NHTSA (USA)Critical
At a glance
What can fail
This page covers 12 recalls and 11 owner complaints for the 2014 Ram 5500.
The 2014 Ram 5500 has a thin complaint record, so patterns are limited, but the reports that exist point to steering and powertrain as the primary areas of concern. On the steering side, owners describe tie rod end fractures occurring at low speed and separate instances of power steering suddenly cutting out while driving. Powertrain complaints include alternator and flywheel failures that caused both braking and steering to malfunction simultaneously, with at least one owner reporting the problem returned after repairs. A single report mentions a 6.7L Cummins turbocharger actuator failing at low mileage. Wheel retention is also flagged, with reports describing rear wheels detaching while underway, one attributed to improperly torqued lug nuts and another resulting in loss of vehicle control.
11
Total Complaints
2
Crash-Related
3
Fire-Related
1
With Injuries
By System
The 2014 RAM 5500 has 12 recalls, the most serious including a coolant leak from the water pump on diesel models that can lead to an engine fire, and a software vulnerability that allows remote unauthorized control of certain vehicle systems.
Several recalls involve crash or runaway risks. The column shifter can be moved out of park without pressing the brake pedal or having a key in the ignition, which can allow the truck to roll away unexpectedly. Two separate recalls cover cruise control that cannot be deactivated, meaning the truck may hold speed or accelerate even when the driver tries to cancel it. On the fuel system side, diesel fuel heater connectors can overheat and leak fuel, raising the fire risk.
Occupant safety concerns include a steering wheel wiring harness that can chafe against the driver airbag module and cause the airbag to deploy without warning. Wheel studs can break from over-tightened lug nuts, potentially causing a wheel to separate from the truck while moving. On certain 6.4L models, the tires fitted are rated for a lower top speed than the truck can reach, and pushing past that limit can cause sudden tire failure.
Rounding out the list, an onboard fire extinguisher may not function when needed. Two recalls flag incorrect weight rating labels that can lead to overloading, and one of those specifically affects manual transmission models with a 4.10 axle ratio.
At a glance
What can fail
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Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
The owner's manual contains incorrect torque specifications for wheel lug nuts. Following these specs can cause over-tightening, which may break wheel studs and lead to wheel separation.
What the fix does
Dealers will correct the torque specifications in the owner's manual and service documents, and inspect and replace wheel studs as needed at no charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A wiring short circuit can prevent cruise control from disengaging. When engaged, you may not be able to turn it off by braking or using manual controls, causing the vehicle to maintain speed or accelerate unexpectedly.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the engine or powertrain control module software at no cost to fix the cruise control disengagement issue.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A software fault in the engine control computer can prevent cruise control from turning off. Without braking or shifting to neutral, your vehicle may keep accelerating uncontrollably.
What the fix does
Your dealer will check and update the engine control computer software.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The fire extinguisher may clog and fail to spray, or require excessive force to use. In some models, the nozzle may separate from the valve assembly with enough force to cause injury and make the extinguisher unusable.
What the fix does
Chrysler will provide a replacement fire extinguisher at no cost. Contact Kidde or Chrysler to arrange the replacement.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Holding the brake pedal down for extended periods while parked may cause the Brake Transmission Shift Interlock pin to stick open, allowing the transmission to shift out of Park without pressing the brake or turning on the ignition.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the software, inspect the Brake Transmission Shift Interlock, and replace it if needed, at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The water pump may leak coolant because it lacks a vent hole, potentially causing engine overheating.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the water pump at no cost to restore proper cooling system function.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The radio software has security weaknesses that could let unauthorized people access some vehicle control systems through a network connection.
What the fix does
A software update will be installed via USB drive (mailed free, downloadable, or installed at a dealer) to close the security vulnerability.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The steering wheel wiring harness may rub against the driver air bag module retainer spring, potentially causing damage.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and secure the wiring harness, add protective caps to the air bag retainer spring ends, at no charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The truck's engine is programmed to reach 106 mph, but the tires are only rated for 87 mph, creating a mismatch between vehicle capability and tire safety limits.
What the fix does
Dealers will reprogram the engine control software to limit the truck's maximum speed to 87 mph to match the tire rating.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The electrical connectors that power the diesel fuel heater can overheat, potentially causing failure.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the connector with an upgraded silver-plated part, inspect the fuel heater for leaks, and replace it if needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Some Ram 5500 trucks with manual transmissions and 4.10 axle ratio have incorrect weight rating information on the compliance label, which could lead to overloading the vehicle.
What the fix does
Owners will receive a corrected certification label showing the proper weight rating.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The certification label on the vehicle lists an incorrect Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), causing the vehicle to not meet federal safety standards.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the certification label with a corrected one at no charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
