Ram 5500 problems by model year
Updated from NHTSA data · How we count
NHTSA has 122 owner complaints and 42 recalls on file for the Ram 5500 (2008–2026). The 2022 5500 has the most serious complaints, most often about transmission & drivetrain.
- Complaints
- 122
- Recalls
- 42
- Model years
- 16
- Worst year
- 2022
Complaints by model year
Newer model years have had less time on the road, so they naturally have fewer complaints. Compare a year against its neighbors rather than against brand-new models.
Worst Ram 5500 years to buy
Ranked by our severity-weighted complaint score (crashes, fires and injuries count extra — how it works).
- 2022 Ram 5500 — 26 complaints, 1 crash; top problem: Transmission & Drivetrain
- 2018 Ram 5500 — 35 complaints; top problem: Brakes
- 2019 Ram 5500 — 12 complaints, 1 fire; top problem: Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
- 2017 Ram 5500 — 15 complaints; top problem: Brakes
Fewest serious complaints among years at least 3 years old: 2023 (0 complaints).
Every Ram 5500 model year
| Year | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Injuries | Recalls | Top problem |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 5500 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | — |
| 2025 5500 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 4 | Airbags |
| 2024 5500 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | — |
| 2023 5500 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | — |
| 2022 5500 | 26 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 4 | Transmission & Drivetrain |
| 2021 5500 | 4 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 5 | Electrical System |
| 2020 5500 | 8 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 9 | Brakes |
| 2019 5500 | 12 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 9 | Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion |
| 2018 5500 | 35 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 8 | Brakes |
| 2017 5500 | 15 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 7 | Brakes |
| 2016 5500 | 9 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 7 | Wheels & Tires |
| 2015 5500 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 8 | Engine |
| 2014 5500 | 5 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 10 | Suspension |
| 2013 5500 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 9 | — |
| 2009 5500 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | — |
| 2008 5500 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | — |
Most common Ram 5500 problem areas (all years)
- Brakes41 complaints
- Transmission & Drivetrain34 complaints
- Wheels & Tires19 complaints
- Electrical System9 complaints
- Steering9 complaints
- Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion9 complaints
- Engine8 complaints
- Acceleration & Cruise Control6 complaints
- Driver Assistance & Safety Tech5 complaints
- Suspension5 complaints
Complaint trend
Ram 5500 recalls
Risk: An instrument panel display that fails to show critical safety information, such as gear selection and warning lights, increases the risk of a crash.
Risk: Trailer brake lights and turn signals that do not illuminate reduce visibility to other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash. Additionally, trailer brakes that fail increase the risk of a crash.
Risk: Driving with a disabled electronic stability control system increases the risk of a crash. Additionally, a driver's side air bag or seat belt pretensioner that does not deploy increases the risk of injury in a crash.
Risk: An instrument panel display that does not show critical information, such as warning lights or gear selection, increases the risk of a crash.
Risk: A driver's side air bag that does not deploy as intended increases the risk of injury in a crash.
Risk: An incorrect warning light can fail to alert the driver to critical safety information, increasing the risk of a crash.
Risk: A loss of anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control, or traction control can increase the risk of a crash.
Risk: An air bag that does not deploy in a crash can increase the risk of injury.
Risk: Turn signals and/or high beams that do not function as intended may cause confusion or reduced visibility to other road users, increasing the risk of a crash.
Risk: An electrical short in the relay can result in an engine compartment fire with the ignition on or off, increasing the risk of injury.
Risk: A brake hose rupture can cause a loss of braking ability, increasing the risk of a crash.
Risk: An internal loss of communication can result in a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Risk: Reduced visibility increases the risk of a crash.
Risk: An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
Risk: A vehicle fire increases the risk of injury.
Risk: Low oil can damage the engine, causing an oil leak or a punctured engine block, increasing the risk of a fire.
Risk: Wheel separation can cause a vehicle crash.
Risk: A vehicle fire increases the risk of injury.
Risk: A worn rear brake caliper flexible line may cause brake fluid leakage which may result in a partial or complete loss of the rear brakes, increasing the risk of a crash.
Risk: A worn rear brake caliper flexible line may cause brake fluid leakage, which may result in a partial or complete loss of the rear brakes, increasing the risk of a crash.
Risk: A worn rear brake line may leak fluid, resulting in a partial or complete loss of the rear brakes, increasing the risk of a crash.
Risk: A damaged engine block may leak oil, which can contact hot engine or exhaust components, increasing the risk of a fire.
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
Risk: If the brake lights incorrectly illuminate, it can confuse other drivers, possibly increasing the risk of a crash.
Risk: If the brake lights incorrectly illuminate, it can confuse other drivers, possibly increasing the risk of a crash.
Other Ram models
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. Methodology