2021 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 2021 Ram 5500 problems

The 2021 RAM 5500 has been reported to have several common problems based on complaints from owners. These issues include recalls, service alerts, and manufacturer communications related to the electrical system, engine, engine cooling, engine control module (ECM), latches/locks/linkages, and visibility.

Engine and Engine Cooling: Customer complaints may include engine oil leak/consumption in the 2021 RAM 5500. This issue is addressed in a manufacturer communication, which provides information on the Fast Feedback Program for the 6.7L Cummins Engine and Fuel Injection Pump in 2019-2022 HD Ram models, including all models of the 2021 RAM 5500.

Engine Control Module (ECM): Engine Control Module (ECM) flash failure and diagnostic trouble code (DTC) U1601 may occur in the 2021 RAM 5500. This issue is addressed in a manufacturer communication, which provides information on the Fast Feedback Program for the 6.7L Cummins Engine and Fuel Injection Pump in 2019-2022 HD Ram models, including all models of the 2021 RAM 5500.

Latches/Locks/Linkages: Remote keyless entry (RKE) does not unlock the doors after a remote start event in the 2021 RAM 5500. This issue is addressed in a manufacturer communication, which provides information on the Fast Feedback Program for the 6.7L Cummins Engine and Fuel Injection Pump in 2019-2022 HD Ram models, including all models of the 2021 RAM 5500.

Visibility: Windshield cracked or blemish in the 2021 RAM 5500. When a customer comes in for a cracked windshield, it is important to note the location of the crack and take pictures before repair. These pictures should be sent to FCA Redacted Content or loaded to the warranty claims system.

It is important for owners of the 2021 RAM 5500 to be aware of these issues and to address them promptly to ensure the safety and reliability of their vehicles.

Is the 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 is the problem with the 2021 Ram 5.7 Hemi?

Recall no. Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021 Ram 1500 vehicles equipped with 5.7L eTorque engines. The powertrain control module software may cause an incorrect fuel mixture condition in the engine, and result in an engine stall.

Is the 2021 Ram truck reliable?

The 2021 Ram 1500 has a predicted reliability score of 86 out of 100. A J.D. Power predicted reliability score of 91-100 is considered the Best, 81-90 is Great, 70-80 is Average and 0-69 is Fair and considered below average.

What are the issues with the 2021 Ram 1500 Sport?

Common problems found on the 2021 Ram 1500 include the emergency brake engaging while driving, torn serpentine belts, along with excessive noise from the passenger seat. Overall, these problems are similar to some other full size trucks on the market, leading to average repair bills as the Ram 1500 ages.

2021 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:

Firerelated problems
Suspension problems
Wheels problems
Service brakes problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 2021 Ram 5500 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

2021 Ram 5500 complaints

The NHTSA has received 2 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2021 Ram 5500.

2023-10-05

FIRERELATED PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2023-01-27
VIN: 3C7WRNFL6MG
Components: FIRERELATED
Summary: See attached document from complainant

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2023-03-25

SUSPENSION,WHEELS,SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2023-02-13
Crash: 1
VIN: 3C7WRNBL4MG
Components: SUSPENSION,WHEELS,SERVICE BRAKES
Summary: The wheel studs broke going down the Interstate causing the wheels to come off into oncoming traffic. This caused damage to the wheel studs, lug nuts, brake calipers,brakes, rotors, rims and tires.

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2021 Ram 5500 recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 4 recalls for different components of the 2021 Ram 5500.

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.

2021-10-14

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 2021-2022 Ram 3500, 2500 pickup trucks, and Ram 3500, 4500, and 5500 cab chassis vehicles equipped with Cummins 6.7L Turbo Diesel engines. An electrical short in the relay may cause a vehicle fire with the ignition on or off.
Consequence: A vehicle fire increases the risk of injury.
Remedy: Owners are advised to park these vehicles outside of buildings or structures, and not near other vehicles, until the vehicle has been remedied. Dealers will inspect and, if needed, replace the Solid State Intake Heater Grid Relay ("Relay"); if FCA US Recall ID Y08 (NHTSA Recall ID 21V-163) is open, then insulating material will be applied to the Relay after inspection. Owner notification letters were mailed November 10, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is Y76. This recall has been superseded by 23V060.

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.

2021-03-11

Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Summary: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021 Ram 2500, 3500, and 3500, 4500, and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles equipped with a Cummins 6.7L Turbo Diesel engine. An electrical short may occur in the Solid State Intake Heater Grid Relay, which could result in a vehicle fire.
Consequence: A vehicle fire increases the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and, if needed, replace the Solid State Intake Heater Grid Relay ("Relay"); if FCA US Recall ID Y08 (NHTSA Recall ID 21V-163) is open, then insulating material will be applied to the Relay after inspection. Customers are advised to not park these vehicles inside of buildings or structures, or near other vehicles until the vehicle has the final repair completed. Owner notification letters were mailed November 10, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is Y76. Owners may contact FCA US LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US LLC's number for this recall is Y08. This recall has been superseded by recall number 21V-798.

Additional sources

More sources of information about 2021 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 ...

Service Electronic Stability Control | DODGE RAM FORUM

https://www.ramforumz.com/threads/service-electronic-stability-control.256839/

Oct 12, 2018 ... One of the most common problems that ... RAM 5500 CC. No bed and first 1/4 of diesel ... 1 post · Joined 2021. Add to quote · Only show this user.

2022 Aisin Transmission Failures Information | Cummins Diesel Forum

https://www.cumminsforum.com/threads/2022-aisin-transmission-failures-information.2576640/

Jan 15, 2023 ... I'm currently at 69,027 miles on my 2022 RAM 5500. Well....my order process was as follows..... Ordered September 18, 2021; Rolled off the ...