2021 Ram 5500 Safety Report
2021 RAM 5500 Safety Report
Safety Decision Cockpit for the 2021 Ram 5500
This page is the hub for deciding what to inspect next on the 2021 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 (5) | Review campaign numbers, affected components, and dealer remedies below. |
| Owner complaints | Low (3) | 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 | Electrical System | Compare electrical system issues across vehicles. |
| Cleaner nearby model year | 2025 | Compare against the 2025 Ram 5500 with 2 complaints and 3 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 Ram 5500 | 26 | 4 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2020 Ram 5500 | 8 | 10 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2019 Ram 5500 | 10 | 10 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2018 Ram 5500 | 31 | 8 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2025 Ram 5500 | 2 | 3 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2017 Ram 5500 | 18 | 7 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
2021 Ram 5500 Complaint Theme Map
Complaint counts become more useful when they are grouped into inspection themes. For the 2021 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.
Electrical System
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Electrical System issues Ram onlyFirerelated
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Firerelated issues Ram onlySuspension,Wheels,Service Brakes
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Suspension,Wheels,Service Brakes issues Ram onlyAI Safety Analysis for the 2021 Ram 5500
Reliability Score
The 2021 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 2021 Ram 5500
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2021 Ram 5500:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System: Wiring Recalled for 2021-2023 models, check for any signs of electrical issues, especially with relays and solenoids. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Airbags: Frontal Recalled for certain 2021-2022 models. Ensure airbags are functioning properly. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Suspension, Wheels, Service Brakes Recalled for certain 2021-2022 models. Check for any signs of issues with suspension, wheels, and service brakes. |
Low | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Wheels: Lugs/Nuts/Bolts/Study Recalled for certain 2012-2021 models. Check for any signs of wheel stud or lug nut issues. |
High | Common | 2012-2021 miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2021 Ram 5500:
Issues with relays and solenoids are common.
Frontal airbag issues are a concern.
Suspension and wheel issues are less common.
Wheel stud and lug nut issues are rare.
Recall Details for the 2021 Ram 5500
The following 5 recalls have been issued for the 2021 Ram 5500 by NHTSA:
Summary: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Ram 1500, Ram 2500, Ram 3500, Ram 4500, and Ram 5500 vehicles. The steering column control module may cause the driver's side air bag not to deploy as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Consequence: A driver's side air bag that does not deploy as intended increases the risk of injury in a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the steering column control module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning December 11, 2025. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is 14C. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning November 13, 2025.
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 20...
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...
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: 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 notifica...
NHTSA Complaint Summaries for the 2021 Ram 5500
Below are complaint narratives filed by owners of the 2021 Ram 5500 with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 1 complaint involved crashes. 1 involved fires.
The contact owned a 2021 Ram 5500. The contact stated that the vehicle is a flatbed tow truck, and while one of his drivers was driving at 48 MPH, the tow truck driver noticed that white/gray smoke was emitting from under the hood. It was unknown if the smoke entered the vehicle. The tow truck was towing a vehicle on a flatbed. The contact stated that the driver noticed multiple lights were illumi...
See attached document from complainant
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.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2021 Ram 5500
Has the 2021 RAM 5500 been recalled?
Yes, the 2021 RAM 5500 has 5 recalls on record with NHTSA. Each recall addresses a specific safety defect identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA.
How many complaints does the 2021 RAM 5500 have?
The 2021 RAM 5500 has 3 complaints filed with NHTSA. Of these, 1 involved crashes. No injuries or deaths have been reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2021 RAM 5500?
The 2021 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 2021 RAM 5500?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2021 RAM 5500 involve electrical system (1 complaints), firerelated (1 complaints), suspension,wheels,service brakes (1 complaints).
How many crash reports does the 2021 RAM 5500 have?
There are 1 crash reports associated with the 2021 RAM 5500 out of 3 total complaints (33.3% of complaints involved crashes).
How many fire reports does the 2021 RAM 5500 have?
There are 1 fire reports for the 2021 RAM 5500 out of 3 total complaints. Fire reports are among the most serious safety concerns tracked by NHTSA.
Are there any deaths reported for the 2021 RAM 5500?
No deaths have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2021 RAM 5500.
How many injuries are reported for the 2021 RAM 5500?
No injuries have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2021 RAM 5500.
Should I buy a 2021 RAM 5500?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2021 RAM 5500 is research thoroughly before purchasing. It has 3 complaints, 5 recalls. Always have a pre-purchase inspection done by a qualified mechanic.
What components fail most on the 2021 RAM 5500?
The components with the most failures on the 2021 RAM 5500 are: 1. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (1 complaints), 2. FIRERELATED (1 complaints), 3. SUSPENSION,WHEELS,SERVICE BRAKES (1 complaints). ELECTRICAL SYSTEM is the single most-reported problem area with 1 complaints.
What should I know before buying a 2021 RAM 5500?
Check for recalls and ensure all safety systems are functioning properly before purchasing or using the 2021 RAM 5500. The 2021 RAM 5500 has 3 NHTSA complaints and 5 recalls on record.
How reliable is the 2021 RAM 5500?
The 2021 RAM 5500 receives a reliability score of 85/100, indicating above-average reliability. This is based on 3 owner complaints, 5 recalls, and 2 crash/fire reports in the NHTSA database. Key known issues include Electrical System: Wiring and Airbags: Frontal.
What are the known issues with the 2021 RAM 5500?
Known issues with the 2021 RAM 5500 include: Electrical System: Wiring, Airbags: Frontal, Suspension, Wheels, Service Brakes, Wheels: Lugs/Nuts/Bolts/Study. These are based on patterns found across 3 NHTSA complaints. 5 of these patterns resulted in formal recalls.
Are there any recalls for the 2021 RAM 5500?
Yes, there are recalls for the 2021 RAM 5500 related to airbags and electrical system issues.
What should I check for in the electrical system?
Check for any signs of issues with relays and solenoids, as these are common problems.
Are there any known issues with the wheels?
Yes, there are recalls related to wheel studs and lug nuts, so check for any signs of issues.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Check for recalls and ensure all safety systems are functioning properly before purchasing or using the 2021 RAM 5500.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2021 Ram 5500
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2021 Ram 5500. The data includes 3 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 5 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 1 reported crashes, 1 fire incidents, 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