2022 Dodge Ram 3500 Problems and Top Complaints – Is Your Car A Lemon?

Engine & steering problems are among the top complaints received by the NHTSA from vehicle owners

Updated on Author: Brian Jones

Updated on Author: Brian Jones

The 2022 RAM 3500 is designed with maximum power in mind. Even the automaker claims it provides
“major pulling power.” While it might provide power, the defective engine and poor steering are already causing problems navigating this big truck down the road.

Click on other model year to view more problems: 2018   2021

Don’t be stuck with a lemon. You have legal rights to cash, return or buyback.

The law makes Dodge pay legal fees.

We've fixed thousands of lemon problems. Message or call 877-795-3666 today.

NHTSA Complaints for the 2022 Dodge Ram 3500

Complaint CategoryNumber of Complaints
Power Train
24
Electrical System
5
Engine
4
Unknown Or Other
2
Exterior Lighting
2
Vehicle Speed Control
1
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
1
Service Brakes
1
Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking
1
Fuel/propulsion System
1

Problems with the Engine

To create this high level of power, one must assume that there’s a reliable engine located under the hood. However, there seem to be problems with this potent powertrain.

Car and Driver points out, “the diesel models don’t handle quite as well around town, and they’re not quick.”

Don’t take their word for it; there are serious issues with the engine. NHTSA Campaign Number 21V798000 states that the Cummins 6.7-liter turbo diesel engine can start a truck fire because of an electrical short. The issue comes back to the solid state intake heater grid relay. It’s such a major issue that FCA USA has told customers not to park their vehicle near a building.

How does someone do that when going home after work? Should they leave the truck down the street and walk home? Aside from the engine, NHTSA Campaign Number 21V925000 talks about further defects that need to be discussed. It turns out that the Ram trucks also have air bag defects that could injure people during an accident. So, whether people are driving or parked, the truck could seriously hurt them. What a way to ensure it’s the best from every angle – best at destroying things and people.

Problems with the Steering

How does the 2022 Ram truck handle? It turns out not to be a strong suit of this heavy-duty pickup.

Car and Driver further points out, “dual-rear-wheel axle makes tight spaces nightmarish.”

There are also recalls that deal with how the truck handles. NHTSA Campaign Number 22V140000 discusses how the ABS control module can prevent the electronic stability control system from working as designed. To repair it, the software needs to be updated. If the Ram wants to boast of “more pulling power,” maybe it’s time that the company works on pulling its weight to meet customers’ needs. Right now, it’s just a straight failure.

Your Lemon Law Legal Rights

Think you have a lemon? Sit back and let the experts work out your lemon case at no cost to you. The law makes Dodge pay legal fees. You may be able to get your lemon out of your life. Every year, auto manufacturers buy back, replace or pay cash settlements to thousands of ‘lemon’ owners like you.

Complaint Data

CategoryVehicle Speed Control
DateMar 16, 2023
StateID
Description
2022 ram 3500 6. 7l h/o aisin transmission failed going down the road. Very bad
CategoryPower Train
DateMar 12, 2023
StateCA
Description
Transmission quit working without notice and left me stranded in the roadway with my children in the vehicle. The dealership will not replace with a new transmission because of problems with the new same transmission, instead requesting to rebuild with some updated parts. As far as I know the dealership is the only place to check the issue. Check engine light illuminated only once the transmission stopped working.
CategoryPower Train
DateMar 10, 2023
StateNC
Description
Transmission failed at stop light, no power to move forward for 1-2 minutes, when it moved it was jerky and erratic. Drove approximately 1 mile to ram dealership for diagnostic and service. After it was parked it would no longer drive forward.
CategoryPower Train
DateMar 09, 2023
StateMI
Description
The k1 clutch snap ring failed causing a sudden loss of all forward motion while towing. Vehicle is currently at dealership service center. The loss of all forward motion caused a breakdown while towing, placing me and my family at risk while stranded and blocking road. With the vehicle (and towed fifth wheel) blocking the road, it also put other drivers at risk of crash. The problem has been reproduced and confirmed by dealer. The component has not been inspected to my knowledge. Several seconds before the losing forward motion I saw the mil lamp come on along with message of "4 wheel drive not available". It also dropped me out of tow/haul mode, I believe.
CategoryElectrical System
DateMar 07, 2023
StateNC
Description
The contact owns a 2022 ram 3500. The contact received notification of the nhtsa campaign number: 23v060000 (electrical system) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The local dealer was notified of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the part was not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available.
CategoryPower Train
DateMar 07, 2023
StateGA
Description
K1 snap ring failure at 2,950 miles. Vehicle currently in dealer possession. Available for inspection. Safety risk as vehicle was towing during failure causing loss of forward gears, and potential loss of control of vehicle being towed. Especially hazardous to other unsuspecting motorists around vehicle when loss of forward gears happened traveling on highway. Dealer has completed diagnostic. States clutch and other components were destroyed at time of failure. Vehicle has not gone under any inspection other than dealer. No prior warnings, or symptoms to indicate such a failure was to occur.
CategoryPower Train
DateMar 06, 2023
StateFL
Description
The contact's son owns a 2022 ram 3500. The contact stated while her son was driving at highway speeds, an abnormal noise started coming from the vehicle, and the vehicle lost motive power and stalled without warning. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The vehicle remained in the dealer's possession for two months before the repair was completed. Soon after the vehicle was returned, the failure recurred while driving at highway speeds. The vehicle was towed to an unknown dealer where it remained. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 5,000.
CategoryPower Train
DateMar 06, 2023
StateOH
Description
My vehicle suffered a complete transmission failure without any warning signs. Transmission completely stoppped working in downtown atlanta during rush hour traffic leaving me stranded in middle of 7 lanes of traffic. Vehicle was towed to dealer and diagnosed failure was due to failed snap ring in transmission. It is a known problem in 22'-23' model year ram 3500, 4500, 5500 trucks. Ram calls it the k1 snap ring tsb. Reference attached spreadsheet. Over app. 40 day period 127 trucks have all been confirmed to have same exact issue. Ram has limited supply of repair parts available. Average time to get customers truck back on the road is currently averaging 37 days. My dealer told me to figure 2-3 months of down time. I was told service centers can only order 1 k1 tsb parts kits every 7 days and they take roughly a month to receive. I was told there are 4 truck in his service center ahead of mine that still need same parts kits ordered. I have been trying for 7 days now (multiple times a day) to get a case agent from ram customer care to return my calls. Still have not received a return phone call.
CategoryPower Train, Unknown Or Other
DateMar 04, 2023
StateAZ
Description
Transmission damaged on a brand new truck this is my 2nd truck this happens to they are both at the dealer with a transmission damage dealer is saying parts are in backorder and they have me without a worktruck 2 brand new truck. Dealer have had my truck for over 30 days since feb 02 23
CategoryPower Train
DateFeb 23, 2023
StateWI
Description
I was pulling our camper from southern wisconsin to north central oregon for work. While driving through a snow storm, in stop and go traffic outside of minneapolis, I felt and heard a loud clunk. Vehicle lost gears 1-4, gears 5,6, and reverse were all that were available. It was a dangerous situation due to being stranded in the left lane on I-94 during snow storm with white out conditions. This could have been even worse had the transmission failed while going over the mountains to oregon. Transmission failed at 9117 miles on 01/03/2023. Expected parts for repair estimated to be 03/22/2023. This is a much bigger problem than is being represented on here with reports. My truck is listed on a spread sheet put together by a fellow member of a ram truck facebook group that is tracking these failures. My truck was the third added to the list on 01/05/2023. There are now over 90 trucks on the spreadsheet since then. See spreadsheet attached. Link to living document is: https://docs. Google. Com/spreadsheets/d/1xg18avlccuij0u6cv4dmxsg0jcr8boaduc8d8kzofa0/edit.
CategoryPower Train
DateFeb 23, 2023
StateTX
Description
Transmission failure failed on the highway vehicle was towed to delaer where problem was confirmed no warning lights until transmission failed. Check engine light came on when failed.
CategoryPower Train
DateFeb 18, 2023
StateCA
Description
The transmission lost gears 1 through 4 on the freeway in traffic. We were going approximately 25mph in the fast lane when it happened. We were lucky enough to have enough speed to make it to the shoulder, but were left stranded on the shoulder. Truck is at dealer needing a transmission replacement that can't be ordered at this time.
CategoryPower Train
DateFeb 17, 2023
StateME
Description
I lost the transmission in my truck. Lost 1st thru 4th gears . I was in reverse and my truck made a loud clunk/bang the dash stated 4wheel drive unavailable. The engine light came on and it went into limp mode. 40mph top speed. I got it to the dealer on 12 and the truck has been there since. Ram is now claiming no eta of any sort and there is an engineering problem with the transmission. I worry that someone could get injured if the transmission fails at speed of in traffic. Please look into this before someone gets hurt.
CategoryPower Train
DateFeb 17, 2023
StateTN
Description
The contact owns a 2022 ram 3500. The contact stated while driving 40 mph and towing a 40-ft trailer ascending a mountain, a loud clunking noise was coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle decelerated. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to accelerate while depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was driven very slowly to the local dealer who diagnosed that the transmission was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vin was not available. The failure mileage 800.
CategoryElectrical System
DateFeb 14, 2023
StateAZ
Description
The contact owns a 2022 ram 3500. The contact stated that the vehicle was purchased brand new. The contact stated while driving at various speeds after the dealer had delivered the vehicle to him, he felt a significant buzzing sensation. The contact stated that the sensation was extremely strong and had caused him and his friend who was occupying the front passenger seat to have headaches. The vehicle was taken to the dealer the next day. The dealer diagnosed that the vehicle was experiencing an extremely high electric magnetic frequency. The dealer took the dash apart and wrapped it in shielding foil to temper the radiation. However, the failure persisted. Chrysler regional representative informed the contact that he could continue to drive the vehicle as it was still performing as designed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 10.
CategoryPower Train
DateFeb 06, 2023
StatePA
Description
I was driving on the interstate and new truck with 170 miles on it just made 2 loud noises and then would not go over 10 miles an hour, which I think is very dangerous. Now its been at the service station for ram for a month and the mechanic said this was his 6th truck with under 600 miles with the same problem. And ram is not doig much to assist me.
CategoryPower Train
DateFeb 02, 2023
StateIN
Description
While traveling approximately 15 miles per hour transmission locked-up in the middle of the road and would not move. Dash lit-up with check engine lights. Truck was towed to dealership where it was determined that a new transmission was needed and ordered. As of today, the truck has been at the dealership for repair for just under 40 days.
CategoryPower Train
DateFeb 01, 2023
StatePA
Description
Backed out of a parking spot onto a busy road, put the truck in drive and nothing. Transmission failure. Me and my daughter were stuck in the middle of the road and truck would only go in reverse. Had to reverse a u-turn in middle of road and back into parking spot. Dealer confirmed a failure in the transmission and is repairing/ replacing. Upon fruther investigation into this issue online there is a list of truck that this is happening to. Check engine light also came on when vehical would not move.
CategoryPower Train
DateFeb 01, 2023
StateMS
Description
On 4 different occasions when accelerating from a stop when we proceed forward slowly vehicle will rev up to 4500 rpm without any forward movement. After coasting to side of road we put vehicle in park and after a few minutes we put it in drive and it will run fine. We have not had any code lights appear or warning signs appear.
CategoryPower Train
DateJan 31, 2023
StateAK
Description
We were traveling westbound on the interstate I-10 towards los angeles california on nov 13/22 near cabazon ca in my 2022 ram 3500, srw, 6. 7 ho with the aisin transmission. It was rush hour stop-and-go traffic. I was traveling at a speed of approximately 35mph when a large bang came from under the vehicle. There was an immediate and complete power loss and we had to coast to the shoulder of the road and try to avoid being struck by traffic. Once on the shoulder, I had got out and checked under the vehicle. There was nothing that I could see that was wrong. There was a check engine light that went on. Using a jobber ob2 scanner, codes p0731 (gear 1 incorrect ratio) and p0732 (gear 2 incorrect ratio) were present. The truck was towed to the redlands cdjr dealer for service with only 6700 miles on the odometer. It turned out to require a complete new aisin transmission. The repair took a month to complete and looks to have been caused by a defective snap ring as per service bulletin 21-002-23 (k1 clutch drum snap ring and k1 input shaft drum sub assembly) although the redlands cdjr dealer or fca will not confirm. The bulletin states the affected vehicles are the 2022-23 ram 3500 pickup, 3500 cab and chassis, and 4500/5500 cab chassis trucks. Due to the immediate power loss, with zero warning, we were just able to get to the shoulder of the road and could have easily caused a massive pile up and possible deaths due to the failure. Fca refuses to inspect or confirm that the new transmission (68498560ab) installed in my truck addresses the 21-002-23 service bulletin and said I would need to pay out of pocket for the inspection to occur at a dealer. There are numerous documented cases of newly installed transmissions failing shortly after being "repaired". I believe it would be in the publics best interest that fca/ram issue a recall on the effected vehicles as these vehicles are typically used for emergency, commercial and towing application's.
CategoryPower Train
DateJan 21, 2023
StateCA
Description
While driving the transmission went out, not being able to engage or use any forward moving gears.
CategoryService Brakes, Hydraulic
DateJan 18, 2023
StateTX
Description
The contact owns a 2022 ram 3500. The contact stated while driving at approximately 70 mph the abs (anti lock brake system) warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that as he slowed to exit the highway he depressed the brake pedal which went to the floorboard. The contact stated that he had no brakes and was only able to stop the vehicle using the brakes on the trailer he was towing. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, who diagnosed and determined that the rear brake fluid line had become disconnected and that brake fluid had run out of the system which is why he had no brakes. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the brakes failed again while he was on the highway, and again he had to use the trailer brakes to stop the vehicle from running into the back of another vehicle that was ahead of him. The contact stated that he saw the abs light illuminated and he had also noticed smoke coming from under the vehicle. When the contact had pulled off the highway, he stated that he saw flames issuing from the rear wheel wells. The contact was able to use an onboard fire extinguisher, however, the flames were not controlled. The contact stated that the police and fire department had arrived on the scene and that the flames were put out using water. The contact was not aware if the police or fire department had written any reports. The vehicle was towed back to the same dealer. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 37,000.
CategoryPower Train
DateJan 10, 2023
StateTX
Description
The contact owns a 2022 ram 3500. The contact stated while depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle made an abnormal sound. Additionally, the vehicle occasionally would not start as needed. The fault code: p0731 (gear 1 incorrect ratio) was retrieved. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 26,000.
CategoryPower Train
DateJan 09, 2023
StateSC
Description
The transmission suddenly lost all forward gears while towing 3 utv on a trailer.
CategoryEngine
DateJan 04, 2023
StateWY
Description
Def warning: see dealer. 125 miles until 5mph max speed. Happened 250 miles to nearest dealer during winter storm in sd and ne. Stranded at night, in storm, in freezing conditions, without available help. This is a potentially fatal situation due to failure of new vehicle despite preparation per vehicle manual. Def tank 2/3 full, dpf gauge at 0. Eventually towed 135 miles to dealer to have def code reset. This is dangerous and very common.
CategoryElectrical System, Service Brakes
DateJan 01, 2023
StateWI
Description
This vehicle went back to the dealer numerous times and ultimately was surrendered to chrysler under lemon law. It had abs braking issues along with trailer brake problems. At about 8000 miles it started having abs alarms which cause a bunch of other issues that I feel is a serious safety problem. When the abs system malfunctions it causes the traction control,4 wheel drive, and trailer brake systems to fail as well. I never brought the vehicle home after the last incident in september 2022 as I felt it was totally unsafe to drive especially with the trailer attached.
CategoryElectrical System, Engine, Unknown Or Other
DateDec 12, 2022
StateOH
Description
The vehicle had been parked in the street for several hours. I started the vehicle in order to back it into my driveway for the night and then turned it off (total run time for the operation was most likely under a minute from the time the engine was started until it was shut down). The temperature was relatively cool and I did have to wait for the grid heater to cycle before the engine started. I did not notice any signs, warnings, safety indicators, or dash lights to alert me to any possible problems. Upon exiting the truck I detected a very faint and quickly disipating odor of hot electrical components, similar to a fourescent light ballast that has gone bad. I looked around but didn't see anything. I began retrieving some tools from the rear passenger side of the truck and smelled the same odor but stronger. Over the next 30-40 seconds I began to search for the source and realized that white smoke was now pouring out from under the hood of the truck. I was able to get it to start and pulled it into the street just prior to flames coming from under the hood near the drivers windshield. 911 was contacted as I tried to remove any belongings from the cab. The truck is now a total loss due to fire most likely. The fire and police responded to put the vehicle out but it was almost completely engulfed on their arrival. My insurance company is attempting to gain possession of the vehicle to begin their investigation. The vehicle has approx 16,900 miles and was serviced for safety recall y76 for risk of engine fire on september 21st of 2022. The vehicle had 14,192 miles when it was inspected and passed according to the recall standards at the time. The vehicle has no other history of repairs or service items and has had no other mechanical or electrical problems to date. This was a very close call that could have resulted in the loss of my home, all my possessions, and risked harm to myself and my family if I had not stopped to get tools from the cab.
CategoryForward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking, Power Train
DateNov 29, 2022
StateTX
Description
The transmission spontaneously slipped out of park and went into reverse. My safety was close to critically impacted. When it began to roll on its own, I was scooped by the driver door and dragged several yards until the truck impacted another vehicle and came to a stop. I very likely could have been killed. If anyone had been behind the truck they likely could have been killed. The incident resulted in significant damage to my vehicle and the vehicle that it ran into. I have not driven the truck since the incident to reproduce. Police did come out to inspect the accident. Has not gone to dealer yet. There were no warning light, buzzers, etc. Completely spontaneous. Note: the vehicle was running when this happened. When I was able to get back in truck the stalk was still in park position
CategoryEngine, Fuel/propulsion System, Power Train
DateAug 02, 2022
StateCA
Description
Diesel particulate filter (dpf) sensor never installed, digital gauge has never read anything but 0%. This can cause issues with regeneration of the dpf that will result in limp mode.
CategoryExterior Lighting
DateJul 18, 2022
StateFL
Description
When using the automatic rain wipers with automatic headlights activated during the daytime the dash illumination is darken to night time values. Since the dash is digital along with the radio system, it is extremely difficult to see anything. It requires you take take your eyes off the road for a longer period to time to view any information on the dash or in the navigation/radio. The dash illumination should never darken during the daytime, unless the light value is decreased to what a nightime value would be.
CategoryPower Train
DateJun 13, 2022
StateFL
Description
After vehicle is in reverse and you press the brake. When you move the shifter to park and then release your foot from the brake, the truck moves backwards about 5 inches. It acts like its still in reverse.
CategoryElectrical System, Engine
DateMar 11, 2022
StateWA
Description
My truck had around 230 miles on it and I experienced a thumping noise from the engine compartment. The thumping disappears once the truck reaches operating temperature and the egr valve opens. Dodge claims they have no idea what the cause is. Additionally, there is an electrical draw. I have to jump start my truck every morning. The claim it is the amplifier. I pulled the fuse overnight and still had to jump start the following morning. I'm getting the run around.
CategoryExterior Lighting
DateFeb 21, 2022
StateKY
Description
Uconnect 12” screen blinds driver with full brightness in reverse. There is a software issue with the uconnect 12” screen in ram trucks. The issue arises in dark unlit areas when the truck is put in reverse, the uconnect 12” screen is automatically switched to full brightness, resulting in blinding the driver so the side rear view mirrors become useless. There is no way for the driver to override this max brightness when in reverse. The uconnect 12” screen should maintain its current level of brightness when the driver places the truck in reverse and not default to max brightness. In urban areas this may not be as significant issue as it is in rural areas. Many times, I have had to throw a heavy blanket, jacket, or sweatshirt over the screen so I would not be blinded by its increase to max brightness when putting the truck in reverse. This issue is made significantly worse when trying to back a 30' trailer in the dark and can no longer see anything from the side view mirrors due to the max brightness of the uconnect 12” screen blinding me. This is similar to passing a car with their bright lights on, but they sit there until you take the truck out of reverse. This uconnect 5 12” screen seems to be significantly brighter than the uconnect 4 screen in my previous vehicle. This is a safety issue as it temporarily blinds the driver when in reverse and has already caused damage to one trailer. The uconnect 12” should maintain the current level of brightness and not go to max brightness when the truck is put in reverse. Please make this a priority request for the next software release of the uconnect 12”. Thank you!
CategoryPower Train
DateDec 14, 2021
StateTX
Description
My vehicle came with 4x4 gear box shift on the floor. I could not get it to move into neutral or 4 low gear. I hardly drove in so it was no big deal so one day I pulled up the boot around the shift and there was a screw blocking the forward movement. It was the same screw that mount the plastic around the shift, after removing it I was able to get all the gears. The danger in that screw could have put me at risk by locking me into a gear and only staying there. The only reason I discovered this was I changed out my vinyl for carpet.

Who are we? We are Lemberg Law, a Consumer Law Firm

Lemberg Law is a consumer law firm helping victims of bad manufacturing and run-arounds from auto companies. We are ranked A+ by the BBB. Call our Helpline today!  There is no charge unless we win.

Share your story

Does this ring a bell? Have you had a bad experience too? Sound off and share your experience with other visitors in the comment box below.

Brian Jones

About the Author:

Brian Jones spent more than 20 years working as an ASE Certified Master Tech and Parts Specialist at multiple dealerships. Brian has become an authority in the industry, traveling across the country to consult for car dealerships and contributing his expertise as a writer for several major automotive publications. In his spare time, Brian enjoys working on pickup trucks, muscle cars, Jeeps and anything related to motorsports.

See more posts from Brian Jones
2 COMMENTS
  • Kerby B

    I bought a 2022 3500 ram custom built with my partner and it had 17 miles on it from Jake Sweeney in Cincinnati Ohio with 17 miles on it and it broke down in New York and was towed to Queens New York and my partner was abandoned in front of the dealership that wouldn’t touch the truck all night all alone until I got there driving from Akron Ohio!!! As a Woman in this area was traumatizing! We had to pay $950 to have the truck towed under warranty and still over 30 days later we have no truck, threatening comments about the payment coming up which I paid it as I planned! My partner was hung up on from the Danbury Connecticut Ct Chrysler dealership when asking about the tow, having a standard transmission installed so we don’t have a problem again!! I’ve had multiple dealerships refuse to work on it and said that Chrysler doesn’t want to many people trained to work on the 3500 Ram truck!

  • Edward C

    Purchased 2017 ford f350 lariat 6.7 diesel drw new.. at 112, 000 miles, high pressure fuel pump went out. $8500.00 repair. After much complaining ford covered $4000.00 of repair. At 180,000 miles, front engine cover oil leak, cost $3000.00 to repair. At 200,000 miles, brake hydro boost went out, $450.00 repair. At 250,000 miles high pressure fuel pump went out again. $9000.00 repair. Ford would not help. Truck has been serviced and repaired by dealer. Truck is used in part time hot Shot business and is owned and driven only by 70 year old owner.

    .

Leave a Reply or Comment

Write a comment below to share online. Or, instead you can to our legal team.

Please select your star rating.

Briefly describe your experience Briefly describe your experience

What’s your name? What’s your name?

What’s your phone number? Please enter a valid phone number

Want to know if you could sue? Get a free legal evaluation Lemberg Law?

Get Your No-Obligation
Case Evaluation

Send a secure message to our legal team.

What’s your name? What’s your name?
What’s your email address? What’s your email address?
What’s your phone number? What’s your phone number?
Briefly describe the problem Briefly describe the problem
Confidentiality Guarantee: We keep your information completely confidential and will not send you spam or sell your information.