2020 RAM 5500 Problems, Complaints & Recalls

Source: NHTSA · Updated Nov 11, 2025 · 8 owner complaints analyzed

Compared with other 5500 years
Not enough data 8th of 18 for complaints
NHTSA crash rating
Not rated

Owners have filed 8 complaints with NHTSA about the 2020 RAM 5500. That ranks 8th out of 18 5500 model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is seat belts (2 complaints, 25%), typically at around 13,500 miles. Complaints mention 1 crash, 1 fire, 4 injuries. There are 9 safety recalls covering this model year. NHTSA has opened 2 defect investigations involving it.

Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.

Compare with another car

Most common 2020 RAM 5500 problems

Complaints grouped by the part of the car owners reported, with the median mileage when the problem happened.

Seat Belts2 · ~13,500 mi
Service Brakes, Hydraulic2 · ~75,500 mi
Air Bags1
Forward Collision Avoidance1
Power Train1
Service Brakes1
Tires1 · ~223,926 mi
Unknown or Other1
Wheels1 · ~223,926 mi
Problem areaComplaintsShareMedian milesOwners mention mostTypical repair cost
Seat Belts225%13,500——
Service Brakes, Hydraulic225%75,500——
Air Bags113%———
Forward Collision Avoidance113%———
Power Train113%———
Service Brakes113%———
Tires113%223,926——
Unknown or Other113%———
Wheels113%223,926——

One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.

Complaints by year received

Peak: 2023, with 3 complaints
2021: 1202112023: 3202332024: 2202422025: 220252

n = 8 complaints · Source: NHTSA

2020 RAM 5500 recalls (9)

Tap a recall to see the problem, the risk and the fix.

Service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsOct 11, 2022 · NHTSA campaign 22V759000 · 26,961 vehicles

Problem: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ram 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles. The rear brake hose inside diameter may be too small, which could cause the hose to rupture. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 106, "Brake Hoses."

Risk: A brake hose rupture can cause a loss of braking ability, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will replace the rear brake hoses, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 27, 2023. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is ZA5.

Visibility:windshield wiper/washer:linkagesJan 27, 2022 · NHTSA campaign 22V035000 · 171,789 vehicles

Problem: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ram 2500 and Ram 3500 vehicles, Ram 3500 Cab Chassis, 4500 Cab Chassis, 5500 Cab Chassis and 3500 Cab Chassis with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of less than 10,000 lbs. The windshield wiper arms may loosen, possibly causing the wipers to function improperly and reduce the driver's visibility in certain weather conditions.

Risk: Reduced visibility increases the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will tighten the wiper nuts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 15, 2022. This recall is an expansion of recall number 20V-208. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is Z08.

Fuel system, diesel:delivery:fuel pumpNov 12, 2021 · NHTSA campaign 21V880000 · 222,410 vehicles

Problem: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ram 2500, 3500 pickup trucks, and Ram 3500, 4500, and 5500 cab chassis vehicles equipped with Cummins 6.7L Turbo Diesel engines. The High Pressure Fuel Pump (HPFP) may fail, resulting in a sudden engine stall without warning.

Risk: An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will replace the HPFP, update the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) software, and inspect and replace additional fuel system components as necessary, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters to inform owners of the safety recall were mailed on January 4, 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 17, 2022. Phase 2 owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on March 2, 2023. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is Y78.

Engine and engine cooling:engine:oil/lubricationJun 10, 2021 · NHTSA campaign 21V439000 · 32,002 vehicles

Problem: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ram 3500, 4500, and 5500 cab chassis vehicles equipped with a Cummins 6.7L High Output engine. The engine calibration software may not warn about low oil volume.

Risk: Low oil can damage the engine, causing an oil leak or a punctured engine block, increasing the risk of a fire.

Fix: Dealers will update the engine calibration software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 25, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US LLC's number for this recall is Y21.

Wheels:lugs/nuts/bolts/studsMay 27, 2021 · NHTSA campaign 21V398000 · 447,985 vehicles

Problem: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2012-2021 RAM 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis, 4500 Cab Chassis, and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles. Incorrect information in the Service and Owner's Manuals may cause the flanged lug nuts to be over-tightened, which could result in a broken wheel stud and possible wheel separation.

Risk: Wheel separation can cause a vehicle crash.

Fix: Dealers will update the torque specification in the owner's manual and other published service documents. Dealers will also inspect the vehicle's wheel studs, replacing them if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on November 30, 2021. Campaign Y36 owner notification letters were mailed on November 30, 2021. Campaign Y26 owner notification letters were mailed on December 1, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US's numbers for this recall are Y26 and Y36.

Service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsJan 26, 2021 · NHTSA campaign 21V023000 · 4 vehicles

Problem: Excellance, Inc (Excellance) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Excellance-modified RAM 4500/5500 vehicles to be equipped with CLASS Suspension Systems. In the affected suspension systems, the rear brake caliper flexible line may have been routed so that it contacts a suspension component, possibly causing excessive wear and a loss of rear brakes.

Risk: A worn rear brake caliper flexible line may cause brake fluid leakage which may result in a partial or complete loss of the rear brakes, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Excellance will notify owners, and dealers will install a kit to remedy any damage and to prevent any future damage, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a schedule for recall notification. Owners may contact Excellance customer service at 1-800-882-9799.

Service brakes; service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings; suspension:rearJan 20, 2021 · NHTSA campaign 21V016000 · 6 vehicles

Problem: Custom Truck And Body Works is recalling certain 2020 Dodge 4500 and 5500 vehicles. In the affected suspension systems, the rear brake caliper flexible line may have been routed so that it contacts a suspension component, possibly causing excessive wear and a loss of rear brakes.

Risk: A worn rear brake caliper flexible line may cause brake fluid leakage, which may result in a partial or complete loss of the rear brakes, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Custom Truck And Body Works will notify owners, and dealers will repair the affected suspension systems, and rear brake caliper flexible line, free of charge. Owners may contact Custom Truck And Body Works customer service at 1-706-553-9178. Custom Truck And Body Works number for this recall is 20E-031.

Service brakes, hydraulic:power assist:vacuum:hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsJan 13, 2021 · NHTSA campaign 21V008000 · 23 vehicles

Problem: Braun Northwest (Braun Northwest) is recalling certain 2019-2020 RAM 4500/5500 vehicles equipped with Liquid Spring rear suspension systems. In the affected suspension systems, the rear brake caliper flexible line may have been routed so that it contacts a suspension component, possibly causing excessive wear and a loss of rear brakes.

Risk: A worn rear brake line may leak fluid, resulting in a partial or complete loss of the rear brakes, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Braun Northwest will notify owners, and dealers will install a repair kit to each rear caliper and modify the rear brake caliper flexible line mounting. Any worn rear brake caliper flexible lines will be replaced as needed, free of charge. The recall began June 8, 2020. Owners may contact Braun Northwest customer service at 1-360-748-0195.

Engine and engine cooling:engine:oil/lubrication; electrical system:softwareAug 27, 2020 · NHTSA campaign 20V511000 · 32,318 vehicles

Problem: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ram 3500, 4500 and 5500 cab chassis built with a Cummins 6.7L High Output engine. Inadequate warmup protection can cause a lack of oil film on the engine connecting rod bearings while the engine is reaching operating temperature. This can result in engine damage and connecting rod failure, which could potentially puncture the engine block.

Risk: A damaged engine block may leak oil, which can contact hot engine or exhaust components, increasing the risk of a fire.

Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will flash the engine calibration software to enhance the engine warm up protection, free of charge. The recall began September 10, 2020. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is W57.

To see whether a specific car still has an open recall, enter its VIN on NHTSA's official recall lookup. You can also decode a VIN here.

NHTSA defect investigations

  • High pressure fuel pump failure (EA23001) — opened Mar 17, 2023, still open, led to recall 24V957.
  • High pressure fuel pump failure (PE21021) — opened Oct 14, 2021, closed Apr 14, 2023.

Recent owner reports

Short excerpts of the latest complaints filed with NHTSA, with personal details removed. Full reports can be searched on NHTSA.gov.

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)

Air Bags · received Nov 11, 2025 · NHTSA complaint 11698718

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…

Service Brakes, Hydraulic · received May 19, 2025 · NHTSA complaint 11661969

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…

Wheels · received Dec 12, 2024 · NHTSA complaint 11630410

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…

Power Train · received Nov 4, 2024 · NHTSA complaint 11623456

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…

Seat Belts · received Nov 7, 2023 · NHTSA complaint 11554032

Other RAM 5500 years

← 2019 5500 · 2021 5500 →

See all RAM 5500 problems by year, every RAM model, or the RAM VIN decoder.

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Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2020 RAM 5500?

Owners most often report seat belts, service brakes, hydraulic, air bags problems. The top one, seat belts, accounts for 2 complaints.

Was there a recall on the 2020 RAM 5500?

Yes, 9 safety recalls. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.

Was the 2020 RAM 5500 a good year?

Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other 5500 model years, the 2020 has too little data to compare. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.