Head-to-head reliability
RAM 3500 vs FORD F 150
How the RAM 3500 and FORD F 150 compare on NHTSA complaints, recalls and crash reports — and which is the lower-risk used buy.
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint & recall records
RAM 3500 vs FORD F 150: The RAM 3500 averaged 175 complaints per year over 10 years, while the Ford F-150 averaged 1,162. The Ford had 330 crash-related complaints versus 51 for the RAM. Both reported 1 death. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the RAM 3500 or FORD F 150 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
RAM 3500
The RAM 3500 is a heavy-duty truck often used for towing and hauling. Over 10 years, owners filed 1,750 complaints, averaging 175 per year, with brakes being the most common concern. Many complaints describe brake pedal issues and electrical glitches that can affect towing confidence. Recalls cover wiring, displays, steering, air bags, and instrument clusters.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 is a popular light-duty truck with 11,621 complaints over 10 years, averaging 1,162 per year. Power train and electrical problems dominate owner reports, often involving transmission limp mode and lead frame failures. Recalls address engine, seat belts, door latches, and air bag inflators. The high complaint volume suggests frequent visits to the shop for many owners.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | RAM 3500 | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 1,750 Better | 11,621 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 86 Better | 151 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 51 Better | 330 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 175.0 Better | 1162.1 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 31 Better | 297 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 1 | 1 |
Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records.
What actually goes wrong
The problems owners report
The most-complained-about systems on each vehicle — what fails, and what owners say in their own words.
RAM 3500
- 01SERVICE BRAKES934
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM297
- 03POWER TRAIN223
- 04HYDRAULIC196
- 05VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL161
Owners report soft or long brake pedal travel, sometimes requiring the pedal to be pushed halfway down before brakes engage. Others describe loss of trailer brakes and multiple warning lights (ABS, stability control) while towing, which can reduce control.
Complaints include infotainment screens blacking out, backup cameras showing distorted images, and cruise control buttons failing. These issues can distract the driver and may require repeated dealer visits.
Some owners experience stalling after an accelerator control sensor warning, and others report drivetrain failures shortly after purchase. Stalling in traffic is a serious safety concern.
Hydraulic system complaints often relate to brake and steering assist. Owners may notice reduced braking or steering effort, especially when towing heavy loads.
“Loss of various systems while towing 14,000# trailer in hilly terrain. Loss of trailer brakes caused diminished control on the vehicle. * 4WD System Temporarily Unavailable * Service Antilock Brake System * Service Electronic Stability Control * Service Trail…”
“The brakes do not apply until after the pedal reaches half of its travel distance and still not as good they should. Very soft pedal feeling and too long of pedal travel to apply brakes. Very unsafe! I have had it to the dealer 3 times for this condition sinc…”
FORD F 150
- 01POWER TRAIN3,648
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,100
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,431
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1,224
- 05ENGINE880
The most common complaint is transmission limp mode, often stuck in 5th gear, and lead frame failures that can cause sudden loss of power. Owners describe near-collisions and recurring repairs.
Lead frame issues also appear under electrical, causing speed sensor failures and limp mode. Rear window defroster shorts have led to shattered back windows, which is a surprising and dangerous defect.
This category includes the exploding rear window and other miscellaneous failures. These unpredictable problems can be costly and frightening.
Owners report lighting failures that may affect visibility. While not detailed in the sample, the high count suggests frequent bulb or housing issues.
“This lead frame issue is never ending. Well over a decade without a proper remedy. I’m very familiar with it. but this one nearly ended my life. After the near collision I called my mechanic and bought a new ford lead frame from a dealership. It’s doing fine…”
“My 2017 Ford F-150 V8 with the 6-speed automatic transmission has been experiencing a serious and recurring transmission malfunction. The truck has consistently, almost on a daily basis, gone into limp mode and become stuck in 5th gear. It also frequently fai…”
Official recalls
Safety recalls on record
Federal recall campaigns — the defect, the risk, and the fix. Confirm any open recall was completed before you buy.
RAM 3500 — 86 recalls
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Ram 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis, and 4500, 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles equipped with a Cummins 6.7L Turbo Diesel engine. An electrical short may occur in the heater grid relay with the ignition on or off.
The risk: An electrical short in the relay can result in an engine compartment fire with the ignition on or off, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the relay, free of charge. This will be a Phased campaign. Phase 1 will include 2023 model year vehicles. FCA US will not…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Ram 1500, Ram 3500 Cab Chassis with GVWR less than 10,000 lbs., and 2022-2024 Ram 2500 vehicles. The radio software may prevent the rearview image from displaying. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Veh…
The risk: A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the radio software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 24, 2023. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 97A.
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2023 Ram 1500 Classic, Ram 3500 Classic, 3500 Cab Chassis, 2023-2024 Ram 2500, 4500/5500 Cab Chassis, and Ram 3500 vehicles. The steering column control module may cause the high beams to activate when the turn signal is used or activate the turn signal w…
The risk: Turn signals and/or high beams that do not function as intended may cause confusion or reduced visibility to other road users, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the steering column control module (SCCM) software, and inspect and replace the module, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 19, 2023. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer ser…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) (Stellantis) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Ram 1500, Jeep Wrangler, Jeep Wagoneer, Jeep Grand Wagoneer, Chrysler Pacifica, Ram 3500, Ram 3500 cab chassis, Ram 2500, Ram 4500 cab chassis, Ram 5500 cab chassis, 2023 Jeep Gladiator, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep Grand Cherokee L, R…
The risk: An air bag that does not deploy in a crash can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the steering column control module, as necessary free of charge. Some owner notification letters were mailed April 11, 2024 through June 20, 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-85…
FORD F 150 — 151 recalls
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Ford F-150 and 2017-2019 Ford F-250 Super Duty, F-350 Super Duty, F-450 Super Duty, and F-550 Super Duty pick-up trucks equipped with an engine block heater. Water and contaminants may get into the block heater cable's splice connector causin…
The risk: When the heater is plugged in, prolonged corrosion could cause a resistive short, increasing the risk of overheated or melted wiring which can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will disable the block heater cable, free of charge. Once parts are available, Dealers will replace the engine block heater cable, free of charge. The recall began June 3, 2019. Owners may contact Ford…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Ford F-150 and 2017-2019 Ford F-250 Super Duty, F-350 Super Duty, F-450 Super Duty, and F-550 Super Duty pick-up trucks equipped with an engine block heater and previously remedied under recall 18V894. During the previous repair, the block he…
The risk: A damaged cable could cause a resistive short, increasing the risk of overheated or melted wiring, increasing the risk of a fire.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will disable the engine block heater from being used. When replacement cables become available, a second notice will be mailed and dealers will replace the engine block heater cord, free of charge. The…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Ford F-150 Regular Cab and SuperCrew Cab vehicles. If a front seat belt pretensioner deploys as the result of a crash, the sparks may ignite materials such as carpeting or insulation within the B-pillar area.
The risk: A vehicle fire could result if materials ignite inside the vehicle.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will remove the B-pillar insulation material and wiring harness tape, and install heat resistant tape, free of charge. The recall began September 28, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Ford F-150, and 2017 F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 Super Duty trucks. The doors on these vehicles may have a bent or kinked actuation cable or the door latches may freeze after water gets into the latch. Either condition can result in the do…
The risk: A door that opens while driving can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the door latch actuation cables and repair if necessary, and install water shields over the door latches, free of charge. The recall began October 12, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer…
Buyer analysis
RAM 3500 or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The RAM 3500 has far fewer complaints per year (175 vs. 1,162), but both have serious issues. The Ford F-150's higher volume means more owners report problems, especially with transmissions and electrical systems. In practice, the RAM may require less frequent repair visits, but brake and electrical faults still demand attention.
Key differences
- RAM 3500 complaints center on brakes (934) and electrical (297), while Ford F-150 complaints are led by power train (3,648) and electrical (2,100).
- Ford F-150 owners frequently report transmission limp mode and lead frame failures; RAM 3500 owners more often report soft brake pedal and trailer brake loss.
- The Ford F-150 has 330 crash-related complaints vs. 51 for the RAM 3500, though both have 1 death reported.
- Recalls for the RAM 3500 include steering control module and air bag clockspring; Ford F-150 recalls include engine and seat belt pretensioner.
- Check for soft or long brake pedal travel and any warning lights for ABS or stability control, especially after towing.
- Test the infotainment system, backup camera, and cruise control buttons for blackouts or unresponsiveness.
- Scan for transmission codes (especially P0722) and test drive for limp mode or harsh shifting.
- Inspect rear window defroster operation and look for any signs of shattering or electrical shorts.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on the NHTSA website.
- Have a mechanic inspect the brakes, transmission, and electrical systems specific to the model.
- Test drive extensively, including highway speeds and towing if applicable, to reproduce limp mode or brake issues.
- Ask for maintenance records, especially for transmission fluid changes and brake repairs.
- Verify that any recall repairs (e.g., lead frame, software updates) have been completed.
Year by year
Which model years to avoid
Complaints per model year for both vehicles — lower is better. The spikes are the years to scrutinize.
| Year | RAM 3500 | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 27 | 35 |
| 2025 | 42 | 345 |
| 2024 | 44 | 638 |
| 2023 | 17 | 1527 |
| 2022 | 190 | 3493 |
| 2021 | 62 | 5349 |
| 2020 | 116 | 44 |
| 2019 | 136 | 52 |
| 2018 | 804 | 79 |
| 2017 | 312 | 59 |
Check the actual car
Comparing models is smart. Checking the VIN is essential.
Brand averages tell you the trend. A VIN check tells you what's wrong with the specific RAM 3500 or FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- RAM 3500 vs FORD F 150
- RAM 3500 total complaints
- 1,750
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 11,621
- RAM 3500 total recalls
- 86
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 151
- RAM 3500 avg complaints/year
- 175.0
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1162.1
- More reliable overall
- RAM 3500
- RAM 3500 top complaint area
- SERVICE BRAKES
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN