2020 Ram 5500 Safety Report
2020 RAM 5500 Safety Report
Safety Decision Cockpit for the 2020 Ram 5500
This page is the hub for deciding what to inspect next on the 2020 Ram 5500. It connects recall campaigns, owner complaint patterns, service bulletins, sibling model years, component issue hubs, and the model buying guide so a shopper or owner can move from a single report into the wider safety graph.
| Signal | Value | What to inspect next |
|---|---|---|
| Recall burden | High (10) | Review campaign numbers, affected components, and dealer remedies below. |
| Owner complaints | Low (8) | Scan complaint narratives for recurring symptoms, mileage, crashes, fires, injuries, and dates. |
| Crash and fire reports | 2 | Treat any crash, fire, injury, or fatality-linked pattern as a priority pre-purchase inspection item. |
| Primary component hub | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | Compare service brakes, hydraulic issues across vehicles. |
| Cleaner nearby model year | 2021 | Compare against the 2021 Ram 5500 with 3 complaints and 5 recalls. |
| Riskier nearby model year | 2018 | Check the 2018 Ram 5500 before buying across this generation. |
Ram 5500 Year-by-Year Comparison
The safest purchase decision usually comes from comparing neighboring model years, not reading a single page in isolation. The table below uses only validated Ram 5500 years already present in the cleaned NHTSA dataset, so each comparison links to a real vehicle safety report rather than a generated combination.
| Model Year | Complaints | Recalls | Use case |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Ram 5500 | 3 | 5 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2019 Ram 5500 | 10 | 10 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2022 Ram 5500 | 26 | 4 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2018 Ram 5500 | 31 | 8 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2017 Ram 5500 | 18 | 7 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2016 Ram 5500 | 16 | 7 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
2020 Ram 5500 Complaint Theme Map
Complaint counts become more useful when they are grouped into inspection themes. For the 2020 Ram 5500, these are the component areas with the clearest NHTSA complaint signals. Use each link to jump from this single vehicle into broader component hubs and make-specific issue pages.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
2 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Service Brakes, Hydraulic issues Ram onlySeat Belts
2 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Seat Belts issues Ram onlyAir Bags,Service Brakes,Forward Collision Avoidance
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Air Bags,Service Brakes,Forward Collision Avoidance issues Ram onlyTires,Wheels
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Tires,Wheels issues Ram onlyPower Train
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Power Train issues Ram onlyUnknown Or Other
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Unknown Or Other issues Ram onlyAI Safety Analysis for the 2020 Ram 5500
Reliability Score
The 2020 Ram 5500 receives a reliability score of 85 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates above-average reliability relative to comparable vehicles.
Known Issues for the 2020 Ram 5500
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2020 Ram 5500:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ram 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles due to potential hose, line/piping, and fitting failures. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Dual Wheel Tire Detachment A 2020 Ram 5500 experienced a dual wheel tire detaching from the vehicle and striking another vehicle at 20-25 MPH. |
High | Occasional | 20-25k miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2020 Ram 5500:
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ram 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles due to potential hose, line/piping, and fitting failures.
Recall Details for the 2020 Ram 5500
The following 10 recalls have been issued for the 2020 Ram 5500 by NHTSA:
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.
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.
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 ...
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.
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 De...
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.
Summary: Custom Truck And Body Works is recalling certain 2020 Dodge 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.
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: Custom Truck And Body Works will notify owners, and dealers will repair the affected suspension systems, and rear brake caliper flexible line, free of charge. Owners may contact Custom Truck And Body Works customer service at 1-706-553-9178. Custom Truck And Body Works number for this recall is 20E-031.
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.
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.
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 (...
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...
NHTSA Complaint Summaries for the 2020 Ram 5500
Below are complaint narratives filed by owners of the 2020 Ram 5500 with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 1 complaint involved crashes. 1 involved fires. 1 reported injuries or fatalities.
I was traveling down the hwy and and car went thru the stop sign. I could not stop in time and I t boned it. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The contact owns a 2020 Ram 5500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed during a heavy crosswind, the electronic stabilization system warning light illuminated, indicating that the system had deactivated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA...
The contact owns a 2020 Ram 5500. The contact stated that while driving at 20-25 MPH, the dual wheel tires detached from the vehicle and struck another vehicle. On another occasion while driving 60 MPH, the tires detached. There was no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V398000 (Wheels). The vehicle was repaired, but ...
While driving on the freeway at 75 mph transfer case went into neutral. No power to wheels. I managed to coast off the freeway and then towed to dealership. Dodge 5500 trucks are used for heavy hauling such as fire trucks, ambulances and in the west ranchers. If a rancher is going down a steep grade with a heavy load (cattle/horses) they would not be able to STOP due to weight. Transfer case has ...
The contact owns a 2020 Ram 5500. The contact stated that while driving and slamming on the brakes, the front driver's side seat belt failed to retract. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring while driving. The vehicle was taken to an unknown dealer, where the seat belt was inspected, and the contact was informed that the seat belt needed to be replaced. Additionally, the dealer in...
The contact owns a 2020 Ram 5500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and slamming on the brakes, the front driver's side seat belt failed to retract. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring while driving. The vehicle was taken to an unknown dealer, where the seat belt was inspected, and the contact was informed that the seat belt needed to be replaced. Add...
The contact owns a 2020 Ram 5500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V759000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulics). The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and towing a trailer, while attempting to stop the vehicle, the contact noticed that the vehicle failed to stop within a reasonable amount of time. The contact stated that the vehicle had lost proper brak...
2020 DODGE RAM 5500. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO Y26 STUDS SAFETY RECALL. CONSUMER WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHEN PARTS WILL BE AVAILABLE TO PERFORM THIS RECALL. THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE HAD AN EXHAUST FIRE. THE VEHICLE SMOKED FOR 20 MINUTES. * (RECALL RELATED INCIDENT) TS
NHTSA Defect Investigations for the 2020 Ram 5500
NHTSA defect investigations are higher-signal than ordinary complaints because they indicate the agency opened a formal review of a potential safety defect. Some investigations later connect to recall campaigns; others close without a recall after review.
Component: Fuel System, Diesel:Delivery:Fuel Pump
Opened 2021-10-14 · Closed 2023-04-14
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE21-021 on October 14, 2021 to investigate allegations of stall/loss of motive power as a result of high pressure fuel pump failures in certain model year (MY) 2019-2020 RAM 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500 heavy duty trucks equipped with 6.7L Cummins turbodiesel engines.On November 12, 2021, FCA filed vehicle recall 21V-880 and equipment recall 21E-094 on the subject population, identifying an `internally failed component? of the high pressure fuel pu...
Component: Fuel System, Diesel:Delivery:Fuel Pump
Opened 2023-03-17
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE21-021 on October 14, 2021, to investigate incidents alleging a stall/loss of motive power as a result of high-pressure fuel pump failures in certain model year (MY) 2019-2020 Ram 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500 heavy duty trucks equipped with 6.7L Cummins turbodiesel engines. During the investigation, ODI sought to determine if the related defect allegation was limited in scope to the recalled population. After review of information request response...
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2020 Ram 5500
Has the 2020 RAM 5500 been recalled?
Yes, the 2020 RAM 5500 has 10 recalls on record with NHTSA. Each recall addresses a specific safety defect identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA.
How many complaints does the 2020 RAM 5500 have?
The 2020 RAM 5500 has 8 complaints filed with NHTSA. Of these, 1 involved crashes. 4 injuries and 0 deaths have been reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2020 RAM 5500?
The 2020 RAM 5500 does not have an NHTSA safety rating on file. This can happen for newer model years, specialty vehicles, or models that have not been crash-tested.
What are the most common problems with the 2020 RAM 5500?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2020 RAM 5500 involve service brakes, hydraulic (2 complaints), seat belts (2 complaints), air bags,service brakes,forward collision avoidance (1 complaints). Other affected components include tires,wheels, power train, unknown or other.
How many crash reports does the 2020 RAM 5500 have?
There are 1 crash reports associated with the 2020 RAM 5500 out of 8 total complaints (12.5% of complaints involved crashes).
How many fire reports does the 2020 RAM 5500 have?
There are 1 fire reports for the 2020 RAM 5500 out of 8 total complaints. Fire reports are among the most serious safety concerns tracked by NHTSA.
Are there any deaths reported for the 2020 RAM 5500?
No deaths have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2020 RAM 5500.
How many injuries are reported for the 2020 RAM 5500?
4 injuries have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2020 RAM 5500. These are self-reported by vehicle owners as part of their safety complaints.
Should I buy a 2020 RAM 5500?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2020 RAM 5500 is research thoroughly before purchasing. It has 8 complaints, 10 recalls. Always have a pre-purchase inspection done by a qualified mechanic.
What components fail most on the 2020 RAM 5500?
The components with the most failures on the 2020 RAM 5500 are: 1. SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC (2 complaints), 2. SEAT BELTS (2 complaints), 3. AIR BAGS,SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (1 complaints), 4. TIRES,WHEELS (1 complaints), 5. POWER TRAIN (1 complaints). SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC is the single most-reported problem area with 2 complaints.
What should I know before buying a 2020 RAM 5500?
Be cautious of service brake hydraulic issues and dual wheel tire detachment, especially at lower speeds. The 2020 RAM 5500 has 8 NHTSA complaints and 10 recalls on record.
How reliable is the 2020 RAM 5500?
The 2020 RAM 5500 receives a reliability score of 85/100, indicating above-average reliability. This is based on 8 owner complaints, 10 recalls, and 2 crash/fire reports in the NHTSA database. Key known issues include Service Brakes, Hydraulic and Dual Wheel Tire Detachment.
What are the known issues with the 2020 RAM 5500?
Known issues with the 2020 RAM 5500 include: Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Dual Wheel Tire Detachment. These are based on patterns found across 8 NHTSA complaints. 10 of these patterns resulted in formal recalls.
Are there any recalls for the 2020 RAM 5500?
Yes, there are recalls for service brake hydraulic issues and dual wheel tire detachment.
What should I do if I experience a dual wheel tire detachment?
Pull over safely, ensure safety, and contact a professional for assistance.
How can I check for recalls on my 2020 RAM 5500?
Visit the NHTSA website or contact the manufacturer for recall information.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Be cautious of service brake hydraulic issues and dual wheel tire detachment, especially at lower speeds.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2020 Ram 5500
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2020 Ram 5500. The data includes 8 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 10 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 1 reported crashes, 1 fire incidents, 4 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.
Disclaimer: This analysis is AI-generated from NHTSA public data and does not constitute professional automotive or safety advice. Always verify recall status at NHTSA.gov and consult a qualified mechanic.
Analysis last updated: 2026-05-16