2022 Ram 3500 Safety Report

2022 RAM 3500 plagued by numerous power train complaints and 12 safety recalls; no NHTSA crash test ratings available.

179Complaints
12Recalls
45/100Reliability Score
3Crash Reports
4Fire Reports
5Injuries
Most reported components: Power Train (92)Unknown Or Other (10)Electrical System (9)Engine (8)Service Brakes (7)Power Train,Engine,Fuel/Propulsion System (5)Steering (5)Power Train,Electrical System (5)Fuel/Propulsion System (4)Engine,Fuel/Propulsion System (3)

AI Safety Analysis for the 2022 Ram 3500

The 2022 RAM 3500 presents a mixed safety picture, characterized by a significant number of owner complaints, a high volume of recalls, and a lack of official crash test ratings from NHTSA. With 179 total complaints, 3 crashes, 4 fires, and 5 injuries reported, there are clear areas of concern. The most prominent complaint category is 'POWER TRAIN' with 92 reports, indicating widespread issues with the transmission and related components. This is further supported by specific complaints detailing transmission failures, fluid leaks, and loss of drive power. Recall history is extensive, with 12 recalls issued for the 2022 RAM 3500. These recalls address critical safety systems, including airbags (driver's side air bag non-deployment), electronic stability control (software malfunction disabling ESC), and back over prevention (rearview camera display issues). Notably, several recalls directly relate to fire risk, such as an electrical short in the Cummins 6.7L Turbo Diesel engine relay and transmission fluid leaks contacting ignition sources. The sheer number of recalls, especially for a relatively new model year, suggests potential quality control issues during manufacturing. Crash test performance data from NHTSA is unavailable for the 2022 RAM 3500, making it impossible to assess its structural integrity and occupant protection in simulated crash scenarios. This absence of ratings means consumers cannot rely on independent government testing to understand the vehicle's crashworthiness. Given the high number of complaints and recalls, particularly those impacting fundamental safety systems like braking, steering, and power delivery, potential buyers should exercise caution and thoroughly investigate the vehicle's service history and ensure all recalls have been addressed.

Reliability Score

The 2022 Ram 3500 receives a reliability score of 45 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.

Known Issues for the 2022 Ram 3500

The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2022 Ram 3500:

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
Power Train Failures (Transmission, Transfer Case)
Numerous complaints about transmission failure, loss of forward motion, difficulty shifting, and transmission/transfer case leaks, sometimes leading to vehicle immobility or fire risk (as per recall).
High Common new-65000 miles
Emissions System (Dpf) Malfunctions
Frequent issues with diesel particulate filter (DPF) regeneration, leading to limp mode, reduced power, burning smells, and potential fire risk, creating safety hazards especially while driving.
High Common new-40000 miles
Electronic Stability Control (Esc) / Abs Issues
Intermittent faults causing ESC, ABS, and traction control to disable while driving, increasing crash risk. Related to a recall for ABS control module software.
High Occasional 15000-44000 miles
Engine Issues (Valvetrain, Grid Heater, Loss Of Power)
Complaints include valvetrain issues, grid heater bolt melting, #4 cam bearing seizure, and sudden loss of drive power (also a recall issue).
High Occasional new-40000 miles
Rearview Camera Display Failure
Radio software preventing the rearview image from displaying, decreasing driver visibility and increasing crash risk (subject to multiple recalls).
Medium Occasional N/A miles
Airbag Non-Deployment
Steering column control module may cause the driver's side air bag not to deploy, increasing injury risk in a crash (subject to recall).
High Rare N/A miles

Common Problems Reported by Owners

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2022 Ram 3500:

Power Train 51% of complaints

The most frequently reported issue, with 92 complaints, covering transmission failures, leaks, and loss of drive power. This includes issues like transmission entering 'limp mode' and transfer case leaks.

Engine 4% of complaints

8 complaints related to engine issues such as valvetrain problems, grid heater failures, and internal engine damage from manufacturing defects.

Electrical System 5% of complaints

9 complaints, including issues with loose fuses, electrical shorts (linked to a recall for fire risk), and intermittent ABS/traction control alarms.

Service Brakes 4% of complaints

7 complaints, often related to ABS/traction control malfunctions and the vehicle failing to stop in a timely manner, with some complaints mirroring recall issues for ESC/ABS.

Steering 3% of complaints

5 complaints, including loss of power steering, steering wheel jerking, and steering linkage disconnection.

Fuel/Propulsion System 2% of complaints

4 complaints, primarily concerning emissions system failures, DPF regeneration issues, and associated limp mode.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2022 Ram 3500

Is the 2022 RAM 3500 safe?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2022 RAM 3500 has 179 total complaints, 3 crashes, 4 fires, and 5 injuries reported. It also has 12 safety recalls, addressing critical issues like airbag non-deployment, ESC malfunction, and fire risks. There are no official NHTSA crash test ratings available, making a definitive safety assessment difficult without this crucial data. The high number of complaints, particularly for power train and emissions systems, suggests potential reliability and safety concerns.

What are common problems with the 2022 RAM 3500?

The most reported issues for the 2022 RAM 3500 are related to the POWER TRAIN (92 complaints), which includes transmission failures, leaks, and loss of drive power. Other common problems involve the ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (9 complaints), ENGINE (8 complaints), and SERVICE BRAKES (7 complaints), often linked to ABS/ESC malfunctions. Emissions system failures, specifically with the DPF, are also frequently cited.

How many recalls does the 2022 RAM 3500 have?

The 2022 RAM 3500 has a significant number of recalls, totaling 12. These recalls cover a range of safety-critical components, including airbags, rearview cameras, electronic stability control, electrical systems (with fire risk), transmission (with fire risk), and engine control modules.

Are there fire risks associated with the 2022 RAM 3500?

Yes, there are reported fire risks. NHTSA data shows 4 fires among the 179 complaints. Additionally, two recalls specifically address fire hazards: one for an electrical short in the Cummins 6.7L Turbo Diesel engine relay and another for transmission fluid leaks potentially contacting an ignition source.

What should I look out for when buying a used 2022 RAM 3500?

When considering a used 2022 RAM 3500, prioritize checking if all 12 recalls have been completed. Pay close attention to the power train and emissions system service history for any recurring issues like transmission repairs, DPF replacements, or 'limp mode' events. A pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic, focusing on these known problem areas, is highly recommended.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: Given the high volume of power train complaints, numerous safety recalls, and absence of crash test ratings, prospective buyers should proceed with caution, thoroughly verify all recall completions, and obtain a comprehensive pre-purchase inspection focusing on the engine, transmission, and emissions systems.

NHTSA Data Summary for 2022 Ram 3500

This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2022 Ram 3500. The data includes 179 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 12 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 3 reported crashes, 4 fire incidents, 5 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.

All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.

Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.