2019 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 2019 Ram 5500 problems

The 2019 Ram 5500 has been reported to have several common problems based on complaints from owners. One of the most prevalent issues is related to the exhaust system, specifically the exhaust manifold. Multiple owners have reported cracks in the exhaust manifold, which can lead to exhaust leaks and a loud noise during cold starts.

Another issue reported by owners is related to the alignment of the front wheels. Some owners have reported that the alignment was off, causing uneven tire wear and requiring adjustment or replacement of the tires, even though they had not hit any curbs or potholes.

Additionally, there have been reports of problems with the windshield washer system and tail lights, including broken gaskets and leaks.

A recall has also been issued for certain 2019 to 2020 Ram 3500, 4500, and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles equipped with the 6.7-liter Cummins inline-six H.O. turbodiesel engine. The recall is due to an issue with the engine calibration software, which may not warn about low oil volume. This can lead to low oil levels in the engine, causing damage to the main bearings and potentially puncturing the engine block, which could result in a vehicle fire.

Overall, the 2019 Ram 5500 has had several reported issues, including problems with the exhaust manifold, front wheel alignment, windshield washer system, and tail lights, as well as a recall related to low oil volume in the engine.

What is the problem with the 2019 Ram 6.7 Cummins?

2019 RAM 3500 Diesel/Cummins Engine

In November 2021, Chrysler recalled over 200,000 heavy-duty pickup trucks and chassis cab vehicles equipped with 6.7L Cummins turbodiesel engine. Apparently, the high-pressure fuel pump can fail prematurely, causing these vehicles to stall, overheat, or even catch on fire.

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.

What issues does the 2019 RAM have?

One NHTSA recall exists for the 2019 Ram 1500 equipped with 4WD for a faulty transfer case. An improperly installed gear can cause a loss of “park” function or the truck to get stuck in neutral, while other complaints include transmission fluid leaks and transmission failure, and gear slippage.

Do 2019 Dodge Rams have transmission problems?

The transmission system in the 2019 1500 Ram does not appear to be durable or reliable. Rear axles routinely fail, which can cause the wheels to lock in place. 2019 Ram 1500 transmission problems can cause the following symptoms in affected pickups: Grinding during acceleration.

2019 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:

Service brakes problems
Fuel/propulsion system problems
Tires problems
Hydraulic problems
Fuel system problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 2019 Ram 5500 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

2019 Ram 5500 complaints

The NHTSA has received 8 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2019 Ram 5500.

2024-05-21

TIRES PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2024-05-21
VIN: 3C7WRNDL3KG
Components: TIRES
Summary: The contact owns a 2019 Ram 5500. The contact stated that while one of his drivers was driving at an undisclosed speed, the tire tread detached and began to roll down the highway. The driver pulled over to the side of the road. There was no warning light illuminated. There was no injury sustained; however, the driver missed a week of work due to the traumatic experience from the failure. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where the diagnostic test was undisclosed; however, the wheel studs were replaced. The contact was concerned about the safety hazard presented with the failure. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

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2023-08-09

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2022-04-01
VIN: 3C7WRNDL5KG
Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL
Summary: The contact owns a 2019 Ram 5500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 22V759000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) and 21V880000 (Fuel System, Diesel) however, parts to do the recall repairs were unavailable. The dealer was made aware of the issue and the contact was informed there was a limited quantity of available parts. The contact was placed on a waiting list. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

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2023-02-17

ENGINE PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2022-11-29
VIN: 3C7WRNAL5KG
Components: ENGINE
Summary: I would like to report a major safety concern with the push button start system and programming on the 2019 and up 5500 cab and chassis with the 6.7 Cummins. On November 29th we had a 2019 Ram 5500 that went in the ditch and ended up on its side because of soft ground. It was laid fully on the passenger side. It was still running. Operator tried to turn off engine and it would not. After he climbed out drivers side window he tried to clamp off fuel line. Truck continued to idle until it stuck a few of the main bearings to the crank shaft . truck was towed in and all fluids were checked and filled as needed. Turning the engine over with a barring tool was I was able to free it up. I charged batteries and turned on key it wouldn’t crank. (shifter was in park when unit was unloaded off wrecker into shop) PCM has numerous codes including lost communication with TCM. Didn’t display gear selecting in cluster. After clearing codes truck would start and run. These chassis’ will not turn off if the transmission dash display does not display park or neutral and will not turn off if PCM loses communication with TCM even if transmission is in park or neutral.. Luckily this was not an accident were anything started on fire but chassis should either have a impact or tilt sensor or programmed so if you hold start button for a certain amount of time or press it a certain number of times it overrides ignition system. A mechanic with a 2019 2500 with the Cummins says that his manual states that it button is pushed and held it will turn ignition off after holding for 5 seconds. I test a couple of other 2019 5500”s that are located here and with transmission in drive, vehicle stopped motor running have held button for up to 3 minutes and pushed it up to 30 times and ignition will not turn off unless dash display shows park on neutral. If there had been damage to fuel lines it could have been pumping diesel fuel onto the accident scene

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2023-01-03

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2023-01-01
VIN: 3C7WRNELOKG
Components: POWER TRAIN
Summary: The transfer case shifted itself into neutral while driving on the highway. It wouldn't go into any other gears and it lost all functionality. I wasn't under load and had been maintaining a set 65 mph. There was no warning the RPMs just redlined. I set the vehicle into what registered as park and when I got out it continued to roll towards me. I had 3 small children in the vehicle at the time and had we not made it off the highway in time I hate to think what could have happened. I am a mechanic by trade and it is the only reason we were able to get it to a safe area.

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2022-11-30

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2022-11-17
VIN: 3C7WRMDL9KG
Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Summary: There is a safety recall on my 2019 Ram 5500 rollback tow truck. The recall number is Y78. On November 17 My truck unexpectedly stopped working on highway M33 in rose city Michigan. I discovered there was a recall on the vehicle for a premature fuel system failure. I called the FCA they told me to take it to Thelen Chrysler Ram in Bay City Michigan. I called Thelen to confirm I could take it there and they said yes. I spent $522 to have it towed there on Friday November 18. I tried to contact the service department and left several messages on the following Monday and Tuesday. On Wednesday I called the main dealership office and informed them that the service dept. was not returning my calls, they hand carried the phone to the very arrogant service dept. manager [XXX]. I informed him about the recall on the truck and he said they have not looked at it yet and that he would get back to me when they had time to look at it and didn’t know when that would be. On the 28th he finally called me back and confirmed my fears that it was a total fuel system failure. He then says that there is a recall for that issue but Ram does not a a fix for it, the 2020 models have a fix for the same problem but not the 2019 models. I told him I need it fixed in a timely manor and he told me that’s not possibly because they take care of their regular customers first and they don’t have the lift equipment to fix it that the mechanic would have to do it on the ground and that I need to take it to a different shop. Here's my complaint: I own a tow company called Local Towing Service,LLC. I depend on this tow truck to make my living. FCA told me to take it Thelen , I called Thelen and they told me to have it towed there, now they are telling me to take it some where else that they can’t fix it but it says on their website that they service Ram 5500 chassis . Ram has a recall for this issue with no fix on the 2019 but they do on the 2020? This makes no sense. They know how to fix it. How can INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

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2021-07-29

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2021-03-04
VIN: 3C7WRNFL4KG
Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Summary: HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP WENT OUT CONTAMINATING THE WHOLE FUEL SYSTEM WITH METAL FRAGEMENTS. TRUCK DERATED TO 5MPH. SAT AT DEALERSHIP FOR OVER 3 MONTHS DEALER WAS NOT ABLE TO CORRECT PROBLEM.

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2021-07-20

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2021-05-04
Fire: 1
VIN: 3C7WRMDL6KG
Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Summary: The contact's husband owns a 2019 Ram 5500. While her husband was driving 45 mph, he heard an abnormal sound coming from the engine as the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle stalled while depressing the accelerator pedal. Her husband pulled over to the side of the road and upon inspection, he discovered that smoke and a fire had started in the engine compartment. Her husband grabbed the fire extinguisher and extinguished the fire. The contact owns a towing company and was able to tow the vehicle to a dealer. The dealer informed the contact and her husband that a rod had gone through the engine block. The contact and her husband were provided an estimate for the repair which they declined. The contact had the engine replaced by an independent mechanic. Upon investigation, the contact discovered the vehicle had been placed under NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V439000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) which she linked to the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was initially provided a case number. The contact then received a call from the manufacturer that her claim was denied. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was 164,716

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2020-10-30

SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2020-10-27
VIN: 3C7WRNFL5KG
Components: SERVICE BRAKES
Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 RAM 5500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED WHILE DRIVING ON WET SURFACES, THE BRAKES LOCKED UP CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO SLIDE FROM SIDE TO SIDE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE RECURRED WHILE DRIVING ON DRY PAVEMENT HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WAS MORE CONTROLLABLE WHILE DRIVING ON DRY PAVEMENT. AN UNKNOWN DEALER WAS CONTACTED HOWEVER, AN APPOINTMENT TO DIAGNOSE OR REPAIR THE VEHICLE WAS STILL PENDING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000.

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2019 Ram 5500 recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 10 recalls for different components of the 2019 Ram 5500.

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.

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.

2021-11-12

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

2021-06-10

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

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.

2021-01-26

Manufacturer: Excellance, Inc
Components: 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.

2021-01-13

Manufacturer: Braun Northwest
Components: 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.

2020-08-27

Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US LLC)
Components: 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.

2020-05-13

Manufacturer: LiquidSpring LLC
Components: 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.

2019-06-27

Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US LLC)
Components: FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL
Summary: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019 Ram 2500 and 3500 trucks, and 3500, 4500, and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles equipped with diesel engines. The fuel lines may leak fuel into the engine compartment.
Consequence: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the fuel lines, replacing them if necessary, free of charge. The recall began July 18, 2019. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is V76.

Additional sources

More sources of information about 2019 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 ...

I have a 2019 Ram 5500. My driver is complaining of the brakes not ...

https://www.justanswer.com/dodge/h8lj4-2019-ram-5500-driver-complaining.html

Jul 11, 2021 ... No leaks. Do they glaze? Is this a common problem?

2019 5500 - PTO problems, trucks can't tow | Cummins Diesel Forum

https://www.cumminsforum.com/threads/2019-5500-pto-problems-trucks-cant-tow.2521783/

Jan 26, 2020 ... Truck says to service the electronic throttle control. Dodge will refresh the ECM when I take it in to try to make the trucks re-learn the RPM ...

Q&A: 2019 Ram 5500 Check Engine & ABS Light - Causes, Solutions

https://www.justanswer.com/dodge/fefbn-2019-ram-5500-check-engine-light-abs-light-trac.html

Oct 30, 2020 ... I am sorry to hear you are having issues or concerns with your vehicle, I do know how frustrating this can be! Rest assured I will try my ...