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Electrical systemPart report

2000 Dodge RAM 3500 Electrical system Problems

Complaints
7about this part
Share
12%of 58 total for the year
Median mileage
106,000miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the electrical system of the 2000 Dodge RAM 3500, 12% of the 58 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 106,000 miles. 4 a fire, according to the filers.

Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“2000 Dodge RAM 3500 quad cab/electric seat wiring harness fire. Safety fuse failed, thus resulting in smoldering fire between seat foam and along carpet below the seat. Harness was installed over metal frame, and compromised when anyone would set on the set. Over time the protective coating wore off and the wiring grounded out on seat frame. We got up one morning only to find the truck filled with smoke, and were unable to locate the reason. I continued to use the truck occasionally, even though I had no dash lights, radio, dome lights, etc... …”

NHTSA complaint #10215831, filed 2008-01, 105 miles

“Electric seat fire, safety fuse failed to blow. Fuse block melted, seat motor shorted out,wiring harness burned into fire wall, across carpet, and under seat into foam padding. Truck was parked in driveway, and was not on. Problem occurred in the middle of the night, and had not been driven on that day. Upon investigation it was found that the original seat wiring harness had been improperly installed at the plant. Chrysler has inspected the truck and denied any liability, and has failed to offer any customer assistance. …”

NHTSA complaint #10218651, filed 2008-02, 106,000 miles

“Low beam headlights stopped working. Had repair done (dealer) then next day vehicle makes no contact with starter, everything else works. Repaired at dealer, headlights don't work. With rental vehicle replacement of starter (dealership advised), replacement of alternator ( dealership advised), replacement of batteries (dealership advised), headlights not working. Brought back to houston to dealer all at my expense of $1,850.00. Took to another dealer and have been told that I need an entire wiring harness to the tune of $2,823.00. …”

NHTSA complaint #10172300, filed 2006-10

“The contact owns a 2000 Dodge RAM 3500. While driving approximately 45 MPH, the contact noticed excessive cracking on the instrument control panel cluster. The cracking has progressively worsened and created a large hole in the panel, causing particles to fall inwards. The dealer stated that the failure was a common occurrence. The vehicle has not been repaired. The failure mileage was 160,000 and current mileage was 170,000.”

NHTSA complaint #10213437, filed 2008-01, 160,000 miles

“Consumer states this is the second major problem they have experienced with the engine, in march the engine was rebuilt, the oil was changed 1-2 weeks prior to the fire, the fire appeared to have started from the alternator, the fire caused the battery to melt and acid got all over, the fire was contained to the engine compartment, claim 16-n124-673.”

NHTSA complaint #6900888, filed 2002-01

Related service bulletins

Electrical system: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
20124512%
2011178%
20101711%
200966%
20081810%
20072411%
20065321%
2005158%
2004157%
200393%
200225%
200165%
2000712%
199955%
19981413%
199765%
1996108%
199587%
19941420%
1993315%
1992110%

Other parts of the 2000 Dodge RAM 3500

Suspension
11 complaints
Body and structure
9 complaints
Fuel system
8 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
8 complaints
Brakes
5 complaints
Engine cooling
5 complaints
Steering
5 complaints
Air bags
2 complaints
Equipment
2 complaints
Other or unknown
2 complaints
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
2 complaints
Engine
1 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2000 Dodge RAM 3500

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology