What are the most common RAM 3500 problems?
According to Au7o's analysis of 11,150+ owner reports, the 2013 RAM 3500 has 10 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: 68RFE Automatic Transmission Failure When Towing, Aisin AS69RC Transmission Overheating and Converter Shudder, AAM 11.5/11.8 Front Axle Seal and U-Joint Failure. Of these, 4 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the RAM 3500 reliable?
The 2013 RAM 3500 has 10 known issues documented across 11,150+ owner reports. 4 issues are rated critical: 68RFE Automatic Transmission Failure When Towing and Aisin AS69RC Transmission Overheating and Converter Shudder and AAM 11.5/11.8 Front Axle Seal and U-Joint Failure and Recall 17V562000: Concentric Water Pump Coolant Leak and Fire Risk (6.7L Cummins). Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
How much does it cost to fix common RAM 3500 problems?
Repair costs for known RAM 3500 issues range from $50 to $8,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, 68RFE Automatic Transmission Failure When Towing, typically costs $400-$8,000 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
What is the 2007-2018 RAM 3500 68RFE Automatic Transmission Failure When Towing?
The 2007-2018 RAM 3500 with the 68RFE 6-speed automatic transmission suffers from premature failure when towing heavy loads (over 10,000 lbs). The 68RFE is a derivative of the older 545RFE and was not adequately engineered for the torque output of the 6.7L Cummins. The overdrive… Repairs typically run $400-$8,000. Severity: high.
What is the 2013-2025 RAM 3500 Aisin AS69RC Transmission Overheating and Converter Shudder?
The RAM 3500 equipped with the Aisin AS69RC 6-speed automatic transmission experiences torque converter shudder, overheating when towing, delayed shifts, and premature wear. The torque converter lockup clutch develops a shudder at light throttle and highway speeds. When towing he… Repairs typically run $300-$3,500. Severity: high.
What is the 2013-2025 RAM 3500 AAM 11.5/11.8 Front Axle Seal and U-Joint Failure?
The RAM 3500 4x4 with the AAM (American Axle Manufacturing) 9.25 front axle experiences premature front axle seal leaks and u-joint failures. Differential fluid leaks from the inner axle seals, contaminating the front brakes. The front axle u-joints (Dana Spicer 60) wear out prem… Repairs typically run $200-$1,200. Severity: high.
What is the 2013-2017 RAM 3500 Recall 17V562000: Concentric Water Pump Coolant Leak and Fire Risk (6.7L Cummins)?
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) recalled certain 2013-2017 RAM 3500 pickups and 3500 Cab Chassis trucks built with the Cummins 6.7L Turbo Diesel engine. The affected trucks left the factory with a Concentric-brand water pump manufactured without a vent hole. Per NHTSA, those pumps may leak… Severity: high.
What is the 2013-2025 RAM 3500 6.7L Cummins Exhaust Brake Actuator and VGT Turbo Issues?
The RAM 3500 6.7L Cummins equipped with the integrated exhaust brake system experiences failures of the VGT (Variable Geometry Turbocharger) actuator and exhaust brake solenoid. The exhaust brake uses the VGT turbo vanes to create backpressure for engine braking while towing. The… Repairs typically run $200-$4,000. Severity: medium.
What is the 2010-2025 RAM 3500 Exhaust Manifold Stud Failure (6.7L Cummins)?
The exhaust manifold mounting studs on the 6.7L Cummins break due to repeated thermal expansion and contraction cycles. Broken studs allow the manifold to separate from the cylinder head, creating exhaust leaks that produce a ticking noise and reduce turbo efficiency. The center… Repairs typically run $400-$1,200. Severity: medium.
What is the 2013-2015 RAM 3500 Uconnect Radio Software Vulnerability Allows Remote Vehicle Control (Recall 15V461000)?
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) recalled 2013-2015 RAM 3500 trucks because the radio installed in these vehicles contains software vulnerabilities that can allow a third party to reach certain networked vehicle control systems. On a heavy-duty truck like the 3500, that radio sits on the sa… Severity: medium.
What is the 2010-2025 RAM 3500 Front Hub Bearing Failure Under Heavy Load?
The front hub bearings (wheel bearing assemblies) in the RAM 3500 fail prematurely, particularly on trucks that carry heavy loads in the bed or tow heavy trailers. The factory hub bearings are adequate for unloaded driving but wear rapidly under sustained heavy GVWR/GCWR conditio… Repairs typically run $300-$700. Severity: medium.
What is the 2010-2025 RAM 3500 Grid Heater Relay Failure (6.7L Cummins)?
The intake grid heater relay fails, preventing the grid heater from warming intake air during cold starts. The grid heater draws significant current (up to 200 amps), and the relay contacts eventually burn and weld or fail open. Without the grid heater, cold-start performance deg… Repairs typically run $80-$250. Severity: medium.
What is the 2013-2025 RAM 3500 5th Wheel / Gooseneck Prep Wiring Corrosion?
The factory 5th wheel and gooseneck towing prep wiring harness corrodes at the in-bed connector junction, particularly where it connects to the 7-pin and 4-pin trailer connectors under the bed. Water intrusion from rain, truck washes, and bed spray deteriorates the connector term… Repairs typically run $50-$300. Severity: low.
