2023 Ram 3500 Safety Report

The 2023 RAM 3500, despite being a relatively new model year, has accumulated 13 NHTSA complaints, with no reported crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths. A significant concern for this vehicle is its recall history, with five distinct recalls issued. These recalls address critical safety components such as the POWER TRAIN (insufficient weld in transmission control unit, increasing crash risk), AIR BAGS (non-deployment risk), STEERING (malfunctioning steering column control module affecting turn signals/high beams), BACK OVER PREVENTION (rearview camera display issues), and ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (electrical short in relay leading to potential engine compartment fire). The presence of multiple recalls for fundamental safety systems indicates potential manufacturing or design flaws that require immediate attention. Complaint patterns, though based on a small sample size of 13, show a diverse range of issues. Top reported components include ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (1 complaint), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (1 complaint), SUSPENSION (1 complaint), and POWER TRAIN (1 complaint). Specific complaints detail issues like premature camshaft valve lifter failure leading to engine contamination, parking brake engaging independently, high beams activating with the left turn signal, and power steering intermittently failing. The recall for 'ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:RELAYS/SOLENOIDS' is particularly concerning as it warns of an engine compartment fire risk, even with the ignition off. NHTSA crash test ratings for the 2023 RAM 3500 are not available (N/A) for Overall, Frontal, Side, or Rollover categories. This lack of independent crash test data makes it difficult to assess the vehicle's passive safety performance. However, the active safety concerns highlighted by the recalls, particularly those related to loss of drive power, non-deploying airbags, and impaired visibility/control, suggest that potential buyers should exercise caution and ensure all recall remedies have been performed. The diverse nature of complaints, from engine mechanical issues to electrical and steering malfunctions, points to a broader range of potential quality control challenges.

Our recommendation: Given the numerous critical safety recalls and diverse early-life complaints, potential buyers should proceed with caution and verify that all recall remedies have been completed on any specific vehicle, and consider an extended warranty.