Dodge RAM 3500 Electrical System Problems
Owners have filed 276 complaints with NHTSA about electrical system problems on the Dodge RAM 3500 across 18 model years. The 2006 model year has the most (52). The words owners use most often: “wiring harness” (8% of reports).
- 276electrical system complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 9mention a crash
- 4mention an injury
- 2related recalls
- 52%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Wiring harness: mentioned in 22 of 276 complaints (8%)
- Fuse box: mentioned in 20 of 276 complaints (7%)
- Power module: mentioned in 16 of 276 complaints (6%)
- Turn signal: mentioned in 16 of 276 complaints (6%)
At what mileage do electrical system problems happen?
Based on 209 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 276 complaints, 9 mention a crash, 62 a fire, 4 an injury.
Dodge RAM 3500 electrical system complaints by model year
| Model year | Electrical System complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 RAM 3500 | 45 | 12% | 114,000 |
| 2011 RAM 3500 | 17 | 8% | 96,000 |
| 2010 RAM 3500 | 17 | 11% | 137,500 |
| 2009 RAM 3500 | 6 | 6% | 41,850 |
| 2008 RAM 3500 | 18 | 10% | 140,000 |
| 2007 RAM 3500 | 24 | 11% | 86,000 |
| 2006 RAM 3500 | 52 | 20% | 78,000 |
| 2005 RAM 3500 | 15 | 8% | 89,000 |
| 2004 RAM 3500 | 15 | 7% | 93,500 |
| 2003 RAM 3500 | 9 | 3% | 70,000 |
| 2002 RAM 3500 | 2 | 5% | 8,250 |
| 2001 RAM 3500 | 6 | 5% | 60,000 |
| 2000 RAM 3500 | 7 | 12% | 106,000 |
| 1999 RAM 3500 | 5 | 5% | 60,034 |
| 1998 RAM 3500 | 14 | 13% | 106,090 |
| 1997 RAM 3500 | 6 | 5% | 129,000 |
| 1996 RAM 3500 | 10 | 8% | 170,000 |
| 1995 RAM 3500 | 8 | 7% | 313,500 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (2)
Electrical system:alternator/generator/regulator
Model years: 2010, 2011, 2012
Problem: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Dodge Charger Police vehicles, 2007-2013 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2008-2013 RAM 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis, and 2013 RAM 2500 and 3500 vehicles. The affected vehicles have a 220 amp alternator that may suddenly fail.
Risk: If the alternator fails, the vehicle may stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash. There is also the possibility that the alternator may short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the alternator with a revised alternator, free of charge. The recall began on December 23, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S68.
Electrical system:ignition:switch
Model years: 2006, 2007
Problem: Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2006-2007 Dodge Ram 1500, 2500, 3500, Dakota, and 2006 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles manufactured July 1, 2005, to July 31, 2006 with manual transmissions. The return springs in the clutch ignition interlock switch may break.
Risk: Broken springs can result in a no-start condition, or cause unintended movement when the ignition is cranked, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the clutch ignition interlock switch, free of charge. The recall began on March 27, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is P80.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
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…
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…
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…
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…
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.
Frequently asked questions
Do all Dodge RAM 3500s have electrical system problems?
No. NHTSA has 276 owner complaints about electrical system for the Dodge RAM 3500. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the Dodge RAM 3500 electrical system?
Yes: 2 safety recalls list electrical system. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
What do owners say about electrical system problems on the Dodge RAM 3500?
The most frequent phrase is “wiring harness”, in 22 of 276 complaints, followed by “fuse box” (20).
Other Dodge RAM 3500 problems
- Steering problems (1,017)
- Power Train problems (349)
- Suspension problems (331)
- Air Bags problems (314)
- Structure problems (173)
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic problems (147)
- Exterior Lighting problems (144)
- Engine and Engine Cooling problems (124)
See all Dodge RAM 3500 problems.