RAM 3500 · model year

2010 RAM 3500

214 NHTSA complaints, 5 crash reports, and 8 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

Not crash-tested

New Car Assessment Program

The 2010RAM3500 carries 214 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 5 crashes, 8 fires, 10 injuries, and 0 fatalities. No NCAP 5-star crash-test rating is available for this model year in the federal database.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2010 3500 is steering with 87 filings, followed by suspension (22) and engine (17). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 8 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle, the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.

NHTSA currently has 3 investigation files overlapping the 2010 3500, and 2 remain open. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page, a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

214
Complaints
5
Crashes
8
Fires
10
Injuries
0
Deaths

Total Complaints

214 filings

Crashes Reported

5 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

At or below the fleet median complaint volume.

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
STEERING87
SUSPENSION22
ENGINE17
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM15
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM10
POWER TRAIN8
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL7
SERVICE BRAKES7
STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY6
UNKNOWN OR OTHER4
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING4
WHEELS4
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:DIESEL3
AIR BAGS3
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL2

Recalls (8)

16V35200024/05/2016

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) expanded the affected population to include 73,712 2005-2009 RAM 2500 trucks produced at the St. Louis North Assembly Plant. With this change, Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2004-2008 RAM 1500, 2005-2009 RAM 2500, 2006-2009 RAM 3500, 2007-2010 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2

16V94700022/12/2016

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2009 Dodge Durango and Chrysler Aspen vehicles manufactured January 17, 2007, to December 18, 2008, and 2010 RAM 3500 cab chassis manufactured September 25, 2009, to February 1, 2010. The affected vehicles are equipped with a dual-stage driver f

17V82100020/12/2017

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:COLUMN SHIFT

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Ram 3500 Cab Chassis with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of less than 10,000 lbs, 2011-2017 Ram 3500, 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles, 2009-2017 Ram 1500 and 2010-2017 Ram 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks, all equipped with a column shifter.

16V73900013/10/2016

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Dodge Charger Police vehicles, 2007-2013 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2008-2013 RAM 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis, and 2013 RAM 2500 and 3500 vehicles. The affected vehicles have a 220 amp alternator that may suddenly fail.

18V02100009/01/2018

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Jeep Wrangler, Chrysler 300, Dodge Challenger and Dodge Charger vehicles, and 2009-2011 Dodge Dakota vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas,

14V63500008/10/2014

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:DIESEL

Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2010-2014 Ram 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500 trucks manufactured March 27, 2009, to September 5, 2013. In the affected vehicles, the electrical connectors of the diesel fuel heater may overheat.

13V52900006/11/2013

STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY

Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2008-2012 RAM 2500 4X4 and 3500 4X4 trucks, 2008-2012 Dodge RAM 3500 4x2 Cab Chassis, and model year 2008 Dodge RAM 1500 Mega Cab 4x4. The left tie rod assembly may break.

11V35000006/07/2011

STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY

CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008-2011 DODGE RAM 2500/3500 4X4, MANUFACTURED FROM FEBRUARY 14, 2008, THROUGH MARCH 28, 2011; MODEL YEAR 2008-2011 DODGE RAM 3500 CAB CHASSIS 4X2, MANUFACTURED FROM FEBRUARY 14, 2008, THROUGH MARCH 28, 2011; AND MODEL YEAR 2008 DODGE RAM 1500 MEGA CAB 4X4,

Recent Complaints

20240918AIR BAGS

The contact owns a 2010 Dodge Ram 3500. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, the air bag warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the driver's side air bag needed to be replaced. The mechanic informed the contact of NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V947000 (Air Bags). The contact called a dealer and was informed that the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 146,000.

Mileage: 146,000

20231205ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION

The contact owns a 2010 Dodge Ram 3500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle shut off without warning. The contact stated that the failure occurred after driving over a bump in the roadway. The contact stated that occasionally, while wiggling the ignition key the engine would turn on before shutting off. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who determined that the ignition switch was faulty and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V373000 (Electrical System). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 270,000.

Mileage: 270,000

20220612ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Fobik key ignition vibrates causing switching from (RUN) position to (ACC) position, shutting off the engine and making it almost impossible to steer a 3000kg machine without power steering increasing the risk for accidents.

20220612STEERING

Fobik key ignition vibrates causing switching from (RUN) position to (ACC) position, shutting off the engine and making it almost impossible to steer a 3000kg machine without power steering increasing the risk for accidents.

20220612VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

Fobik key ignition vibrates causing switching from (RUN) position to (ACC) position, shutting off the engine and making it almost impossible to steer a 3000kg machine without power steering increasing the risk for accidents.

20211122FireELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Truck totally destroyed by spontaneous fire, suspected to be related to short in radio or dashboard. Assessment done by fire department and truck paid off by Progressive Insurance but no compensation for contents of truck. Truck in driveway, not running and fire damaged adjacent vehicle at cost of $7000 paid by vehicle owner and USAA insurance.

20211122FireENGINE

Truck totally destroyed by spontaneous fire, suspected to be related to short in radio or dashboard. Assessment done by fire department and truck paid off by Progressive Insurance but no compensation for contents of truck. Truck in driveway, not running and fire damaged adjacent vehicle at cost of $7000 paid by vehicle owner and USAA insurance.

20211122FireFUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Truck totally destroyed by spontaneous fire, suspected to be related to short in radio or dashboard. Assessment done by fire department and truck paid off by Progressive Insurance but no compensation for contents of truck. Truck in driveway, not running and fire damaged adjacent vehicle at cost of $7000 paid by vehicle owner and USAA insurance.

20210730POWER TRAIN

My husband, our son, and I were traveling down the highway at about 60-65mph when we started hearing a low winding sound. Seconds later, before my husband could get the truck over to the shoulder of the road, there was a loud banging sound coming from underneath the truck that sounded like something was coming through the floorboard. He was finally able to get the truck pulled to the shoulder of the road but wasn't able to put the truck in the park position. He had to use the park brake to get the truck to completely stop. Once the tow truck safely lifted the truck, you could clearly see gears hanging amd what looked to be remains of the transfer case. The truck was towed to a body shop where several codes were discovered, which all pertained to the truck going into 4wd by itself without any warning and unknowing to the driver. This glitch is what appears to have caused the transfer case to grenade, further causing damage to the drive shaft and smashing the fuel line. We, as owners,

20210721POWER TRAIN

My family and I were traveling down the interstate about 60-65mph in 2 wheel drive when out of nowhere we started hearing a whining/roaring noise that quickly got louder. Seconds later, there was a loud rumbling noise that sounded like something was coming through the floorboard of the truck. Luckily, I was able to steer the truck to the shoulder of the road and get it to stop, but the truck would not go into park. I had to use the park brake to make sure that it wouldn't roll. After the tow truck arrived and safely jacked the truck up, we immediately noticed that it was the transfer case that had exploded. Gears were hanging out in plain site and it caused a bend in my front driveshaft. There were no warning signs and I had just had the transfer case and my transmission serviced and flushed 2 weeks prior. This put my family's and other lives in danger because had there been more traffic on the road at the time this happened, I wouldn't have had time or room to maneuver my truck safely

20210713ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

WIN ignition module has slowly been causing difficult starting problems. Now, over even slight bumps, the sloppiness in the connection between the key and the WIN module allows the key to move and the vehicle to shut off while driving. This is becoming more and more common and is very dangerous. Just on my 10 minute drive home from work today, it occurred 4 times. One time, I had just turned right on a red light (with plenty of space between me and oncoming traffic) and the truck shut off completely. Without the key being in the exact right position, I had difficulty restarting the truck and could have been very dangerous to me and the vehicle coming toward me.

20210329SERVICE BRAKES

WHILE DRIVING, THE TRUCK JUST SHUTS OFF. RESULTING IN LOSS OF STEERING, LIGHTS AND POWER BREAKS.

Mileage: 259,300

20210329ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

WHILE DRIVING, THE TRUCK JUST SHUTS OFF. RESULTING IN LOSS OF STEERING, LIGHTS AND POWER BREAKS.

Mileage: 259,300

20210329STEERING

WHILE DRIVING, THE TRUCK JUST SHUTS OFF. RESULTING IN LOSS OF STEERING, LIGHTS AND POWER BREAKS.

Mileage: 259,300

20210223FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

DURING FUELING WITH THE VEHICLE STATIONARY, FUEL WILL SPILL OUT OF SPOUT WHEN TANK IS FULL AS FUEL DISPENSER SHUTS OFF. THIS HAPPENS ANY TIME VEHICLE IS FUELED.

Mileage: 100,000

20201024FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

WHILE TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY AT APPROXIMATELY 75 MPH WITH A LOAD IN THE BED OF THE TRUCK AND TOWING A TRAILER, THE VEHICLE ENGINE STOPPED, ELIMINATING POWER STEERING AND POWER BRAKES. AFTE HAVING THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS, IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE CP$ HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP HAD DISCINTEGRATED.

Mileage: 36,662

20200205AIR BAGS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 RAM 1500. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE SITTING IN THE PARKING LOT IN THE VEHICLE, THE AIRBAGS INDEPENDENTLY DEPLOYED WITH NO WARNING. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO (AUTONATION CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM AND FIAT JOHNSON CITY, 3700 BRISTOL HWY, JOHNSON CITY, TN 37601) WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000. *BF CONSUMER STATED DUE TO THE EXPLOSION MAY HAVE RESULTED IN SOME HEARING LOSS AND CONTINUOUS NOISE IN THE HEAD OF THE CONSUMER. INSURANCE COMPANY DECLARED VEHICLE TOTALED.*JB

Mileage: 150,000

20200203ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 RAM 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SWITCH FROM HEAT TO AIR CONDITION WAS INOPERABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO (CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM315 GOODMAN RD E, SOUTHAVEN, MS 38671 (662) 349-3006) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE GEAR ACTUATOR FAILED NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VIN WAS NOT SUBJECTED TO A RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

20191121UNKNOWN OR OTHER

THE TIPM MALFUNCTIONED AND MADE VEHICLE OPERATE ERRATICALLY WHILE IN MOTION. SMELLED AN ELECTRICAL ISSUE. GOT TO A GARAGE AND WAS TOLD IT WAS PROBABLY THE TIPM.*DT*JB

Mileage: 139,030

20190816STEERING

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 DODGE RAM 3500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE IGNITION MODULE SOLENOID MALFUNCTIONED AND CAUSED THE KEY TO FALL OUT OF THE IGNITION WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION. IN ADDITION, THE STEERING WOULD NOT LOCK WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED. GREEN DODGE (3801 WABASH AVE, SPRINGFIELD, IL 62711, (217) 522-1222) AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER REFERRED THE CONTACT TO NHTSA. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 86,400. THE VIN WAS INVALID.*JB *TR*JB

Mileage: 86,400

Compare 2010RAM3500 to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations 2 Open

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2010 RAM 3500 have?
The 2010 RAM 3500 has 214 NHTSA complaints, 5 crashes, 8 fires, 10 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
Are there any recalls for the 2010 RAM 3500?
Yes, the 2010 RAM 3500 has 8 recall(s). The most common affected component is AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2010 RAM 3500?
The most-complained component for the 2010 RAM 3500 is STEERING with 87 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include SUSPENSION and ENGINE.
Is the 2010 RAM 3500 safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. No NHTSA crash test rating is available for this model year. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.