2023 RAM 5500

Recalls, Specs & Safety Report

3RecallsNHTSA Verified0ComplaintsLimited Data1InvestigationsLimited Data
Expert Verdict
⚠ī¸Elevated Concerns

The 2023 RAM 5500 faces significant reliability concerns due to three recalls affecting critical systems including the electrical and airbag components. With peak failure occurrences expected early in the ownership experience, vigilance is paramount for current and prospective owners.

Key Factor:Multiple critical system recalls

📋Why This Matters

The presence of recalls on the 2023 RAM 5500 indicates potential risks that could significantly impact safety and functionality. Specifically, issues related to the electrical system and airbags could lead to severe consequences in everyday driving situations. Given that this model is designed for heavy-duty applications, reliability is crucial not only for safety but also for operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness in commercial contexts.

Focus Area:Safety Profile
📊

Expert Analysis

  • 📈
    Recall Trend:No Change in recalls
  • ⚠ī¸
    Primary Risk Area:Various
  • ⚖ī¸
    Vs Brand: Worse than avg (0.4)
    📝
    Summary: Year-over-year, RAM has established a reputation for robust heavy-duty trucks; however, the recalls in the 2023 model indicate a departure from their historically reliable performance. This presents a worrying trend that may affect consumer confidence and brand loyalty moving forward.
Critical Component: Various

Safety & Reliability Score

68/100
Average

Score Breakdown

Recall Impact-24
Complaint Impact-2.75
Investigation Impact-5

Technical Specifications

Key specifications for the 2023 RAM 5500

Model Year2023
MakeRAM
Model5500
Fuel TypeGasoline
Body ClassPassenger Vehicle

Safety History Timeline

Scroll for more →
Aug22
ISSUEFirst Report
Jan23
NEWProduction
Jan23
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan23
RECALLRecall Issued
Apr23
INVInvestigation Opened
Sep23
RECALLRecall Issued
✅

No Consumer Complaints Reported

Great news! There are currently no consumer complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2023 RAM 5500. This is a positive indicator of owner satisfaction.

🛠ī¸ DIY Diagnosis Center

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

Primary Risk Areas

ELECTRICAL SYSTEMSTEERINGAIR BAGS

đŸŽ¯Risk Areas & Recommended Actions

Based on recall data, these components require verification:

1

Electrical System

Issue: Potential electrical short in heater grid relay could cause malfunction.

✅

Schedule an inspection of the electrical system immediately to prevent failures.

🔍

Request documentation proving recall repairs have been completed prior to purchasing.

Campaigns:21V52122V123
2

Airbags

Issue: Improper welding may prevent airbag deployment during a crash, posing serious safety risks.

✅

Confirm that all recall work regarding airbag systems has been performed before driving.

🔍

Ensure certification of airbag functionality through service records or repair confirmations.

Campaign:23V210
3

Steering Control Module

Issue: 'High beams' may activate unexpectedly when using turn signals, failing federal safety standards.

✅

'Check steering control module functionality immediately.'

🔍

'Verify compliance with federal standards through inspection reports.'

Campaign:23V220
💡Visit NHTSA.gov or contact your RAM dealer to verify recall completion status.

Official Safety Recalls (3)

Campaign: 23V060000

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:RELAYS/SOLENOIDS

Summary

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Ram 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis, and 4500, 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles equipped with a Cummins 6.7L Turbo Diesel engine. An electrical short may occur in the heater grid relay with the ignition on or off.

Consequence

An electrical short in the relay can result in an engine compartment fire with the ignition on or off, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy

Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the relay, free of charge. This will be a Phased campaign. Phase 1 will include 2023 model year vehicles. FCA US will notify dealers on or about 3/23/2023 and begin notifying owners on or about 4/5/2023. Phase 2 will include 2022 model year vehicles and Phase 3 will include 2021 model year vehicles. FCA US will notify dealers and owners on or about 4/27/2023 for Phase 2 and 5/11/2023 for Phase 3. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed March 28, 2023. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed April 5, 2023. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 13A. This recall is an expansion of and supersedes recall number 21V-798.

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: 23V799000

STEERING:STEERING CONTROL MODULE

Summary

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2023 Ram 1500 Classic, Ram 3500 Classic, 3500 Cab Chassis, 2023-2024 Ram 2500, 4500/5500 Cab Chassis, and Ram 3500 vehicles. The steering column control module may cause the high beams to activate when the turn signal is used or activate the turn signal when the high beams are used. In addition, the turn signal self-canceling feature may not function properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

Consequence

Turn signals and/or high beams that do not function as intended may cause confusion or reduced visibility to other road users, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will update the steering column control module (SCCM) software, and inspect and replace the module, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 19, 2023. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's numbers for this recall are B2A and D5A.

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: 24V199000

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER CLOCKSPRING/SPIRAL CASSETTE

Summary

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) (Stellantis) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Ram 1500, Jeep Wrangler, Jeep Wagoneer, Jeep Grand Wagoneer, Chrysler Pacifica, Ram 3500, Ram 3500 cab chassis, Ram 2500, Ram 4500 cab chassis, Ram 5500 cab chassis, 2023 Jeep Gladiator, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep Grand Cherokee L, Ram 3500 Cab Chassis with a GVWR less than 10,000 lbs., and Chrysler Voyager vehicles. The steering column control module may not be welded properly, which can prevent the driver's air bag from deploying in a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Consequence

An air bag that does not deploy in a crash can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect and replace the steering column control module, as necessary free of charge. Some owner notification letters were mailed April 11, 2024 through June 20, 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's numbers for this recall are 14B, 33B, 34B, 35B, 36B.

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) (Stellantis)

NHTSA Investigations

1 investigation

Official NHTSA safety investigations for 2023 5500.

INV-2023-1000đŸŸĸ Closed

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

Opened: Affected Units: 17,895

Consumer Complaints

0 complaints
✓

No consumer complaints recorded for this vehicle.

Frequently Asked Questions

'What are common problems with the 2023 RAM 5500?'

'The most notable issues have been electrically centered around potential shorts in critical components like wiring relays, alongside steering control malfunctions and airbag deployment failures. It's essential for owners to stay informed about these recalls.'

'How do RAM trucks perform in terms of safety ratings?'

'Historically, RAM trucks boast strong safety ratings; however, recent recalls prompt caution regarding newly identified flaws that could impact both driver and passenger safety if not addressed promptly.'

📊Year-over-Year Context

➡ī¸Stable Pattern

Compared to earlier years, the 2023 model shows stable reliability patterns. No meaningful structural change detected in recall frequency between adjacent model years.

🧭What This Means for You

Both current owners and prospective buyers benefit from reviewing this safety analysis before making decisions.

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

🔑

If You Own This Vehicle

  • Safety Check: Cross-reference your VIN with official RAM records to ensure no 3 recalls remain open.
  • Unaddressed recalls pose real-world risks. Prioritize scheduling any pending repairs to maintain vehicle integrity.
  • Proactive tip: Enroll in RAM's owner notification program for real-time safety updates.
🛒

If You're Buying Used

  • Obtain proof of recall completion for all 3 campaigns before purchase.
  • Account for potential service downtime when calculating your initial ownership budget.
⚖ī¸

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Data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Last updated: February 23, 2026.