On 12/4/23, at 6:37 am PST, we initiated remote start via the key fob. At 6:40 am pst, a flash and fire erupted from under the hood of the truck. We immediately worked to control the fire using extinguishers and garden hoses until the fire department arrived a few minutes later. They worked to put the fire out that engulfed the engine compartment and then worked to get the hood open to finish putting the fire out. The fire didn’t fully go out until the battery cables were cut.
Ram 3500 key fob problems
10 of the 2,370 owner complaints about the Ram 3500 describe key fob or push-button start problems, most of them for the 2020 model year.
- owner complaints
- 10
- worst model year
- 2020
- typical mileage
- 41,000
Is there a fix? There are 12 recalls for this area of the car. See below
By model year
- 20205
- 20181
- 20171
- 20152
- 20131
Often reported together
What owners say
Ram 3500 Larime Crew Cab Deisel with 47,800 miles. We were driving home from our seasonal campsite, (about a 2 hour trip on highway) and it began to rain (about 15 minutes into the trip) it continued to rain very hard at times the whole trip home. Around 30 minutes into our trip the ABS warning light, Check Engine light, & Traction Control light came on. I pulled to the shoulder of the road and waited for a lull in the rain. I then opened the hood and inspected to see if something was shorting out electrically. I couldn't see or smell anything, so we decided to continue on our way. We exited the highway and took non-highway route home. I did not notice any issues while braking or driving that concerned me enough to have it towed. I pulled the truck into the garage (under our house) and unloaded our belongings from the weekend. I went down to the garage about 2 hours later (the key fob was upstairs) when I walked behind the truck, the cargo light and interior lights came on. This didn't make sense to me because the key fob was not anywhere near the truck. It was still raining so I decided to disconnect the batteries (2 batteries on the Cummins) rather than put the truck outside in the rain. Didn't want to take the chance of burning my house down. This was the first time this has happened (7-16-2023) I research to see if anyone else had similar issues and found a considerable number of owners with this similar complaint. The vehicle has not been taken to the dealer as of this writing. Having to pull to the side of the highway during heavy rain, put my family and others at risk. Given the number of complaints that I was able to read, I would say these issues should warrant a recall.
The contact owns a 2020 Ram 3500. The contact stated that she locked the vehicle with the key fob, and the auto start system started the vehicle. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The manufacturer was contacted and suggested that the manufacturer of the battery be contacted. The manufacturer provided no additional assistance. The failure mileage was 16,000.
This Laramie trim level truck has an electronic drop tailgate with a button to drop the tailgate on the overhead console and one on the key fob. The tailgate on my truck was closed during my pre-trip and entering the vehicle. I had a trailer hooked to the receiver hitch and drove ten miles before realizing the tailgate was now in the down position and caused significant damage to the tailgate because the tailgate made contact with the trailer. With the electronic release tailgate on this particular year truck there is not a warning message alerting the driver that the tailgate is ajar. There is such an alert on newer models (2021-2022) I went to a local dealership to check. I’m sure the tailgate drop button somehow was pressed on the key fob while in my pocket entering the truck. But I did not receive any alert on the instrument cluster or even hear the tailgate open because the tailgate has a soft open feature. I see this being a serious safety concern to possibly lose cargo and cause a more serious accident.
The contact owns a 2020 RAM 3500. The contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle, he depressed the START/STOP button several times however, the vehicle failed to start. After waiting for approximately 45 minutes the vehicle started. The contact also stated the vehicle failed to recognize the key fob inside the cabin of the vehicle. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2020 ram 3500. The contact stated that the vehicle was attached to a trailer. After driving and arriving at the residence, the contact became aware that the tailgate had fallen inadvertently while driving, causing damage to the tailgate and the trailer. The contact took the vehicle to auffenberg chrysler dodge jeep ram (176 auto ct, o'fallon, il 62269, (618) 622-4546) to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the keyfob was unintentionally depressed while in his pocket, causing the tailgate to open inadvertently. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 4,000.
My shift lever on the steering column will often not shift all the way back in to park when trying to place the vehicle in park. Often the lever gets hung up between reverse and park. When this happens, the vehicle's prnd indicator on the control panel will turn a yellow color instead of the normal white color. Also, the shift lever will become stuck and must be forcibly taken back into gear to try to shift again back into park. The lever acts as if it has found a 'new' slot between park and reverse. Also, when this yellow color shows on my prnd indicator, if I am negligent in not getting the vehicle fully back into park, the vehicle will not start. I have had to have this vehicle towed back to the dealer repair shop because I could not get the shift lever out of the spot it was stuck in between park and reverse. This represents a problem in that I believe the truck is recognizing that it is neither in park or reverse so that it may become a safety issue when the truck is parked. Without the use of the emergency brake it may roll off. This incident has so far only happened when I stop to shift the vehicle into park and attempt to shut the vehicle off. The vehicle will shut off but when I return to start the vehicle, the control panel emits the same yellow coloring for prnd indicator and will refuse to start until the shift lever is forced out of the space it has found between park and reverse. I haven't yet taken any photos, video or been able to get the dealership repair persons to acknowledge the issue. The only thing the dealership did to address the problem is talk me into purchasing a new key fob. *dt *dt *dt *dt *tr*jb *dt *dt the consumer stated btsi and shifter cable was replaced on september 13. *tr*dt*dt
Multiple times my tailgate has just flipped open on it's own, when parked and hitting the lock button on the key fob, and while driving down the road. There is currently a new recall on ram trucks for this exact problem but the recall excludes trucks with 8' beds. My truck has an 8' bed - and has this problem and should be included in the recall.
Vehicle fails to start in cold weather below 55 degrees. When it is below 55 degrees, the win module will not recognize the key fob and vehicle will not start. I must keep inserting the key fob, turn it off and on, recycle door locks, open and close door. I have brought this to the dealer. No parts available. Brought it to chrysler's attention, no repairs or parts. If I needed to go anywhere in an emergency, it would be impossible. Attaching video of what I go through. Would like to know why chrysler does not have parts nor are they replacing defective parts under warranty. Web site is not allowing me to upload a video of the problem
Tl* the contact owns a 2015 ram 3500. The contact stated that the doors would not lock manually with the master door panel or remotely with the key fob. The door ajar warning indicator illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that a pin connector for the door failed and needed to be repaired. The contact also stated that the PCM and bcm were repaired, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 7,000.
Related recalls
Electrical system: instrument cluster/panel
- What is wrong
- Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Ram 1500 Pickup, Ram 2500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Cab Chassis, Ram 4500 Cab Chassis, and Ram 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles. A software error may cause the instrument panel display to fail. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards numbers 102, "Transmission Shift Position Sequence," 105, "Hydraulic and Electric Brake Systems," 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment," 126, "Electronic Stability Control Systems for Light Vehicles," 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems," 138, "Tire Pressure Monitoring System," and/or 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
- Risk
- An instrument panel display that fails to show critical safety information, such as gear selection and warning lights, increases the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will update the instrument panel software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 5, 2026. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. FCA's number for this recall is 35D. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on beginning April 16, 2026.
Recall number 26V225000 · Recall details
Electrical system: integrated trailer brake control
- What is wrong
- Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2024-2026 Jeep Wagoneer S, 2025-2026 Ram 1500 Pickup, Ram 2500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Cab Chassis, Ram 4500 Cab Chassis, Ram 5500 Cab Chassis, and 2026 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. Due to an improperly designed trailer tow module, the trailer lights may fail to illuminate and the trailer brakes may fail.
- Risk
- Trailer brake lights and turn signals that do not illuminate reduce visibility to other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash. Additionally, trailer brakes that fail increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the trailer tow module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning March 17, 2026. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 03D. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on on February 10, 2026.
Recall number 26V059000 · Recall details
Electrical system: instrument cluster/panel
- What is wrong
- Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Ram 1500 Pickup, Ram 2500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Cab Chassis, 4500 Ram Cab Chassis, and Ram 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles. A software error may cause the instrument panel cluster display to be blank. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard numbers 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems," 105, "Hydraulic and Electric Brake Systems," and 102, "Transmission shift lever sequence, starter interlock, and transmission braking effect."
- Risk
- An instrument panel display that does not show critical information, such as warning lights or gear selection, increases the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect and update the instrument panel software or replace the instrument panel cluster, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 18, 2025. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's numbers for this recall are B4C and B8C. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on beginning December 4, 2025.
Recall number 25V826000 · Recall details
Electrical system: instrument cluster/panel
- What is wrong
- Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2026 Ram 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis, 2500, 4500 Cab Chassis, and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles. The instrument panel may display an incorrect brake system warning light. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 101, "Control and Displays."
- Risk
- An incorrect warning light can fail to alert the driver to critical safety information, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the instrument panel cluster, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 9, 2025. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is 79C.
Recall number 25V530000 · Recall details
Electrical system: instrument cluster/panel
- What is wrong
- Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain Ram 2500 and Ram 3500 vehicles equipped with a 3.5" cluster and column shifter. A software error may cause the gear selection display to be inaccurate. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 101, "Control and Displays."
- Risk
- An inaccurate gear selection display may mislead the driver as to what gear is actually selected, leading to unexpected vehicle movement and increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will update the cluster software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 22, 2025. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is 36C.
Recall number 25V297000 · Recall details
Electrical system: wiring: relays/solenoids
- What is wrong
- 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.
- 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.
- Remedy
- 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 notify dealers on or about 3/23/2023 and begin notifying owners on or about 4/5/2023. Phase 2 will include 2022 model year vehicles and Phase 3 will include 2021 model year vehicles. FCA US will notify dealers and owners on or about 4/27/2023 for Phase 2 and 5/11/2023 for Phase 3. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed March 28, 2023. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed April 5, 2023. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 13A. This recall is an expansion of and supersedes recall number 21V‑798.
Recall number 23V060000 · Recall details
Electrical system: wiring: relays/solenoids
- What is wrong
- Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Ram 3500, 2500 pickup trucks, and Ram 3500, 4500, and 5500 cab chassis vehicles equipped with Cummins 6.7L Turbo Diesel engines. An electrical short in the relay may cause a vehicle fire with the ignition on or off.
- Risk
- A vehicle fire increases the risk of injury.
- Remedy
- Owners are advised to park these vehicles outside of buildings or structures, and not near other vehicles, until the vehicle has been remedied. Dealers will inspect and, if needed, replace the Solid State Intake Heater Grid Relay ("Relay"); if FCA US Recall ID Y08 (the federal safety agency Recall ID 21V‑163) is open, then insulating material will be applied to the Relay after inspection. Owner notification letters were mailed November 10, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is Y76. This recall has been superseded by 23V060.
Recall number 21V798000 · Recall details
Electrical system
- What is wrong
- Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021 Ram 2500, 3500, and 3500, 4500, and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles equipped with a Cummins 6.7L Turbo Diesel engine. An electrical short may occur in the Solid State Intake Heater Grid Relay, which could result in a vehicle fire.
- Risk
- A vehicle fire increases the risk of injury.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect and, if needed, replace the Solid State Intake Heater Grid Relay ("Relay"); if FCA US Recall ID Y08 (the federal safety agency Recall ID 21V‑163) is open, then insulating material will be applied to the Relay after inspection. Customers are advised to not park these vehicles inside of buildings or structures, or near other vehicles until the vehicle has the final repair completed. Owner notification letters were mailed November 10, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is Y76. Owners may contact FCA US LLC customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. FCA US LLC's number for this recall is Y08. This recall has been superseded by recall number 21V‑798.
Recall number 21V163000 · Recall details
Electrical system: wiring
- What is wrong
- Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Dodge Journey, Charger and Durango, RAM 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis (more than 10,000lb), 4500 Cab Chassis and 5500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee and Chrysler 300, 2014-2019 RAM 1500, 2015-2018 Dodge Challenger, 2015-2017 Chrysler 200, 2016-2018 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis (less than 10,000 lb), 2017-2018 Chrysler Pacifica and 2018 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. These vehicles are being recalled to address a defect that could prevent the cruise control system from disengaging. If, when using cruise control, there is a short circuit within the vehicle's wiring, the driver may not be able to shut off the cruise control either by depressing the brake pedal or manually turning the system off once it has been engaged, resulting in either the vehicle maintaining its current speed or possibly accelerating.
- Risk
- If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the software, and perform a software flash on the engine or powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began June 4, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Note: Owners are advised to stop using cruise control until the software update has been performed. In the event that cruise control cannot be disengaged while driving, owners should firmly and steadily apply the brakes and shift the transmission to neutral, placing the vehicle in park once it has stopped.
Recall number 18V332000 · Recall details
Electrical system: alternator/generator/regulator
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- If the alternator fails, the vehicle may stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash. There is also the possibility that the alternator may short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
- Remedy
- Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the alternator with a revised alternator, free of charge. The recall began on December 23, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S68.
Recall number 16V739000 · Recall details
Questions about the Ram 3500 key fob
Which Ram 3500 years have key fob or push-button start problems problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2020 (5 complaints), 2015 (2 complaints) and 2013 (1 complaints).
VIN decoder
See the problems and recalls for an exact car
Buying a used Ram 3500?
Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.
Check its history