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Ram 3500 jerking problems

17 of the 2,369 owner complaints about the Ram 3500 describe jerking or lurching, most of them for the 2022 model year.

owner complaints
17
worst model year
2022
typical mileage
50,000
Is there a fix? There are 6 recalls for this area of the car. See below

By model year

  • 2024
    1
  • 2022
    6
  • 2020
    1
  • 2018
    3
  • 2016
    1
  • 2014
    4
  • 2013
    1

What owners say

Filed Sep 1, 2026 · Brakes, Steering · 45,169 miles · FL

The contact owns a 2022 Ram Promaster 3500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 MPH while making a left turn, the steering wheel suddenly jerked to the left and the right. The EPS warning light illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that while in reverse, the steering wheel jerked and became firm. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Additionally, while driving at various speeds and making a left or right turn, the brakes unintendedly activated while the accelerator pedal was depressed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 45,169.

Filed Nov 5, 2025 · Brakes · MI · crash

I had just merged onto the highway and was in the left lane that was ending ahead. As soon as I switched lanes traffic came to a stop. I slammed on the brakes and the truck came to a complete stop before impact. Then with my foot still on the brake pedal the truck lurched forward making impact with the vehicle in front of me. I believe that the defective brake HCU failure caused the ABS system to fail ultimately resulting in the accident. The only damage was to the front bumper. No airbags deployed and the accident was not reported. I would like Ram to replace my bumper since I have been driving with this problem for over a year and still no fix to the problem. It is a clear safety issue and had resulted in not being able to safely drive the truck.

Filed Sep 25, 2025 · Steering · 60,910 miles · MN

The contact owns a 2022 Ram Promaster 3500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 MPH, the steering wheel malfunctioned and jerked out of his hands and became difficult to turn in either direction. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the steering rack and steering rack wiring harness was faulty and needed to be replaced. The steering rack and steering rack wiring harness were replaced, and the vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle had previously experienced the failure, and the steering rack wiring harness was replaced, but the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 60,910.

Filed Jun 26, 2025 · Engine, Fuel system · TX

We bought our 2024 3500 Dodge RAM in Florida in late March. Last weekend the truck started to feel like it was jerking while we were pulling our 5th wheel. On Monday we schedule an appointment in Brockton Massachusetts at a dealership. We were told there need to be a system update and that it was all set. On Wednesday we started our 3 hour drive to Maine when suddenly while we were on the highway the truck began to overheat and revving loud only going 35mph. We pulled over into a parking lot and called RAM roadside assistance. We were told to let the truck cool down and try again. After being in a parking lot with our 4 kids and 2 dogs in 100 degree weather for 6 hours we attempted to start the truck. However every time we put it in drive the truck shut off. At this time we had to get it towed for $300, today the local RAM autoshop is saying they looked at the truck and transmission is gone. They are also saying they will not be able to look at the truck for a month. We travel full-time in our RV and now are stranded with our RV and no way to pull it anywhere.

Filed Jun 30, 2024 · Brakes · VA

The message “service electronic braking system” and service antilock brake system” periodically displays on the driver information screen. If I’m using cruise control when the message comes on the cruise control abruptly disengages causing a lurching slowdown. Often times it chimes and the message displays and disappears and comes back on and off numerous times.

Filed Apr 4, 2024 · Transmission · CA

February 19,2024. Towing a bumper pull toy hauler approximately 10,000 pounds, just merged onto a two lane highway when the check engine light came on and truck jerked a couple times, I pulled to side of highway where there is not much of a shoulder. I placed it in park, sat a few seconds then into drive when I noticed no forward motion in drive. I turned truck off a few minutes, restarted, check engine light still on, no movement in drive mode. I did have reverse functioning. This was very dangerous situation, high speed two lane highway, small shoulder, many large RVs and 18 wheeler trucks flying by. 5 weeks truck is at dealer, they say it’s done, they attempt to bring it to me at the shop, then tell me check engine light on, throwing multiple codes. They still have truck, tell me they will find out issue asap.

Filed Apr 2, 2024 · Transmission · GA

On [XXX] I was driving my newly purchased 2022 Ram 3500 on [XXX] near Mead, CO when my check engine light illuminated and I immediately lost forward driving gears. I was able to coast safely to the side of the highway. I purchased this truck new on [XXX] from Perkins Motors in Colorado Springs. After stopping on the side of [XXX], I attempted to continue forward but had no power. I placed the truck in reverse and felt a sudden jerk. I then placed the truck in park and shut it off. The truck had 1,043 miles on the odometer when the transmission failed. I waited on the side of the highway for 15 hours to be towed 110 miles to the Ram dealership closest to my home. My truck spent 5 weeks at the dealership waiting on parts. Colorado Springs Ram service department informed me that the snap ring in the K1 clutch kit had failed. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Sep 26, 2023 · Engine · 116,021 miles · MS

The contact owns a 2016 Ram 3500. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the vehicle jerked and slowed down unintendedly. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed back to the residence. The vehicle was diagnosed by an independent mechanic. The contact was informed that the fuel injectors were faulty due to wear and tear. The vehicle was repaired but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the vehicle was not under warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 116,021.

Filed Apr 11, 2023 · Transmission · OR

On 4/6/2023 at around 3:15 PM, our 2022 Ram 3500 HO 6.7 Cummins coupled with the Aisin AS69RC Transmission which failed at between 40 to 50 MPH while towing a 40' travel trailer. It was sudden when we heard two very loud clunks with jerking that coincided with each. Fortunately I was able to quickly pull onto a wide area of the shoulder from the center lane and not block or impact traffic. This could have had a high impact on traffic and the safety of others during this incident. We do not know how it could have impacted vehicle control. All forward gears were inoperative after the failure. We were stranded there for more than 3 hours waiting for two wreckers. One for the truck and one for the trailer. This was more than just an inconvenience and huge added expense that flowed into the following day when you realize what technology you rely on built into the truck. We use both vehicles for working remotely for long periods of time in a large 4 state area on the west coast. The longer this takes to remedy, impacts our ability to use the trailer. The biggest concern was the impact to our safety and to the public had we not been able to make it to the shoulder of the freeway. Truck has been inspected by a Ram Dealer. They have indicated that parts have been ordered. Ram Care has been contacted twice and a case good case number (85915865) has been created. We know of more than 160 other owners with the same story of the transmission failure with and without towing. Some have not made it home from the purchase of their vehicle. There is a group on Facebook that is capturing incidences of this with other Ram HO-6.7 Cummins-Aisin AS69RC transmission trucks. Dealer indicated they already have another vehicle on the lot (two weeks) with the same issue. There was zero warning. Failure was instantaneous.

Filed Mar 10, 2023 · Transmission · NC

Transmission failed at stop light, No power to move forward for 1-2 minutes, when it moved it was jerky and erratic. Drove approximately 1 mile to RAM dealership for diagnostic and service. After it was parked it would no longer drive forward.

Related recalls

Power train: manual transmissionReported June 6, 2024 · 214 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2023 Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500 vehicles. An insufficient weld in the transmission control unit can allow transmission fluid to leak on to electrical components, resulting in a loss of drive power or loss of park function.
Risk
A loss of drive power or a loss of park function increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the valve body and control unit, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expecting to be mailed July 26, 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 63B.

Recall number 24V413000 · Recall details

Power train: automatic transmissionReported November 10, 2022 · 250,079 vehicles affected
What is wrong
FCA US, LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Ram 2500 and 2020-2022 Ram 3500 vehicles. A build-up of pressure and heat inside the transmission may result in a transmission fluid leak from the dipstick tube.
Risk
Leaking transmission fluid may contact an ignition source within the engine compartment, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the transmission dipstick and transmission vent assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 29, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is ZA3.

Recall number 22V835000 · Recall details

Power train: automatic transmissionReported January 24, 2020 · 87,431 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ram 2500 and 3500 Pickup vehicles equipped with six-speed automatic (68RFE) transmissions. A build up of pressure and heat inside the transmission may result in a transmission fluid leak from the dipstick tube.
Risk
The leaking transmission fluid may contact the turbocharger or another ignition source within the engine compartment, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the transmission valve body separator plate and reprogram the powertrain control module. The recall began March 2, 2020. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is W03.

Recall number 20V043000 · Recall details

Power train: automatic transmissionReported February 8, 2018 · 180,462 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2017-2018 RAM 1500, 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis, 4500 Cab Chassis, and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles, all equipped with a column shifter. Pushing the brake pedal for prolonged periods when the vehicle is running and in PARK may cause the Brake Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI) pin to stick in the open position. With the pin in the open position, the transmission can be shifted out of PARK into any gear without pushing the brake pedal or having the key in the ignition.
Risk
Being able to shift the transmission without pushing the brake pedal and/or without a key in the ignition can increase the risk of an unintended vehicle rollaway that may result in personal injury or a crash.
Remedy
Chrysler will notify owners and dealers will update the Body Control Module software. Dealers will also test the BTSI operation, replacing the solenoid as necessary. The recall began February 26, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U11.

Recall number 18V100000 · Recall details

Power train: automatic transmission: lever and linkage: column shiftReported December 20, 2017 · 1,482,874 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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. Pushing the brake pedal for prolonged periods when the vehicle is running and in PARK may cause the Brake Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI) pin to stick in the open position. With the pin in the open position, the transmission can be shifted out of PARK into any gear without pushing the brake pedal or having the key in the ignition.
Risk
Being able to shift the transmission without pushing the brake pedal and/or without a key in the ignition can increase the risk of an unintended vehicle rollaway that may result in personal injury or a crash.
Remedy
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update the vehicle software, inspect the BTSI, and, as necessary, replace it, free of charge. The recall began February 26, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T79.

Recall number 17V821000 · Recall details

Power train: transfer case (4-wheel drive)Reported July 1, 2016 · 889 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2016 Ram 3500 trucks manufactured July 24, 2015, through January 7, 2016, and 2016 Ram 4500/5500 trucks manufactured July 24, 2015, through October 8, 2015. The transfer case may have been manufactured with a misshapen main output shaft, creating voids that may cause a shaft fracture.
Risk
If the main output shaft fractures, the vehicle may lose motive power, increasing the risk of a crash. Additionally, the driver may be unable to place the vehicle in PARK, increasing the risk of a vehicle rollaway.
Remedy
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the transfer case, free of charge. The recall began on August 11, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S48.

Recall number 16V495000 · Recall details

Questions about the Ram 3500 jerking

Which Ram 3500 years have jerking or lurching problems?

The model years with the most reports are 2022 (6 complaints), 2014 (4 complaints) and 2018 (3 complaints).

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