Ram 4500 problems
The Ram pickup (marketed as the Dodge Ram until 2010) is a full-size pickup truck manufactured by Stellantis North America (formerly Chrysler Group LLC and FCA US LLC) and marketed from 2010 onwards under the Ram Trucks brand. The current fifth-generation Ram debuted at the 2018 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan, in January of that year.
Previously, Ram was part of the Dodge line of light trucks. The name Ram was first used in 1981 model year Dodge Trucks in October 1980, following the retiring and rebadging of the Dodge D series pickup trucks as well as B-series vans, though the company had used a ram's-head hood ornament on some trucks as early as 1933.
Ram trucks have been named Motor Trend magazine's Truck of the Year eight times; the second-generation Ram won the award in 1994, the third-generation Ram heavy-duty won the award in 2003, the fourth-generation Ram Heavy Duty won in 2010 and the fourth-generation Ram 1500 won in 2013 and 2014, and the current fifth-generation Ram pickup became the first truck in history to win the award three times, winning in 2019, 2020, and 2021.
Social links
Ram 4500 model years
Common Ram 4500 problems
Based on the complaints from owners of the Ram 4500, several common problems have been identified:
- Steering Rod Breakage: Complaints have been made about the steering rod breaking at the joint ball in the 2008 Ram 4500, which poses a serious safety concern affecting the vehicle's steering system.
- Death Wobble: The 2011 Ram 4500 has been associated with a phenomenon known as the "death wobble," which refers to a severe front end vibration issue that can affect the vehicle's stability and handling.
- Exhaust System Complaints: Owners have raised complaints related to the exhaust system of the Ram 4500, highlighting potential issues with emissions, performance, or structural integrity.
- Suspension Problems: Complaints have been lodged regarding the suspension system of the Ram 4500, indicating issues that could impact the vehicle's ride comfort, handling, and overall driving experience.
These problems reflect a range of issues that owners have faced with the Ram 4500, from critical safety concerns like steering rod breakage to performance-related issues such as engine stalling and suspension problems. Addressing these issues promptly is crucial to ensure the safety, reliability, and performance of the Ram 4500 vehicles.
Is the Ram 4500 reliable?
Ram 4500 owners have made 3 complaints over 4 model years. Using our PainRank™ system we've ranked it 1st in overall reliability out of 29 Dodge models , with some steering and exhaust system concerns.
What is the most common problem with Ram trucks?
Some of the most common Ram truck problems with the TIPM include stalling, power window failure, fuel pump issues, doors locking/unlocking randomly, cooling fan failure, and more. If you are experiencing any of these issues, get in touch with the manufacturer or dealership ASAP.
What years did Ram trucks have transmission problems?
What Went Wrong with the Transmissions in the Dodge Ram Trucks? The transmissions that are related to common complaints and recalls for Dodge Ram trucks are five and six-speed automatic transmissions. These were found in the 2009 Dodge Ram and 2010 through 2017 Ram models 1500, 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500.
Do the new Rams have problems?
Overall, the 2023 RAM 1500 reliability issues are minor compared to many other full-size trucks. However, reliability takes a hit when the top Dodge RAM 1500 common problems are considered. The most expensive problem a RAM 1500 owner is likely to encounter is the need for an engine replacement.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Ram 4500 years
We have researched Ram problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Ram 4500 cars and compiled the top 5 most problematic Ram 4500 model years:
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Ram 4500 model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Ram 4500 years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Ram 4500 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Ram 4500 , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Steering problems
- Power train problems
- Engine problems
- Suspension problems
- Service brakes problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Ram 4500 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by 4500 model years
A total of 3 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with fire by 4500 model years
There were a total of 3 complaints that resulted in a fire. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
The NHTSA has received 60 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Ram 4500 . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Ram 4500 vehicles.
Latest 25 complaints
Ram 4500 2022
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-13
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-01
- VIN: 3C7WRLEL0NG
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: I was driving my truck and when i came to a stop and tried to put it in reverse, I did not have reverse. After several attempts of moving the gear lever there was a loud clunk, then I had reverse. Then when I then put it into drive it would not move. The vehicle has 35,500 miles. Dealer believes its the K1 snap ring in the aisin transmission. It is still at the dealer and they believe it will takes months to get the parts. Dealer has the same issue when it was dropped off. No warning lamps or symptoms prior to attempting to put it in reverse. Vehicle just stopped moving.
Ram 4500 2018
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-11
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-09
- VIN: 3C7WRLEL9JG
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: The Anti-Lock Brake(ABS) & Electronic Stability Control(ESC) warning lights will come on and off during normally driving conditions. When The ESC light comes on the cruise control is non functioning. If the cruise control is set when the warning light is off, the cruise will disengage when it comes on.
Ram 4500 2015
- Date Of Incident: 2023-08-24
- Date Complaint: 2023-08-28
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 3C7WRMDL6FG
- Components: WHEELS
- Summary: Right rear wheel studs sheered off and the wheels fell off at highway speeds. It appears recall Y26 has listed this issue. One of the wheels rolled off the highway into a Tesla dealership and hit two new cars.
Ram 4500 2019
- Date Of Incident: 2022-10-23
- Date Complaint: 2023-05-23
- VIN: 3C7WRLEL4KG
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL,WHEELS
- Summary: The contact owns a 2019 Ram 4500. The contact received notification of the NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V398000 (Wheel) and 21V880000 (Fuel System, Diesel) however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that the parts were not yet available for the recall repair. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Ram 4500 2022
- Date Of Incident: 2022-12-15
- Date Complaint: 2023-04-03
- VIN: 3C7WRKEL0NG
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: The Aisin transmission lost 1-4 forward gears while towing a trailer. The vehicle would not go forward only would move in reverse. We were going through a weigh station at time of failure in Florida, while our home base is in Michigan. There are many failures with this part. It is the K-1 clutch pack fails then forward gears do not work. Dealerships and Stellantis are both fully aware of the problem and forced us to have the transmission rebuilt rather than replaced. Check engine light came on at time of failure.
Ram 4500 2022
- Date Of Incident: 2023-02-15
- Date Complaint: 2023-02-15
- VIN: 3C7WRLCL7NG
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: We purchased a brand new 2022 RAM 4500 truck 07/25/2022 , at the beginning of November the truck broke down and needed a brand new transmission . It took the dealer two months to install the new transmission , we picked up the truck from the dealer December 28th , 2022. Today 02-15-2023 truck broke again in the the middle of the highway and is not drivable again with transmission not working . The problem persists and puts safety of our employees and other at risk .
Ram 4500 2019
- Date Of Incident: 2022-06-04
- Date Complaint: 2022-09-06
- VIN: 3C7WRKALOKG
- Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: The fuel pump failed and they have not fixed it after 3 months and they do not answer or return my calls.
Ram 4500 2019
- Date Of Incident: 2022-05-03
- Date Complaint: 2022-07-30
- VIN: 3C7WRKCL0KG
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: My truck has been at a dodge dealership for over a month due to a open recall. This dealership is declining to service my vehicle because they are saying the recall has to be fixed first before they can diagnosis my truck for change in drive quality. They are telling me that dodge does not have a fix for the recall on my truck and my truck has to sit there until a fix is available. My truck sat there for 29 days because they said they were backed up and I had to wait my turn. I would like to speak with someone asap to continue telling about my experience and to also inform that my truck is still not fixed and Stellntis is involved also. All of this due to a recall that me as a customer cannot control and I am taking the biggest hit out of everybody I have to keep paying for a truck that I cannot even use please someone help me The dealership has not done proper research at all to service this recall and my truck is still down because of it The dealership has lied in roles that there current staff members are in to report false information to stellantis They charged me 740.00 cash and declined me of using my debit card only for my truck still to be in the same condition it was 34 days before I took it too this shop now they want me to bring it back in charge me another 149.00 diag fee and I am losing money with my company every day because of this This is a real urgent issue and would like to speak with someone asap sorry but this is really got me in a tight spot and the dealership is not helping at all The dealership Tony t dodge in orangeburg sc
Ram 4500 2020
- Date Of Incident: 2021-11-12
- Date Complaint: 2022-06-01
- VIN: 3C7WRLBL7LG
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL,VISIBILITY
- Summary: The contact owns a 2020 Ram 4500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V880000 (Fuel System, Diesel) and 22V035000 (Visibility) however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Ram 4500 2020
- Date Of Incident: 2020-11-11
- Date Complaint: 2021-10-22
- VIN: 3C7WRLDL8LG
- Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: Truck turned off while driving and died. Would not turn back on. Was towing a 40ft gooseneck trailer with a load on it. Truck was stopped blocking multiple lanes of traffic. Truck and trailer had to be towed to nearest dealership where they found the CP4 fuel pump had failed and the entire fuel system needed to be replaced.
Ram 4500 2017
- Date Of Incident: 2021-06-23
- Date Complaint: 2021-10-20
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 3C7WRLEL6HG
- Components: SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN,AIR BAGS
- Summary: The contact owns a 2017 RAM 4500. The contact stated while towing 3 vehicles and driving 60 mph, when the front of the vehicle began to vibrate. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated he continued driving but began to change to the right lane when he heard a loud abnormal noise coming from under the vehicle. The contact lost control of the vehicle and crashed into the ditch. The air bags did not deploy. The contact stated no one was injured or sought medical attention. No police report was filed. The vehicle was not drivable. The contact towed the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the transfer case to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired but was pending repairs. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 280,000.
Ram 4500 2014
- Date Of Incident: 2021-05-01
- Date Complaint: 2021-05-10
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 3D6WA6EL0BG
- Components: ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2011 RAM 4500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, IT CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE SITTING IN HIS WORK PARKING LOT. DUE TO THE PROXIMITY TO THE FIRE, THE VEHICLE PARKED IN FRONT OF HIS VEHICLE ALSO CAUGHT FIRE. A BYSTANDER HAD CALLED THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WHO THEN ARRIVED TO THE SCENE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. UPON EXITING HIS BUILDING, THE CONTACT DISCOVERED IT WAS HIS VEHICLE THAT CAUGHT FIRE. NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED AS A RESULT OF THE FIRE AND THE CONTACT WAS UNCERTAIN IF A FIRE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE HAD YET TO BE TOWED AND REMAINED AT THE SCENE. UPON INVESTIGATION, THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT HIS VEHICLE HAD BEEN PLACED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V635000(ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL); HOWEVER, THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE NEVER RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION ABOUT THE RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS THEN NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND A CLAIM WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED DUE TO THE FIRE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 125,000.
Ram 4500 2019
- Date Of Incident: 2021-02-21
- Date Complaint: 2021-02-22
- VIN: 3C7WRKFL9KG
- Components: STEERING,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: AT ONLY 4 MONTHS SINCE VEHICLE IS PURCHASED, FUEL PUMP IS LEAKING. (POTENTIAL FIRE HAZARD) ALSO HAD EXPERIENCED DEATH WOBBLE SEVERAL TIMES WHEN GOING MORE THAN 60 MPH. STEERING ISSUE, POTENTIAL HAZARD
Ram 4500 2019
- Date Of Incident: 2021-02-15
- Date Complaint: 2021-02-22
- VIN: 3C7WRKFL9KG
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: AT ONLY 15000 MILES AND 6 MONTHS OF LIFE, MY TRUCK IS LEAKING OIL/FUEL FROM THE CP4 FUEL PUMP. THE OIL/DIESEL IS LEAKING ON THE ENGINE BLOCK AND OTHER NEARBY HOT COMPONENTS WHICH I ASSUME COULD BE A FIRE HAZARD OR A FUEL SYSTEM DISASTER FAILURE. THE SYSTEM IS LEAKING ALL THE TIME WHILE ENGINE IS WORKING
Ram 4500 2015
- Date Of Incident: 2020-12-02
- Date Complaint: 2020-12-08
- VIN: 3C6URVJG6FE
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: ENGINE OIL COOLER POURING ENGINE OIL OUT!!
Latest 5 recalls Ram 4500
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 90 recalls for different components of the Ram 4500.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Ram 4500 2022
- Report Received Date: 2023-02-09
- Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
- Park Out Side: 1
- Park Out Side: 1
- Components: 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.
- Model: Ram 4500 2019
- Report Received Date: 2022-10-11
- Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
- Components: 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.
- Model: Ram 4500 2020
- Report Received Date: 2022-10-11
- Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
- Components: 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.
- Model: Ram 4500 2022
- Report Received Date: 2022-08-26
- Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECU/ECM)
- Summary: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2022 Ram 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis, Ram 2500, and 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles equipped with Cummins 6.7L turbo diesel engines. The engine control module (ECM) may have been built with a misaligned capacitor that can short-circuit, resulting in an internal loss of communication.
- Consequence: An internal loss of communication can result in a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Dealers will replace the ECM, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 20, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is Z87.
- Model: Ram 4500 2019
- Report Received Date: 2022-01-27
- Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
- Components: 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.
Are you having problems with your Ram 4500?
