NHTSA (USA)High Risk
At a glance
What can fail
A faulty steering column control module may prevent the driver's side air bag from deploying during a crash.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the steering column control module at no cost to you.
The 2021 RAM 5500 has 5 recalls, the most serious being a fire risk that can occur whether the engine is running or not, traced to an electrical short in the intake heater grid relay on models equipped with the Cummins 6.7L Turbo Diesel engine.
The heater grid relay issue appears across multiple recall filings, but the underlying defect is the same: the relay can short-circuit and ignite a fire in the engine compartment at any time, even with the ignition off and the truck parked. There is also a wheel safety concern: incorrect torque specifications in the owner's and service manuals can lead to lug nuts being overtightened, which can crack or break a wheel stud and allow a wheel to separate from the truck while driving. On the steering and airbag side, a fault in the steering column control module can prevent the driver's airbag from deploying in a crash, leaving the driver without that protection in a collision.
At a glance
What can fail
A faulty steering column control module may prevent the driver's side air bag from deploying during a crash.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the steering column control module at no cost to you.
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Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
An electrical short can develop in the heater grid relay whether the ignition is on or off, potentially causing an electrical hazard.
What the fix does
The heater grid relay will be replaced at no cost to you at an authorized dealer.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
An electrical short in the intake heater relay can cause a vehicle fire whether the ignition is on or off.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the relay and replace it if needed. Insulating material will be applied if a related recall is open.
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
An electrical short in the Solid State Intake Heater Grid Relay can occur, potentially causing a vehicle fire.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the Relay and replace it if needed. Insulating material will be applied if a related recall is open.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.