Summary
The RAM 5500 has 30 recalls spanning 2002 through 2026, with the most serious recent issue being a faulty trailer tow module on 2024-2026 models where trailer brake lights and turn signals can fail to illuminate and trailer brakes can stop functioning, significantly reducing warning to other drivers.
On the same 2025-2026 models, a software error can cause the instrument panel display to go blank, hiding gear selection and warning indicators from the driver. The 2025 model year alone has an additional instrument cluster software problem on vehicles with a 3.5-inch display that can leave the screen dark at startup or while driving.
Stepping back into the 2019-2021 range, the 2021 model year has a recall where an electrical short in the intake heater grid relay on Cummins 6.7L diesel-equipped vehicles can start a fire. On 2019-2020 models with the same 6.7L diesel, the high-pressure fuel pump can fail and stall the engine without warning. A separate 2019 recall covers the oil level monitoring system on diesel chassis-cab trucks failing to detect low oil, which can allow bearing damage that leads to a connecting rod punching through the engine block and spilling oil that can ignite. Also on 2019-2020 models that were modified with CLASS suspension systems, rear brake caliper lines can contact suspension components, wear through, and leak fluid, causing partial or complete rear brake loss.
The 2017-2018 models have a hydraulic control unit that can fail, knocking out anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control, and traction control simultaneously. On 2016 models, the transfer case main output shaft can fracture and leave the vehicle without drive power.
The 2013-2017 range carries two overlapping fire risks: water pump failures on Cummins 6.7L diesel engines can leak coolant into the engine compartment and raise the risk of fire, and on 2010-2014 models, overheating electrical connectors on the diesel fuel heater can leak fuel and ignite. A 2014-only recall addresses an electronic fault that prevents cruise control from disengaging, which can allow the vehicle to hold speed or accelerate without driver input. The 2013 model year has a track bar attachment bolt that can break or fall out, causing the vehicle to suddenly pull to one side, and a software vulnerability in the infotainment system on 2013-2015 models that can allow remote unauthorized control of certain vehicle systems. Across 2012-2021 models, incorrect torque specifications in the owner's manual and service manual can lead to over-tightened lug nuts, broken wheel studs, and eventual wheel separation.
Going further back, the 2008-2012 models have a left tie rod assembly that can fracture and cause sudden loss of steering control, with 2008 specifically also having a ball stud on the outer tie rod that can break. The 2012 model year carries additional issues: front differential housing welds on four-wheel-drive vehicles can allow the driveshaft to bind and fracture, and a wiring harness near the driver's airbag can short and trigger unintended airbag deployment. The earliest production covered, 2002 models, had a separate recall tied to aftermarket windshield wiper motor assemblies susceptible to water intrusion that could cause partial or complete wiper failure.
