2022 Ram 3500

Powertrain

Powertrain and transmission defects directly impair the vehicle’s core function and are generally considered substantial defects under California lemon law. Owners of the 2022 Ram 3500 have reported harsh shifting, shuddering, slipping, and transmission warning lights. 92 NHTSA complaints have been submitted for this defect category. Owner reports include: “I have had the seal between the transmission and transfer case replaced 3 times due to leaking since new and after each repair within miles of each repair and all prior to the vehicle reaching 50,000 miles. The last time it was repaired at 65,000 miles they decided to replace the transmission with a new transmission – it also leaked between the transmission and transfer case within 1 day and less than 100 miles.” (NHTSA Complaint #11712395)

Other Systems

The 2022 Ram 3500 has generated 10 NHTSA complaints for this defect category. If your vehicle has experienced recurring issues in this area that the dealer has been unable to repair after multiple attempts, you may have a qualifying lemon law claim under California’s Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act. Owner reports include: “The UCONNECT digital center display occasionally goes completely dark or shuts off. Sometimes displays an error message like “uconnect box requires service”. This display is essential for managing everything from air conditioning to music and navigation. When the windshield fogs up and you need to adjust airflow while driving for visibility, this malfunction can be distracting and pose a safety hazard. Additionally, the rear backup camera fails to function when the screen is blank, which is particularly concerning in this long-bed truck when reversing in parking lots. This issue has been presented to the dealer, and the vehicle has been dropped off for service. Initially, the problems were minor, such as difficulties with CarPlay connectivity and the screen rebooting, but I could not replicate the issue. However, it has since escalated, occurring with every trip, and the dealer is now able to observe the problem firsthand.” (NHTSA Complaint #11623124)

Electrical System

Electrical system failures are notoriously difficult to diagnose and repair, which often results in multiple unsuccessful repair attempts — a key element of a lemon law claim. Reported issues for the 2022 Ram 3500 include infotainment malfunctions, battery drain, warning lights, power window failures, and intermittent starting problems. 9 NHTSA complaints have been filed for this category. Owner reports include: “The contact owns a 2022 Ram 3500.The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V060000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.” (NHTSA Complaint #11578232)

Engine

Engine and cooling problems are among the most serious defects under California’s Song-Beverly Act. Owners of the 2022 Ram 3500 have reported issues including stalling, overheating, loss of power, rough idling, excessive oil consumption, and check engine lights that return after dealer repairs. With 7 NHTSA complaints on record, this defect pattern is well-documented. Owner reports include: “Valvetrain No Yes Yes No…”

Brakes

Brake defects affecting safety may qualify for California’s two-repair threshold under Cal. Civ. Code § 1793.22, which applies to defects likely to cause death or serious bodily injury. The 2022 Ram 3500 has generated 7 NHTSA complaints related to braking, including ABS failures, grinding, reduced stopping power, and warning lights. Owner reports include: “Trailer brake controler will report not connected when it is connected correctly. Systemm was tested and everything on the trailer is working properly. system was working corretly and suddenly stopped when on the interstate. Have had multiple shops look at the issue and no one can locate the issue. The radio/infotanment system will also disconnect radomly. Both act like a wire is lose. disconnect then reconnect and disconnect and reconnect, over and over. The radio disconnecting from the phone is an issue however not a safety concern like the trailer brake issue is. When I am pulling a 16,000 pound camper and the trailer brake stops that means I no longer have traler brakes and that can be an issue when stopping.” (NHTSA Complaint #11649162)

Active NHTSA Recalls — 2022 Ram 3500

The following 12 recalls have been issued for the 2022 Ram 3500 by the NHTSA or Ram. If your vehicle is affected, the manufacturer is required to provide a free remedy. Check your VIN at NHTSA.gov/recalls.

California Lemon Law — Song-Beverly Act

California’s Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act (Cal. Civ. Code §§ 1790–1795.8) is one of the strongest lemon laws in the United States. It protects buyers and lessees of new and certified pre-owned vehicles that develop substantial defects the manufacturer cannot repair after a reasonable number of attempts.

Under Cal. Civ. Code § 1793.22, a lemon law presumption is triggered when any of the following apply to your 2022 Ram 3500:

• 4+ repair attempts for the same non-safety defect without resolution
• 2+ repair attempts for a defect likely to cause death or serious bodily injury
• 30+ calendar days out of service for warranty repairs (cumulative, not consecutive)

Once the presumption is triggered, the burden shifts to Ram to prove the vehicle is not a lemon. Under Cal. Civ. Code § 1794(d), Ram must pay your attorney’s fees if you prevail — meaning qualified representation costs you nothing out of pocket.

What You Can Recover

If your 2022 Ram 3500 qualifies as a lemon under California law, Ram may be legally required to:

• Repurchase your vehicle — Full refund of your down payment, all monthly payments, registration fees, and incidental costs (towing, rentals), minus a mileage offset for miles driven before the first repair attempt
• Replace your vehicle — Provide a new, comparable vehicle at no cost to you
• Pay your attorney’s fees — Under § 1794(d), Ram pays all legal fees if you prevail
• Civil penalty up to 2x damages — If Ram willfully violated the Act, courts may award double the actual damages

Steps to Protect Your 2022 Ram 3500 Claim

Step 1: Document every repair visit. Keep all repair orders, work orders, and dealer invoices. Each visit counts as a repair attempt, even if the dealer says nothing is wrong.

Step 2: Keep returning for repairs. You must give Ram a reasonable opportunity to fix the defect. Visit different authorized Ram dealers if needed and ask for written documentation of each visit.

Step 3: Contact a California lemon law attorney. Once you believe the threshold has been met — 4 attempts for non-safety defects, 2 for safety defects, or 30 days out of service — contact an attorney for a free case evaluation. Under § 1794(d), Ram pays your fees if you win.

Step 4: Send a demand letter. Your attorney will send Ram a formal demand letter. Most California lemon law cases resolve through negotiation without going to trial.

2022 Ram 3500 Lemon Law Questions

How many repair attempts qualify my 2022 Ram 3500 as a lemon?

Under Cal. Civ. Code § 1793.22, four or more repair attempts for the same non-safety defect, or two attempts for a safety-related defect, triggers the lemon law presumption. Additionally, 30 or more cumulative days out of service qualifies regardless of the number of repair attempts.

Does Ram pay my attorney fees?

Yes. Under Cal. Civ. Code § 1794(d), Ram is required to pay your reasonable attorney’s fees and court costs if you prevail in a lemon law claim. This means qualified lemon law representation is free to you if your case succeeds.

Can I file a lemon law claim without an active recall?

Yes. A recall is not required to file a lemon law claim. The Song-Beverly Act covers any substantial defect that impairs the use, value, or safety of the vehicle that the manufacturer cannot repair after a reasonable number of attempts. NHTSA complaints support the claim by establishing a pattern, but are not a prerequisite.

What is the time limit to file a lemon law claim for my 2022 Ram 3500?

California lemon law claims are generally subject to a four-year statute of limitations from the date you discovered or should have discovered the defect. However, you must still be within the manufacturer’s original warranty period when the defect first appears. Contact an attorney promptly to preserve your rights.