Dodge RAM 5500 Problems by Year
NHTSA has 89 owner complaints and 12 safety recalls on file for the Dodge RAM 5500, across 5 model years (2008–2012). The 2012 model year has the most complaints (40). The most reported problem area overall is steering.
Dodge RAM 5500 years to avoid? What the complaint data shows
These model years drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical RAM 5500 year: 2012. Look at what owners reported before buying one, and check the VIN for open recalls.
Model years with the most complaints
- 2012 RAM 5500: 40 complaints, 9 recalls
- 2011 RAM 5500: 23 complaints, 4 recalls
- 2008 RAM 5500: 19 complaints, 3 recalls
Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold or how long each year has been on the road, so newer and less popular years naturally have fewer complaints. Use them to spot problem patterns, not as a safety ranking.
Most common Dodge RAM 5500 problems (all years)
| Problem area | Complaints | Model years | Crashes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steering | 53 | 4 | 1 |
| Electrical System | 12 | 3 | 0 |
| Power Train | 10 | 2 | 0 |
| Engine | 9 | 4 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion System | 7 | 2 | 0 |
| Suspension | 5 | 4 | 2 |
| Air Bags | 4 | 3 | 1 |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 3 | 2 | 0 |
| Fuel System, Diesel | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Structure | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| Wheels | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| Visibility/wiper | 1 | 1 | 0 |
All Dodge RAM 5500 model years
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls | Crash rating | Top problem | Compared with other years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 RAM 5500 | 40 | 9 | — | Steering | Far more complaints than other years |
| 2011 RAM 5500 | 23 | 4 | — | Steering | About as many complaints as other years |
| 2010 RAM 5500 | 0 | 1 | — | — | |
| 2009 RAM 5500 | 7 | 3 | — | Steering | |
| 2008 RAM 5500 | 19 | 3 | — | Steering | About as many complaints as other years |
More from Dodge: all Dodge models · Dodge VIN decoder
Frequently asked questions
Which Dodge RAM 5500 years should you stay away from?
By NHTSA complaints, 2012 (40) drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical RAM 5500 year. Counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, and newer years have had less time to collect complaints.
What is the biggest problem with the Dodge RAM 5500?
Steering, with 53 complaints across 4 model years.
How many recalls does the Dodge RAM 5500 have?
12 safety recalls across all model years. Each model year page lists its recalls and fixes.