NHTSA (USA)Critical
At a glance
The 2020 RAM 5500 has 9 recalls, the most serious being multiple brake system defects that can result in partial or complete loss of rear braking ability, and separate engine issues that can puncture the engine block and cause a fire.
Several recalls address rear brake line routing on vehicles modified with aftermarket suspension systems: the flexible brake line can rub against a suspension component, wear through, and leak fluid until the rear brakes fail. There is also a separate concern where the rear brake hose diameter is too small and the hose can rupture, again causing loss of braking. On the engine side, vehicles with the Cummins 6.7L High Output engine have two related concerns: the connecting rod bearings can lose their oil film during warm-up and fail, potentially punching through the engine block, and separately, the engine software may not alert the driver to low oil volume. Either condition can produce an oil leak onto hot exhaust components, raising the risk of fire. Diesel-equipped models with the Cummins 6.7L Turbo Diesel also face a high-pressure fuel pump failure that can cause an unexpected engine stall. The wheel stud recall covers incorrect torque guidance in the owner's manual that can lead to over-tightened lug nuts, broken studs, and a wheel coming off the vehicle. Lastly, the wiper arms can loosen and fail to clear the windshield properly, reducing visibility in rain or snow.
At a glance
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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 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 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 be routed to contact a suspension component, causing excessive wear and potential loss of rear braking ability.
What the fix does
Dealers will repair the suspension system and rear brake caliper flexible line at no charge.
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.