2015 Ram 5500 problems

General information about Ram-5500
Overview of popular issues
Analysis of common problems
Сomplaints list
Recalls list

The Ram Heavy Duty (also known as the Ram HD) is the 4.5 generation of the Ram Pickup, a series of heavy-duty pickup trucks produced by the Ram Trucks division of Stellantis. Slotted above the Ram 1500, the Heavy Duty trucks range from the Ram 2500 to the Ram 5500. The Ram 2500 and Ram 3500 are offered as pickup trucks, while the Ram 3500 through Ram 5500 are offered as chassis cabs.

Introduced in January 2019 at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan, the current Ram Heavy Duty trucks are based on the Ram 1500 (DT). Ram Heavy-Duty models are produced at Saltillo Truck Assembly in Saltillo, Mexico.

Cab configurations

The Ram Heavy Duty is available in three different configurations: a two-door regular cab with a long bed, a four-door crew cab with either a standard bed or a long bed, or a four-door Mega Cab (a crew cab extended by 11.1 in (280 mm) allowing the rear seats to recline or offering more in-cab storage) with a standard bed.

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Common 2015 Ram 5500 problems

The 2015 Ram 5500 has had several recalls and common problems reported by owners. Here are the details of some of the most significant issues:

Steering: The 2015 Ram 5500 has also had recalls related to steering issues. One recall in 2013 affected 36,151 cars, with the NHTSA campaign number 13V527000, and the problem date is November 6, 2013.

Wheel Separation: Wheel separation can cause a vehicle crash. If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.

Airbag Failures: Ram Aisin Transmission Snap Ring Failures are being investigated, and Chrysler, Jeep and Ram vehicles have been recalled for airbag failures.

Transmission: The 2015 Ram 5500 has had issues with its transmission, including the inability to shift the transmission without pushing the brake pedal and/or without a key in the ignition, which can increase the risk of an unintended vehicle rollaway that may result in personal injury or a crash.

Water Pump Leak: The leaking water pump can increase the risk of an engine compartment fire.

Reduction of Suspension Stability Control: A reduction of suspension stability control could affect control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Software Vulnerability: Exploitation of the software vulnerability may result in unauthorized remote modification and control of certain vehicle systems, increasing the risk of a crash.

Tire Speed Rating: If the vehicle exceeds the tires' maximum speed rating, the tires may suddenly fail, increasing the risk of a crash.

Takata Airbags: The 2015 Ram 5500 is included in the fourth and final stage of Takata recalls, with a campaign to replace the passenger-side inflators in 1.6 million vehicles.

Tie Rods: The 2015 Ram 5500 is also included in a class-action lawsuit that claims tie rods can break in numerous models of trucks and cause a total loss of steering.

Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM): Dodge Durango and Jeep Grand Cherokee TIPM problems will finally be fixed after a federal judge granted preliminary approval to a TIPM class-action lawsuit.

These issues can affect the safety and reliability of the 2015 Ram 5500, and owners should be aware of them. If your car is affected, you should call your local Ram service department immediately to get the necessary repairs done.

Is the Dodge Ram 5500 reliable?

Ram 5500 Reliability Problems. 5500 owners have made 5 complaints over 5 model years. Using our PainRank™ system we've ranked it 1st in overall reliability out of 9 Ram models , with real electrical and wheels concerns.

Are there any problems with a 2015 Dodge Ram?

Since production began, the Ram 1500 lineup has been subject to 16 recalls, two investigations, and 789 owner complaints. Several of the 2015 Ram's recalls stem from faulty airbag inflators, safety system software, and curtain airbag assemblies.

What transmission does a 2015 Ram 5500 have?

The engine is paired with an Aisin six-speed automatic transmission (AS69RC). The AS69RC transmission features robust components and impressive shift performance, transmission efficiency and drivability when compared to the competition.

What is the problem with the 2015 Ram 2500?

Owner Reported Trouble Spots

Steering And Suspension. ...
Exhaust. ...
Fuel System/Emissions. ...
Engine Major. ...
Drive System. ...
Engine Electrical. ...
Electrical Accessories. ...
Brakes.

2015 Ram 5500 car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Ram 5500 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

Engine problems
Electrical system problems
Power train problems
Wheels problems
Fuel system problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 2015 Ram 5500 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

2015 Ram 5500 complaints

The NHTSA has received 12 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2015 Ram 5500.

2024-08-16

WHEELS PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2024-04-26
VIN: 3C7WRNBL0FG
Components: WHEELS
Summary: While traveling on a highway at speeds in excess of 50mph the 2015 Ram 5500 lost the rear set of dual tires on the passenger side. The wheels came off after all 10-wheel studs failed and broke off. This is the second incident on this same truck despite going through the warranty process and procedures through Stellantis/Ram. No incident or injuries resulted from the failure.

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2023-01-19

POWER TRAIN,FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2023-01-17
VIN: 3C7WRNBLXFG
Components: POWER TRAIN,FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL
Summary: The contact owns a 2015 Ram 5500. The contact stated while driving 69 MPH, the vehicle started vibrating abnormally with abnormal sounds coming from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to park on the side of the road, exited the vehicle, and noticed transmission fluid leaking underneath the vehicle. The contact stated that the transfer case was fractured. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle. The contact stated that the fuel rail, Service 4-WD, and the braking system messages were displayed. The vehicle was not drivable. The contact towed the vehicle to an independent mechanic and was informed that the transfer case needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 137,000.

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2023-01-04

ENGINE PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2023-01-04
VIN: 3C7WRNBL5FG
Components: ENGINE
Summary: Vehicle is 2015 and has 44.4k miles on it. Had it in for a routine oil change and the mechanic showed me that the oil pan is in extremely poor condition with multiple rot spots all over and could fail at anytime. Mopar extended warranty covers oil pans, but they dont cover rust. An oil pan is a static part, the only way it could fail is from rust or a catastrophic engine failure where a connecting rod may protrude through it. Seems to be a common problem with these oil pans failing at a high rate. I have a 1977 chevy 289k miles with no problems on that oil pan. Perhaps the metal used in production was of poor quality which caused premature and expedited corrosion.

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2021-03-22

POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2021-03-18
VIN: 3C7WRMDL3FG
Components: POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Summary: HAVE HAD SHIFTING ISSUE'S IN THE PAST, REPAIR UNDER WARRANTY WAS TRANS SOLENOIDS. NOW, OUT OF WARRANTY, IT'S THE TRANS WIRING HARNESS.

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2020-12-21

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2020-10-10
VIN: 3C7WRMELXFG
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
Summary: THE DPF FILTER IS SAYING THAT ITS CLOGGED AND IT WON'T REGIN. CODES: P0234, P24A2,P0420,P0087,P2228,P1193,P243F,P0102,P203F,P2280

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2019-12-04

POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2019-11-05
VIN: 3C7WRNBL7FG
Components: POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES
Summary: TRUCK WAS ON HIGHWAY GOING 70 MPH. DRIVER SAID IT STARTED SHAKING VERY HARD AND THEN HEARD A VERY LOUD BANG. WAS ABLE TO KEEP IT UNDER CONTROL AND BRING IT TO A STOP. THERE WERE PARTS OF THE TRANSFER CASE ALL OVER THE ROAD. DRIVE SHAFT WAS BENT AT A 45 DEGREE ANGLE. WIRING WAS WRAPPED AROUND YOKE, UNDERNEATH OF CAB IS DAMAGED, BRAKE SYSTEM DAMAGED, DEF SYSTEM DAMAGED, ALONG WITH OTHER PROBLEMS THAT CANT BE SEEN.

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2019-12-01

ENGINE PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2019-09-05
Fire: 1
VIN: 3C7WRMFL1FG
Components: ENGINE
Summary: VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP DUE TO AN ISSUE WHERE WHITE SMOKE WOULD APPEAR WHEN THE ENGINE IS UNDER LOAD. DEALER WAS UNABLE TO REPAIR THE ISSUE DUE TO SCHEDULING CONFLICTS. OWNER ATTEMPTED TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE TO ANOTHER LOCATION FOR DIAGNOSTICS. VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE ON THE WAY TO ANOTHER DEALER LOCATION.

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2018-08-27

STEERING PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2018-08-26
VIN: 3C7WRNBL6FG
Components: STEERING
Summary: STEERING DRAG LINK BROKEN OFF ON PASSENGER (LONG ARM) SIDE OF ADJUSTMENT SLEEVE. NO IMPACT DAMAGE. PART APPEARS TO HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY MANUFACTURED. ONLY APPROX 1/3 TO 1/2 OF THE ROD WAS FUSED TOGETHER (SEE PICTURE). VEHICLE WAS BACKING UP AND TURNING IN A PARKING LOT, SLIGHTLY DOWNHILL WITH SERVICE BRAKES LIGHTLY APPLIED. VEHICLE IS HEAVILY LOADED (ELECTRICAL BUCKET TRUCK)

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2017-11-14

ENGINE PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2017-08-30
VIN: 3C7WRMEL1FG
Components: ENGINE
Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 RAM 5500. UPON INSPECTION, THE CONTACT NOTICED COOLANT LEAKING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO FIELDS CHRYSLER JEEP DODGE-SANFORD (750 TOWNE CENTER BLVD, SANFORD, FL), BUT A LEAK COULD NOT BE FOUND. AFTERWARDS, THE LOW COOLANT INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT CHECKED THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND NOTICED THAT COOLANT SPEWED OUT ONTO THE UNDERCARRIAGE AND ELECTRICAL WIRING. THE LOCAL DEALER (BREWBAKER DODGE CHRYSLER JEEP RAM OF PRATTVILLE, 2209 COBBS FORD RD, PRATTVILLE, AL) DIAGNOSED THAT THE WATER PUMP WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO ORLANDO DODGE CHRYSLER JEEP RAM (4101 W COLONIAL DR, ORLANDO, FL) WHERE IT WAS INITIALLY DIAGNOSED AS MUDDY WATER ON THE MOTOR. THE FAILURE BECAME MORE SEVERE AFTER ONE WEEK. THE VEHICLE WAS RETURNED TO ORLANDO DODGE CHRYSLER JEEP RAM AND THE WATER PUMP WAS REPLACED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V562000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. ORLANDO DODGE CHRYSLER JEEP RAM CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND THE CONTACT WAS REFERRED BACK TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT ABLE TO CONFIRM WHEN THE PARTS WERE TO BECOME AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

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2017-02-07

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2017-01-12
VIN: 3C7WRNEL9FG
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Summary: BATTERY SAVER MODE MSG APPEARED ON DASH. TRUCK HAD 87,000 MILES AND 2400 HOURS. USED AS A ROADSIDE SERVICE WRECKER. TESTED BATTERIES. 1 TESTED BAD. REPLACED BOTH BATTERIES. MESSAGE COMES BACK AT STARTUP ON COLD MORNINGS. MSG STAYS ON UNTIL TRUCK IS WARMED LATER IN THE DAY.

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2016-02-26

TIRES PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2015-01-20
VIN: 3C7WRMFL8FG
Components: TIRES
Summary: FRONT TIRES. TIRES WEAR UNEVEN. MOSTLY PASSENGER SIDE. CUPPING OF OF BOTH. NOTICEABLE VIBRATION. SAME THING HAPPENED WITH MY 2011 MODEL OF THE SAME VEHICLE.

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2016-02-26

SUSPENSION,WHEELS PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2016-01-18
VIN: 3C7WRMFL8FG
Components: SUSPENSION,WHEELS
Summary: FRONT TIRES UNEVEN WEAR, TIRE CUPPING. VIBRATION AND NOISY!

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2015 Ram 5500 recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 8 recalls for different components of the 2015 Ram 5500.

2021-05-27

Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
Components: 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.

2018-05-17

Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US LLC)
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
Summary: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Dodge Journey, Charger and Durango, RAM 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis (more than 10,000lb), 4500 Cab Chassis and 5500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee and Chrysler 300, 2014-2019 RAM 1500, 2015-2018 Dodge Challenger, 2015-2017 Chrysler 200, 2016-2018 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis (less than 10,000 lb), 2017-2018 Chrysler Pacifica and 2018 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. These vehicles are being recalled to address a defect that could prevent the cruise control system from disengaging. If, when using cruise control, there is a short circuit within the vehicle's wiring, the driver may not be able to shut off the cruise control either by depressing the brake pedal or manually turning the system off once it has been engaged, resulting in either the vehicle maintaining its current speed or possibly accelerating.
Consequence: If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the software, and perform a software flash on the engine or powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began June 4, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Note: Owners are advised to stop using cruise control until the software update has been performed. In the event that cruise control cannot be disengaged while driving, owners should firmly and steadily apply the brakes and shift the transmission to neutral, placing the vehicle in park once it has stopped.

2017-12-21

Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US LLC)
Components: EQUIPMENT
Summary: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling various Dodge, Chrysler, and RAM vehicles equipped with Kidde Plastic-Handle or Push Button 'Pindicator' Fire Extinguishers. A list of the affected trailer models is available at: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17V824-0103.pdf. These extinguishers may become clogged, preventing the extinguisher from discharging as expected or requiring excessive force to activate the extinguisher. Additionally, in certain models, the nozzle may detach from the valve assembly with enough force that it could cause injury and also render the product inoperable. For a full list of the affected fire extinguisher models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17E062-5427.pdf
Consequence: If the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury in the event of a fire.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners instructing them to contact Kidde for a replacement fire extinguisher, free of charge. The recall began February 14, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403 or Kidde customer service service toll-free at 1-855-262-3540, or online at www.kidde.com and click on "Product Safety Recall" for more information. Chrysler's number for this recall is T82.

2017-12-20

Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US LLC)
Components: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:COLUMN SHIFT
Summary: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Ram 3500 Cab Chassis with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of less than 10,000 lbs, 2011-2017 Ram 3500, 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles, 2009-2017 Ram 1500 and 2010-2017 Ram 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks, all equipped with a column shifter. Pushing the brake pedal for prolonged periods when the vehicle is running and in PARK may cause the Brake Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI) pin to stick in the open position. With the pin in the open position, the transmission can be shifted out of PARK into any gear without pushing the brake pedal or having the key in the ignition.
Consequence: Being able to shift the transmission without pushing the brake pedal and/or without a key in the ignition can increase the risk of an unintended vehicle rollaway that may result in personal injury or a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update the vehicle software, inspect the BTSI, and, as necessary, replace it, free of charge. The recall began February 26, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T79.

2017-09-12

Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US LLC)
Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:DIESEL
Summary: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2013-2017 RAM 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis, 4500 Cab Chassis, and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles, equipped with Cummins 6.7L Turbo Diesel engines that have Concentric-brand water pumps without a vent hole. These water pumps may leak coolant.
Consequence: The leaking water pump can increase the risk of an engine compartment fire.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the water pumps, free of charge. The recall began February 26, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T51.

2015-07-27

Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US LLC)
Components: SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:UPPER ARM
Summary: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2015 Ram 4500, and 5500 pickup trucks manufactured January 30, 2015, to February 6, 2015. The affected vehicles may have inadequate penetration of the front upper control arm loop to spacer weld, reducing the front suspension stability.
Consequence: A reduction of suspension stability control could affect control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace any affected upper control arms, free of charge. The recall began on September 17, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R34.

2015-07-23

Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US LLC)
Components: EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.
Summary: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Ram 1500, 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500, 2015 Chrysler 200, Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger, and Dodge Challenger, 2014-2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee, Cherokee, and Dodge Durango, and 2013-2015 Dodge Viper vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with radios that have software vulnerabilities that can allow third-party access to certain networked vehicle control systems.
Consequence: Exploitation of the software vulnerability may result in unauthorized remote modification and control of certain vehicle systems, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify and mail affected owners a USB drive that includes a software update that eliminates the vulnerability, free of charge. Optionally, owners may download the update to their own USB drive from http://www.driveuconnect.com/software-update/ or take their vehicle to a Chrysler dealer for immediate installation. In an effort to mitigate the effects of this security vulnerability, Chrysler has had the wireless service provider close the open cellular connection to the vehicle that provided unauthorized access to the vehicle network. This measure may not have been implemented on all vehicles and does not address access by other means that will be remedied by the software update. The recall began on August 25, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R40.

2015-05-18

Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US LLC)
Components: TIRES
Summary: Chryser (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Ram 4500 and 5500 cab chassis trucks manufactured August 20, 2013, to January 27, 2015 and equipped with 6.4L Hemi engines. The affected vehicles have a maximum governed speed of 106 mph but are fitted with tires that are only rated for a maximum speed of 87 mph.
Consequence: If the vehicle exceeds the tires' maximum speed rating, the tires may suddenly fail, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler has notified owners, and dealers will correct the electronic control unit software to limit the vehicle's speed to 87 mph, free of charge. The recall began on June 10, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R17.

Additional sources

More sources of information about 2015 Ram 5500 problems:

Problems with newer 5500? | Cummins Diesel Forum

https://www.cumminsforum.com/threads/problems-with-newer-5500.1497362/

Feb 1, 2015 ... ... common problems the new Cummins and trucks tend to have. ... You will be more than happy with a 5500 ram ... We had a '96 2500 ram that fell apart ...

What's Wrong with the Ram 5500?

http://www.ramproblems.com/models/5500/

4 Common Ram 5500 Problems · TRW Crash Sensor Defect · UConnect Frozen with Blank Screen · uConnect Hacked, Should You Be Concerned? · Ram Vehicles with Recalled ...

2015 RAM chassis cab 4500/Cummins initial impressions with ...

https://www.cumminsforum.com/threads/2015-ram-chassis-cab-4500-cummins-initial-impressions-with-problems.2446666/

May 7, 2018 ... 2015 RAM chassis cab 4500/Cummins initial impressions with problems. ... 3500 cab and chassis trucks and none have had issues yet. ... 2022 RAM 5500 ...