2001 Dodge RAM 3500 Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 5%of 130 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 60,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the electrical system of the 2001 Dodge RAM 3500, 5% of the 130 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 60,000 miles. 2 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.
“While I was driving to work smoke started entering the cab so I began to pull off the highway. I began to notice bright lights from under the dash. Before I could get out flames began to enter into the cab. I only had time to jump out of the truck and watch it engulf into flames. I was able to get out without any harm to myself. The only thing left is the bed of the truck.”
NHTSA complaint #10075286, filed 2004-06, 60,000 miles“The dash on this truck has cracked and fallen in, exposing the wiring inside the dash to the sun. The wiring insulation is not rated for exposure to direct sunlight (uv exposure) and is decomposing, putting the truck at risk of a fire initiating inside the cab at highway speeds, due to exposed wiring shorting to ground. Dodge refuses to remedy it, despite numerous attempts to resolve the issue with them. It is my understanding that this is a widespread issue, yet the nhtsb has not forced chrysler/fiat into a recall, claiming that it isn't a safety issue. …”
NHTSA complaint #10750341, filed 2015-08, 72,000 miles“The consumer feels that the 40 amp fuse in the travel trailer powers too may pins in the seven wire trailer receptacle. When this fuse blows the following functions are lost: 1) trailer marker and tail lights 2) 12 volt 3) electric brake.”
NHTSA complaint #8022060, filed 2002-11, 23,000 miles“Head light switch heats up after one hour of operation, the dash board above the light switch becomes hot to the touch. My concern is that if the lights are used longer than I have had to use them will the switch fail? The dealer has been helpful but this problem I believe is beyond the dealer and needs to be addressed by the manufacture. The dealer has replaced the switch once but the new one also heats up. I am also concerned that when I start towing a trailer with more lights on will the switch heat up even more and cause a fire.”
NHTSA complaint #738153, filed 2000-12“Vehicle was wired to pull a fifth wheel, while driving, the computer chip and alternator burned out and was informed by dealer that the wiring shorted it out, wire and power control module, appears causation is electric brake wire that was run along firewall cowl plugs from hitch to trailer, claim 55-s270-703.”
NHTSA complaint #6900901, filed 2002-01Related service bulletins
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Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 45 | 12% |
| 2011 | 17 | 8% |
| 2010 | 17 | 11% |
| 2009 | 6 | 6% |
| 2008 | 18 | 10% |
| 2007 | 24 | 11% |
| 2006 | 53 | 21% |
| 2005 | 15 | 8% |
| 2004 | 15 | 7% |
| 2003 | 9 | 3% |
| 2002 | 2 | 5% |
| 2001 | 6 | 5% |
| 2000 | 7 | 12% |
| 1999 | 5 | 5% |
| 1998 | 14 | 13% |
| 1997 | 6 | 5% |
| 1996 | 10 | 8% |
| 1995 | 8 | 7% |
| 1994 | 14 | 20% |
| 1993 | 3 | 15% |
| 1992 | 1 | 10% |
Other parts of the 2001 Dodge RAM 3500
31 complaintsSteering
17 complaintsSuspension
14 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
14 complaintsBrakes
13 complaintsFuel system
12 complaintsAir bags
11 complaintsTires
9 complaintsOther or unknown
7 complaintsEngine cooling
5 complaintsVehicle speed control
4 complaintsExterior lighting
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2001 Dodge RAM 3500
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 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