CSR

Ram · NHTSA safety record

2019 Ram 5500

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

12

Complaints

0

Crashes

1

Fires

2

Injuries

0

Deaths

Owners of the 2019 Ram 5500 have filed 12 safety complaints with NHTSA between October 2020 and July 2026. The most complained-about system is the diesel fuel system, named in 3 of them (25%). The typical failure was reported at 136,500 miles, the median across the 4 complaints that gave an odometer reading.

NHTSA has issued 9 recalls covering this vehicle. A further 1 defect investigation is open and unresolved.

Recalls (9)

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

22V759000 · October 11, 2022

The defect
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."
The risk
A brake hose rupture can cause a loss of braking ability, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy
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.

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) · up to 26,961 vehicles across all model years covered

VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:LINKAGES

22V035000 · January 27, 2022

The defect
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.
The risk
Reduced visibility increases the risk of a crash.
The remedy
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.

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) · up to 171,789 vehicles across all model years covered

FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

21V880000 · November 12, 2021

The defect
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.
The risk
An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
The remedy
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.

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) · up to 222,410 vehicles across all model years covered

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OIL/LUBRICATION

21V439000 · June 10, 2021

The defect
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.
The risk
Low oil can damage the engine, causing an oil leak or a punctured engine block, increasing the risk of a fire.
The remedy
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.

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) · up to 32,002 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

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

21V023000 · January 26, 2021

The defect
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.
The 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.
The remedy
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.

Excellance, Inc · up to 4 vehicles across all model years covered

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

21V008000 · January 13, 2021

The defect
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.
The 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.
The remedy
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.

Braun Northwest · up to 23 vehicles across all model years covered

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OIL/LUBRICATION

20V511000 · August 27, 2020

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

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) · up to 32,318 vehicles across all model years covered

FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL

19V498000 · June 27, 2019

The defect
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019 Ram 2500 and 3500 trucks, and 3500, 4500, and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles equipped with diesel engines. The fuel lines may leak fuel into the engine compartment.
The risk
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
The remedy
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the fuel lines, replacing them if necessary, free of charge. The recall began July 18, 2019. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is V76.

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) · up to 499 vehicles across all model years covered

Defect investigations (2)

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.

High pressure fuel pump failure

EA23001

Still open engineering analysis · opened March 17, 2023 · led to recall 24V957

the diesel fuel system

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 comprehensive recall population could not be produced by FCA and BMW.During the investigation FCA filed recalls 22V406, 22E048, 22V767, and 22E087 which include vehicles not identified in the initial subject population by ODI. ODI also received recall 21V586, involving loss of motive power due to failed CP4 fuel pumps on certain BMW manufactured vehicles. An information request letter response received from BMW indicated that failed pumps on their vehicles were caused by an interaction between pump internal components and US market diesel fuel, leading to increased slip and eventual particle-generating wear surface. Additional work will be done to identify whether a similar root cause is associated with the FCA recalled population and if similar wear dynamics occur on pumps supplied to vehicle manufacturers other than those included in the recalled population.ODI has upgraded this investigation to an EA in order to 1) determine engineering specifications of internal pump components that are correlated with pump failure leading to loss of motive power or other safety related hazards, 2) identify vehicle populations equipped with alleged defective pump variants, 3) assess if vehicles equipped with alleged defective pump variants result in an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety and 4) gather and review any other relevant information related to high pressure fuel pump failure associated with the subject populations of recalls 21V586, 21V880, 21E094, 22V406, 22E048, 22V767, and 22E087.Review of the above information will allow NHTSA to confirm root cause and recall remedy viability, and identify and evaluate vehicle populations equipped with pump components that may pose an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety.The ODI reports cited above can be reviewed at: http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID using the following complaint identification numbers: 11257550, 11351441, 11361603, 11361616, 11365300, 11365426, 11365858, 11366401, 11372337, 11373793, 11374797, 11376793, 11377871, 11378173, 11384377, 11386063, 11387018, 11399710, 11402550, 11415339, 11418868, 11418870, 11427075, 11434276, 11436807, 11437226, 11437249, 11437273, 11437292, 11437294, 11437394, 11437399, 11437403, 11437405, 11437423, 11437528, 11437565, 11437579, 11437580, 11437590, 11437679, 11437744, 11437781, 11437842, 11437993, 11438006, 11438008, 11438121, 11438138, 11438155, 11438392, 11438629, 11439359, 11439879, 11440397, 11443030, 11446542, 11448163, 11453556, 11458918, 11460558, 11469337

High pressure fuel pump failure

PE21021

Closed preliminary evaluation · opened October 14, 2021 · closed April 14, 2023

the diesel fuel system

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 potentially causing fuel starvation and consequently an unexpected loss of motive power. Discussions with FCA identified the high pressure fuel pump equipped on these vehicles as the Bosch-supplied CP4. On December 16, 2021, Bosch filed recall 21E-101, stating the pump failure was a consequence of a manufacturer application-specific fuel system design.NHTSA subsequently identified recall 21V-586 involving loss of motive power due to failed CP4 fuel pumps on certain BMW vehicles.As a result of having received multiple recalls related to a common component, from two separate vehicle manufacturers, NHTSA?s focus shifted to determine if the related defect allegation was limited in scope to the recalled population. In early 2022, information request letters were sent to FCA and BMW to determine the root cause and consequentially identify the proper scope of potentially defective vehicles. After ODI received their information request response, FCA filed recalls 22V-406, 22E-048, 22V-767, and 22E-087. During review of information request response materials, NHTSA determined that sufficient information to identify a comprehensive recall population could not be produced by FCA or BMW. On March 17, 2023, this Preliminary Evaluation was upgraded to an Engineering Analysis (EA23-001), expanding the scope to include the Tier-one supplier and any manufacturer who equipped or installed similar high pressure fuel pumps subject to the failures observed in the recall population.The ODI reports cited above can be reviewed at: http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID using the following complaint identification numbers: 11351441, 11361603, 11361616, 11365300, 11365426, 11365858, 11366401, 11372337, 11373793, 11374797, 11376793, 11378173, 11384377, 11386063, 11387018, 11399710, 11402550, 11415339, 11418868, 11418870, 11427075, 11434276, 11436807, 11437226, 11437249, 11437273, 11437292, 11437294, 11437394, 11437399, 11437403, 11437405, 11437423, 11437528, 11437565, 11437579, 11437580, 11437590, 11437679, 11437744, 11437781, 11437842, 11437993, 11438006, 11438008, 11438121, 11438138, 11438155, 11438392, 11438629, 11439359, 11439879, 11440397, 11443030, 11448163, 11458918, 11460558

What owners report

Complaints naming each system. One complaint can name several, so these add up to more than 12.

FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL 3 25%
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 3 25%
ENGINE 1 8%
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 1 8%
POWER TRAIN 1 8%
SERVICE BRAKES 1 8%
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC 1 8%
STRUCTURE 1 8%
TIRES 1 8%

When the complaints arrived

By the year NHTSA received them, which is not the year the failures happened. They peaked in 2023 at 3.

2020 2023 2026
2020 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.

STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE

2 injured

While unloading cargo, I was standing on the flatbed of the truck, leaning over the standing side-gates, without realizing they weren’t locked in place. The gates fell down onto a co-worker and I fell out of the truck. Similar incidents have occurred before and after this accident. These gate latches don’t have any warning systems in place to indicate when they are unlocked. It is unknown if this component has been inspected by others.

NHTSA complaint 11638587. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

fire · towed · 164,716 miles

The contact's husband owns a 2019 Ram 5500. While her husband was driving 45 mph, he heard an abnormal sound coming from the engine as the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle stalled while depressing the accelerator pedal. Her husband pulled over to the side of the road and upon inspection, he discovered that smoke and a fire had started in the engine compartment. Her husband grabbed the fire extinguisher and extinguished the fire. The contact owns a towing company and was able to tow the vehicle to a dealer. The dealer informed the contact and her husband that a rod had gone through the engine block. The contact and her husband were provided an estimate for the repair which

NHTSA complaint 11425612, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

TIRES:BEAD

towed

The contact owns a 2019 Ram 5500. The contact stated that while one of his drivers was driving at an undisclosed speed, the tire tread detached and began to roll down the highway. The driver pulled over to the side of the road. There was no warning light illuminated. There was no injury sustained; however, the driver missed a week of work due to the traumatic experience from the failure. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where the diagnostic test was undisclosed; however, the wheel studs were replaced. The contact was concerned about the safety hazard presented with the failure. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA complaint 11589940. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL

towed · 110,000 miles

The contact owns a 2019 Ram 5500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to a certified mechanic to be diagnosed. The mechanic associated the failure with the diesel pump. The mechanic informed the contact that the diesel pump was previously replaced with a generic part. The contact stated that a recall associated with the failure was previously performed by the dealer. The dealer was contacted and informed the contact that the repair was not covered under warranty or a recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.

NHTSA complaint 11752221. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
The DEF system failed on this truck at the end of 2025. The truck has entered limp mode, and if we continue to drive it, it will shut down completely. The vehicle has been at Darling's RAM in Ellsworth, ME since March 2026, and they say that they are still waiting for the parts. Why aren't parts available?? They have no idea when parts will be shipped from the manufacturer. Why is this at all acceptable?? I am running a business, and I am having to cancel orders from my customers because Stellantis is not sending the parts. This makes the vehicle unsafe to drive, and I feel that this is unacceptable.

NHTSA complaint 11741460. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL

163,000 miles

The contact owns a 2019 Ram 5500. While the contact's husband was driving the vehicle at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The driver became aware of an abnormally loud sound. Additionally, the vehicle failed to exceed 40 MPH while driving on a busy highway. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the failure was not duplicated. The failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to another dealer; however, the failure was not duplicated, and the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, and a mechanic performed a ride-along with the contact's husband. The

NHTSA complaint 11693579, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL
The contact owns a 2019 Ram 5500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 22V759000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) and 21V880000 (Fuel System, Diesel) however, parts to do the recall repairs were unavailable. The dealer was made aware of the issue and the contact was informed there was a limited quantity of available parts. The contact was placed on a waiting list. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA complaint 11537361. 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
2018 37 8
2017 19 7
2016 17 7
2015 13 8
2014 11 10

Other 2019 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