Ram 5500 years to avoid and best years
Newer Ram 5500 years have more owner complaints per year than the older ones. 2022 has the most complaints per year, at 8 (26 complaints). Among years old enough to compare, the fewest complaints per year are 2020 at 0 (from 8 complaints), 2021 at 1 (from 4 complaints), and 2014 at 1 (from 11 complaints). The Ram 5500 2025 and 2026 model years are too early to compare: none has had 3 full years on the road yet. On the 2022 Ram 5500, 19 of 26 complaints name Powertrain.
Data as of .
2020
2021
2014
2025–26
Ram 5500 reliability by year
Each year is complaints filed in that year’s first 3 years on the road, divided by however many of those years have passed. A model year younger than 3 years is too early to compare, so it is left out of the years named as having the fewest or the most complaints. Recalls are a separate count. The numbers are for the US-market Ram 5500. How we count.
By model year
| Year | Per year on the road | Complaints | Recalls | Most-filed complaint | Avg. combined MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Too early | 0 | 0 | 4 | — | — |
| 2025 Too early | 1 | 2 | 4 | Air bags | — |
| 2024 | 0 | 0 | 2 | — | — |
| 2023 | 0 | 0 | 3 | — | — |
| 2022 → Most | 8 | 26 | 4 | Powertrain | — |
| 2021 Fewest | 1 | 4 | 5 | Electrical system | — |
| 2020 → Fewest | 0 | 8 | 10 | Seat belts | — |
| 2019 → | 1 | 12 | 10 | Fuel and propulsion system | — |
| 2018 → | 2 | 38 | 8 | Hydraulic brakes | — |
| 2017 → | 2 | 21 | 7 | Powertrain | — |
| 2016 → | 2 | 17 | 7 | Powertrain | — |
| 2015 → | 1 | 13 | 8 | Engine | — |
| 2014 → Fewest | 1 | 11 | 10 | Electrical system, Engine | — |
| 2013 → | 1 | 4 | 9 | Engine and engine cooling, Powertrain | — |
Years with a → link have a full model-year page.
What owners file about
Generations
- Body styles
- Chassis cab
- Oil
- 0W-40 (6.4L gas common; diesel may use different viscosity and capacity)
- Tire size
- LT225/70R19.5, LT225/80R17.5, LT245/70R19.5 (trim/chassis dependent)
Known issues for this generation
Recall 18V-277 covers certain 2018 RAM 4500 and 5500 cab chassis trucks: the primary and secondary brake hoses between the brake master cylinder and the hydraulic control unit may have been manufactured incorrectly. Dealers inspect the brake hoses and replace them if necessary.
Frequently asked questions
Which Ram 5500 years have fewer owner complaints?
Among years old enough to compare, the fewest complaints per year are 2020 at 0 (from 8 complaints), 2021 at 1 (from 4 complaints), and 2014 at 1 (from 11 complaints).
Which Ram 5500 year has the most owner complaints?
2022 has the most complaints per year, at 8 (26 complaints). On the 2022 Ram 5500, 19 of 26 complaints name Powertrain.
How do Ram 5500 owner complaints compare by year?
Newer Ram 5500 years have more owner complaints per year than the older ones.
Which Ram 5500 years are too early to compare?
The Ram 5500 2025 and 2026 model years are too early to compare: none has had 3 full years on the road yet.
What oil does a Ram 5500 take?
0W-40 is common for the 6.4L gas engine; diesel may use a different viscosity and capacity. Confirm the owner’s manual for your powertrain.
What does recall 18V-277 cover on the Ram 5500?
Certain 2018 RAM 4500 and 5500 cab chassis trucks: primary and secondary brake hoses between the master cylinder and hydraulic control unit may have been manufactured incorrectly. Dealers inspect and replace them if necessary.
Which generation of Ram 5500 does this site cover?
Fourth-generation cab chassis from model year 2013 onward.