealer was contacted, and the vehicle was diagnosed with 4 loosened lug nuts on the driver’s side rear wheel. Additionally, there were 7 stretched front driver’s side lug nuts, and 2 stretched lug nuts on the rear passenger’s side of the vehicle. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle was previously taken to the same local dealer; however, the cause of the failure was not yet identified. The vehicle was repaired partially at the consumer's expense. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000.

NHTSA complaint #11694809 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2017 RAM 3500 Cameron, NC

WHEELS

V06 Recall was attempted, but welding could not be done correctly - was told that was the "best they could do" truck continued to steer poorly (constantly have to hold the steering wheel to one side or the truck will veer out of the lane) bc steer ahead wrong, and to wear outer edge of the tires to an unsafe level in less than half the normal mileage. Now Dodge dealership/Stellantis claims the drag link assembly was permanently damaged by their prior recall work, and that truck cannot be aligned or driven safely but also won't fix it. They have been telling me they will action the case "today" or "one businesses day" since 27 Aug. I found out that the alignment and steering problem I had been spending money to fix since 2019 was a result of their poor recall repair and trying to get a response from Dodge Stellantis since AUG 06, and I have been without the use of the truck and unable to care for my horses since then. I have spent more than 14 hours directly on the phone with them without any action - my truck remains essentially impounded at the dealership. Est 20k miles at initial recall V06 failed repair attempt but their records should say. Current document is currently dealership that admitted the initial recall repair attempt damaged the draglink assembly beyond any hope of salvage/alignment.

NHTSA complaint #11686087 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2018 RAM 3500 at 108,000 miles Montrose, CO

WHEELS

The contact owns a 2018 Ram 3500. The contact stated that upon arriving at her destination and parking the vehicle, the front driver’s side tire was flat. After a visual inspection, the contact observed a crack on the wheel extending from the center hub outwards. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 03V212000 (Wheels); but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 108,000.

NHTSA complaint #11681722 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2020 RAM 3500 at 36,000 miles Waynesboro, PA

WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS

The contact owns a 2020 Ram 3500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the front wheels became inoperable. The contact stated that the vehicle was pulling to one side. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed and the contact was informed that the front wheel studs had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 36,000.

NHTSA complaint #11666152 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2014 RAM 3500 Enterprise, AL

WHEELS

We were traveling on a highway doing 70mph and the whole truck started to shake really badly. My husband could not steer the vehicle safely, nor could he brake without losing control. He had to slow down until the shaking stopped. When we got back on the road, the vehicle did the same thing three times. This is known issue with Dodge, yet they don't have a fix for it. They call it the "death rattle"

NHTSA complaint #11662921 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2024 RAM 3500 Mount Juliet, TN

WHEELS

Driver side wheel center cap flew off vehicle at highway speeds under normal operation. This poses an immediate danger to life and property by becoming a projectile which may lead to an accident, cause property damage, and injury.

NHTSA complaint #11658636 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2018 RAM 3500 Lakeland, FL

WHEELS

On March 3rd, This dealership replaced the stop sale safety recall on our Commercial vehicle (C4B) with a part that was not created for our truck. This resulted in hydraulic brake fluid spewing out of the HCU all over significant areas under the hood, including the ABS Module and wiring. Upon realizing the HCU was spewing hydraulic brake fluid, we brought the truck back on March 7th, and again, the dealership replaced the HCU with the incorrect part (but assuring us it was the actual part for this specific recall) and Sam (service advisor) told us they would also be replacing the ABS Module and the wiring associated, as the ABS module had also been recently replaced and was still covered under warranty. When we received the car back, Sam (service advisor) explained that they would like the truck back at a later date to replace the wiring - that they have already replaced the ABS module so we will still see the ABS light, but only because the wiring needs to be redone.  We picked up our truck on Friday March 8th, and when my fiancé began his route on [XXX] with his trailer attached, he made it about 20 miles before his truck completely shut down mid-drive while on a busy road- forcing him to have to coast over a 4 lane roadway and into a ditch avoiding collision of oncoming traffic with his trailer and equipment attached. We discovered that the mechanics had fraudulently replaced our HCU with another trucks HCU and had to force the recall through Mopar's reimbursement process, as it was rejected multiple times because the remedy is not currently available therefore unable to be completed. I have attached the full story in a PDF document for further information.  Phone: [XXX] Email: [XXX] contact me for any information you may need in addition to this. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11649054 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2018 RAM 3500 Denham Springs, LA

WHEELS

The contact owns a 2018 Ram 3500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the ABS warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed hydraulic control unit. The contact was informed that the hydraulic control unit needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed that the parts were not yet available. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V398000 (Wheels); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA complaint #11644179 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2015 RAM 3500 at 166,000 miles Manito, IL

WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS

The contact owns a 2015 Ram 3500. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the steering started shuddering and the vehicle made an abnormal popping sound. The contact then noticed that the front driver's side wheel was wobbling. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and inspected the wheel. The contact noticed that two of the wheel studs of the front driver's side wheel had fractured. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously taken to the dealer to be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V398000 (Wheels); however, the dealer informed the contact that the wheel studs did not need to be replaced. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was no longer included in the recall because the recall had been marked completed. The vehicle was not repaired and remained on the side of the road. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 166,000.

NHTSA complaint #11623871 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2018 RAM 3500 Lynchburg, VA

WHEELS

A diagnostic code has been displayed for the Anti-Lock Brake System - C0020-01 —> ABS Pump Motor Control - General Electrical Failure. Going over a bump in the road will cause the ABS system to deactivate the cruise control. The diagnostic code can be cleared and the cruise control will resume. Reading on RAM / Cummins online sites, many say that either the HCU and / or ABS Module needed to be replaced and many submitted reports to the NHTSA to start an investigation. No damage has been evidenced at any of the wheel sensors. With the ABS illuminated, it appears that the unit wouldn’t function if needed. The clearing of codes has been done numerous times. First noticed in about January 2024.

NHTSA complaint #11609806 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2015 RAM 3500 at 183,901 miles Granby, CO

WHEELS

The contact owns a 2015 Ram 3500. The contact stated while driving 35-40 MPH, the vehicle started wiggling and wobbling abnormally. The contact was able to pull to the side of the road, where he noticed that the outer rear wheel had separated from the vehicle. Additionally, the contact noticed that the inner rear wheel had separated and pinched the axle, causing the wheel to support the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where an assessment was made. The dealer determined that the wheel studs needed be replaced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V398000 (Wheels); however, the wheel replacement was not covered. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 183,901.

NHTSA complaint #11596921 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2018 RAM 3500 Lineville, AL

WHEELS

The rear lug nuts sheared off two different times hauling a camper, also was involved in a wreck where the truck hydro planed now the traction control lights are on also the low coolent light is on and there is plenty of fluid in the tanks

NHTSA complaint #11579930 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2018 RAM 3500 Bakersfield, CA

WHEELS

I received a card in the mail stating my Truck had a recall for wheel studs two days later I lose my two wheels in the freeway almost causing accidents, My RAM is my only Income I use it as a hotshot I was charged $2000 for tow from Los Angeles CA to Bakersfield CA we left it at dealer for about two weeks they claim of inspections and parts not being in I file a claim with corporate and never hear from them I finally got my truck this Monday [XXX] and today [XXX] same wheel side seal breaks axles locks up and here I am stuck with another $2000 Tow payment Ram Corporate claims they will call me back in 24 hours its going on 3 weeks no calls or emails dealer claims corporate will refund my expenses I had to out of pocket tires as well since recall would not cover now I have no work no truck and no money [XXX] is amazing because first time around I could have cause a horrible accident and who would have paid if no one answers me the recalls are very dangerous this Dodge RAM truck 3500 is not safe at all it is a dully and the two back tires just flew off on the freeway the wheel studs all 5 cracked I really need help or guidance on what to do with this horrible situation please call [XXX] or email me at [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11577258 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2021 RAM 3500 Good Hope, GA

WHEELS

After a recall was "repaired" prior to our purchase, the right wheel came off on the interstate, after the lugs sheered off.

NHTSA complaint #11575525 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2018 RAM 3500 at 12,000 miles New Hyde Park, NY

WHEELS

The contact owns a 2018 Ram 3500. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, the ABS warning light and the traction control warning light illuminated. Additionally, the message "ABS Disabled" was displayed. The contact stated that the failure recurred while driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who retrieved DTC: C0020-01; and the mechanic determined that the ABS hydraulic pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The local dealer and several unknown dealers were contacted and advised the contact that they could not accommodate the vehicle due to the size, and that the vehicle could not be serviced because it was not purchased at their location. Additionally, the contact had received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V398000 (Wheels); 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 not made aware of the failure because the manufacturer customer care line was inoperable. The failure mileage was approximately 12,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA complaint #11556213 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Other RAM 3500 problems