Ram 5500 Recalls

The RAM 5500 has 59 recalls spanning 2002 through 2026, with the most serious recent issue being a software error in the occupant restraint controller on 2025 models that can prevent the driver's airbag and seatbelt pretensioner from deploying in a crash while also disabling electronic stability control.

On the newest production years, 2025-2026 models have multiple instrument panel software faults where the display can go blank or fail to show gear selection, warning lights, and other critical information while driving. The 2026 model year also has a recall where the brake system warning light can display incorrectly, masking a real brake problem. A trailer tow module defect on 2025-2026 vehicles can cause trailer lights to go dark and trailer brakes to stop working. On 2023-2024 models, a clockspring fault can prevent the driver's airbag from deploying in a crash, and a steering column control module issue can cause the high beams and turn signals to activate each other instead of operating independently.

The 2021-2023 model years carry a significant fire risk: a heater grid relay in diesel-equipped trucks can short-circuit and start an engine compartment fire even with the ignition off. A related relay issue on 2021-2022 diesel models carries the same fire risk. On 2021-2022 trucks, a steering column control module can also prevent the driver's airbag from deploying as intended. The 2022 model year has an engine control module with a misaligned capacitor that can short internally and cut drive power without warning. On 2019-2020 diesel models, the high-pressure fuel pump can fail and stall the engine without warning, fuel lines can leak into the engine compartment creating a fire risk, and connecting rod bearing damage from inadequate warm-up protection can puncture the engine block and leak oil onto hot exhaust components. Brake hose issues on 2019-2020 cab chassis vehicles include both an undersized rear hose that can rupture and, on certain upfitter-modified vehicles with aftermarket suspension systems, rear brake lines routed against suspension components that wear through and leak fluid, causing partial or complete loss of rear braking. Windshield wiper arms on 2019-2020 models can loosen and fail to clear the windshield.

The 2017-2018 model years have a transmission shift interlock that can stick after prolonged brake pedal use, allowing the vehicle to be shifted out of park without the brake pressed and creating a rollaway risk. The anti-lock brake hydraulic control unit on 2017-2018 trucks can fail, taking out ABS, electronic stability control, and traction control simultaneously. Brake hose ferrules on 2018 cab chassis trucks can corrode and leak fluid, reducing braking ability. Going back to 2016, the engine control module on diesel-equipped trucks can short-circuit and stall the engine, and the transfer case output shaft can fracture and cut drive power. A cruise control software fault on 2014-2018 models can prevent the driver from deactivating cruise control, causing the vehicle to hold speed or accelerate against the driver's intent. The 2013-2017 diesel engines with certain water pumps can leak coolant in a way that raises fire risk under the hood. Lug nut torque specifications in owner's and service manuals were incorrect on 2013-2021 models, leading to over-tightened wheel studs that can break and allow a wheel to separate from the vehicle. The 2013