CSR

Ram · NHTSA safety record

2018 Ram 5500

Every safety complaint, recall and defect investigation the US government holds on this vehicle.

37

Complaints

1

Crashes

0

Fires

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

Owners of the 2018 Ram 5500 have filed 37 safety complaints with NHTSA between February 2019 and July 2026. The most complained-about system is the brakes, named in 12 of them (32%). The typical failure was reported at 80,000 miles, the median across the 17 complaints that gave an odometer reading.

NHTSA has issued 8 recalls covering this vehicle. A further 1 defect investigation is open and unresolved.

Recalls (8)

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE

24V896000 · November 27, 2024

The defect
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Ram 2500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Pickup, 3500 Cab Chassis, 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles. The hydraulic control unit (HCU) may fail, which can cause the anti-lock brake (ABS), electronic stability control (ESC), and traction control systems to fail.
The risk
A loss of anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control, or traction control can increase the risk of a crash.
The remedy
Dealers will replace the brake HCU, or replace the HCU motor, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed January 9, 2025. Some owner notification letters were mailed January 9, 2025. The remaining owner notification letters will be mailed at a future date, anticipated October 2026. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is C4B.

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) · up to 317,630 vehicles across all model years covered

WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS

21V398000 · May 27, 2021

The defect
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.
The risk
Wheel separation can cause a vehicle crash.
The remedy
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.

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) · up to 447,985 vehicles across all model years covered

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS

19V359000 · May 13, 2019

The defect
Unruh Fire, Inc. (Unruh Fire) is recalling one 2018 Dodge 5500-based fire truck equipped with Whelen brake lights. Depending on the specific wiring of the vehicle, these brake lights may illuminate when the brake pedal has not been pressed.
The risk
If the brake lights incorrectly illuminate, it can confuse other drivers, possibly increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy
Unruh Fire has notified the owner and will provide replacement brake lights, free of charge. The recall began May 20, 2019. Owners may contact Unruh Fire customer service at 1-800-856-7080.

Unruh Fire, Inc. · up to 1 vehicles across all model years covered

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS

19V255000 · March 28, 2019

The defect
Blanchat Mfg., Inc. (Blanchat) is recalling one 2018 B-27 Minuteman vehicle built on a RAM 5500 chassis and equipped with Whelen brake lights recalled under 18E-063. Depending on the specific wiring of the vehicle, these brake lights may illuminate when the brake pedal has not been pressed.
The risk
If the brake lights incorrectly illuminate, it can confuse other drivers, possibly increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy
Blanchat has notified the owner, and will replace the brake lights, free of charge. The recall began March 27, 2019. Owners may contact Blanchat customer service at 1-620-896-7145.

Blanchat Mfg., Inc. · up to 1 vehicles across all model years covered

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

18V332000 · May 17, 2018

The defect
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Dodge Journey, Charger and Durango, RAM 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis (more than 10,000lb), 4500 Cab Chassis and 5500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee and Chrysler 300, 2014-2019 RAM 1500, 2015-2018 Dodge Challenger, 2015-2017 Chrysler 200, 2016-2018 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis (less than 10,000 lb), 2017-2018 Chrysler Pacifica and 2018 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. These vehicles are being recalled to address a defect that could prevent the cruise control system from disengaging. If, when using cruise control, there is a short circuit within the vehicle's wiring, the driver may not be able to shut off the cruise control either by depressing the brake pedal or manually turning the system off once it has been engaged, resulting in either the vehicle maintaining its current speed or possibly accelerating.
The risk
If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
The remedy
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the software, and perform a software flash on the engine or powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began June 4, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Note: Owners are advised to stop using cruise control until the software update has been performed. In the event that cruise control cannot be disengaged while driving, owners should firmly and steadily apply the brakes and shift the transmission to neutral, placing the vehicle in park once it has stopped.

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) · up to 4,815,661 vehicles across all model years covered

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

18V277000 · May 1, 2018

The defect
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 RAM 4500 and 5500 cab chassis trucks. The primary and secondary brake hoses located between the brake master cylinder and the hydraulic control unit may have been manufactured without anti-corrosion plating on the ferrules, which can allow the ferrules to corrode.
The risk
If the ferrules corrode, the brake fluid may leak and cause a loss of braking, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the brake hoses and replace them if necessary, free of charge. The recall began June 19, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U41.

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) · up to 2,457 vehicles across all model years covered

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

18V100000 · February 8, 2018

The defect
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2017-2018 RAM 1500, 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis, 4500 Cab Chassis, and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles, all equipped with a column shifter. Pushing the brake pedal for prolonged periods when the vehicle is running and in PARK may cause the Brake Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI) pin to stick in the open position. With the pin in the open position, the transmission can be shifted out of PARK into any gear without pushing the brake pedal or having the key in the ignition.
The risk
Being able to shift the transmission without pushing the brake pedal and/or without a key in the ignition can increase the risk of an unintended vehicle rollaway that may result in personal injury or a crash.
The remedy
Chrysler will notify owners and dealers will update the Body Control Module software. Dealers will also test the BTSI operation, replacing the solenoid as necessary. The recall began February 26, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U11.

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) · up to 180,462 vehicles across all model years covered

EQUIPMENT

17V824000 · December 21, 2017

The defect
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling various Dodge, Chrysler, and RAM vehicles equipped with Kidde Plastic-Handle or Push Button 'Pindicator' Fire Extinguishers. A list of the affected trailer models is available at: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17V824-0103.pdf. These extinguishers may become clogged, preventing the extinguisher from discharging as expected or requiring excessive force to activate the extinguisher. Additionally, in certain models, the nozzle may detach from the valve assembly with enough force that it could cause injury and also render the product inoperable. For a full list of the affected fire extinguisher models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17E062-5427.pdf
The risk
If the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury in the event of a fire.
The remedy
Chrysler will notify owners instructing them to contact Kidde for a replacement fire extinguisher, free of charge. The recall began February 14, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403 or Kidde customer service service toll-free at 1-855-262-3540, or online at www.kidde.com and click on "Product Safety Recall" for more information. Chrysler's number for this recall is T82.

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) · up to 61,791 vehicles across all model years covered

Defect investigations (1)

An investigation means NHTSA has decided a pattern is worth examining. A preliminary evaluation is often closed with no action; an engineering analysis is the stage that usually precedes a recall.

Post Recall Remedy Brake Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI) Failure

RQ25003

Still open recall query · opened July 3, 2025

the power train

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 cause the BTSI locking pin to become stuck allowing the transmission to be shifted out of Park without depressing the brake pedal and/or without having a key in the ignition.Shifting the transmission out of Park when not having the brake pedal depressed can result in a vehicle rollaway. ODI is opening this Recall Query (RQ) to review the effectiveness of the 17V-821 and 18V-100 recall remedies, understand the root cause of additional vehicle rollaway incidents, and identify any other possible root cause that may affect the performance of the BTSI system. To review the ODI reports cited in the Opening Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

What owners report

Complaints naming each system. One complaint can name several, so these add up to more than 37.

SERVICE BRAKES 12 32%
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC 12 32%
WHEELS 5 14%
POWER TRAIN 4 11%
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 4 11%
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 2 5%
STEERING 2 5%
SUSPENSION 2 5%
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 2 5%
BACK OVER PREVENTION 1 3%
ENGINE 1 3%
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE 1 3%

When the complaints arrived

By the year NHTSA received them, which is not the year the failures happened. They peaked in 2025 at 8.

2019 2025 2026
2019 to 2026, the last of them a part year

In owners' own words

Quoted from NHTSA's complaint file. These are unverified accounts by the people who filed them, not findings of fault.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

crash · towed · 5,106 miles

I PARKED MY TRUCK AND TURNED IT OFF. WENT INSIDE AND ABOUT 15 MINUTES LATER MY TRUCK ROLLED DOWN A HILL AND WENT ACROSS A BUSY ROUTE 15 . THE TRUCK WAS STILL IN PARK AND THE ENGINE WAS OFF AND THE WHEEL WAS STILL LOCKED AT THE BOTTOM. IT RIPPED THE PLOW OFF MY TRUCK. I'M HAVING A HARD TIME WITH THE DEALERSHIP AND MY INSURANCE IS GIVING ME A RUN AROUND. THEY DON'T WANNA COVER MY PLOW AND WANNA USE USED PARTS ON IT. I DON'T SEE WHY I SHOULD HAVE TO EAT THE DAMAGE. I DID NOTHING WRONG AND I'M PAYING FOR IT. NOT RIGHT. I'M SELF-EMPLOYED AND I'M LOSING MONEY EVERY DAY. I'VE CALLED CHRYSLER ABOUT IT AND NOBODY IS GETTING BACK TO ME. MY POOR DAUGHTER IS SO UPSET ABOUT THIS IT'S MAKING HER SICK. I

NHTSA complaint 11182523, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

POWER TRAIN:TRANSFER CASE (4-WHEEL DRIVE)

towed · 163,793 miles

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 RAM 5500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT 45 MPH, THE TRANSFER CASE EXPLODED. THE FRONT DRIVE SHAFT FRACTURED IN HALF AND PUNCHED A HOLE IN THE FLOORBOARD OF THE CABIN OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT PULLED OFF THE HIGHWAY SAFELY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THE FAILURE WITH THE TRANSFER CASE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO ANOTHER INDEPENDENT MECHANIC CLOSER TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED DUE TO PARTS NOT BEING AVAILABLE FOR THE REPAIRS. CONWAY CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM (2385 CHURCH STREET, CONWAY, SC 29526, (843) 438-4363) WAS CONTACTED AND REFERRED THE CONTACT TO THE MANUFACTURER. THE

NHTSA complaint 11383064, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

POWER TRAIN

towed · 100,066 miles

ON MARCH 23, 2021, WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, I STARTED HEARING THE SAME HUMMING NOISE I HEARD 8 MONTHS AGO WHEN I HAD THE TRANSFER CASE PROBLEM. THIS WAS THE NEW TRANSFER CASE THE DEALERSHIP HAD PUT IN, AND ALL OF A SUDDEN THERE WAS A LOUD BANG/EXPLOSION SOUND FROM WHERE THE TRANSFER CASE EXPLODED. I WAS DRIVING AT 60 MPH AND WAS NOT ABLE TO BRAKE AS I LOST THE BRAKES AFTER THE TRANSFER CASE EXPLODED. AFTER ABOUT 30 SECONDS THE TRUCK COMPLETELY TURNED OFF AND IT STARTED SLOWING DOWN ON ITS OWN, AND AFTER NEARLY HITTING SEVERAL CARS ON THE HIGHWAY I WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER ON THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY. THE ENGINE WIRING HARNESS WAS DAMAGED AS WAS THE DRIVESHAFT, BRAKE LINES AND FUEL LINES.

NHTSA complaint 11404657, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

SERVICE BRAKES
Subject: Complaint Regarding Delayed Safety Recall Repair – 2018 Ram 5500 (Recall C4B / NHTSA Recall 24V-896) I own a 2018 Ram 5500 Chassis Cab, VIN [XXX]. My truck is subject to Safety Recall C4B (NHTSA Recall 24V-896) involving the ABS Hydraulic Control Unit (HCU). I have attempted to have this safety recall completed, but the repair has been delayed because the required replacement part has reportedly been unavailable. This is a federally mandated safety recall involving the vehicle’s braking system. I am concerned that I have been unable to obtain the required repair within a reasonable period of time. The continued delay creates uncertainty about the safe operation of my vehicle and

NHTSA complaint 11753251, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

80,000 miles

The contact owns a 2018 Ram 5500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that the ABS warning light was intermittently illuminated. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts for the recall repair was not yet available. The part was available for other year, make, and models. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

NHTSA complaint 11753003. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

SERVICE BRAKES
recall C4B hydraulic control unit still not addressed as of may 7 2026 recall received on

NHTSA complaint 11736434. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

SERVICE BRAKES
Ref NHTSA 24v-896, Recall C4B The problem started back in 2021 when the anti-lock brake Hydraulic Control Unit failed. It was replaces and then it failed again in Dec 2024 while on vacation. When returning home in Jan 2025, the truck was brought to the dealer for repair. It was found to have failed again and told that a repair parts were not available, nor was it known when the redesigned part would be available. Shortly after that I received a letter stating that my truck was included and confirmed to be part of this recall. I have been severely impacted (restricted use of) due to safety concerns when driving this truck. I've not been able to get any assistance from Ram dealership or Ram

NHTSA complaint 11735629, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

90,000 miles

The contact owns a 2018 Ram 5500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the ABS and traction control systems' warning lights illuminated. Due to the failure, the cruise control became inoperable. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the failure was related to the recall, and confirmed that parts were not yet available. A second dealer, S & L Motors (2298 WI-32, Pulaski, WI 54162); was made aware of

NHTSA complaint 11734478, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 5500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the ABS warning light illuminated. The dealer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA complaint 11729900. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

Compare

Other years of the Ram 5500

Model year Complaints Recalls Deaths
2022 26 4
2020 8 9
2019 12 9
2017 19 7
2016 17 7
2015 13 8
2014 11 10

Other 2018 Ram models

Every Ram on this site — 67 vehicles, 202 recall campaigns and 6 open investigation s.

If this is your car and a dealer keeps failing to fix it, your state's lemon law may require the manufacturer to replace it or buy it back. What each state asks for , read from the statutes.

Where these numbers come from

A complaint is one owner's account and has not been verified by NHTSA or by us. A vehicle with more complaints is not necessarily worse: models that sold in larger numbers collect more of them. How this is counted.

Compiled and maintained by
Independent developer and analyst