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Dodge Ram 3500 — Years to Avoid

Reliability breakdown of every Dodge Ram 3500 model year. Based on NHTSA owner complaints, federal recalls, and safety investigations.

Model Years
21
Years to Avoid
2012, 2011
Best Years
2002, 2000, 1993, 1992, 1991
2012Avoid
498 complaints9 recalls1 invest.309 TSBs
2011Avoid
292 complaints5 recalls1 invest.282 TSBs
2009
130 complaints5 recalls3 invest.38 TSBs
2008
221 complaints11 recalls3 invest.51 TSBs
2007
284 complaints14 recalls4 invest.60 TSBs
2006
349 complaints11 recalls6 invest.45 TSBs
2005
240 complaints7 recalls7 invest.40 TSBs
2004
272 complaints7 recalls8 invest.36 TSBs
2003
330 complaints9 recalls6 invest.30 TSBs
2002Best Year
59 complaints1 recalls24 TSBs
2001
168 complaints1 recalls2 invest.24 TSBs
2000Best Year
77 complaints1 recalls2 invest.19 TSBs
1999
146 complaints1 recalls1 invest.16 TSBs
1998
134 complaints1 recalls1 invest.19 TSBs
1997
153 complaints1 recalls1 invest.15 TSBs
1996
182 complaints1 recalls2 invest.12 TSBs
1995
132 complaints1 recalls6 invest.6 TSBs
1994
102 complaints1 recalls7 invest.6 TSBs
1993Best Year
26 complaints0 recalls1 invest.3 TSBs
1992Best Year
11 complaints0 recalls1 invest.2 TSBs
1991Best Year
5 complaints0 recalls2 invest.1 TSBs

How we calculate this

Each year receives a composite risk score based on NHTSA owner complaints, federal recalls, safety investigations, and technical service bulletins. Years scoring more than 2x the model's average are flagged as “years to avoid.” Years in the lowest risk bracket are marked as “best years.” All data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Which Dodge Ram 3500 Years Should You Avoid?

Based on federal safety data, the 2012, 2011 Dodge Ram 3500 are the most problematic years, with significantly higher rates of owner complaints, recalls, and safety investigations compared to other model years.

If you're shopping for a used Dodge Ram 3500, consider the 2002, 2000, 1993, 1992, 1991 model years — these have the fewest reported issues relative to other years.

21 model years analyzed