Look — RAM's body and structural story is well-documented in the NHTSA file, and it ain't pretty. 349 complaints across 20 year-model entries from 2013 to 2024. Not a small number. 2019 RAM 1500 leads the list, but the same issue shows up across multiple years on the same platform. 7 fire reports on the federal record — not common in this category but documented and worth weight. Repair exposure averages $1,500, which is meaningful money outside warranty. Across the 140 complaints reporting odometer mileage, the median failure lands at about 33,783 miles. For trucks especially, get under it with a flashlight. Frame rust on rust-belt vehicles tells you everything you need to know about how it was kept.
ProblemsByVin RAM / BODY
20 model-year entries · 2013–2024
RAM body problems
349 owner complaints filed with NHTSA against RAM vehicles for body issues. 3 active recall campaigns. See body across all makes →
Complaints
349
Recalls
3
Year-models
20
Avg fix
$1,500
13crashes
7fires
15injuries
Worst-affected RAM model-years for body Top 20 by complaint volume
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
2019 RAM 1500
65 complaints · 1 recall · ~$1,500 moderate
2015 RAM 1500
35 complaints · ~$1,500 severe
2020 RAM 1500
34 complaints · ~$1,500 moderate
2013 RAM 1500
31 complaints · ~$1,500 severe
2016 RAM 1500
29 complaints · ~$1,500 severe
2017 RAM 1500
25 complaints · 1 recall · ~$1,500 severe
2014 RAM 1500
22 complaints · ~$1,500 severe
2021 RAM 1500
21 complaints · ~$1,500 severe
2019 RAM 2500
21 complaints · ~$1,500 severe
2018 RAM 1500
10 complaints · ~$1,500 severe
2016 RAM 2500
10 complaints · ~$1,500 severe
2021 RAM 2500
8 complaints · ~$1,500 severe
2014 RAM 2500
8 complaints · ~$1,500 moderate
2020 RAM 2500
6 complaints · 1 recall · ~$1,500 moderate
2019 RAM 3500
5 complaints · ~$1,500 moderate
2017 RAM 2500
5 complaints · ~$1,500 moderate
2015 RAM 2500
5 complaints · ~$1,500 moderate
2024 RAM 1500
3 complaints · ~$1,500 severe
2020 RAM 3500
3 complaints · ~$1,500 severe
2017 RAM Promaster City
3 complaints · ~$1,500 severe
Active recalls — RAM body 5 on file
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain Mopar Rear Step Kits, part number 82215289AB, designed for model year 2019 Ram 1500 trucks
Contact with the fuel tank may cause a fuel leak, increasing the risk of a fire.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the bed step, free of charge. The recall began September 26, 2019. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is V93.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2015-2017 RAM 1500, 2500, and 3500 pickup trucks equipped with a power locking tailgate and either a 5 foot, 7 inch or 6 foot, 4 inch bed
If the tailgate latch releases and the tailgate opens while driving, cargo may fall out, creating a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will repair the vehicle, free of charge. The recall began September 17, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U74.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ram 2500 and Ram 3500 Pick-up trucks equipped with an accessory bed step
A bed step that unexpectedly fails while in use increases the risk of injury to the user.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the bed step support brace, free of charge. The recall began on July 9, 2020 (RAM 2500) and began on October 6, 2020 (Ram 3500). Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's numbers for this recall are W24 and W44.
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2022 Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500 pickup trucks
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.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the tailgate striker alignment to the box latch and adjust, if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 22, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is ZB8.
Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2013 RAM 4500 and 5500 trucks manufactured January 22, 2013, through March 8, 2013
The incorrect attaching bolt may break or fall out, resulting in the vehicle suddenly pulling to one side, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the track bar fasteners, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on September 3, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N41.
Common questions
How many RAM body complaints are on file with NHTSA?
349 complaints across 20 model-year entries from 2013 to 2024. 3 active recall campaigns cover body issues across the RAM lineup.
Which RAM model has the most body complaints?
The 2019 RAM 1500 leads with 65 complaints in this category. Next: 2015 1500 (35) and 2020 1500 (34).
What does it cost to fix RAM body problems?
Independent shops average $1,500 for body repairs across the RAM lineup. Dealer pricing tends to run twenty to forty percent higher. Specific cost depends on the failure mode and parts availability.
Are there RAM body recalls?
Yes — 5 active recall campaigns cover body on RAM vehicles. Recall fixes are free regardless of mileage or warranty status. The list below shows current campaigns with their NHTSA numbers.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database.
Editorial commentary written by Tony Marino, an independent contributor to ProblemsByVin
and not affiliated with RAM.
Severity ratings derive from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities on the NHTSA complaint and recall record.
Repair cost averages reflect independent-shop pricing and may differ in your area.