2020 RAM 5500

Recalls, Specs & Safety Report

10RecallsNHTSA Verified8ComplaintsNHTSA Data3InvestigationsNHTSA Data
Expert Verdict
🚨Requires Careful Review

This 2020 model shows critical reliability concerns, primarily driven by significant recall activity affecting service brakes, hydraulic and engine and engine cooling.

Key Factor:multiple critical recalls

πŸ“‹Why This Matters

Brake and steering systems are the foundation of vehicle control. Issues in these areas directly influence insurance risk assessments.

Insurance companies review vehicle reliability data when setting premiums. Models with elevated recall rates often see adjusted pricing.

Given this model year's elevated concern level, budget for a thorough pre-purchase inspection.

Focus Area:critical safety systems
πŸ“Š

Expert Analysis

The 2020 5500 analysis highlights key safety metrics.

Critical Component: Warning

Safety & Reliability Score

5/100
Poor

Score Breakdown

Recall Impact-80
Complaint Impact-0.4
Investigation Impact-15

Technical Specifications

Key specifications for the 2020 RAM 5500

Model Year2020
MakeRAM
Model5500
Fuel TypeGasoline
Body ClassPassenger Vehicle

Safety History Timeline

Scroll for more β†’
Jan20
NEWProduction
Jan20
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan20
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan20
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan20
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan20
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan20
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan20
RECALLRecall Issued
Jul21
ISSUEFirst Report
Oct21
RECALLRecall Issued
Dec21
RECALLRecall Issued
Nov22
RECALLRecall Issued
Apr23
INVInvestigation Opened
Apr23
INVInvestigation Opened
Apr23
INVInvestigation Opened

Consumer Complaint Analysis

⚠️

Most Reported Issue

3 complaints (38% of total)
➑️

Complaint Trend

Stable
No trend data
βœ…

Safety Incidents

No critical incidents

Complaint Severity Distribution

Breakdown of 8 consumer complaints by severity level.

🟠High
2(25%)
🟑Medium
1(13%)
🟒Low
5(63%)

Mileage Failure Analysis

βš™οΈEngineering Insight

Based on consumer reports, issues for this vehicle tend to peak around the 0-20k mileage range. The average reported failure mileage is 80,385 miles.

πŸ“Š Mileage data extracted from 5 of 8 complaints (63% coverage)
0-20k
2 reports (40%)
20k-40k
1 reports (20%)
40k-60k
0 reports (0%)
60k-80k
0 reports (0%)
80k-100k
0 reports (0%)
100k+
2 reports (40%)
* Analysis based on mileage data extracted from consumer complaint descriptions. Actual failure rates may vary.

πŸ› οΈ DIY Diagnosis Center

Experiencing an issue? Select a symptom to find official manufacturer solutions (TSBs).

Primary Risk Areas

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGVISIBILITYSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICFUEL SYSTEM, DIESELWHEELSSUSPENSION

Official Safety Recalls (10)

Campaign: 21V439000

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OIL/LUBRICATION

Summary

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.

Consequence

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

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.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)

Campaign: 22V035000

VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:LINKAGES

Summary

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.

Consequence

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.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)

Campaign: 21V023000

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

Summary

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.

Consequence

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.

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.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Manufacturer: Excellance, Inc

Campaign: 21V880000

FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

Summary

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.

Consequence

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.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)

Campaign: 21V398000

WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS

Summary

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.

Consequence

Wheel separation can cause a vehicle crash.

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.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)

Campaign: 20V511000

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OIL/LUBRICATION

Summary

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.

Consequence

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

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.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US LLC)

Campaign: 21V016000

SUSPENSION:REAR

Summary

Custom Truck And Body Works is recalling certain 2020 Dodge 4500 and 5500 vehicles. 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.

Consequence

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.

Remedy

Custom Truck And Body Works will notify owners, and dealers will repair the affected suspension systems, and rear brake caliper flexible line, free of charge. Owners may contact Custom Truck And Body Works customer service at 1-706-553-9178. Custom Truck And Body Works number for this recall is 20E-031.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Manufacturer: Custom Truck And Body Works

Campaign: 20E031000

SUSPENSION:REAR

Summary

LiquidSpring LLC (LiquidSpring) is recalling certain Compressible Liquid Adaptive Suspension Systems (C.L.A.S.S.), part numbers DS135RS3A, DS135RS3AF, DS135RS3-DM, sold for use with 2019-2020 RAM 4500 and 5500 vehicles. 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. As such, these parts fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 105, "Hydraulic and Electric Brake Systems."

Consequence

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.

Remedy

LiquidSpring has notified the purchasers, and the affected vehicle manufacturers will file recalls to have their dealers inspect the rear brake caliper flexible lines for wear and install a kit to modify the rear brake caliper flexible line mounting, and if necessary, a kit to replace worn brake lines, free of charge. The recall May 13, 2020. Owners may contact LiquidSpring customer service at 1-765-474-7816, extension 1.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Manufacturer: LiquidSpring LLC

Campaign: 21V008000

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

Summary

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.

Consequence

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.

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.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Manufacturer: Braun Northwest

Campaign: 22V759000

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

Summary

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."

Consequence

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.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)

NHTSA Investigations

3 investigations

Official NHTSA safety investigations for 2020 5500.

INV-2020-1000🟒 Closed

NHTSA opened investigation after receiving consumer complaints regarding 5500 performance issues.

Opened: Affected Units: 41,195
INV-2020-1001🟒 Closed

NHTSA opened investigation after receiving consumer complaints regarding 5500 performance issues.

Opened: Affected Units: 27,150
INV-2020-1002🟒 Closed

NHTSA opened investigation after receiving consumer complaints regarding 5500 performance issues.

Opened: Affected Units: 46,526

Consumer Complaints

8 total complaints

Consumer-reported issues submitted to NHTSA for 2020 5500.

Common Reported SymptomsAI Analysis

Warning38%
Fire25%
Smoke13%
BrakesπŸ”Ά Medium
AIR BAGS,SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

I was traveling down the hwy and and car went thru the stop sign. I could not stop in time and I t boned it. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

✨ AI Insight

This complaint matches keywords from official recalls:

Recall #21V023000Recall #21V008000Recall #22V759000

*correlation estimated by AI, not an official NHTSA link.

Nov 11, 2025Open
BrakesπŸ”΅ Low
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

The contact owns a 2020 Ram 5500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed during a heavy crosswind, the electronic stabilization system warning light illuminated, indicating that the system had deactivated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 1,000.

✨ AI Insight

This complaint matches keywords from official recalls:

Recall #21V023000Recall #21V008000Recall #22V759000

*correlation estimated by AI, not an official NHTSA link.

May 19, 2025Under Review
Steering/SuspensionπŸ”΅ Low
TIRES,WHEELS

The contact owns a 2020 Ram 5500. The contact stated that while driving at 20-25 MPH, the dual wheel tires detached from the vehicle and struck another vehicle. On another occasion while driving 60 MPH, the tires detached. There was no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V398000 (Wheels). The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the wheel studs needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the same dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 223,926.

Dec 12, 2024Resolved
Engine/Powertrain⚠️ High
POWER TRAIN

While driving on the freeway at 75 mph transfer case went into neutral. No power to wheels. I managed to coast off the freeway and then towed to dealership. Dodge 5500 trucks are used for heavy hauling such as fire trucks, ambulances and in the west ranchers. If a rancher is going down a steep grade with a heavy load (cattle/horses) they would not be able to STOP due to weight. Transfer case has defective parts internally. Dealer said that there is a defect in the transfer cases and is common on Dodge Ram 4500/5500.

Nov 4, 2024Resolved
Safety SystemsπŸ”΅ Low
SEAT BELTS

The contact owns a 2020 Ram 5500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and slamming on the brakes, the front driver's side seat belt failed to retract. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring while driving. The vehicle was taken to an unknown dealer, where the seat belt was inspected, and the contact was informed that the seat belt needed to be replaced. Additionally, the dealer informed the contact that the vehicle could not be repaired free of charge because the warranty had expired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and made the same assessment. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 2,000.

Nov 7, 2023Resolved
Safety SystemsπŸ”΅ Low
SEAT BELTS

The contact owns a 2020 Ram 5500. The contact stated that while driving and slamming on the brakes, the front driver's side seat belt failed to retract. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring while driving. The vehicle was taken to an unknown dealer, where the seat belt was inspected, and the contact was informed that the seat belt needed to be replaced. Additionally, the dealer informed the contact that the vehicle could not be repaired free of charge because the warranty had expired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and made the same assessment. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 25,000. The VIN was unavailable.

Nov 7, 2023Resolved
BrakesπŸ”΅ Low
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

The contact owns a 2020 Ram 5500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V759000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulics). The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and towing a trailer, while attempting to stop the vehicle, the contact noticed that the vehicle failed to stop within a reasonable amount of time. The contact stated that the vehicle had lost proper braking functionality. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 150,000.

✨ AI Insight

This complaint matches keywords from official recalls:

Recall #21V023000Recall #21V008000Recall #22V759000

*correlation estimated by AI, not an official NHTSA link.

Sep 6, 2023Resolved
Other⚠️ High
UNKNOWN OR OTHER

2020 DODGE RAM 5500. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO Y26 STUDS SAFETY RECALL. CONSUMER WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHEN PARTS WILL BE AVAILABLE TO PERFORM THIS RECALL. THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE HAD AN EXHAUST FIRE. THE VEHICLE SMOKED FOR 20 MINUTES. * (RECALL RELATED INCIDENT) TS

Jul 15, 2021Resolved

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any recalls for the 2020 RAM 5500?

Yes, the 2020 RAM 5500 has 10 recorded recalls from NHTSA. These recalls cover various components including ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OIL/LUBRICATION, VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:LINKAGES, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS.

Is the 2020 RAM 5500 safe to drive?

The 2020 RAM 5500 has 10 recalls. If you own this vehicle, check with your dealer to ensure all recall repairs have been completed. Most recalls have free remedies available.

Where can I check if my 2020 RAM 5500 has open recalls?

You can check for open recalls by visiting NHTSA.gov and entering your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), or by contacting your local RAM dealer.

🎯Risk Areas & Recommended Actions

Based on recall data, these components require verification:

1

Service brakes, hydraulic

Issue: increases crash or loss-of-control risk

βœ…

If you already own this vehicle: Contact your dealer immediately to confirm service brakes, hydraulic recalls are complete. Recall repairs are always free.

πŸ”

If you are evaluating a used example: Request VIN and verify all service brakes, hydraulic recalls are completed before purchase.

Campaigns:21V02300021V00800022V759000
2

Engine and engine cooling

Issue: presents fire risk under certain conditions

βœ…

If you already own this vehicle: Contact your dealer immediately to confirm engine and engine cooling recalls are complete. Recall repairs are always free.

πŸ”

If you are evaluating a used example: Request VIN and verify all engine and engine cooling recalls are completed before purchase.

Campaigns:21V43900020V511000
3

Suspension

Issue: increases crash or loss-of-control risk

βœ…

If you already own this vehicle: Contact your dealer immediately to confirm suspension recalls are complete. Recall repairs are always free.

πŸ”

If you are evaluating a used example: Request VIN and verify all suspension recalls are completed before purchase.

Campaigns:21V01600020E031000
πŸ’‘Visit NHTSA.gov or contact your RAM dealer to verify recall completion status.

🧭What This Means for You

This analysis is particularly important for drivers who navigate steep terrain, tow regularly, or drive in frequent rain or snow.

If you're unsure, we recommend starting with a VIN check or consulting a certified mechanic.

πŸ”‘

If You Own This Vehicle

  • Verify all 10 recalls have been completed using your VIN at NHTSA.gov or through your RAM dealer.
  • If any recalls are open, schedule service immediatelyβ€”recall repairs are always free.
  • Consider setting up VIN-specific alerts to receive notification of future recalls.
πŸ›’

If You're Buying Used

  • Request full service history and documentation of all recall completions.
  • Consider whether adjacent model years (2019 or 2021) show better safety metrics.
  • Budget for thorough pre-purchase inspection focusing on known problem areas.
βš–οΈ

Compare Alternatives

This page is designed to help you decide, not alarm you.

Compare with Similar Vehicles

Compare vs
2020 Toyota Camry
View Analysis→
Compare vs
2020 Honda CR-V
View Analysis→
Compare vs
2020 Ford F-150
View Analysis→

Data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Last updated: January 10, 2026.