2020 Ram 5500 Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
AvoidComplaint Index
83/100
#3 most-complained of 13 5500 years
The 2020 Ram 5500 has a complaint index of 83, ranking 3rd worst out of 13 model years for this model, and carries an Avoid verdict. NHTSA lists 8 complaints, 9 recalls, 1 crash, and 1 fire tied to this year, with Brakes as the top problem area.
- Complaints
- 8
- Recalls
- 9
- Crashes / fires
- 1 / 1
- Injuries / deaths
- 4 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- —
Top 2020 Ram 5500 problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Brakes3 (38%)
- Seat Belts2 (25%)
- Airbags1 (13%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras1 (13%)
- Other1 (13%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires1 (13%)
- Transmission & Powertrain1 (13%)
What owners report
- Owners report the rear brake hose can rupture, causing the truck to fail to stop in a reasonable time even at highway towing speeds.
- Front driver's side seat belts fail to retract after hard braking, with the issue recurring on multiple drives.
- The transfer case has been reported to shift into neutral at 75 mph, cutting power to the wheels while towing heavy loads.
- Dual rear wheel tires have detached from the vehicle while driving between 20 and 25 mph and again at 60 mph, in one case striking another vehicle.
- The electronic stabilization system has deactivated on its own during heavy crosswinds, with the warning light illuminating.
2020 Ram 5500 recalls
9 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 22V759000Oct 11, 2022Brakes26,961 vehicles
Service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
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.
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.
- NHTSA 22V035000Jan 27, 2022Visibility & Wipers171,789 vehicles
Visibility:windshield wiper/washer:linkages
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.
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.
- NHTSA 21V880000Nov 12, 2021Fuel System222,410 vehicles
Fuel system, diesel:delivery:fuel pump
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.
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.
2020 compared with other 5500 years
Frequently asked questions
- Should I avoid the 2020 Ram 5500?
- NHTSA data gives the 2020 Ram 5500 a complaint index of 83 and a rank of 3rd worst among 13 model years, earning an Avoid verdict relative to other 5500 years.
- What is the top problem area for the 2020 Ram 5500?
- Brakes is the top problem area, accounting for 38% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 75,500 miles and one reported crash.
- Does the 2020 Ram 5500 have a brake recall?
- Yes. NHTSA recall 22V759000 covers a rear brake hose that may be too small in diameter and could rupture, and there are additional brake-related recalls from Excellance, Custom Truck And Body Works, and Braun Northwest for rear brake caliper lines.
- How many recalls does the 2020 Ram 5500 have?
- NHTSA lists 9 recalls for the 2020 Ram 5500, covering brakes, wipers, fuel system, engine, and suspension components, with none classified as do-not-drive.
- Is the 2020 Ram 5500 worse than other years?
- Yes, relative to other 5500 model years. Its complaint index of 83 ranks 3rd worst out of 13 years, behind 2025 (100) and 2022 (92).