Owners have filed 10 complaints
about the 2014 RAM 4500 with NHTSA between 2015 and 2021.
The largest single group is the engine & cooling.
Across this model's run it ranks 1 of 3 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 44
Against the median year of the RAM 4500. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
20% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 51
30% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade:
A
B
C
D
F
ungraded
What breaks on a 2014 RAM 4500
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Engine & Cooling
550.0%
0 crashes, 1 fires · median 64,000 mi
Other & Unspecified
110.0%
Median failure at 105,000 miles
Fuel & Propulsion
110.0%
0 crashes, 1 fires · median 125,000 mi
Suspension
110.0%
Median failure at 1,000 miles
Steering
110.0%
Median failure at 1,000 miles
Electrical System
110.0%
Median failure at 342,000 miles
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
1,000 – 9,999 miles
220.0%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
110.0%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
220.0%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
110.0%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
330.0%
150,000+ miles
110.0%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Oct 2015peak 2May 2021
NHTSA investigations into the 2014 RAM 4500
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
Post Recall Remedy Brake Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI) Failure
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received 14 Vehicle Owner Questionnaire (VOQ) reports and 6 EWR Death & Injury (D&I) reports describing post recall remedy failures of the brake transmission shift interlock (BTSI) system in certain Model Year (MY) 2013-2018 RAM pickup trucks.The subject vehicle models include 1500, 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500 trucks equipped with a column mounted shift lever.The failures of the BTSI described in the VOQs occurred on vehicles that had all previously been repaired under recall 17V-821 or 18V-100.Both recalls address a potential condition which can ca...
RQ15004Opened 24 Jul 2015Closed 5 Jan 2016ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
Software security vulnerability
On July 23, 2015, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) launched Safety Recall 15V-461 to remedy security vulnerabilities in approximately 1.4 million model year (MY) 2013 through 2015 vehicles equipped with Uconnect head units (HU) 8.4A (RA3 radio) and 8.4AN (RA4 radio) manufactured by Harman International.On July 24, 2015, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Recall Query, RQ 15-004, to investigate HU security vulnerabilities and remedy effectiveness in the recalled population and to determine whether similar units have been supplied for use in other FCA vehicles.In an August 11, 2015...
Recalls on the 2014 RAM 4500
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 2024548314,717 units in Canada
Label
Issue: On certain vehicles, the tire and loading information label does not list that there is no spare tire in both official languages. The label reads as "NONE" when it should read as "NONE / AUCUN". Canadian regulations require the information to be listed on the label in both English and French. Safety Risk: This error does not affect vehicle safety. Corrective Actions: This is not a recall. The company has corrected the tire and loading information label for all new vehicles.
Recall 202133630,899 units in Canada
Wheels
Issue: On certain pickup and chassis-cab trucks, the owner's manual and service manual list the wrong torque specification for the wheel nuts. As a result, some trucks may have had the lug nuts over-tightened during servicing. This can damage the wheel studs and, over time, they could break. If this happens, a wheel could separate from the truck. Note: This recall only affects trucks equipped with dual rear wheels and flanged lug nuts. Safety Risk: A wheel separation could cause a loss of control and increase the risk of a crash. A wheel that separates could also hit another person or vehicle. Corrective Action: FCA Canada will contact owners by mail and instruct you to take your truck to a dealer to inspect and replace the wheel studs, as necessary. They will also provide an update for the torque specification listed in the owner's manual.
Recall 2018269635,880 units in Canada
Engine
On certain vehicles, an electronic fault may create a situation where the cruise control cannot be deactivated. If this occurs and the driver does not apply the brakes or shift the transmission to neutral, the vehicle could maintain speed or accelerate without warning, increasing the risk of a crash causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will inspect the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) software and perform an update as necessary. Note: In the interim, owners are advised not to use the cruise control until the vehicle is repaired.
Recall 20176637,391 units in Canada
Accessories
On certain vehicles equipped with the Roadside Emergency Kit containing a Kidde fire extinguishers with black plastic handles and valves, the fire extinguishers may become clogged or require excessive force to activate. Also, the nozzle may detach from the valve assembly with enough force that it could cause injury, and fail to discharge. In case of fire, failure of the extinguisher to function could result in injury and/or property damage. Correction: Dealers will replace the suspect Kidde fire extinguisher with a new Kidde fire extinguisher with a steel nozzle. For more information about recalled fire extinguishers, please visit <a href="https://inmarmarketaction.com/kidde/Kidde284CA/">www.kidde.com</a>.
Recall 2017659290,200 units in Canada
Powertrain
On certain vehicles equipped with a steering column gear shifter, the brake transmission shift interlock (BTSI) may become inoperative. This could allow the steering column gear shifter lever to be shifted out of the PARK (P) position without depressing the service brake pedal or having the key in the ignition, which could result in unintended vehicle movement, increasing the risk of a crash causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will inspect and replace the BTSI as necessary. The Body Control Module (BCM) will also be updated.
Recall 201744149,697 units in Canada
Engine
On certain vehicles equipped with 6.7 litre diesel engines, the water pump could fail. This could result in an underhood fire causing injury and/or property damage. Correction: Dealers will replace the water pump with a new one.
Recall 2015330235,925 units in Canada
Airbag
On certain vehicles equipped with Electronic Vehicle Information Centers, the steering wheel wiring harness may wear against the driver frontal airbag retainer spring, potentially resulting in an electrical short which could cause unintended driver frontal airbag deployment. Unintended airbag deployment, in a non-warranted (non-impact) situation, could result in injury and increase the risk of a vehicle crash causing injury and/or property damage. Correction: Dealers will secure the wiring harness and add protective caps to the retainer spring.
Recall 2015204169 units in Canada
Powertrain
Certain cab and chassis vehicles equipped with 6.4L gasoline engines may have been configured with a 171 km/h governed maximum speed, while the tires on the vehicle are rated to a maximum speed of 140 km/h. Vehicle operation at speeds greater than the speed rating of the tires may result in a tire failure, increasing the risk of a crash. Correction: Dealers will update vehicle software.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 125,000 milesHouston, TXFire
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2011 RAM 4500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, IT CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE SITTING IN HIS WORK PARKING LOT. DUE TO THE PROXIMITY TO THE FIRE, THE VEHICLE PARKED IN FRONT OF HIS VEHICLE ALSO CAUGHT FIRE. A BYSTANDER HAD CALLED THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WHO THEN ARRIVED TO THE SCENE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. UPON EXITING HIS BUILDING, THE CONTACT DISCOVERED IT WAS HIS VEHICLE THAT CAUGHT FIRE. NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED AS A RESULT OF THE FIRE AND THE CONTACT WAS UNCERTAIN IF A FIRE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE HAD YET TO BE TOWED AND REMAINED AT THE SCENE. UPON INVESTIGATION, THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT HIS VEHICLE HAD BEEN PLACED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V635000(ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL); HOWEVER, THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE NEVER RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION ABOUT THE RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS THEN NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND A CLAIM WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED DUE TO THE FIRE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 125,000.
NHTSA complaint #11415786 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 125,000 milesHouston, TXFire
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2011 RAM 4500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, IT CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE SITTING IN HIS WORK PARKING LOT. DUE TO THE PROXIMITY TO THE FIRE, THE VEHICLE PARKED IN FRONT OF HIS VEHICLE ALSO CAUGHT FIRE. A BYSTANDER HAD CALLED THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WHO THEN ARRIVED TO THE SCENE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. UPON EXITING HIS BUILDING, THE CONTACT DISCOVERED IT WAS HIS VEHICLE THAT CAUGHT FIRE. NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED AS A RESULT OF THE FIRE AND THE CONTACT WAS UNCERTAIN IF A FIRE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE HAD YET TO BE TOWED AND REMAINED AT THE SCENE. UPON INVESTIGATION, THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT HIS VEHICLE HAD BEEN PLACED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V635000(ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL); HOWEVER, THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE NEVER RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION ABOUT THE RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS THEN NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND A CLAIM WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED DUE TO THE FIRE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 125,000.
NHTSA complaint #11415786 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 125,000 milesHouston, TXFire
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2011 RAM 4500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, IT CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE SITTING IN HIS WORK PARKING LOT. DUE TO THE PROXIMITY TO THE FIRE, THE VEHICLE PARKED IN FRONT OF HIS VEHICLE ALSO CAUGHT FIRE. A BYSTANDER HAD CALLED THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WHO THEN ARRIVED TO THE SCENE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. UPON EXITING HIS BUILDING, THE CONTACT DISCOVERED IT WAS HIS VEHICLE THAT CAUGHT FIRE. NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED AS A RESULT OF THE FIRE AND THE CONTACT WAS UNCERTAIN IF A FIRE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE HAD YET TO BE TOWED AND REMAINED AT THE SCENE. UPON INVESTIGATION, THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT HIS VEHICLE HAD BEEN PLACED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V635000(ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL); HOWEVER, THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE NEVER RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION ABOUT THE RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS THEN NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND A CLAIM WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED DUE TO THE FIRE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 125,000.
NHTSA complaint #11415786 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 125,000 milesHouston, TXFire
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2011 RAM 4500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, IT CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE SITTING IN HIS WORK PARKING LOT. DUE TO THE PROXIMITY TO THE FIRE, THE VEHICLE PARKED IN FRONT OF HIS VEHICLE ALSO CAUGHT FIRE. A BYSTANDER HAD CALLED THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WHO THEN ARRIVED TO THE SCENE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. UPON EXITING HIS BUILDING, THE CONTACT DISCOVERED IT WAS HIS VEHICLE THAT CAUGHT FIRE. NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED AS A RESULT OF THE FIRE AND THE CONTACT WAS UNCERTAIN IF A FIRE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE HAD YET TO BE TOWED AND REMAINED AT THE SCENE. UPON INVESTIGATION, THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT HIS VEHICLE HAD BEEN PLACED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V635000(ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL); HOWEVER, THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE NEVER RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION ABOUT THE RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS THEN NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND A CLAIM WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED DUE TO THE FIRE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 125,000.
NHTSA complaint #11415786 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 342,000 milesLake City, IA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
HEATER WILL WORK WHEN IT WANTS TO I HAVE CHANGED BLOWER AND RESISTOR STILL KICKS OFF FOR NO REASON
NHTSA complaint #11281958 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 50,000 milesWest Tisbury, MA
ENGINE
MY OIL PAN IT RUSTING OUT FAST. NOTHING ON THE WHOLE TRUCK IS RUSTED AT ALL, ONLY MINOR SURFACE RUST. THE OIL PAN IS RUSTING VERY FAST AND THE TRUCK IS NOW LEAKING OIL. I BROUGHT THE TRUCK TO GOODBROTHERS DODGE AND THEY QUOTED ME THE REPAIRS TO BE AROUND 1200.00. I DROPPED THE TRUCK OFF AND THE NEXT DAY THEY SAID THE OIL PAN THEY ORDERED IS DENTED AND THEY NEED TO ORDER ANOTHER. THEN 4 DAYS LATER THEY SAID THEY COULDN'T DO THE JOB AND REPLACE THE OIL PAN. THEY SAID I NEED TO FIND SOMEONE ELSE TO FIX IT. I BOUGHT THE TRUCK FROM THEM AND NOW THEY CAN'T FIX, AND IT APPEARS TO ME THAT THIS IS A DEFECTIVE OIL PAN IN THE FIRST PLACE BECAUSE IT SHOULDN'T BE RUSTED LIKE IT IS. NOTHING ON THE WHOLE TRUCK IS RUSTED LIKE THIS.
NHTSA complaint #11268100 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 93,881 milesBrea, CA
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 RAM 4500. WHILE THE CONTACT'S EMPLOYEE WAS DRIVING 30 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO DECELERATE. THE VEHICLE DID NOT SHUT OFF. THE DRIVER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO MCPEEK'S CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM OF ANAHEIM (LOCATED AT 1221 S AUTO CENTER DR, ANAHEIM, CA 92806, (714) 635-2340) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TURBO CHARGER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 93,881.
NHTSA complaint #11256913 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 105,000 milesCharleston, SC
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
2014 RAM 4500 G56 TRANSMISSION DON'T DO ANY HARD SHIFTING OR ANYTHING ELSE SHIFT LEVER BROKE CLEAN OFF TODAY SHIFTING INTO SIX DOING 45 MPH, NOT A HARD SHIFT NO GRINDING GEARS JUST DROPPED INTO GEAR AND THEN SNAPPED OFF. THE TECHS TELL ME THAT IS IS AN "ISOLATOR" WHICH KEEPS THE VIBRATION DOWN, BUT THE SHIFTER IS ONLY HELD TOGETHER BY RUBBER. THIS IS ON A HEAVY DUTY WORK TRUCK AND THE PIECE IS HELD TOGETHER BY RUBBER. THIS IS DANGEROUS BECAUSE AT THE TIME OF FAILURE I WAS TOWING A TRAILER WHEN IT BROKE LEAVING ME STUCK IN 6TH GEAR UNABLE TO MOVE THE TRUCK OR PUT INTO NEUTRAL UNTIL I TOOK THE CONSOLE APART AND SHIFTED THE TRANSMISSION INTO NEUTRAL FROM THE TOP OF THE TRANSMISSION. THIS COULD HAVE CAUSED A WRECK IF I WASNT IN A LOW TRAFFIC AREA. I TOOK THE TRUCK TO DODGE AND THEY SAID THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE EXACT SHIFTER THAT I HAD BUT THE RECALL ONLY APPLIED TO 2015-2016 TRUCKS. THIS IS AN ISSUE BECAUSE THEY KNOW THEY HAVE A FAULTY PRODUCT IN MORE THAN A FEW TRUCKS BUT ONLY 15-16 YEARS ARE BEING ADDRESSED.
NHTSA complaint #11181586 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 64,000 milesBatavia, IL
ENGINE
MY 2014 RAM 4500 STARTED TO MAKE NOISE COMING FROM THE WATER PUMP OF THE 6.7L CUMMINS MOTOR. HAPPENS TO BE THAT THE FCA RELEASED A RECALL OF 500,000 RAMS WITH POSSIBLE ENGINE FIRE DUE TO A FAILED WATER PUMP BEARING. WHEN I NOTIFIED THE DODGE DEALER THEY STATED NO KNOWLEDGE ON THIS AND SCHEDULED A SERVICE APPOINTMENT OVER A WEEK OUT. BEFORE THE APPOINTMENT DATE THE WATER PUMP SEIZED AND SNAPPED THE BELT AMONGST OTHER THINGS LIKE A BELT TENSIONER UNDER THE HOOD AND THE TRUCK HAD TO BE TOWED IN. THEY WILL NOT COVER THE BELT BECAUSE THERE IS A PTO SYSTEM ON THE TRUCK EVEN THOU THE FAILURE WAS CAUSED BY THE WATER PUMP FAILURE. THE WATER PUMP IS COVERED UNDER WARRANTY BUT THEY ARE PUTTING ON THE OE PUMP THAT HAS THE RECALL ON IT. THEY ARE AWARE OF THE RECALL BUT STATE ITS TO NEW. THIS OPENS ALL TYPES OF LIABILITY OF FIRE HAZARDS AND SO ON. SOMEONE HELP
NHTSA complaint #11032948 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 18,000 milesMontrose, CO
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 RAM 4500. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH UP HILL WITH HEAVY SNOW ON THE GROUND, THE VEHICLE WAS PULLING A 24 FOOT TRAILER WITH A PIECE OF MACHINERY APPROXIMATELY 1,800 POUNDS OF WEIGHT. THE VEHICLE LOST POWER AND SLID BACKWARDS INTO AN EMBANKMENT. THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE FENDER, SIDE MIRROR, AND DRIVER SIDE DOOR WERE DAMAGED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE SAME FAILURE OCCURRED ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS WHILE DRIVING UP HILL WITH THE SAME LOAD AND ROAD CONDITIONS. THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED ALL THREE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BY THE DEALER UNDER WARRANTY, BUT NOT THE BODY DAMAGE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 18,000.
NHTSA complaint #10860907 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 1,000 milesAlbuquerque, NM
STEERING
I PURCHASED THE TRUCK NEW AND THE DEALER WELDED THE BED TO THE FRAME IT IS KNOW COMPRISED SO IF IT CRACKS IT'S THERE FAULT. THE OTHER PROBLEM IS THE TRUCK DRIFTS TO THE RIGHT WE FOUND THE REAR AXEL IS ABOUT .30 THRUST ANGEL ,OUT OF SQUARE TO THE FRAME CAUSING PULL THEY SAY THERE IS NO FIX AFTER 7 TIMES IN THE SHOP AND DODGE WON'T HELP ME OR FIX IT.
NHTSA complaint #10783192 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 1,000 milesAlbuquerque, NM
SUSPENSION
I PURCHASED THE TRUCK NEW AND THE DEALER WELDED THE BED TO THE FRAME IT IS KNOW COMPRISED SO IF IT CRACKS IT'S THERE FAULT. THE OTHER PROBLEM IS THE TRUCK DRIFTS TO THE RIGHT WE FOUND THE REAR AXEL IS ABOUT .30 THRUST ANGEL ,OUT OF SQUARE TO THE FRAME CAUSING PULL THEY SAY THERE IS NO FIX AFTER 7 TIMES IN THE SHOP AND DODGE WON'T HELP ME OR FIX IT.
NHTSA complaint #10783192 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.