2019 Ram 5500 Safety Report

2019 RAM 5500: Low complaints, but extensive recalls for critical brake, fuel, and engine issues.

10Complaints
10Recalls
65/100Reliability Score
1Fire Reports
2Injuries
Most reported components: Fuel/Propulsion System (2)Fuel System, Diesel (1)Structure (1)Tires (1)Service Brakes, Hydraulic,Fuel System, Diesel (1)Engine (1)Power Train (1)Engine And Engine Cooling (1)Service Brakes (1)

AI Safety Analysis for the 2019 Ram 5500

The 2019 RAM 5500 presents a mixed safety picture, characterized by a relatively low number of direct consumer complaints but a significant recall history addressing critical safety components. With only 10 total complaints, including 1 fire and 2 injuries, the vehicle's direct incident reporting is minimal. However, the vehicle has been subject to 10 recalls, many of which address severe issues such as potential loss of braking ability, engine stalls, and increased fire risk. Key recalls include those for rear brake hose ruptures (NHTSA Campaign 22V759000), High Pressure Fuel Pump failures leading to engine stalls (NHTSA Campaign 21V880000), and engine oil calibration issues that could lead to oil leaks and fire (NHTSA Campaign 20V124000). While NHTSA crash test ratings are not available for this heavy-duty vehicle, the extensive recall activity suggests that potential safety defects were identified and addressed by the manufacturer, mitigating some risks. The low complaint count, despite the recalls, might indicate that the recalls were effective or that the issues, while serious, did not manifest widely in reported incidents.

Reliability Score

The 2019 Ram 5500 receives a reliability score of 65 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.

Known Issues for the 2019 Ram 5500

The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2019 Ram 5500:

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
High Pressure Fuel Pump (Hpfp) Failure
HPFP failure can contaminate the entire fuel system with metal fragments, leading to engine stall and loss of power, as noted in NHTSA Campaign 21V880000 and multiple complaints.
High Occasional unknown miles
Rear Brake Hose Rupture/Leakage
Recalls (e.g., NHTSA Campaign 22V759000) indicate that the rear brake hose inside diameter may be too small or lines may wear, leading to fluid leakage and potential loss of braking ability.
High Occasional unknown miles
Engine Oil System Issues Leading To Fire Risk
Recalls (e.g., NHTSA Campaign 20V124000) address engine calibration software not warning about low oil or inadequate warmup protection, potentially causing oil leaks and fire.
High Occasional unknown miles
Fuel Line Leaks
A recall addresses fuel lines potentially leaking fuel into the engine compartment, increasing the risk of fire.
High Occasional unknown miles
Transfer Case Shifting Into Neutral
One complaint describes the transfer case unexpectedly shifting into neutral while driving on the highway, causing loss of power.
High Rare unknown miles
Tire Tread Detachment
One complaint reported tire tread detaching while driving, though no injuries were sustained.
Medium Rare unknown miles

Common Problems Reported by Owners

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2019 Ram 5500:

Fuel/Propulsion System 20% of complaints

Two complaints directly mention fuel system issues, including HPFP failure and general fuel system problems, aligning with multiple fuel-related recalls.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic 20% of complaints

Two complaints relate to braking issues, including brake lock-up on wet surfaces and recall non-compliance for brake hose issues, consistent with several brake recalls.

Engine And Engine Cooling 20% of complaints

Two complaints mention engine issues, including abnormal engine sounds and stalling, which aligns with recalls concerning engine oil systems and fuel pump failures affecting engine operation.

Power Train 10% of complaints

One complaint details the transfer case shifting into neutral, indicating a power train malfunction.

Tires 10% of complaints

One complaint reported tire tread detachment.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2019 Ram 5500

Is the 2019 RAM 5500 safe?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2019 RAM 5500 has a low number of direct consumer complaints (10 total) but has been subject to 10 safety recalls addressing critical components like brakes, fuel system, and engine. While crash test ratings are unavailable, the recalls indicate manufacturer action to address significant safety risks, such as potential loss of braking or engine stalls.

What are common problems with the 2019 RAM 5500?

The most reported issues, based on complaints and recall patterns, include High Pressure Fuel Pump (HPFP) failures, rear brake hose ruptures or leaks, and engine oil system issues that could lead to leaks or fire. Other reported problems include transfer case malfunctions and tire tread detachment.

Are there any recalls for the 2019 RAM 5500?

Yes, the 2019 RAM 5500 has 10 recalls. These include recalls for SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC (rear brake hose rupture), FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL (HPFP failure, fuel line leaks), ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (engine oil calibration, oil film issues), VISIBILITY (windshield wiper linkages), WHEELS (incorrect manual info for lug nuts), and SUSPENSION (rear brake line wear).

What is the biggest safety concern for the 2019 RAM 5500?

The biggest safety concerns for the 2019 RAM 5500 revolve around critical system failures that could lead to a crash or fire. Specifically, recalls for potential loss of braking ability due to brake hose issues and engine stalls or fires due to High Pressure Fuel Pump failure or engine oil system defects are significant.

How does the 2019 RAM 5500 perform in crash tests?

NHTSA crash test ratings for the 2019 RAM 5500 are not available for Overall, Frontal, Side, or Rollover categories, which is common for heavy-duty commercial vehicles of this type.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: Given the extensive recall history addressing critical safety components like brakes and fuel systems, potential buyers should ensure all 10 recalls have been completed by checking the VIN with a dealer or NHTSA, and be aware of the potential for HPFP and brake-related issues.

NHTSA Data Summary for 2019 Ram 5500

This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2019 Ram 5500. The data includes 10 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 10 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 1 fire incidents, 2 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.

All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.

Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.