Reliability, what owners report, and what it costs to keep.
AVOIR's read: running costs are the problem rather than the car itself.
Owners have filed 25 complaints with NHTSA about the 2026 Ram 3500, and it carries 4 recalls. These are owner allegations rather than confirmed defects, but the pattern of what people complain about is the most useful signal a used buyer has.
| Area | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 4 | 16% |
| Electrical system | 3 | 12% |
| Electrical system | 2 | 8% |
| Electrical system | 2 | 8% |
| Tires | 2 | 8% |
| Electrical system | 1 | 4% |
| Service brakes | 1 | 4% |
| Power train | 1 | 4% |
| Power train | 1 | 4% |
| Electrical system | 1 | 4% |
Verbatim from NHTSA complaint records, trimmed for length.
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 controll
NHTSA complaint: Electrical system
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
NHTSA complaint: Electrical system
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 includ
NHTSA complaint: Service brakes
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
NHTSA complaint: Power train
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 l
NHTSA complaint: Electrical system
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, w
NHTSA complaint: Electrical system
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 day
NHTSA complaint: Electrical system
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
NHTSA complaint: Vehicle speed control
NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for the 2026 Ram 3500. Recalls are free to have fixed at a franchised dealer regardless of who owns the car now, but only if they were never done, so check the VIN of the specific car rather than trusting the model.
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
Risk: An incorrect warning light can fail to alert the driver to critical safety information, increasing the risk of a crash.
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
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
Risk: An instrument panel display that does not show critical information, such as warning lights or gear selection, increases the risk of a crash.
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 ma
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
Risk: 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.
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,
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 req
Risk: An instrument panel display that fails to show critical safety information, such as gear selection and warning lights, increases the risk of a crash.
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
| Reliability | 71 | good |
|---|---|---|
| Longevity est. | 70 | good |
| Maintenance | 37 | below average |
| Depreciation | 81 | excellent |
| Performance | 81 | excellent |
Percentile ranks against other pickup trucks in the catalog.
What stands behind each score for this car:
Owners have filed 25 complaints with NHTSA for this model-year, and electrical system is the most reported area with 4 of them (16%). There are 4 recalls on record. Check any specific car against its VIN before buying.
AVOIR scores its reliability 71/100 (good) from NHTSA recall campaigns and complaint density, adjusted for how many were sold so a popular model is not penalised for having more owners.
AVOIR scores its longevity 70/100, but that figure is an estimate built from the powertrain and the brand's record, not a measurement. A 2026 car has no 200,000-mile population to observe yet, so treat it as a prior rather than evidence.
AVOIR's read: skip unless cheap, because running costs are the problem rather than the car itself. Its overall ownership score is 66/100. Condition, mileage and service history still matter more than any score, so get a pre-purchase inspection on the specific car.
Sources: NHTSA recalls and complaints, EPA fuel economy, IIHS awards, and live market listings. A score describes a model-year, not the individual car in front of you. Get a pre-purchase inspection.