2020 Ram 5500 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Avoid The 2020 Ram 5500 ranks 2nd worst of 15 model years, with a complaint index of 93 and 9 recall campaigns. Brakes are the top problem area, cited in 38% of complaints, giving it an Avoid verdict relative to other 5,500 years.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 93/100
- #2 of 15 5500 years
- Verdict
- Avoid
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 8
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 9
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 1
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 1
- Injuries
- 4
- Top issue
- Brakes
Top 2020 Ram 5500 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA 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%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Rear brake hose or caliper flex lines rupture or contact suspension parts, reducing braking ability, especially while towing.
- Dual rear wheel tires have detached from the vehicle at both low speed (20-25 MPH) and highway speed (60 MPH) with no warning light, in some cases striking another vehicle, at a median mileage of 223,926 miles.
- Front driver's side seat belt fails to retract after hard braking, a recurring issue reported at a median mileage of 13,500 miles.
- Transfer case has shifted into neutral while driving 75 mph on the freeway, cutting power to the wheels.
- Electronic stabilization system warning light illuminates and deactivates the system during heavy crosswinds.
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
- Is the 2020 Ram 5500 reliable?
- Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2020 Ram 5500 ranks 2nd worst among 15 model years tracked, with a complaint index of 93 and an Avoid verdict relative to other 5,500 years.
- What are the main problems with the 2020 Ram 5500?
- Brakes are the top problem area, making up 38% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 75,500 miles. Seat belts, airbags, suspension/wheels, and transmission issues were also reported.
- Does the 2020 Ram 5500 have recalls?
- NHTSA lists 9 recall campaigns for the 2020 Ram 5500, covering brakes, fuel system, engine, suspension/wheels, and wipers. None are do-not-drive recalls.
- How does the 2020 Ram 5500 compare to other Ram 5500 years?
- Its complaint index of 93 is higher than every other year except 2025, which shows an index of 100 but with far fewer complaints and only 4 recalls, versus 8 complaints and 9 recalls for 2020.