Owners have filed 11 complaints
about the 2020 RAM 5500 with NHTSA between 2021 and 2025.
The largest single group is the brakes.
Across this model's run it ranks 3 of 8 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 — 22
Against the median year of the RAM 5500. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
63.6% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 85
50% 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 2020 RAM 5500
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Brakes
327.3%
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 75,500 mi
Seat Belts
218.2%
Median failure at 13,500 miles
Other & Unspecified
19.1%
0 crashes, 1 fires
Driver Assist & Collision Avoidance
19.1%
1 crashes, 0 fires
Wheels
19.1%
Median failure at 223,926 miles
Tires
19.1%
Median failure at 223,926 miles
Airbags
19.1%
1 crashes, 0 fires
Transmission & Drivetrain
19.1%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
1,000 – 9,999 miles
233.3%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
116.7%
150,000+ miles
350.0%
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.
Jul 2021peak 3Nov 2025
NHTSA investigations into the 2020 RAM 5500
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.
1
investigation is
still open.
EA23001Opened 17 Mar 2023Still openFUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
High pressure fuel pump failure
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE21-021 on October 14, 2021, to investigate incidents alleging a stall/loss of motive power as a result of high-pressure fuel pump failures in certain model year (MY) 2019-2020 Ram 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500 heavy duty trucks equipped with 6.7L Cummins turbodiesel engines. During the investigation, ODI sought to determine if the related defect allegation was limited in scope to the recalled population. After review of information request response materials from both FCA and BMW, NHTSA determined that sufficient information to identify a compreh...
PE21021Opened 14 Oct 2021Closed 14 Apr 2023FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
High pressure fuel pump failure
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE21-021 on October 14, 2021 to investigate allegations of stall/loss of motive power as a result of high pressure fuel pump failures in certain model year (MY) 2019-2020 RAM 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500 heavy duty trucks equipped with 6.7L Cummins turbodiesel engines.On November 12, 2021, FCA filed vehicle recall 21V-880 and equipment recall 21E-094 on the subject population, identifying an `internally failed component? of the high pressure fuel pump equipped on the 6.7L Cummins Turbodiesel engine that introduced debris into the fuel system poten...
Recalls on the 2020 RAM 5500
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 20226132,280 units in Canada
Brakes
Issue: On certain chassis-cab vehicles, the openings inside the rear brake hoses may be too small. As a result, a hose could fail and cause reduced braking. Safety Risk: Reduced braking can cause extended stopping distances and increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: FCA Canada will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealership to replace the rear brake hoses.
Recall 202202516,332 units in Canada
Visual System
Issue: On certain trucks, the nuts that attach the windshield wiper arms may not have been tightened properly. This could cause the wipers to slip and not clear the windshield properly. Safety Risk: Windshield wipers that do not work properly could affect a driver's visibility. This could increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: FCA Canada will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealer to tighten the nuts on the windshield wiper arms.
Recall 202169120,539 units in Canada
Fuel System
Issue: On certain vehicles equipped with a 6.7 L Cummins diesel engine, the high-pressure fuel pump could fail. If this happens, you may notice a change in engine performance, a fuel leak, or the check engine light may turn on. This could also result in a sudden loss of engine power while driving. Safety Risk: A sudden loss of engine power could increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: FCA Canada will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealership to replace the high-pressure fuel pump and update the powertrain control module software. Additional fuel system parts may be replaced, if necessary.
Recall 20213602,091 units in Canada
Engine
Issue: On certain chassis-cab trucks equipped with a 6.7 L diesel engine, the engine oil monitoring system may not detect when the engine oil drops below the minimum level. If this happens, the engine bearings could be damaged. This can lead to a connecting rod failure, which could puncture the engine block and create an oil leak. Safety Risk: An engine oil leak can create the risk of a fire. Corrective Action: FCA Canada will contact owners by mail and instruct you to take your truck to a dealer to update the engine calibration software.
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 20203962,111 units in Canada
Engine
Issue: On certain chassis cab trucks equipped with a Cummins 6.7 L high-output engine, a software problem could cause damage to the connecting rod bearings while the engine is warming up. As a result, a connecting rod could break and cause an engine failure. If this happens, oil could leak onto hot components in the engine compartment. Note: A driver may notice abnormal engine noise if a connecting rod fails. Safety Risk: A sudden loss of engine power could increase the risk of a crash. Additionally, an engine failure could create the risk of a fire. Corrective Actions: Fiat Chrysler Automobiles will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your truck to a dealer to update the engine calibration software. This will add enhanced engine warm-up protection.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Attalla, ALCrash4 injured
AIR BAGS
I was traveling down the hwy and and car went thru the stop sign. I could not stop in time and I t boned it. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11698718 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Attalla, ALCrash4 injured
SERVICE BRAKES
I was traveling down the hwy and and car went thru the stop sign. I could not stop in time and I t boned it. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11698718 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I was traveling down the hwy and and car went thru the stop sign. I could not stop in time and I t boned it. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11698718 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mayfield, NYFire
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
2020 DODGE RAM 5500. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO Y26 STUDS SAFETY RECALL. CONSUMER WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHEN PARTS WILL BE AVAILABLE TO PERFORM THIS RECALL. THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE HAD AN EXHAUST FIRE. THE VEHICLE SMOKED FOR 20 MINUTES. * (RECALL RELATED INCIDENT) TS
NHTSA complaint #11424947 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Attalla, ALCrash4 injured
AIR BAGS
I was traveling down the hwy and and car went thru the stop sign. I could not stop in time and I t boned it. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11698718 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Attalla, ALCrash4 injured
SERVICE BRAKES
I was traveling down the hwy and and car went thru the stop sign. I could not stop in time and I t boned it. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11698718 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I was traveling down the hwy and and car went thru the stop sign. I could not stop in time and I t boned it. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11698718 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 1,000 milesLarkspur, CO
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2020 Ram 5500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed during a heavy crosswind, the electronic stabilization system warning light illuminated, indicating that the system had deactivated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 1,000.
NHTSA complaint #11661969 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 223,926 milesCalhan, CO
WHEELS
The contact owns a 2020 Ram 5500. The contact stated that while driving at 20-25 MPH, the dual wheel tires detached from the vehicle and struck another vehicle. On another occasion while driving 60 MPH, the tires detached. There was no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V398000 (Wheels). The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the wheel studs needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the same dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 223,926.
NHTSA complaint #11630410 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 223,926 milesCalhan, CO
TIRES
The contact owns a 2020 Ram 5500. The contact stated that while driving at 20-25 MPH, the dual wheel tires detached from the vehicle and struck another vehicle. On another occasion while driving 60 MPH, the tires detached. There was no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V398000 (Wheels). The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the wheel studs needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the same dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 223,926.
NHTSA complaint #11630410 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Boise, ID
POWER TRAIN
While driving on the freeway at 75 mph transfer case went into neutral. No power to wheels. I managed to coast off the freeway and then towed to dealership. Dodge 5500 trucks are used for heavy hauling such as fire trucks, ambulances and in the west ranchers. If a rancher is going down a steep grade with a heavy load (cattle/horses) they would not be able to STOP due to weight. Transfer case has defective parts internally. Dealer said that there is a defect in the transfer cases and is common on Dodge Ram 4500/5500.
NHTSA complaint #11623456 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 2,000 milesCeres, CA
SEAT BELTS
The contact owns a 2020 Ram 5500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and slamming on the brakes, the front driver's side seat belt failed to retract. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring while driving. The vehicle was taken to an unknown dealer, where the seat belt was inspected, and the contact was informed that the seat belt needed to be replaced. Additionally, the dealer informed the contact that the vehicle could not be repaired free of charge because the warranty had expired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and made the same assessment. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 2,000.
NHTSA complaint #11554032 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 25,000 milesCeres, CA
SEAT BELTS
The contact owns a 2020 Ram 5500. The contact stated that while driving and slamming on the brakes, the front driver's side seat belt failed to retract. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring while driving. The vehicle was taken to an unknown dealer, where the seat belt was inspected, and the contact was informed that the seat belt needed to be replaced. Additionally, the dealer informed the contact that the vehicle could not be repaired free of charge because the warranty had expired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and made the same assessment. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 25,000. The VIN was unavailable.
NHTSA complaint #11554033 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesAttalla, AL
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2020 Ram 5500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V759000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulics). The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and towing a trailer, while attempting to stop the vehicle, the contact noticed that the vehicle failed to stop within a reasonable amount of time. The contact stated that the vehicle had lost proper braking functionality. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 150,000.
NHTSA complaint #11543008 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mayfield, NYFire
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
2020 DODGE RAM 5500. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO Y26 STUDS SAFETY RECALL. CONSUMER WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHEN PARTS WILL BE AVAILABLE TO PERFORM THIS RECALL. THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE HAD AN EXHAUST FIRE. THE VEHICLE SMOKED FOR 20 MINUTES. * (RECALL RELATED INCIDENT) TS
NHTSA complaint #11424947 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.