NHTSA (USA)Critical
At a glance
This page covers 11 recalls and 10 owner complaints for the 2019 Ram 5500.
Complaints for the 2019 Ram 5500 are spread thin across a small number of reports, but fuel and propulsion concerns draw the most attention. Owners describe situations where the vehicle fails to accelerate as expected, with one account noting the truck couldn't exceed 40 mph on a highway despite the accelerator being fully pressed, accompanied by an unusual loud noise and no warning lights. A separate report describes the engine continuing to run after a rollover and not responding to the push-button shutoff. A tire tread separation is also mentioned, occurring without any warning light. One isolated report raises a concern about flatbed side-gate latches that can fall open without indication that they're unsecured.
10
Total Complaints
1
Fire-Related
1
With Injuries
By System
The 2019 RAM 5500 has 11 recalls, with the most serious risks being complete brake failure and engine fires that could result in a crash.
Several recalls involve the braking system. On vehicles modified with certain aftermarket suspension systems, rear brake caliper lines may have been routed against suspension components and can wear through, leaking fluid and causing partial or complete loss of rear braking. On standard cab chassis models, the rear brake hose bore may be too narrow and can rupture, also producing a sudden loss of braking ability.
The diesel engine carries multiple fire-related concerns. Fuel lines can leak into the engine compartment, where they may contact an ignition source. On trucks with the Cummins 6.7L engine, the oil monitoring system can fail to warn when oil drops too low, allowing connecting rod bearings to wear and the connecting rod itself to punch through the engine block and spill oil onto hot exhaust components. A separate concern on the same engine involves the high-pressure fuel pump, which can fail without warning and stall the engine while driving.
Lug nuts on these trucks may be over-tightened due to incorrect torque specs in the owner's manual, which can snap wheel studs and cause a wheel to separate. There is also a visibility concern: windshield wiper arms can loosen and fail to clear the windshield properly in rain or snow.
At a glance
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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 can fail
The rear brake hose has an inside diameter that is too small, which can cause it to rupture.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the rear brake hoses at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The windshield wiper arms may loosen, causing the wipers to work improperly and reducing driver visibility in wet weather.
What the fix does
Dealers will tighten the wiper nuts at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The nuts securing the windshield wiper arms may be insufficiently tightened, causing the wipers to slip and fail to clear the windshield properly.
What the fix does
A dealer will tighten the nuts on the windshield wiper arms to secure them properly.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The High Pressure Fuel Pump may fail, causing the engine to stall suddenly without warning.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the High Pressure Fuel Pump, update the engine control software, and inspect and replace other fuel system parts as needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The engine calibration software may fail to alert you when the oil level drops too low.
What the fix does
Dealers will reprogram the engine calibration software at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The engine oil monitoring system may fail to alert you when oil drops below minimum level, risking bearing damage, connecting rod failure, and engine block puncture with oil leakage.
What the fix does
FCA Canada will mail instructions to bring your truck to a dealer for an engine calibration software update.
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 flexible brake line to the rear brake caliper may be routed where it rubs against a suspension part, causing wear that could lead to loss of rear braking.
What the fix does
Dealers will install a kit at no cost to repair damage and prevent future wear to the brake line.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The rear brake caliper flexible line may contact a suspension component, causing excessive wear that could result in loss of rear braking.
What the fix does
Dealers will install a repair kit to each rear caliper, modify the flexible line mounting, and replace any worn lines at no charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The engine's warm-up protection is insufficient, which can prevent proper oil film from forming on connecting rod bearings as the engine reaches operating temperature. This can cause engine damage and connecting rod failure, potentially puncturing the engine block.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the engine calibration software to improve warm-up protection. This service is free of charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Fuel lines may develop leaks, allowing fuel to drip into the engine compartment.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect fuel lines and replace them if needed, at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
