3C63R3JL1TG1554352026 RAM 3500Laramie
2026 RAM 3500 was analyzed across NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, crash test data, and public auction records. There are 4 open recalls on record — verify these have been repaired before purchase. 28 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA — review the complaint section for the most common failure patterns.
Executive Summary
2026 RAM 3500
2026 RAM 3500 was analyzed across NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, crash test data, and public auction records. There are 4 open recalls on record — verify these have been repaired before purchase. 28 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA — review the complaint section for the most common failure patterns.
- 4 open recalls — verify these have been repaired before purchase
- 28 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — above average for this class
- Common owner-reported issues: check engine light, fire, electrical problems
- Complaint rate is accelerating — issues appear to be getting worse, not better
- Electrical is flagged in both recalls and owner complaints — double-confirmed failure pattern
- Engine or platform shared with models that have documented failure issues
- Component failure cascade detected — a known defect pattern that typically leads to more severe downstream damage
28 owner complaints filed — top areas: Electrical (57%), Engine/Powertrain (21%), Other (7%). Common issues: check engine light, fire, electrical problems. 1 crash reported.
Title Brand Check
Mined from auction damage fields and listing titles — not a DMV title history pull
No auction records available. Title brand status could not be verified — request title history from seller or state DMV.
Vehicle Specifications
Decoded from NHTSA vPIC database
- Make
- RAM
- Model
- 3500
- Year
- 2026
- Trim / Series
- Laramie
- Body Style
- Pickup
- Vehicle Type
- TRUCK
- Drive Type
- 4WD/4-Wheel Drive/4x4
- Fuel Type
- Diesel
- Engine
- 6-cyl 6.7L 430 hp
- Transmission
- Automatic
- Manufacturer
- CHRYSLER DE MEXICO TOLUCA
- Assembly
- SALTILLO, COAHUILA, MEXICO
- Curb Weight
- 7,536 lbs
- GVWR
- Class 3: 10,001 - 14,000 lb (4,536 - 6,350 kg)
Assembly Plant Quality
Plant: SALTILLO, COAHUILA
No specific quality data available for this plant. No documented recall or complaint concentrations on record.
Safety Intelligence
Composite analysis from NHTSA recall, complaint, and crash data
- ▸Brake system recall
- ⚠4 recalls on same component: Electrical
- ⚠28 complaints on a 0-year-old vehicle — unusually high
- ⚠Safety system appears in both official recalls and owner complaints
Lemon law eligibility depends on state law, number of repair attempts, and days out of service. Consult an attorney for actual eligibility.
The same components appear in both official NHTSA recalls and owner-filed complaints — a double-confirmed failure signal.
6.7L Cummins diesel: DEF/SCR system failures, NOx sensor faults, and urea injector failures leading to engine derate — class action lawsuits pending
Driver Assistance Features
ADAS equipment data from NHTSA vPIC database
Deferred Failure Risk
Vehicle-specific risks from this model-year's complaint record, known defects, and service milestones
Owners of the 2026 RAM 3500 report electrical issues more than most other systems. Complaints concentrated in one area often signal a systemic weakness worth a targeted pre-purchase inspection.
Owners of the 2026 RAM 3500 report engine/powertrain issues more than most other systems. Complaints concentrated in one area often signal a systemic weakness worth a targeted pre-purchase inspection.
NHTSA Safety Recalls
4 RECALLSNHTSA VIN-specific recall lookup returned no data for this VIN. The 4 recalls below are model-wide and may or may not apply to this exact vehicle depending on production date. Verify at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
3 of 4 recalls have a low industry completion rate — statistically likely unrepaired.
Statistical model based on recall age, component type, and manufacturer. Not a repair confirmation. Demand dealer service records.
RAM has a below-average recall completion rate (82%). Open recalls on this vehicle may go unaddressed longer than average (~23 months). Verify completion before purchase.
Avg time to remedy open recall: ~23 months · Source: NHTSA Recall Completion Rate Reports
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
SummaryChrysler (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."Read full details...
~42% chance this recall was never fixed
Moderate RiskSource: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
SummaryChrysler (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."Read full details...
~52% of these vehicles are statistically unrepaired
High RiskSource: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS
SummaryChrysler (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.Read full details...
~61% of these vehicles are statistically unrepaired
High RiskSource: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
SummaryChrysler (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."Read full details...
~65% of these vehicles are statistically unrepaired
High RiskSource: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type
Recall Intelligence
Detailed analysis of recall history and severity
Recall Remedy Effectiveness — Complaints Continue After Fix
RECALL DIDN'T FIX ITOwner complaints filed AFTER recall remedies were issued for the same components
100% of complaints about "ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL" were filed AFTER recall campaign 25V826000 (2025-01-12) — the recall remedy may not have fully resolved the issue.
Continuing complaints after a recall may indicate an inadequate fix, a new failure mode, or that many vehicles never had the recall performed. Verify recall completion status directly with NHTSA.
This vehicle shows 4 lemon law indicators. Eligibility depends on state law, number of repair attempts, and days out of service — consult a lemon law attorney.
Complaint Intelligence
28 complaints analyzed across 5 system categories
Electrical System leads owner complaints (64%), most reported when the vehicle was under 1 yr old (around ~2k mi). Also common: Service Brakes (39%), Power Train (18%). Of the 10 owners who cited mileage, problems clustered around ~2k mi (most ~625 mi–~4k mi).
⚠ NHTSA has an open Preliminary Evaluation into electrical system:wiring:connectors/plugs/receptacles — historically 30% of PE investigations became recalls (model-wide signal, not VIN-specific).
Based on 21 complaints with a reported incident date. Of the 10 owners who cited mileage, most reported issues at ~625 mi–~4k mi.
⚠ Complaint rate is accelerating — issue may be getting worse
36% of complaints filed in Mar & Aug — may indicate temperature-sensitive or weather-related failures.
Owner Complaints
HIGH VOLUME28 safety complaints filed with NHTSA
ONLY 1,800 MI. I continue to experience ongoing issues with this truck, despite having just received it back from the dealership two weeks ago following repairs related to a rear pinon gear. the truck is now back in the service department for concerns involving the front differential. Given the repeated drivetrain issues, I am increasingly concerned about the safety and reliability of this vehicle, particularly the possibility of a catastrophic mechanical failure while traveling at highway speeds that could result in loss of control. These ongoing problems have significantly undermined my confidence in the vehicle's safety and dependability. At this point, I am concerned not only about the continued mechanical problems but also about the potential risks to my safety and the safety of others on the road. I believe these concerns warrant serious attention and a resolution as soon as possible.
Trucks ignition system does not work properly; manufacturer has no way to diagnose the problem. possible fire hazard? drive system, was not built to factory standards, dealer advised to not to drive out of fear of blowing up while driving down the road.
Brand new 2026 Ram 3500 Limited Truck. Front parking sensors goes off when something is 15-25 feet away. Very frustrating as I have to turn off the front parking sensors. Had the same issue on my 2025 Ram 2500. Also, the tailgate is misaligned from the factory. Currently my truck is at the dealership, and they don't know how to realign the tailgate. No fixed. Again very frustrating on a brand-new truck from Ram.
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.
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.
2026 Ram 3500 with <2700 miles. The trailer brakes are not applied appropriately when using the brake pedal, even though it will brake appropriately (with 1 of 3 trailers) while squeezing the manual override. This includes all brake levels (1-10 gain). When the trailer is disconnected, the truck will brake and show the appropriate level of pressure on the dash, though when the trailers are connected, one might press their foot 50% of the way down on the pedal while only 5% of the pressure is displayed on the dash and applied to the trailer brakes. This has nearly caused 3 separate accidents while towing (16,600 pounds total) when people merged and braked hard in traffic. Ram dealership initially refused to investigate until persisting and becoming very angry. At that point, the issue was confirmed. Brake module parts are pending replacement at this time. Their current "test methods" don't include an actual trailer and are insufficient to diagnose and identify the issue. There is no doubt that this will kill someone at some point. There was eventually a service trailer brake system message that popped up, though this wasn't persistent and went away automatically, not stored permanently, when the trailer disconnected. This message appeared previously approx 3 times, though there was no trailer connected to the truck at the time. Proximity sensors in the front and rear are also faulty, delaying notification of item in proximity, not displaying at all, or randomly being accurate. It also detects traffic that is a significant distance away. The same Ram dealership repeated the issue and called this "normal or expected behavior". It is, most definitely, not, and may present a danger to small children walking around the vehicle, pets, or potentially property due to the lack of notification of objects present.
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)
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
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
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.
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)
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
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.
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.
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.
The contact owns a 2026 Ram 3500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V059000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); 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 contact called a dealer while traveling in Braunfels, Texas, and asked about parts availability. The dealer stated that the manufacturer was providing only one part per week to the dealer location, which was causing a long wait for the recall repair. A second dealer, Miller Motor Sales Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram (1196 Milwaukee Ave, Burlington, WI 53105) was contacted and confirmed the limited part supply to the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
While driving the 2026 Dodge Ram 3500 truck the instrument panel; cluster went completely blank. The screen reappeared again in less than a minute. No other functions were affected.
LT235/80R17, well was on ranch , which I told them I use on ranch so I was charged 995. Bucks extra for AT tires , At 625 miles it popped, well I took to dealer as usual they said my fault ? Well I left . New truck 100k an 2 tire dealers told me they are Juck !!!!
Well this is 2 nd report , got truck in sept , 1 tire blew at 625 miles , did not waste time at dealer this time , came off the ranch got about 10 miles down road tire was losing air ,pulled over was leaking bad ,now remember this is a 1 ton dulley Tk with 6 , six tires , same set of Goodyear tires , feb 26, 4100 miles then , now ok after this I came home went to discount Tire bought 6 new tires have my 6 tires off new Tk in barn , I can't take the risk of killing somebody are myself with another blow out !!! 3 tires off new dealers again said these should not be on this truck
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.
While driving, the instrument cluster/odometer intermittently flashed and became difficult to read for ~15 minutes. After parking, the odometer continued flashing for ~10 additional minutes. After the flashing stopped, the vehicle displayed “ParkSense Unavailable – Service Required.” On a separate date, with no trailer connected and without pressing steering wheel buttons, the cluster displayed a “Blind Spot Alert – Trailer Type (Conventional/Goose/5th) – Press OK to Select” prompt. These events were captured on video. Safety risk: driver information/warnings become unreliable while the vehicle is in motion, which is distracting and may reduce awareness of speed/vehicle status. No crash, injury, or fire occurred. A dealer inspected the vehicle and reviewed the customer video. The dealer documented stored electrical/communication/configuration faults consistent with the concern, including ECU configuration mismatch, lost communication with the trailer interface module, and communication bus off faults. The dealer performed software updates to related modules and road tested ~34 miles; the concern did not reproduce during the test drive. The vehicle also has an open safety recall (NHTSA 26V-059 / FCA 03D) for the trailer tow module with remedy/parts pending. Incidents occurred on 02/16/2026 and 02/18/2026 at ~3,000 miles, including after cold/rain conditions. One restart sequence did not immediately stop the flashing. Dealer scan recorded the following (stored) DTCs: TIPM B2204-87 (ECU configuration mismatch), TIPM U116B-00 (lost communication with trailer interface module), and ITCM U0077-00 (communication bus off). Dealer performed module software updates including CADM update per TSB 08-020-26 and PCM update per RRT-26-036. Recall remedy for 26V-059 / FCA 03D remains pending parts.
4 times in less than 4000 miles my 2026 trucks abs, cruise control, skid control, and check engine warnin07g lights have come on. I then have no anti-lock system, no cruise control, no 4-wheel drive, and no anti-skid system. Code reads-U1412. The dealer has replaced the rear speed sensors and it continues to happen. My truck is currently at the dealer in the service bay as I can't drive it. I've researched this and it's happened to many who have purchased this truck.
The contact owns a 2026 Ram 3500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the ABS and several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The message "DANGER" warning light flashed repeatedly and extremely fast on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that an unknown software update was needed. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer. An engineer inspected the vehicle; however, the cause of the failure was not determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced a recall with a similar failure; however, the VIN was not associated with a recall related to the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was unknown.
I made appointment online at Hadadd Dodge to repair this. They said they could only order 1 set if parts per week and they have to repair the trucks on the lot first then will get to us. They canceled the appointment and put us on a waiting list. I made them aware we tow a 5th wheel trailer frequently with this truck.
Trucks DEF Gauge malfunctioning goes from full, to half, to full, to empty, and then warns about going into limp mode. Filled with DEF and still doing it. Took in for repairs, company said they fixed it, but within 3 miles gauge was doing the same thing. This is a hazard as it will put the truck in limp mode. Known issue with many complaints, needs fixed
Trucks Navigation and GPS stopped working. Took to dealer for repairs, could not replicate the issue. They brought the truck back to me, and upon starting it the GPS/Navigation is not working. Other than the navigation, more systems work off the gps and needs to be functioning. Have multiple videos of nav not working, and dealer still stated that wasn't enough to determine there was an issue.
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.
Purchased the truck new with 25 miles on it from the dealer. Within the first 2000 miles, I had a message pop up that said "Service Exhaust System See Dealer". I took it in to the dealer, they said it showed a random emission related code had popped up but was not currently active, so their recommendation was to clear it and see if it came back. Within a day, the message was back and tripped a check engine light. I also noticed after the first 1000 miles, my fuel mileage dropping off significantly around the time the "Service Exhaust System" message first appeared. (I went from 18-19 mpg average, to 12-14 mpg average, driving the same commute to and from work, in the same conditions.) I have noticed unusually high temperatures in the exhaust at times, excessive fuel consumption, excessive DEF consumption, and am concerned about the potential for damage to the DPF or DEF system. I took the truck to my local dealer for diagnosis and repairs. They called me to say that the problem had been traced to a faulty Exhaust Gas Temperature (EGT) control module that was malfunctioning and would need replaced. They then explained that the part was "restricted" by Stellantis/Ram, and was not something they could just order. That they would have to create a "STAR" case with Stellantis and get the part authorized/sent directly from Stellantis. I was also told that they would not receive any updates or communication back on STAR cases and that the part would just show up whenever it shows up, and they would let me know. Was told to drive the truck until the part came in, as they did not have any loaner vehicles available. From some online groups I am in for this series of truck, I found a couple other people with the same problem, who reported that the restricted control module is on backorder from STAR/Stellantis until at least mid-January.
Component Failure Cascade Risk
Known patterns where one defect leads to more severe downstream failures
▸ Loss of brake assist and ABS in emergency — can significantly extend stopping distances
▸ Complete transmission failure — repair costs $3,000–$8,000+; vehicle may become undriveable
Complaint & Reliability Timeline
Annual complaints (blue) vs. composite reliability score (amber) — recall years marked in red
The blue line shows 28 total NHTSA complaints filed over 2 years, with the worst year being 2026 (27 complaints, including 1 crash report).
The amber reliability line is declining — recent years score around 82/100, lower than earlier in the vehicle's life. This pattern indicates issues are accumulating over time rather than being resolved, which is a concern for used buyers.
The recalls (red dashed lines) were issued in the same year or before complaints peaked, suggesting the manufacturer identified and acted on the defect relatively quickly.
Red dots on the amber line flag 2026, a year when complaints included crash events — these are the highest-severity incidents in the dataset.
Legal & Regulatory Actions
Known class action lawsuits, settlements, and manufacturer extended warranty programs
5-Year Total Cost of Ownership
Estimated based on EPA fuel data, risk-adjusted maintenance, and depreciation
Estimated 5-year cost of ownership: $34,809 (~$580/mo). Repair risk buffer is standard due to vehicle risk profile.
Negotiation Ammunition
Use these data-backed findings to negotiate the price down
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Tailored for the 2026 RAM 3500 — specific failure modes your mechanic must check, not a generic list
Recall Probability Forecast
Estimated likelihood of a new recall in the next 18 months based on NHTSA signals
30% estimated recall probability — some indicators present but not alarming.
- ▸Accelerating complaint rate — increasing pressure on NHTSA to act
- ▸Multiple prior recalls — pattern of safety issues on this model
Maintenance Schedule
OEM-specified service intervals for this vehicle
Maintenance intervals vary significantly by make, model, year, engine, and driving conditions. Always follow the manufacturer's official schedule — not generic industry estimates.
Tip: Request the seller's service records and compare against the manufacturer schedule. Missing intervals are a negotiation point.
Insurance Cost Estimate
Estimated annual premiums based on vehicle profile, theft data, and NHTSA safety ratings
Based on 2024 national avg ($2,011/yr full coverage). Individual rates vary by driver, location & insurer. Always compare 3+ quotes.
Market & Background Signals
Theft risk, fleet history, dealer patterns, and emissions compliance
RAM 3500 has a moderately elevated theft risk (2.3× average).
Manufacturer NHTSA Penalty History
Federal fines issued for recall delays and safety violations
RAM has been fined $105M+ by NHTSA. Most recently in 2015: Failure to conduct timely recalls on 23 campaigns.
State-Specific Legal Protections
What consumer laws apply to this vehicle purchase in your state
Select your state to see what consumer protection laws, lemon law coverage, and title disclosure requirements apply to this vehicle purchase.
Complete Data Table
All decoded fields in a single flattened view
Vehicle Identity
| VIN | 3C63R3JL1TG155435 |
| Model Year | 2026 |
| Make | RAM |
| Model | 3500 |
| Trim | Laramie |
| Series | Crew Cab |
| Vehicle Type | TRUCK |
Body & Configuration
| Body Style | Pickup |
| Seat Rows | 6 |
| Drive Type | 4WD/4-Wheel Drive/4x4 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Transmission | Automatic |
Engine
| Engine Cylinders | 6 |
| Displacement (L) | 6.7 |
| Horsepower | 430 |
Manufacturer
| Manufacturer | CHRYSLER DE MEXICO TOLUCA |
| Assembly City | SALTILLO |
| Assembly Country | MEXICO |
VIN Structure
| WMI (Chars 1–3) | 3C6 |
| Check Digit (Char 9) | 1 |
| Model Year Code (Char 10) | T |
| Plant Code (Char 11) | G |
| Sequence (Chars 12–17) | 155435 |
Safety Data
| NHTSA Recall Count | 4 |
| NHTSA Complaint Count | 28 |
VIN Structure Decode
ISO 3779 character-by-character breakdown of this Vehicle Identification Number
Disclaimer: Data sourced from NHTSA public APIs and scraped auction listings. For informational purposes only. Not a substitute for a paid vehicle history report. Retrieved: 11/1/2026, 2:26:25 AM.