2026 RAM 3500

The verdict

Several concerns worth a close look before buying.

Cons

Official recall campaigns exist for this vehicle. See the Safety Recalls section for what failed and how it's fixed.

Why we say this — NHTSA — Safety Recalls

15 of 22 owner complaints are about the electrical system. Tap it in the heatmap to read the real reports.

Why we say this — NHTSA — Owner Complaints

1 complaint(s) involved a crash and 0 involved a fire.

Why we say this — NHTSA — Owner Complaints

Pros

Nothing in this category from the official data.

Neutral

The government hasn't published a crash-test rating for this exact vehicle. We won't invent one.

Why we say this — NHTSA — 5-Star Safety Ratings

Take this with you:

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—Crash-test safety

0Safety recalls

0Owner complaints

5% involved a crash or fire

—Combined MPG

ℹ️ Recalls & complaints are reported per model — the same across every trim & engine. Fuel economy (and crash ratings by body style) can vary — use the pickers in those sections.

Safety Recalls

Official recall campaigns. Tap one to see the danger and the fix.

What is a recall, really?

A recall means the government made the manufacturer admit a safety defect — and the fix is free at any dealer, forever, even for used cars. Recalls range from a software update to "the steering wheel can detach," so read the danger line on each one. Buying used? Ask the seller for proof each recall was completed, or have a dealer run the VIN. Recalls also have a quieter cousin worth reading: technical service bulletins.

NHTSA Campaign 25V530000

What's wrong: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2026 Ram 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis, 2500, 4500 Cab Chassis, and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles. The instrument panel may display an incorrect brake system warning light. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 101, "Control and Displays."

The danger: An incorrect warning light can fail to alert the driver to critical safety information, increasing the risk of a crash.

The fix: Dealers will replace the instrument panel cluster, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 9, 2025. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is 79C.

NHTSA Campaign 25V826000

What's wrong: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Ram 1500 Pickup, Ram 2500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Cab Chassis, 4500 Ram Cab Chassis, and Ram 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles. A software error may cause the instrument panel cluster display to be blank. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard numbers 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems," 105, "Hydraulic and Electric Brake Systems," and 102, "Transmission shift lever sequence, starter interlock, and transmission braking effect."

The danger: An instrument panel display that does not show critical information, such as warning lights or gear selection, increases the risk of a crash.

The fix: Dealers will inspect and update the instrument panel software or replace the instrument panel cluster, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 18, 2025. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 800-853-1403. Chrysler's numbers for this recall are B4C and B8C. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning December 4, 2025.

NHTSA Campaign 26V059000

What's wrong: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2024-2026 Jeep Wagoneer S, 2025-2026 Ram 1500 Pickup, Ram 2500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Cab Chassis, Ram 4500 Cab Chassis, Ram 5500 Cab Chassis, and 2026 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. Due to an improperly designed trailer tow module, the trailer lights may fail to illuminate and the trailer brakes may fail.

The danger: Trailer brake lights and turn signals that do not illuminate reduce visibility to other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash. Additionally, trailer brakes that fail increase the risk of a crash.

The fix: Dealers will replace the trailer tow module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning March 17, 2026. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 03D. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on February 10, 2026.

NHTSA Campaign 26V225000

What's wrong: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Ram 1500 Pickup, Ram 2500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Cab Chassis, Ram 4500 Cab Chassis, and Ram 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles. A software error may cause the instrument panel display to fail. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards numbers 102, "Transmission Shift Position Sequence," 105, "Hydraulic and Electric Brake Systems," 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment," 126, "Electronic Stability Control Systems for Light Vehicles," 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems," 138, "Tire Pressure Monitoring System," and/or 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

The danger: An instrument panel display that fails to show critical safety information, such as gear selection and warning lights, increases the risk of a crash.

The fix: Dealers will update the instrument panel software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 5, 2026. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is 35D. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning April 16, 2026.

Source: NHTSA — Safety Recalls · re-checked about every 24 hours

Where Owners Report Problems

Where owners report the most trouble — based on 22 complaints (1 involved a crash, 0 a fire). Tap a part to read the real reports.

Raw count — best-sellers naturally log more complaints than rare cars, so judge it against the peer comparison below, not on its own.

Why don't we show complaints per vehicle sold?

Because no official source publishes sales counts per model — that data is sold by private firms, and the free numbers online are guesses. A rate built on a guessed denominator is a guess wearing a lab coat, so we refuse to show one. Instead we show comparisons where fleet size cancels out or is disclosed: the same model across its own years, the crash/fire severity mix, and the peer ranking below — each with its methodology attached.

Of 15 reports about this part, 1 involved a crash and 0 a fire.

Real owner reports filed with NHTSA (showing 5 of 15):

NHTSA report #11754877 · filed Aug 5, 2026

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 report #11745440 · filed Jun 21, 2026

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 report #11744818 · filed Jun 17, 2026

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 report #11737840 · filed May 14, 2026CRASH

Hello, I am formally documenting a serious safety incident involving my recently purchased 2026 Dodge Ram 3500 Tradesman 6.7L dually, purchased from Towbin Dodge in [XXX] , on May 9, 2026. On May 13, 2026—only five days after purchase—we were operating the truck for our dumpster business while towing a GN trailer loaded with approximately 5 tons. We were traveling down Mount Charleston after a pickup when a critical brake failure occurred. While descending the mountain grade, the truck’s braking system failed to respond. A warning light appeared on the dashboard indicating an issue with the electric brake system. We had tow/haul mode and exhaust braking engaged, but neither system functioned properly. When my father pressed the brake pedal, the vehicle did not slow down. With a steep descent ahead and no effective braking response, my father was forced to steer the vehicle off the road into a ditch to avoid a direct impact with the mountain, which could have resulted in a fatal collision. After stopping, we noticed signs of extreme brake overheating, and the system appeared to be close to catching fire. I have video and other documentation of the incident. The vehicle is currently in the dealer’s possession. This is a major safety failure occurring within days of purchase, and I am requesting a full investigation into the brake system and all related components, including any recalls, defects, or electronic braking malfunctions. I do not want the truck anymore! Given the severity and risk to life involved, I am requesting immediate action and a full resolution regarding this vehicle. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA report #11732293 · filed Apr 20, 2026

This is related to the 2025/2026 Ram 3500 U1412 code relating to anti lock brake system. On this date I got an ABS warning light and check engine light. The vehicle would not turn off, was not sure if it was in gear or not, and multiple other lights came on the dash. Vehicle towed to dealership. They said they could not reproduce the error and that all the codes disappeared due to the batteries dying overnight. They replaced both batteries and returned vehicle. Have since had same problem twice more with one requiring towing again. If this problem happens on roadway while being operated it would be very dangerous on roadway.

Of 9 reports about this part, 1 involved a crash and 0 a fire.

Real owner reports filed with NHTSA (showing 5 of 9):

NHTSA report #11745440 · filed Jun 21, 2026

NHTSA report #11737840 · filed May 14, 2026CRASH

NHTSA report #11732293 · filed Apr 20, 2026

NHTSA report #11732296 · filed Apr 20, 2026

Second incident relating to U1412 code where ABS related warning lights coming on. On 1/19/26 it had the same issue but was towed due to undriveable and would turn off. This time I drove straight to Dodge dealership where they got the codes, unlike last time due to batteries dead. Ram performed two flash updates and felt issue was fixed. Car is currently at dealership for third incident of same nature and had to be towed exactly same as first time on 1/19/26. Towed in on 4/16/2026. Three times when new truck less than 6 months old and 10k miles. Unsafe as mentioned on other report.

NHTSA report #11732297 · filed Apr 20, 2026

Vehicle at dealership a third time for same issue relating to U1412 code associated with ABS system. First time it was towed on 1/19/2026 and second time I took it to the dealership before it required towing on 3/26/2026. This time the truck required towing again after not being able to go into gear or being able to turn it off. Multiple warning lights on the dash. Still waiting for diagnosis but service department knew this problem from other vehicles and said manufacturer isn’t sure of cause.

Real owner reports filed with NHTSA (showing 4 of 4):

NHTSA report #11754877 · filed Aug 5, 2026

NHTSA report #11745440 · filed Jun 21, 2026

NHTSA report #11736214 · filed May 7, 2026

Vehicle sends cluster warnings about Auto Emergency Braking unavailable/inoperable, Electronic Stability Control needs service, Antilock Brake System needs service, Parksense Unavailable, and ultimately the Check Engine indicator illuminates after restarting the vehicle. An error code also is present in the computer, U1412. This has happened twice now in a two week period. These systems are critical to safe operation of he vehicle, especially in emergency braking conditions, and could affect both the operator and the general public if they indeed failed. The vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer, yet, and is scheduled for 5/8/2026

NHTSA report #11722335 · filed Mar 5, 2026

Shortly after purchasing a new 2026 Ram 3500 in January 2026, the vehicle began displaying multiple safety warnings simultaneously while driving. Warning indicators included Check Engine, ABS, Brake, Traction Control, Electronic Stability Control, Forward Collision Warning, and Automatic Emergency Braking, along with a “Service Electronic Stability Control” message. The vehicle had very low mileage when the issue first occurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealership for diagnosis and repair. The dealership indicated the concern involved rear wheel speed sensor(s) and the vehicle’s electronic control systems (including a Body Control Module software update). Multiple repair attempts were required, including sensor replacement(s) and software updates, with manufacturer engineering involvement. The dealership and engineering instructed extended test driving (hundreds of miles total) to verify the repair. A particularly concerning element is that a replacement sensor reportedly failed without producing a diagnostic code, meaning the driver may have no warning that a critical component failed until safety systems disable or the vehicle behaves erratically. When the issue occurs, multiple safety systems are impacted at the same time, including ABS braking, stability control, traction control, and AEB/forward collision systems. Multiple safety systems disabled simultaneously. Dealership personnel also indicated that these wheel speed sensors are experiencing widespread failures and that replacement sensors can fail again shortly after installation as they have a 67% failure rate, which raises concern that this may represent a broader manufacturing or component defect affecting multiple vehicles. This complaint is submitted to document a potential safety defect affecting braking, stability control, and driver assistance systems.

Real owner reports filed with NHTSA (showing 4 of 4):

NHTSA report #11736214 · filed May 7, 2026

NHTSA report #11732293 · filed Apr 20, 2026

NHTSA report #11732296 · filed Apr 20, 2026

NHTSA report #11732297 · filed Apr 20, 2026

Real owner reports filed with NHTSA (showing 3 of 3):

NHTSA report #11754877 · filed Aug 5, 2026

NHTSA report #11754685 · filed Aug 4, 2026

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Rear Axle Failure - Dealership has the truck currently How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? - It was not Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? - Yes Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? - yes, by the dealer Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? - No warning of any kind. Just loud grinding noise

NHTSA report #11709697 · filed Jan 8, 2026

The contact owns a 2026 Ram 3500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine, 4WD, ABS, park sensors, and several other unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who replaced the speed sensor for the rear wheels; however, the failure persisted, and the transmission failed to recognize that the gear selector was in park(P). Roadside Assistance arrived and unplugged the battery cables to turn off the engine. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and was waiting for engineers to diagnose the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 458.

Of 2 reports about this part, 1 involved a crash and 0 a fire.