NHTSA (USA)High Risk
At a glance
What can fail
The hydraulic control unit that manages braking systems may fail, disabling anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control, and traction control.
This page covers 8 recalls and 35 owner complaints for the 2018 Ram 5500.
Brake system complaints dominate what 2018 RAM 5500 owners report. Across multiple complaints, owners describe ABS warning lights illuminating while driving, sometimes accompanied by a continuous warning chime and a separate brake warning light. Several owners report the brake pedal hesitating to respond when pressed, with the truck slow to slow down or stop. Hydraulic brake system issues account for the largest share of complaints, and some owners report problems recurring after a repair, the system failing again within months of being serviced. Wheel-related complaints round out the picture as the third most-reported area, though at lower volume. The recurring brake pedal response concern, where the vehicle is slow to stop despite the pedal being depressed, appears across more than one report.
35
Total Complaints
1
Crash-Related
By System
The 2018 RAM 5500 has 8 recalls, the most serious being a wheel stud and brake hose cluster: wheel studs can break and cause a wheel to separate, and brake hoses can corrode and leak fluid, resulting in reduced or lost braking.
A shift interlock pin can stick, allowing the transmission to be moved out of Park without pressing the brake pedal or having a key in the ignition, which creates a rollaway risk. Cruise control software can also fail to respond when the driver tries to cancel it, leaving the vehicle holding or building speed against the driver's input. On the brake electronics side, the hydraulic control unit can fail and take down the anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control, and traction control together. There is also a fire extinguisher concern covering certain vehicles equipped with Kidde plastic-handle or push-button models, where the extinguisher may not discharge properly when needed. Two recalls cover specific emergency vehicles built on this chassis, where Whelen brake lights can illuminate without the pedal being pressed, potentially confusing following drivers.
At a glance
What can fail
The hydraulic control unit that manages braking systems may fail, disabling anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control, and traction control.
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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 →
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the hydraulic control unit or its motor at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
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
The Whelen brake lights may turn on without the brake pedal being pressed, depending on how the vehicle's wiring is configured.
What the fix does
Unruh Fire will replace the brake lights at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Brake lights may turn on by themselves without pressing the brake pedal, due to specific vehicle wiring issues with the Whelen brake lights.
What the fix does
Brake lights will be replaced at no cost. Contact Blanchat customer service at 1-620-896-7145.
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
Brake hoses connecting the master cylinder to the hydraulic control unit may lack anti-corrosion coating on ferrules, allowing them to corrode.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect brake hoses and replace them if needed at no cost.
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 the engine is running and the vehicle is in PARK can cause the brake transmission shift interlock pin to stick open. This allows the transmission to shift out of PARK into any gear without pressing the brake pedal or turning on the ignition.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the body control module software, test the shift interlock system, and replace the solenoid if needed.
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.