Cargurus Dodge Ram 3500 (2024)

FAQs

Which Ram 3500 to avoid? ›

With that said, below is a quick list of the RAM 3500 model years that used car buyers should avoid: 2003 RAM 3500. 2006 RAM 3500. 2007 RAM 3500.

We expect the 2024 3500 to have about average reliability when compared to other new cars.

Is the 2023 Ram 3500 a good car? There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2023 Ram 3500 is a good car. Our consumer reviews show that the 2023 3500 gets an average rating of 3 stars out of 5 (based on 33 reviews).

Discover the difference at our Ram dealer near you today, where top-notch quality meets unparalleled customer service. The Ram 3500 is built to endure, with many owners reporting that their trucks have easily surpassed the 200,000-mile mark, and some even going well beyond 300,000 miles.

The 6.7L Cummins diesel engine is unquestionably one of the best diesel truck engines around. It's available on the heavy-duty RAM 2500 and the heavy-duty RAM 3500, where it produces the following output: Power — 400 horsepower. Torque — 1000 lb-ft of torque.

Despite some issues, the 2018-2020 model years are generally considered a good choice. These years have shown significant improvements in overall reliability compared to previous generations.

For starters, RepairPal ranks the Ram 3500 higher for reliability. Plus, 2024 Ram 3500 vs. Ford F-350 ownership costs are lower when you choose the Ram truck; it has a RepairPal average annual repair cost of $1,079,¹ whereas the Ford F-350 has an average annual repair cost of $1,295.

A Ram 3500 with the high-output Cummins diesel engine, four-wheel drive, and dual-rear-wheel axle earned 16 mpg on our 75-mph real-world fuel-economy route, which is part of our extensive testing regimen.

This can lead to transmission problems affecting the life span. On average, the transmission in trucks such as the Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500 last for about 100,000 miles. However, with proper care and maintenance, you can extend the life span of your transmission.

Both the 2023 Ram 3500 and 2024 Ram 3500 can tow a maximum of 37,090 pounds¹ when equipped with the High-Output 6.7-liter Cummins Turbo Diesel I-6 engine. Although this is the maximum amount that can be towed by the model, the two other engine options in the 2023 and 2024 lineups can also tow a hefty amount.

Does a Ram 3500 pull much better than a 2500? ›

As you can see from the tables listed below, a properly equipped RAM 3500 can tow around 17,000 pounds more than the strongest 2500 model—or haul nearly twice as much weight!

Your top-tier RAM 3500 is the Limited, while the Tradesman is your entry-level model. For 2023, the 3500 saw six trim levels: Tradesman.

It's known as the 53 block problem, because these engine blocks have the number 53 cast into the side of the crankcase. After years of use, the 53 blocks tend to crack until coolant starts to pour out the side of the block. This is an issue that many people kid themselves about.

We recommend staying away from the 1991, 1992, 1993, 1999, 2001, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2008, and 2011 models. Many issues stem from these years. A few of the common appear in the format of transmission failure, charging system troubles, and electrical issues. These can be costly to handle and inconvenient for any driver.

Multiple factors can increase or decrease a Ram 1500 transmission's lifespan. It typically depends on how well you maintain it, your driving habits, and the environment in which you typically operate it. On average, a well-maintained Ram 1500 will last at least 200,000 miles or 15 years.

That's three decades of hard work - there are bound to be Dodge Cummins years to avoid after all that time. We recommend staying away from the 1991, 1992, 1993, 1999, 2001, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2008, and 2011 models. Many issues stem from these years.

Second-generation 5.9-liter 12-valve (1994 - 1998)

In 1994, Dodge released the second generation of its Cummins-powered diesel pickup trucks. Many fans consider this generation to be one of the best, if not the absolute best, Cummins engine ever built.