What year to stay away from RAM 3500?

There isn’t a single RAM 3500 year to universally avoid; reliability varies by generation and the individual vehicle’s history. The best approach is to scrutinize model generations, check complete recall history, and review maintenance records before buying a used RAM 3500.

Understanding RAM 3500 generations and reliability trends

RAM has released several generations of the 3500 heavy‑duty pickup, each with its own strengths and typical issues. Knowing the generation helps identify where problems are more likely and what maintenance history to demand.

Older generations and early 2010s updates

In older RAM 3500s, particularly pre-2010 models and early 2010s updates, buyers should be especially diligent about rust, frame condition, and wear on mechanical components. Some of these trucks may have higher maintenance needs if service history is incomplete.

• Check for frame corrosion and rust around suspension mounts and leaf springs, especially on trucks exposed to road salt.


• Look for signs of heavy use or past off‑road work that could stress the drivetrain and transfer case.


• Verify comprehensive maintenance records, particularly for engine, transmission, and cooling system services.


• Review recall history to ensure safety campaigns and critical repairs were performed.

When evaluating older generations, prioritize vehicles with complete service records, solid rust prevention, and up‑to‑date recalls.

Recent generations and modern diesel tech (2010s onward)

Recent RAM 3500s benefit from modern technology and improved reliability, but diesel emissions equipment and advanced electronics can incur expensive repairs if not properly serviced. Always verify DEF system health, emission component maintenance, and software/ECU updates.

• Diesel-equipped RAM 3500s require regular DEF maintenance and monitoring for emission-related codes; ensure there are no outstanding DEF/water contamination issues.


• Transmissions (notably the 68RFE era and subsequent updates) can have shifting or torque converter concerns if fluids or filters were neglected.


• Electronic controls, sensors, and infotainment systems can have intermittent faults; confirm operation of gauges, ABS, and hill‑start aids.

For newer generations, a well-documented maintenance history and a recent inspection of the diesel system and transmission can mitigate most risk.

Practical steps to avoid buying a problematic RAM 3500

Use a structured check‑list to assess any RAM 3500 you’re considering, and lean on reliable data sources to verify history.

1. Run VIN-based recall lookups and service history through official sources (NHTSA, RAM, and authorized dealers) to confirm all open campaigns were completed.


2. Have a qualified mechanic perform a pre‑purchase inspection focused on the engine, transmission, transfer case, cooling system, and frame condition.


3. Inspect for rust, frame welds, and any signs of collision repair or excessive rough handling.


4. Take a thorough test drive to evaluate transmission behavior, steering, brakes, suspension, and electrical system responses.


5. Check ownership and maintenance history for repeated major repairs or persistent issues that could foretell costly future problems.

Following these steps will help you identify a RAM 3500 that's worth buying versus one that may become a repeated maintenance burden.

Summary

The best approach is to avoid blanket judgments about a single year and instead focus on generation context and a vehicle’s history. Prioritize a complete recall record, documented maintenance, and a thorough mechanical inspection. For diesel models, give extra attention to DEF and emission components; for any RAM 3500, a well‑documented, well‑maintained example from any year can be a reliable workhorse. Avoid trucks with incomplete records or unresolved recalls, and use trusted sources to verify history before purchasing.

Sources and further reading

To stay up to date, consult these resources when evaluating RAM 3500 model years:

• NHTSA Recall Lookup


• RAM official recall notices


• Consumer Reports reliability ratings


• J.D. Power reliability benchmarks


• Independent vehicle history reports and manufacturer service bulletins

What are bad years for a Dodge Ram 3500?

What are the worst Ram 3500 years? CarComplaints.com dubs 2003 the worst model year of the Dodge-branded 3500s, due to high repair costs and problems occurring at lower mileages. It also has the most overall complaints, many of which center around a cracked dashboard.

What is the best year of Ram 3500?

The best Ram 3500 years are generally considered to be the 2013–2018 models, especially those with the 6.7L Cummins engine, due to a balance of reliability, performance, and available manual transmission. However, the 2021 model year is also highly regarded, and recent models like 2020 and newer have shown good reliability, with the exception of the initial 2019 model year. 
Recommended years

• 2013–2018: Often cited as a "sweet spot" for the 6.7L Cummins, these models feature improvements in emissions systems that increased reliability over earlier years. The factory calibration was stronger, and they were the last years for the desirable G56 6-speed manual transmission. The CP3 fuel pump was also standard through 2018, which is known for better longevity than the CP4 pump introduced in 2019. 
• 2020 and newer: While the 2019 model year had more complaints, newer models are generally reliable, especially with the Aisin transmission option. 
• 2021: This specific year is praised for its improved factory tuning, which provides a more linear and responsive power delivery, according to YouTube and CarGurus. 

Years to approach with caution

• 2019: This model year was the first in a new generation and had more complaints than others in that generation, according to CarGurus. 
• Older models: For older trucks, the second-generation (1994–2002) Dodge Ram 3500 with the 5.9L Cummins is known for reliability, especially the 1998 model, which was the only year to offer the 12-valve Cummins with a quad cab and "suicide doors". However, be mindful of potential issues with the older emissions systems, such as the dashboard cracking on the 2003 model or the HVAC issues in the 2006 model, notes CarGurus and YouTube. 

What year should I not buy a Dodge Ram 2500?

The 2013 model year is often cited as a year to avoid due to a severe "death wobble" issue, while other years with significant problems include the 2012-2016 and 2018 models, which have been linked to various issues like brake and steering system failures. Additionally, the 2014-2018 models with the 6.4L HEMI engine can be problematic due to transmission issues. 
Specific years to approach with caution

• 2013: Frequently mentioned as one of the worst years due to a severe and expensive-to-fix "death wobble" steering issue that occurs after about 30,000 miles. 
• 2012-2016: This range is frequently listed as problematic, with common complaints including steering system failures, brake system failures, turbocharger breakdowns, and transmission defects. 
• 2014-2018 (6.4L HEMI): These years are associated with the 66RF transmission, which was prone to overheating, shifting problems, and valve body/solenoid failures. 
• 2018: This year is noted for a high number of complaints, particularly regarding the braking system. 
• 2019-2022 (Cummins): There have been numerous recalls and issues reported with the Cummins engines from these years, including fire risks related to the intake heater grid relay and other electrical issues. 

Other models with reported issues

• Some 2020-2023 models have also experienced widespread transmission issues, notes CarParts.com. 
• Recent models like the 2022 and 2023 have also had multiple recalls, though they may be less severe than the issues in older years, including problems with the in-car electronics, water leaks, and emission control devices, reports Consumer Reports. 

What year of 6.7 Cummins to avoid?

The Dodge Cummins years to avoid include 1992, 1999, 2001, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2008, and 2011.