Ram 4500 Recalls

The RAM 4500 has 56 recalls spanning 2008 through 2026, with the most serious recent issue affecting 2025 model years where a software error in the occupant restraint controller can disable the driver's airbag, seatbelt pretensioner, and electronic stability control simultaneously, leaving occupants without crash protection and the vehicle without stability assistance.

The 2025 and 2026 model years carry several other active concerns. A separate software problem on 2025 models can cause the occupant restraint controller to shut off entirely while driving, taking the airbags, pretensioners, and stability control offline and triggering warning lights on the dash. On 2025-2026 vehicles, the instrument panel display can go blank due to a software error, hiding gear selection and warning lights from the driver. A trailer tow module defect on 2025-2026 models can cause trailer brake lights and turn signals to stop working and trailer brakes to fail. The 2026 model year also has a compliance issue where the brake system warning light may display incorrectly.

The 2021-2023 model years have a significant fire risk: the heater grid relay in Cummins 6.7L diesel-equipped trucks can short-circuit even with the ignition off, potentially starting an engine compartment fire. On 2022 models, a misaligned capacitor in the engine control module can cause a loss of drive power, and a separate ECM short-circuit issue can stall the engine without warning. The 2023-2024 model years have a clockspring defect that can prevent the driver's airbag from deploying in a crash, and a steering column control module issue that causes turn signals and high beams to interfere with each other. A 2023 model-year recall covers trailer hitches that may have been installed with too few bolts, allowing the assembly to detach and become a road hazard.

The 2019-2020 period has a cluster of engine and brake issues. Cummins 6.7L High Output engines in these years can suffer connecting rod bearing failure during warm-up, potentially puncturing the engine block and leaking oil onto hot surfaces. A related software issue on the same engines fails to warn the driver of low oil volume before damage occurs. Diesel fuel lines on 2019 models can leak into the engine compartment, and the high-pressure fuel pump can fail and stall the engine without warning. Several 2019-2020 vehicles modified with aftermarket liquid spring rear suspension systems have a rear brake caliper line routing problem that causes the line to wear against a suspension component, leading to brake fluid loss and reduced or absent rear braking. A separate issue on 2019-2020 models involves rear brake hoses with undersized inner diameters that can rupture. Windshield wiper arms on 2019-2020 trucks can loosen and reduce visibility in wet conditions.

Going back to the 2017-2018 era, the hydraulic control unit can fail on these vehicles, disabling anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control, and traction control. The column shifter on 2017-2018 models can allow the transmission to be shifted out of park without pressing the brake pedal, creating a rollaway risk. Brake hose ferrules on 2018 cab chassis trucks can corrode and leak brake fluid. The 2016 model year has two powertrain concerns: a transfer case output shaft that can fracture and cut drive power, and an engine control module that can short-circuit and stall the engine. The 2014-2