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2026 Ram 3500 Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2026 Ram 3500 carries 4 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering instrument cluster/panel. Owners report 6 recurring issue clusters, led by “Wheel speed sensor fault triggering ABS and AEB warnings.” Ram trucks use the Oil Change Indicator system to signal oil service based on driving conditions. The Ram 1500 (HEMI 5.7L, eTorque mild-hybrid, EcoDiesel 3.0L) and Ram 2500/3500 (Cummins 6.7L turbo-diesel) have markedly different intervals — the schedule below covers Ram 1500 gas. Cummins-equipped HD trucks have separate oil, fuel filter, and DEF service requirements.

4 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL

Campaign #25V530000 · Aug 18, 2025

Issue: 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 Standard number 101, "Control and Displays."

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 number for this recall is 79C.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL

Campaign #25V826000 · Jan 12, 2025

Issue: 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 with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard numbers 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems," 105, "Hydraulic and Electric Brake Systems," and 102, "Transmission shift lever sequence, starter interlock, and transmission braking effect."

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 may contact Chrysler customer service at 800-853-1403. Chrysler's numbers for this recall are B4C and B8C. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning December 4, 2025.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS

Campaign #26V059000 · Feb 2, 2026

Issue: 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 may fail to illuminate and the trailer brakes may fail.

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, LLC's number for this recall is 03D. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on February 10, 2026.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL

Campaign #26V225000 · Sep 4, 2026

Issue: 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 requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards numbers 102, "Transmission Shift Position Sequence," 105, "Hydraulic and Electric Brake Systems," 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment," 126, "Electronic Stability Control Systems for Light Vehicles," 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems," 138, "Tire Pressure Monitoring System," and/or 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

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 recall is 35D. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning April 16, 2026.

Recall data refreshed Sep 6, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2026 Ram 3500.

Reported to NHTSA

Wheel speed sensor fault triggering ABS and AEB warnings

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, SERVICE BRAKES

10 NHTSA complaints · 2026-01 → 2026-08

“This is related to the 2025/2026 Ram 3500 U1412 code relating to anti lock brake system. On this date I got an ABS warning light and check engine light. The vehicle would not turn off, was not sure if it was in gear or not, and multiple other lights came on the dash”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11732293
“Vehicle at dealership a third time for same issue relating to U1412 code associated with ABS system. First time it was towed on 1/19/2026 and second time I took it to the dealership before it required towing on 3/26/2026”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11732297
“Shortly after purchasing a new 2026 Ram 3500 in January 2026, the vehicle began displaying multiple safety warnings simultaneously while driving”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11722335

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Trailer brake controller failure while towing

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER, SERVICE BRAKES

2 NHTSA complaints · 2026-05 → 2026-06

“While descending the mountain grade, the truck’s braking system failed to respond. A warning light appeared on the dashboard indicating an issue with the electric brake system”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11737840
“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11744818

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Recall repair delayed by parts backorder

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, EXTERIOR LIGHTING

2 NHTSA complaints · 2026-02 → 2026-03

“The contact owns a 2026 Ram 3500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V059000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11726903
“I made appointment online at Hadadd Dodge to repair this. They said they could only order 1 set if parts per week and they have to repair the trucks on the lot first then will get to us”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11717235

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Instrument cluster and infotainment display glitches

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, LANE DEPARTURE, BACK OVER PREVENTION

3 NHTSA complaints · 2026-01 → 2026-03

“While driving the 2026 Dodge Ram 3500 truck the instrument panel; cluster went completely blank. The screen reappeared again in less than a minute. No other functions were affected”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11724031
“Trucks Navigation and GPS stopped working. Took to dealer for repairs, could not replicate the issue. They brought the truck back to me, and upon starting it the GPS/Navigation is not working”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11709588
“While driving, the instrument cluster/odometer intermittently flashed and became difficult to read for ~15 minutes”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11720480

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Tire tread failure at low mileage

TIRES

2 NHTSA complaints · 2026-03 → 2026-03

“LT235/80R17, well was on ranch , which I told them I use on ranch so I was charged 995. Bucks extra for AT tires , At 625 miles it popped, well I took to dealer as usual they said my fault ? Well I left . New truck 100k an 2 tire dealers told me they are Juck !!!!”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11723092
“Well this is 2 nd report , got truck in sept , 1 tire blew at 625 miles , did not waste time at dealer this time , came off the ranch got about 10 miles down road tire was losing air ,pulled over was leaking bad ,now remember this is a 1 ton dulley Tk with 6 , six tires”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11723104

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

DEF gauge and exhaust system warning malfunction

ENGINE

2 NHTSA complaints · 2025-12 → 2026-01

“Purchased the truck new with 25 miles on it from the dealer. Within the first 2000 miles, I had a message pop up that said "Service Exhaust System See Dealer"”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11706824
“Trucks DEF Gauge malfunctioning goes from full, to half, to full, to empty, and then warns about going into limp mode. Filled with DEF and still doing it”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11709587

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 11, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 11, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter

Every 8,000 mi

HEMI 5.7L: SAE 5W-20 every 8,000 miles per Oil Change Indicator. Pentastar 3.6L: SAE 0W-20. EcoDiesel 3.0L: full synthetic 5W-30, every 10,000 miles. Cummins 6.7L (HD): 15W-40 every 15,000 miles or 6 months.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 8,000 mi

Rotate tires every 8,000 miles. 4WD models towing or hauling regularly: rotate every 5,000 miles to even out drivetrain wear.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 8,000 mi

Inspect pads, rotors, and parking brake every 8,000 miles. Ram 1500 front pads typically last 40,000-60,000 miles under normal use; cut by 30-50% if towing heavily.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Fuel Filter (EcoDiesel + Cummins)

Every 30,000 mi

EcoDiesel 3.0L: dual fuel filters (under hood + frame-mounted) replace every 30,000 miles. Cummins 6.7L: replace at 30,000 miles or sooner if water-in-fuel light triggers.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$195–$250

Shop

~$135–$175

DIY

~$20–$60

On many modern cars the filter lives inside the fuel tank and is lifetime — verify before paying for a 'service'.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Engine Air Filter

Every 40,000 mi

Replace engine air filter every 40,000 miles. Trucks driven on construction sites or unpaved roads should inspect at every oil change.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Automatic Transmission Fluid (ZF 8HP70 / 8HP75)

Every 60,000 mi

Severe service (towing, plowing): replace ATF every 60,000 miles. Normal: 120,000 miles. Use Mopar ATF+4 — substitutes cause harsh 3-4 and 5-6 shifts.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Transfer Case Fluid (4WD)

Every 60,000 mi

Ram 1500 4WD: replace transfer case fluid every 60,000 miles. Use Mopar ATF+4 for the BorgWarner 44-44 transfer case.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$105–$140

Shop

~$75–$100

DIY

~$15–$40

AWD/4WD vehicles only. Easy drain-and-fill on most platforms.

Differential Fluid (front + rear)

Every 60,000 mi

Front and rear axle fluid: replace every 60,000 miles, or 30,000 miles if towing 6,000+ lbs regularly. Limited-slip rears require Mopar friction-modifier additive.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$150–$195

Shop

~$105–$135

DIY

~$20–$50

Drain plug + fill plug — straightforward DIY. AWD vehicles have two; budget for both.

Spark Plugs (HEMI — 16 plugs)

Every 100,000 mi

HEMI 5.7L runs two spark plugs per cylinder (16 total) — replace at 100,000 miles. Pentastar 3.6L: standard 6 plugs at 100,000 miles. EcoDiesel: glow plug inspection at 100,000.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

MS-12106 Coolant (Mopar HOAT)

Every 50,000 mi

Mopar HOAT (purple): first change at 100,000 miles or 5 years, then every 50,000 miles. EcoDiesel uses a different OAT formulation — do not mix.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 20,000 mi

Replace cabin air filter every 20,000 miles. Behind the glove box on Ram 1500.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2026 Ram 3500 reflects Ram's published service intervals and the Oil Change Indicator system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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