2018 RAM 5500 — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data
N/A
Safety Rating
41
Owner Complaints
8
Recalls
9
Service Bulletins
0
Investigations
Overview of the 2018 RAM 5500
The 2018 RAM 5500 has received a total of 41 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). There have been 12 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE, WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS. 9 technical service bulletins have been issued by Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Service Brakes (9 complaints), Service Brakes Hydraulic (8 complaints), and Wheels (4 complaints).
Recalls for the 2018 RAM 5500
NHTSA has recorded 12 recalls for the 2018 RAM 5500, potentially affecting up to 16,353,280 vehicles.
Recall 24V896000 — SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
| 317,630 vehicles affected
Defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Ram 2500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Pickup, 3500 Cab Chassis, 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles. The hydraulic control unit (HCU) may fail, which can cause the anti-lock brake (ABS), electronic stability control (ESC), and traction control systems to fail.
Consequence: A loss of anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control, or traction control can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the brake HCU, or replace the HCU motor, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed January 9, 2025. Some owner notification letters were mailed January 9, 2025. The remaining owner...
View full details →Recall 21V398000 — WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS
| 447,985 vehicles affected
Defect: 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...
View full details →Recall 21V398000 — WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS
| 447,985 vehicles affected
Defect: 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...
View full details →Recall 21V398000 — WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS
| 447,985 vehicles affected
Defect: 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...
View full details →Recall 19V359000 — EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS
| 1 vehicles affected
Defect: Unruh Fire, Inc. (Unruh Fire) is recalling one 2018 Dodge 5500-based fire truck equipped with Whelen brake lights. Depending on the specific wiring of the vehicle, these brake lights may illuminate when the brake pedal has not been pressed.
Consequence: If the brake lights incorrectly illuminate, it can confuse other drivers, possibly increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Unruh Fire has notified the owner and will provide replacement brake lights, free of charge. The recall began May 20, 2019. Owners may contact Unruh Fire customer service at 1-800-856-7080.
View full details →Recall 19V255000 — EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS
| 1 vehicles affected
Defect: Blanchat Mfg., Inc. (Blanchat) is recalling one 2018 B-27 Minuteman vehicle built on a RAM 5500 chassis and equipped with Whelen brake lights recalled under 18E-063. Depending on the specific wiring of the vehicle, these brake lights may illuminate when the brake pedal has not been pressed.
Consequence: If the brake lights incorrectly illuminate, it can confuse other drivers, possibly increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Blanchat has notified the owner, and will replace the brake lights, free of charge. The recall began March 27, 2019. Owners may contact Blanchat customer service at 1-620-896-7145.
View full details →Recall 18V277000 — SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
| 2,457 vehicles affected
Defect: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 RAM 4500 and 5500 cab chassis trucks. The primary and secondary brake hoses located between the brake master cylinder and the hydraulic control unit may have been manufactured without anti-corrosion plating on the ferrules, which can allow the ferrules to corrode.
Consequence: If the ferrules corrode, the brake fluid may leak and cause a loss of braking, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the brake hoses and replace them if necessary, free of charge. The recall began June 19, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U41.
View full details →Recall 18V332000 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
| 4,815,661 vehicles affected
Defect: 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...
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:...
View full details →Recall 18V332000 — VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL
| 4,815,661 vehicles affected
Defect: 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...
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:...
View full details →Recall 18V332000 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
| 4,815,661 vehicles affected
Defect: 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...
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:...
View full details →Recall 18V100000 — POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
| 180,462 vehicles affected
Defect: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2017-2018 RAM 1500, 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis, 4500 Cab Chassis, and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles, 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...
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 Body Control Module software. Dealers will also test the BTSI operation, replacing the solenoid as necessary. The recall began February 26, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's...
View full details →Recall 17V824000 — EQUIPMENT
| 61,791 vehicles affected
Defect: 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...
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...
View full details →Owner Complaints for the 2018 RAM 5500
41 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2018 RAM 5500. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Service Brakes | 9 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Service Brakes Hydraulic | 8 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Wheels | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Power Train | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical System | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Unknown Or Other | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Back Over Prevention Rearview System Braking | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Forward Collision Avoidance Automatic Emergency Braking | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Power Traintransfer Case 4 Wheel Drive | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Service Brakes Hydraulicantilocktraction Controlelectronic Limited Slipabs Warning Light | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Service Brakes Hydraulicpower Assistelectriccontrol Module | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Wheelslugsnutsboltsstuds | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Most Recent Complaints
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 5500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (Service Brake, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, a warning chime activated continuously. The ABS and Brake warning lights were illuminated. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired due to parts not being available. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.
Received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to repair the recall is not available. The manufacturer has exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. Because the vehicle currently has this recall, the State of CA will not allow the vehicle to be registered and is now out of operation. In addition, this vehicle is used for business and has resulted in several weeks being out of operation. ABS and traction control warning lights have illuminated while driving over uneven pavement. The vehicle is currently at the dealership and I was informed the manufacturer was not providing parts for the RAM 5500 series. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and has confirmed that parts are NOT available for the RAM 5500 series.
Received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to repair the recall is not available. The manufacturer has exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. Because the vehicle currently has this recall, the State of CA will not allow the vehicle to be registered and is now out of operation. In addition, this vehicle is used for business and has resulted in several weeks being out of operation. ABS and traction control warning lights have illuminated while driving over uneven pavement. The vehicle is currently at the dealership and I was informed the manufacturer was not providing parts for the RAM 5500 series. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and has confirmed that parts are NOT available for the RAM 5500 series.
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 5500. The contact received a notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while attempting to come to a complete stop, the vehicle hesitated to respond while the brake pedal was depressed. The ABS and the Traction Control warning lights were intermittently illuminated. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 5500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while the vehicle was being driven at an undisclosed speed, the ABS and traction control warning lights illuminated while driving over speed bumps or uneven pavement. The dealer was contacted and informed the contact that the manufacturer was not providing parts for the 5500 series vehicles. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not available for the 5500 series vehicles. The failure mileage was approximately 91,741.
Safety Rating for the 2018 RAM 5500
NHTSA has not yet tested the 2018 RAM 5500 in its New Car Assessment Program.
Technical Service Bulletins for the 2018 RAM 5500
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) has issued 9 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 2018 RAM 5500. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.
S1625000002 REV.B — UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) Illumination, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) P21C4 – (Diesel Exhaust Fluid) Reductant Line Heater Control Circuit High, and U11C1 – Reductant Control Module Received Implausible Data From ECM/PCM, Set
1813122 — POWER TRAIN
Flash: Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Updates This bulletin involves reprogramming the PCM with the latest available software. Customers may experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination. Upon further investigation the technician may find that one or more of the following DTCs have been set: P064F - Unauthorized Software/Calibration Detected. P229F...
0811721 — EQUIPMENT
UAS and UCS Radio Enhancements This bulletin involves inspecting and if required, updating the radio software level to 39.6 Customers may experience one or more of the following: Intermittent, black radio display screen. Intermittent, radio freezes. Bluetooth® pairing and/or connection issues. Lost radio presets. Radio channels change by itself. SXM...
S2009000002 — EQUIPMENT
Oil Leak From The Front Timing Gear Housing Gasket. (Note: ETL, ETK, ETM, ETN Diesel Engines)
18-036-20 — POWER TRAIN
Flash: Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Updates This bulletin involves reprogramming the PCM with the latest available software. This bulletin fixes all vehicles listed and also contains an optional software path for situations where the customer is specifically complaining of a drone noise, shudder, pulsation, or vibration under light throttle applications,...
9003813 — EQUIPMENT
2018MY Front License Plate Bracket Ram HD ONLY: Do not order this part because you observe (4) attachments in the 2018 DJ, D2, DD, DF and DP Front Bumper and the supplied License Plate Bracket only has provisions for 2 attachments. The 2017 level part (68031880AA) with 2 attachments was...
9003814 — EQUIPMENT
Power Distribution Center For 2018 D2/DD/DF/DJ/DP, prior to replacing the Power Distribution Center (PDC), you MUST contact the STAR Center (800) 850-7827 for diagnostic assistance and pre- authorization. Failure to do so WILL result in your warranty claim being rejected.
9003109 — VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER
Washer Fluid Level Sensor Prior to replacing this part due to "Low Washer Fluid" tell tale light on the dash and the washer fluid bottle is full, please perform this inspection: Check if float sensor is rotated off location from the bottle anti-rotation features that surround the SENSOR. Check to...
13225 — EQUIPMENT
Title 68260866AB: Module Kit - Occupant Classification Start Date: 10/22/2015 7:00 AM End Date Message You have been identified as either having stock, or have stock in transit to your dealership. Please return suspect stock of part number 68260866AB. See attachments for identifying suspect stock. Please return suspect parts back...
NHTSA Investigations for the 2018 RAM 5500
There are no NHTSA defect investigations on record for this vehicle.
Other Model Years of the RAM 5500
- 2013 RAM 5500 — 6 complaints
- 2014 RAM 5500 — 21 complaints
- 2015 RAM 5500 — 20 complaints
- 2016 RAM 5500 — 23 complaints
- 2017 RAM 5500 — 24 complaints
- 2018 RAM 5500 (current)
- 2019 RAM 5500 — 11 complaints
- 2020 RAM 5500 — 11 complaints
- 2021 RAM 5500 — 5 complaints
- 2022 RAM 5500 — 32 complaints
- 2023 RAM 5500 — 0 complaints
Other RAM Models
- RAM 1500 — 15,786 total complaints
- RAM 2500 — 7,223 total complaints
- RAM 3500 — 3,311 total complaints
- RAM PROMASTER — 739 total complaints
- RAM PROMASTER CITY — 139 total complaints
- RAM 4500 — 64 total complaints
- RAM PROMASTER 2500 — 52 total complaints
- RAM PROMASTER 3500 — 30 total complaints