What years of the Ram 5500 should I avoid?

Based on NHTSA complaints and recalls, 2018, 2020, and 2022 are the years to avoid, with complaint indexes of 79, 93, and 86 respectively.

Is there a best year for the Ram 5500?

No year qualifies as Good or Best because every model year is capped by multiple recall campaigns. The lowest-risk years among the rest are 2014, 2015, and 2017.

What is the most common problem on the Ram 5500?

Across all years, transmission and powertrain issues account for 31% of complaints, followed by brakes at 27% and suspension, wheels, and tires at 20%.

Does the 2018 Ram 5500 have a brake recall?

Yes. NHTSA recall 24V896000 covers the 2017-2018 Ram 5500 for a hydraulic control unit that may fail and cause anti-lock brake problems, and brakes make up 66% of that year's complaints.

How many total complaints does the Ram 5500 have?

NHTSA lists 156 total complaints and 41 recall campaigns across the 15 model years with data, from 2008 through 2025.

Ram 5500 Best and Worst Years (2008–2025)

Ram 5500 years to avoid are 2018, 2020, and 2022, with complaint indexes of 79, 93, and 86. No model year earns a Good or Best verdict because every year carries multiple recall campaigns; 2014, 2015, and 2017 are the lowest-risk choices among the rest.

Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls per model-year, ranked within this model — not a reliability rating. Methodology.

Avoid 2018 Avoid 2020 Avoid 2022Lowest-risk years:Caution 2014 Caution 2015 Caution 2017

Model years: 15; 2008–2025
NHTSA complaints: 156
Recall campaigns: 41
Crashes reported: 9
Fires reported: 11
Top problem area: Transmission & Powertrain

5500 Complaint Index by year

Higher = more complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and Do-Not-Drive recalls per year on the road, relative to other years of this model.

Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best

Ram 5500 problems and recalls by year

Year	Verdict	Index	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Recalls	Top issue	MPG	NCAP
2008	No verdict	0	0	0	0	1	—	—	—
2009	No verdict	29	0	0	0	2 !	—	—	—
2013	No verdict	21	4	0	0	9	Engine	—	—
2014	Caution	57	11	2	3	10	Engine	—	—
2015	Caution	36	13	0	1	8	Engine	—	—
2016	Caution	71	17	2	1	7	Suspension, Wheels & Tires	—	—
2017	Caution	50	21	0	2	7	Transmission & Powertrain	—	—
2018	Avoid	79	38	1	0	8	Brakes	—	—
2019	Caution	64	12	0	1	9	Fuel System	—	—
2020	Avoid	93	8	1	1	9	Brakes	—	—
2021	No verdict	43	4	1	2	5	Electrical System	—	—
2022	Avoid	86	26	1	0	4	Transmission & Powertrain	—	—
2023	No verdict	7	0	0	0	3	—	—	—
2024	No verdict	14	0	0	0	2	—	—	—
2025	No verdict	100	2	1	0	4	Airbags	—	—

5500 years to avoid: what went wrong

2020 Ram 5500 Index 93 · 8 complaints · 9 recalls

The 2020 Ram 5500 carries a complaint index of 93, the second-highest of any year, despite only 8 total complaints. Brakes are the top problem area at 38% share with a median failure mileage of 75,500, tied to a recall (22V759000) for rear brake hoses that could rupture. Seat belt complaints describe belts failing to retract after braking, with a median mileage of 13,500. NHTSA lists 9 recall campaigns for this year, including one for the high-pressure fuel pump.

2022 Ram 5500 Index 86 · 26 complaints · 4 recalls

The 2022 Ram 5500 has a complaint index of 86 and 26 complaints. Transmission and powertrain problems account for 81% of complaints, with owners describing failure to shift properly and complete loss of forward gears; the median failure mileage is unusually low at 1,973. Steering complaints include reports of lost steering control at speed. NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for this year, including one for a steering column control module that could prevent airbag deployment.

2022 transmission & powertrain problems →

2018 Ram 5500 Index 79 · 38 complaints · 8 recalls

The 2018 Ram 5500 has a complaint index of 79 and 38 owner complaints, the most of any year. Brakes dominate, making up 66% of complaints with a median failure mileage of 72,500; owners describe the hydraulic control unit failing and anti-lock brake problems, matched by an active brake recall (24V896000). Suspension and wheel issues follow, including reports of cracked frames and wheel studs breaking off, along with some engine and transmission complaints. NHTSA lists 8 recall campaigns for this year.

2018 brakes problems →

Most common Ram 5500 problems (all years)

Share of NHTSA complaints by component group across all model years.

Transmission & Powertrain48 (31%)
Brakes42 (27%)
Suspension, Wheels & Tires31 (20%)
Engine23 (15%)
Electrical System15 (10%)
Steering14 (9%)
Fuel System13 (8%)
Other8 (5%)
Collision Avoidance & Cameras5 (3%)
Airbags3 (2%)

A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.

Frequently asked questions

What years of the Ram 5500 should I avoid?: Based on NHTSA complaints and recalls, 2018, 2020, and 2022 are the years to avoid, with complaint indexes of 79, 93, and 86 respectively.
Is there a best year for the Ram 5500?: No year qualifies as Good or Best because every model year is capped by multiple recall campaigns. The lowest-risk years among the rest are 2014, 2015, and 2017.
What is the most common problem on the Ram 5500?: Across all years, transmission and powertrain issues account for 31% of complaints, followed by brakes at 27% and suspension, wheels, and tires at 20%.
Does the 2018 Ram 5500 have a brake recall?: Yes. NHTSA recall 24V896000 covers the 2017-2018 Ram 5500 for a hydraulic control unit that may fail and cause anti-lock brake problems, and brakes make up 66% of that year's complaints.
How many total complaints does the Ram 5500 have?: NHTSA lists 156 total complaints and 41 recall campaigns across the 15 model years with data, from 2008 through 2025.