The short answer
NHTSA's recall database lists 51 distinct safety-recall campaigns that cover at least one 2017–2025 Ram 2500 and 3500 model year, as of Oct. 11, 2026. 2019 has the most (15); the components named most often are Powertrain, Air bags, Rear camera / backover and Electrical.
A recall count is not a reliability score. One campaign can cover a few hundred vehicles or more than a million, some campaigns are software updates, and recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer of that brand. For a used vehicle, the question that matters is whether that VIN's recalls have been completed: check it on NHTSA's free VIN lookup before you buy.
At a glance
Recall campaigns by model year
| Model year | Campaigns | Components named most (campaigns) |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 13 | Steering (2), Powertrain (2), Wheels (2) |
| 2018 | 11 | Steering (2), Air bags (2), Latches and locks (1) |
| 2019 | 15 | Fuel system (diesel) (2), Structure (2), Hydraulic brakes (2) |
| 2020 | 13 | Visibility (2), Powertrain (2), Structure (2) |
| 2021 | 9 | Electrical (3), Air bags (2), Hydraulic brakes (1) |
| 2022 | 12 | Rear camera / backover (3), Electrical (2), Air bags (2) |
| 2023 | 8 | Powertrain (3), Rear camera / backover (2), Electrical (1) |
| 2024 | 5 | Rear camera / backover (2), Steering (1), Air bags (1) |
| 2025 | 6 | Powertrain (2), Electrical (2), Air bags (1) |
The campaigns that cover the most model years
| NHTSA campaign | Component | Model years covered (2017–2025) | What NHTSA says could happen |
|---|---|---|---|
| 21V398000 | Wheels | 2017–2021 | Wheel separation can cause a vehicle crash. |
| 22V140000 | Hydraulic brakes | 2019–2022 | An ESC malfunction indicator light that fails to illuminate during an electronic stability control problem can increase the risk of a crash. |
| 22V835000 | Powertrain | 2020–2023 | Leaking transmission fluid may contact an ignition source within the engine compartment, increasing the risk of a fire. |
| 22V904000 | Structure | 2019–2022 | An unintended tailgate opening while driving may result in a loss of unsecured cargo, possibly creating a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 25V010000 | Air bags | 2017–2020 | An inflator rupture may result in sharp metal fragments striking occupants, resulting in injury. |
| 23V060000 | Electrical | 2021–2023 | An electrical short in the relay can result in an engine compartment fire with the ignition on or off, increasing the risk of injury. |
| 23V654000 | Rear camera / backover | 2022–2024 | A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 26V288000 | Powertrain | 2023–2025 | Loss of vehicle control increases the risk of a crash. |
Recalls with a park-it or park-outside warning
NHTSA marks a recall "park it" when the manufacturer tells owners not to drive the vehicle, and "park outside" when there is a fire risk. These are the ones to clear before you drive a used one home:
- 21V798000 (Electrical; model years 2021–2022): A vehicle fire increases the risk of injury. Park outside.
- 23V060000 (Electrical; model years 2021–2023): An electrical short in the relay can result in an engine compartment fire with the ignition on or off, increasing the risk of injury. Park outside.
Newest campaigns (filed in 2026)
Recalls keep arriving years after a vehicle is built. These were filed with NHTSA in 2026, so a used vehicle checked last year may need a fresh look:
- 26V327000, filed May 21, 2026: Rear camera / backover, model years 2024. A rearview image that does not display reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- 26V288000, filed May 7, 2026: Powertrain, model years 2023–2025. Loss of vehicle control increases the risk of a crash.
- 26V225000, filed April 9, 2026: Electrical, model years 2025. An instrument panel display that fails to show critical safety information, such as gear selection and warning lights, increases the risk of a crash.
- 26V059000, filed Feb. 2, 2026: Exterior lighting, model years 2025. Trailer brake lights and turn signals that do not illuminate reduce visibility to other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
Over-the-air fixes
2 of these campaigns are marked as fixable by an over-the-air software update. Confirm on the VIN lookup that the update shows as completed; a vehicle that sat unused may not have received it.
How to check a specific vehicle
- Get the 17-character VIN (windshield, door jamb or title).
- Enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls. It shows unrepaired safety recalls from the last 15 years, by VIN, free.
- If anything is open, ask the seller to have it completed before delivery, or book it with a franchised dealer of that brand. Recall repairs are free.
- Ask for the service records; a completed recall shows on the dealer repair order.
- Certified Ram and Dodge vehicles: Swant Graber Motors participates in the Stellantis Certified Pre-Owned Vehicle Program (CPOV, CPO Gold and CPO Go); see Stellantis Certified Pre-Owned at Swant Graber.
- Wisconsin used-vehicle disclosures: Wisconsin dealers disclose a used vehicle's condition on the Wisconsin Buyers Guide (Trans 139.04); ask for it and read it with the recall printout.
- Our coverage: 45 days / 5,000 miles powertrain, on used units 10 model years or newer with under 150,000 miles. See dealer for details.
Getting recall work done in Barron
Recall repairs on Ram 2500 and 3500 vehicles are done at no charge by a franchised Ram dealer. Ours: Swant Graber Motors (Chevrolet, Ram, Dodge), 1690 E Division Ave, Barron, 715-537-5657. Service is open Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. (no Saturday service). Service loaners are available; ask the service department when you book.
Used Ram 2500 and 3500 checklist
Before you buy a used Ram 2500 and 3500
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Questions
How many recalls does the Ram 2500 and 3500 have?
For 2017–2025 model years, NHTSA lists 51 distinct recall campaigns as of Oct. 11, 2026. 2019 has the most (15). Counts change as new campaigns are filed.
Which used Ram 2500 and 3500 year has the fewest recalls?
In NHTSA's data, 2024 has the fewest (5). Newer model years have had less time to collect recalls, so a low count isn't proof a year is better.
Are recall repairs free on a used vehicle?
Yes. Safety-recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer of that brand, regardless of who owns the vehicle. Ours: Swant Graber Motors (Chevrolet.
Does a high recall count mean the vehicle is unreliable?
Not on its own. Recall counts don't reflect how many vehicles each campaign covers or how serious it is. Check whether the specific VIN's recalls are done, and look at service records and a pre-purchase inspection.
Next steps at Swant Graber
Swant Graber Motors (Chevrolet, Ram, Dodge): 1690 E Division Ave, Barron, WI 54812, 715-537-5657. Swant Graber Ford: 1697 E Division Ave, 715-537-9500. Search new or used inventory, or see shop near you for model-by-model answers.
