Owners have filed 32 complaints
about the 2022 RAM 5500 with NHTSA between 2022 and 2025.
The largest single group is the transmission & drivetrain.
Across this model's run it ranks 4 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 — 65
Against the median year of the RAM 5500. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 16
3.1% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 100
60% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
110.0%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
550.0%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
220.0%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
220.0%
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.
Mar 2022peak 6Feb 2025
NHTSA investigations into the 2022 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.
PE24009Opened 27 Mar 2024Still openPOWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
2022 RAM Transmission Snap Ring Failure
The Office of Defect Investigations (ODI) has received 82 complaints alleging loss of motive power due to an internal transmission failure of the K1 snap ring in model year 2022 Ram 3500, 4500, and 5500 vehicles. Of these complaints, 16 describe a complete loss of motive power at speeds greater than 25 miles per hour, without the ability for the vehicle to resume normal operation. The subject vehicles can be up-fit as an ambulance and other emergency response vehicle or may be heavily loaded when used for towing. During the failure event, the snap ring becomes dislodged and forward gears 1-4 a...
Recalls on the 2022 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.
United States — NHTSA
25V765000
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Ram 1500, Ram 2500, Ram 3500, Ram 4500, and Ram 5500 vehicles. The steering column control module may cause the driver's side air bag not to deploy as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Risk: A driver's side air bag that does not deploy as intended increases the risk of injury in a crash.
23V060000
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:RELAYS/SOLENOIDS
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Ram 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis, and 4500, 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles equipped with a Cummins 6.7L Turbo Diesel engine. An electrical short may occur in the heater grid relay with the ignition on or off.
Risk: An electrical short in the relay can result in an engine compartment fire with the ignition on or off, increasing the risk of injury.
22V642000
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECU/ECM)
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2022 Ram 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis, Ram 2500, and 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles equipped with Cummins 6.7L turbo diesel engines. The engine control module (ECM) may have been built with a misaligned capacitor that can short-circuit, resulting in an internal loss of communication.
Risk: An internal loss of communication can result in a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
21V798000
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:RELAYS/SOLENOIDS
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Ram 3500, 2500 pickup trucks, and Ram 3500, 4500, and 5500 cab chassis vehicles equipped with Cummins 6.7L Turbo Diesel engines. An electrical short in the relay may cause a vehicle fire with the ignition on or off.
Risk: A vehicle fire increases the risk of injury.
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 202302621,852 units in Canada
Electrical
Issue: On certain trucks and chassis-cabs equipped with a 6.7 L Cummins diesel engine, the intake air heater relay could short circuit. This could happen even when the vehicle is parked, and the ignition switch is in the off position. Safety Risk: A short circuit could create a fire risk. Corrective Actions: FCA Canada will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealership to replace the intake air heater relay. FCA recommends that you should park your vehicle outside and away from other vehicles or buildings until the recall repairs are completed.
Recall 2022478420 units in Canada
Engine
Issue: On certain trucks, a problem in the engine control module (ECM) could cause a short circuit. If this happens, the engine could stall and you may not be able to restart it. 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 truck to a dealership to replace the engine control module.
Recall 20216296,680 units in Canada
Electrical
Issue: On certain trucks or chassis-cabs equipped with a 6.7 L Cummins diesel engine, the intake air heater relay could short circuit. This could happen even when the vehicle is parked and the ignition switch is in the off position. Note: Trucks repaired under recall 2021-138 will also require this repair. Safety Risk: A short circuit could create a fire risk. Corrective Actions: FCA Canada will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealer to inspect and replace the intake air heater relay, as necessary. FCA recommends that you should park your vehicle outside and away from other vehicles or buildings until the recall repairs are completed.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Kenilworth, NJCrash
STEERING
Our driver told us that he lost steering. At 35 mph on a open highway (which is confirmed by our gps). He also has a clean driving record and has been driving box truck for decades with no incident. Once steering was lost the box truck to slam in into the barrier twice , than roll onto its side. There where no other cars involved in the accident and the truck is now totaled. There is so much damage done to the truck it is hard to pinpoint the failure point. The center link is broken and the tie rod end is snapped off. The truck only has 38,000 miles on it. The air bags weren't deployed and the driver had to be pulled out of the truck. The police confirmed the steering failure point on the police report. There was no warning of the failure. Until the accident.
NHTSA complaint #11642692 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Kenilworth, NJCrash
STEERING
Our driver told us that he lost steering. At 35 mph on a open highway (which is confirmed by our gps). He also has a clean driving record and has been driving box truck for decades with no incident. Once steering was lost the box truck to slam in into the barrier twice , than roll onto its side. There where no other cars involved in the accident and the truck is now totaled. There is so much damage done to the truck it is hard to pinpoint the failure point. The center link is broken and the tie rod end is snapped off. The truck only has 38,000 miles on it. The air bags weren't deployed and the driver had to be pulled out of the truck. The police confirmed the steering failure point on the police report. There was no warning of the failure. Until the accident.
NHTSA complaint #11642692 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hope, ID
POWER TRAIN
Dealership confirmed K1 and K2 snap ring failure on a 22 Dodge Ram under warranty with 15933 miles. Transmission was manufactured in August of the truck build. On [XXX] while driving my 22 Ram 5500 the truck lost all forward gears while coming down the mountain with a loaded truck camper and pulling a trailer with an ATV. Truck was below GVWR. This truck had 15933 miles and 24 months old. All servicing intervals were met and serviced at a certified Dodge dealership. The truck was traveling at 25 MPH down hill in steep terrain on a dirt road. The exhaust brake and tow haul mode was selected and operational. The vehicle shuddered and made a thump and had an associated check engine light with an Adaptive Cruise Control caution indication. The vehicle started to rapidly speed up downhill and I gently applied the brakes to regain control. I coasted approximately 2 miles to find a safe pull off point in the mountains with no forward gears. After the vehicle was safely stopped I was able to confirm the malfunction with no forward gears and reverse only. I was fortunate to be able to flag a ride after hiking out to the [XXX] to get my wife and I out of the National Forest and get cellular service. The nearest service provider was the Ram dealership in Lewiston Idaho. I made arrangements and the Truck was delivered the next day by a semi tow vehicle. We incurred a two night stay at the Hampton Inn to get repairs lined up and arrange travel home. After multiple conversations with the dealership and a trip down there to discuss the issue with the dealership they finally diagnosed and fixed the problem after 33 days sitting on the lot. The truck was delivered back to me on 9 October. The diagnosis of the K1 and K2 snap ring poses a serious safety issue for owners and operators of this vehicle. This malfunction caused some significant financial burden as well due to the truck being inoperative and away 140 miles from home. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(
NHTSA complaint #11623278 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 105,000 milesPlant City, FL
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
The contact owns a 2022 Ram 5500. The contact stated while driving at approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle was losing forward momentum. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal and the engine was revving but the vehicle was not gaining any forward momentum. The contact pulled the vehicle over and turned the vehicle off and on, however, when the contact had shifted the vehicle into drive (D) the vehicle was not moving. The contact determined that he only had reverse (R) gear functioning. The contact had checked online and read that he would be able to manually shift to 5th gear. The contact was able to return to his workplace and had the vehicle towed to a local dealer. The vehicle was diagnosed and it was determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact had researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Action Number: PE24009 (Power Train). The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 105,000.
NHTSA complaint #11620325 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 105,000 milesPlant City, FL
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2022 Ram 5500. The contact stated while driving at approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle was losing forward momentum. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal and the engine was revving but the vehicle was not gaining any forward momentum. The contact pulled the vehicle over and turned the vehicle off and on, however, when the contact had shifted the vehicle into drive (D) the vehicle was not moving. The contact determined that he only had reverse (R) gear functioning. The contact had checked online and read that he would be able to manually shift to 5th gear. The contact was able to return to his workplace and had the vehicle towed to a local dealer. The vehicle was diagnosed and it was determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact had researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Action Number: PE24009 (Power Train). The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 105,000.
NHTSA complaint #11620325 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 8,000 milesShoreline, WA
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
The contact owns a 2022 Ram 5500. The contact stated while driving 50–55 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power due to the transmission failure. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was towed to another local dealer, Speck Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram (125 E Allen Rd., Sunnyside, WA 98944), where it was diagnosed that the snap ring was fractured. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the local dealer for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 8,000.
NHTSA complaint #11605587 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 8,000 milesShoreline, WA
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2022 Ram 5500. The contact stated while driving 50–55 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power due to the transmission failure. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was towed to another local dealer, Speck Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram (125 E Allen Rd., Sunnyside, WA 98944), where it was diagnosed that the snap ring was fractured. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the local dealer for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 8,000.
NHTSA complaint #11605587 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chilton, TX
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
The transmission failed at approximately 3000 miles. Reverse was the only gear to function properly. The truck has been at the dealership for over 2 months and they have not fixed it yet.
NHTSA complaint #11587840 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chilton, TX
POWER TRAIN
The transmission failed at approximately 3000 miles. Reverse was the only gear to function properly. The truck has been at the dealership for over 2 months and they have not fixed it yet.
NHTSA complaint #11587840 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Weymouth, MA
POWER TRAIN
K1 snap ring failure
NHTSA complaint #11582331 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ann Arbor, MI
WHEELS
This is a 2022 Dodge Ram 5500. The wheel studs broke off while driving on the interstate, and the dually tires came off. This is a major safety issue and the driver had a narrow escape. This same issue persisted through the 2012-2021 model years and RAM had a recall (Y26) for those years. I do not believe the issue has been fixed for the 2022 model year. When I asked RAM for reimbursement for the replacement studs and labor, they turned it down saying my model year was not on the list I am looking to escalate this matter before someone else gets impacted by this issue.
NHTSA complaint #11576587 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Moses Lake, WA
POWER TRAIN
Truck has 6500 miles, went to put it in reverse from drive in busy intersection and transmission started to slip. Truck ultimately wouldn't drive at all. Started throwing codes (P0731-00 in particular) and found out that it needs a new K1 clutch snap ring repair. There are more than 300 people with this issue, this has not only happened with me from my research on forums about this code being thrown. This is a 2022 with 6500 miles, there are too low of miles on this truck for it to be having a problem like this!
NHTSA complaint #11559320 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 1,000 milesCleveland, TN
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2022 Ram 5500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to shift into the intended gear, and started to coast while the accelerator pedal was depressed. No warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that he veered off the roadway to safety and notified a towing company. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the snap rings failed and needed to be replaced. The contact stated that he had previously informed the dealers of TSB: 21-002-23 but was informed that the vehicle needed to experience a complete failure to receive the repair under the TSB. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 1,000.
NHTSA complaint #11539989 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 1,973 milesCuster, SD
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2022 Ram 5500. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power, with the 4-WD unavailable message displayed. Additionally, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and the contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was 1,973.
NHTSA complaint #11540149 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sterling Heights, MI
POWER TRAIN
I drive a RAM 5500, 20' Jerrdan Flatbed Tow truck. We had just purchased this truck about a week and a half prior to the transmission failure. We had 2500 miles on it, and were towing two vehicles behind. We pulled off of the highway, and then felt an extremely hard clunk underneath the truck to which the rear tires locked up, and stopped us in the middle of the road. Once we were stopped, the truck began to clunk louder so hard it would shake the entire truck. Then a CEL appeared, for PO731 and P0734, the truck in drive would only rev and not move. Reverse did work however. But we could not reverse anywhere as we were in the middle of the highway. We had to get a tow truck which took 4 hours because nobody wanted to tow us due to the situation. We almost got hit so many times, it was so dangerous and scary for me and my passenger, as we thought we were going to crash when the rear wheels locked up. This issue needs to be taken much more seriously and looked into becoming a recall. Somebody on the highway could get KILLED!
NHTSA complaint #11537754 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
King George, VA
POWER TRAIN
Were were driving in stop and go traffic outside Durham, NC on I 147/885. After being stopped for a few seconds I depressed the accelerator to move forward. There was a bang and I thought some one had hit me from behind. Then I noticed the engine light on the dash and the truck would not move forward. I was able to get the shifter in park. All temps and pressures on the dash were normal including the transmission. There was no fluid leaking from under the truck. We were in lane three of the highway and cars, trucks, and tractor trailers were passing us on the shoulder and the left lane. I tried using the in vehicle SOS button but the guy on the other end only referred me to call a different number. That number I sat on the line for over 20min while sitting in traffic unable to move with vehicles passing me on the left and right. finally a deputy showed up and was able to control the traffic. 3 hours later it was finally towed to Hendrick Dodge in Cary, NC. Currently waiting on it to be evaluated by the dealer.
NHTSA complaint #11535268 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Highlands Ranch, CO
POWER TRAIN
Description: The Aisin transmission in my new Ram 2022 5500 unexpectedly failed in the middle of the highway, despite the vehicle having only 5,000 miles on it. This sudden breakdown posed a significant safety risk to me and other drivers on the road. Unfortunately, the truck is currently at Johnson's Auto Center in Denver, but they are unable to provide an estimated time for inspecting the transmission. It appears probable that a new transmission will need to be ordered to resolve the issue. Regrettably, I do not have any further details or insights regarding the incident and its cause at this time.
NHTSA complaint #11533043 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Santa Clarita, CA
POWER TRAIN
Driving on the freeway with no warning got an engine light, ABS light, 4 Wheel drive light and transmission failed. It will not go into drive only reverse
NHTSA complaint #11529692 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Oakland, CA
STEERING
Center (drag) link as a part of the steering linkage assembly snapped after 40,000 miles. I was driving < 5 miles an hour attempting to park my vehicle when I heard a large snap sound, which, upon further investigation, was the center link that snapped in half. The vehicle had to be towed to the dealership for repairs. Had the vehicle been in a more dense area or if I were driving on the highway and not attempting to park, a sudden loss of steering capability could have been fatal. The dealer has acknowledged the center link was broken after completing their diagnostic. I’m not sure if the vehicle part was returned to the manufacturer for inspection and there was no insurance claim for an adjuster to review. I do know from open source information that Ram has had issues (recalls I believe as well) with the steering rod or otherwise steering linkage assembly in the past. There were no lights or indicators suggesting an imminent failure in the steering system.
NHTSA complaint #11524902 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Newark, DE
POWER TRAIN
Many owners have reported sudden loss of power and control resulting from explosive transmission failure causing a major public safety issue. RAM has not provided details on which vehicles are affected. The TSB states if the customer experiences such symptoms to contact dealer if still alive. This lack of information has resulted in many customers simply parking their vehicles and waiting until FCA issues more details on which transmission serial numbers are impacted. Owners have also joined various forums and crowd sourcing information (SEE ATTACHED EXECEL SHEET) to identify factors such as build dates, transmission serial numbers and conditions in which the failure happened. I am requesting the NHTSA to conduct an investigation and require FCA to provide more details regarding impacted vehicles rather than taking a if-it-fails-call-us approach. Furthermore, FCA is not reimbursing owners for towing expenses related to the load. In some cases the truck towing is covered but not in other cases if the towing cost is deemed too high. This has resulted in some owners paying over $5000 for towing expenses and waiting for repayment. In some cases the TSB repair has resulted in additional failures causing the vehicles to be out of services for multiple months and additional safety to the operators and other motor vehicles that share the road with these RAM vehicles.
NHTSA complaint #11518538 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ooltewah, TN
POWER TRAIN
The transmission failed after less than 500 miles. I stopped at a red light at the end of an exit ramp, and when the light turned green, the truck would not move, either in forward or reverse. I was in the middle lane of a 3 lane exit ramp, and cars were passing me on each side. There were no symptoms or warnings prior to the total failure. The truck had to be towed to a dealer, where they confirmed that the transmission had failed.
NHTSA complaint #11518436 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Newark, DE
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Received notice 8 months ago that the electrical relay that is used for grid heater when starting the vehicle may catch fire causing the entire vehicle to burn to the ground. I contacted RAM immediately and they stated there is no fix available. 8 months later I contacted RAM again and they stated that a fix was in the works but not available to me. I later contacted a dealer to buy a new truck and found they had a stop sell on RAM trucks and the fix was made available to them so the trucks can be sold. RAM should be taking care of trucks already sold and are on the road first not trucks waiting to the sold on the lot. Those are the vehicles that risk public safety. There is no risk with unsold truck sitting idle in dealer parking lots other than profits. RAM is colluding with their dealerships to sell truck at the risk of public safety. NHTSA is warned by this complaint that they will be found lax in enforcement if they do not require RAM to correct sold truck first. I have contacted by Senator and notified him of the concern with NHTSA. I currently have to park my truck on the street as required by RAM in their recall notice and my insurance premiums increased as a result.
NHTSA complaint #11518432 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 862 milesWeymouth, MA
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2022 Ram 5500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 MPH, the transmission became inoperable. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission needed to be replaced; however, the parts were on backorder. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified about the failure, but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 862.
NHTSA complaint #11509679 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Weymouth, MA
POWER TRAIN
My truck has 850 miles on it and the transmission failed. It has been at the ram dealer for a month with no fix in sight. Ram customer service has been no help.
NHTSA complaint #11507762 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Garwood, TX
POWER TRAIN
Driving down freeway lost all momentum had to coast to the shoulder almost causing several accidents and getting hit by a semi in the process. The truck had no gears whatsoever and gave me on warning something was as it risk for failing. Was told the entire transmission had failed. This was the second transmission ram had put in. The problem is becoming wide spread across the internet as multiple owners are now reporting with no known fix currently. Please note that the file below is the first repair which did nothing but almost cause another accident when it happened again
NHTSA complaint #11507787 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Garwood, TX
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Driving down freeway lost all momentum had to coast to the shoulder almost causing several accidents and getting hit by a semi in the process. The truck had no gears whatsoever and gave me on warning something was as it risk for failing. Was told the entire transmission had failed. This was the second transmission ram had put in. The problem is becoming wide spread across the internet as multiple owners are now reporting with no known fix currently. Please note that the file below is the first repair which did nothing but almost cause another accident when it happened again
NHTSA complaint #11507787 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.