2018 Ram 5500: complaints, problems and recalls

I PARKED MY TRUCK AND TURNED IT OFF. WENT INSIDE AND ABOUT 15 MINUTES LATER MY TRUCK ROLLED DOWN A HILL AND WENT ACROSS A BUSY ROUTE 15 . THE TRUCK WAS STILL IN PARK AND THE ENGINE WAS OFF AND THE WHEEL WAS STILL LOCKED AT THE BOTTOM. IT RIPPED THE PLOW OFF MY TRUCK. I'M HAVING A HARD TIME WITH THE DEALERSHIP AND MY INSURANCE IS GIVING ME A RUN AROUND. THEY DON'T WANNA COVER MY PLOW AND WANNA USE USED PARTS ON IT. I DON'T SEE WHY I SHOULD HAVE TO EAT THE DAMAGE. I DID NOTHING WRONG AND I'M PAYING FOR IT. NOT RIGHT. I'M SELF-EMPLOYED AND I'M LO…

Owner-reported narrative. 5,106 miles reported. Look up ODI 11182523 at NHTSA ↗

THE FRAME HAS CRACKED! THIS ISN'T THE FIRST I'VE HEARD ABOUT THESE FRAMES CRACKING EITHER. THERE'S A LOT OF COMPLAINTS ONLINE ABOUT THE DODGE 5500 CRACKED FRAMES

Owner-reported narrative. 88,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 11209597 at NHTSA ↗

MY TRUCK FROM NEW GAD TURBO EXHAUST MANIFOLDS KEPT WARPING BREAKING BOLTS IN THE HEAD EVERYTIME MY RADIO QUITS AND REBOOTS AND GLITCHES AFTER TRUCK UPDATES RUNS POORLY WITH EXCESSIVE EGT AND DEALERS TEFUSED TO DO ANYTHING FOR ME KEPT TELLIN ME THEY DIDNT HAVE PROPER TECH OR TOOLS OR WAS TOLD ALL WAS NORNAL AND MY FRINT 19.5 WHEEL CRACKED IN THE MIDDLE WITH NO IMPACT OR TIRE DAMMAGE RADIO WUITS AND FREEZES REBOOTS SEVERAL TIMEX A DAY

Owner-reported narrative. 7,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 11252128 at NHTSA ↗

THE REAR WHEEL STUDS BUST OFF WHEN THE WHEELS GET MUD IN THEM. ONCE THE FIRST ONE GOES THE OTHERS GO RIGHT AWAY. THIS WAS ON A HIGHWAY, IN MOTION DRIVING STRAIGHT. WE ALSO OWN A 2013 RAM 5500 VIN #[XXX] THAT WE'VE HAD THEM BREAK OFF OF ABOUT 5 DIFFERENT TIMES. I ASSUMED A RECALL WAS IN THE WORKS BUT I'VE SEEN NOTHING TO DATE SO I DECIDED IT WAS PAST TIME TO ACT BEFORE SOMEONE GETS KILLED. I PERSONALLY KNOW OF OTHERS WHO HAVE HAD THE DUALS COME COMPLETELY OFF AND INTO TRAFFIC. WE HAVE BEEN LUCKY ENOUGH WE HAVE GOTTEN THE TRUCK SHUT DOWN PRIOR TO…

Owner-reported narrative. 58,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 11309128 at NHTSA ↗

I HAVE A 2018 RAM 5500 AND WAS DRIVING UP THE INTERSTATE WORKING IN MY TRUCK AT POSTED SPEED AND THE TRUCK STARTED TO MAKE A VERY LOUD NOISE AND BOOM! THE TRUCK BUCKED LIKE I HAD HIT A SOLID WALL. THE TRUCKS INDICATOR LIGHT FOR AIRBAGS HAD CAME ON, BUT DIDN'T DEPLOY EVEN THOUGH I HADN'T ACTUALLY HIT ANYTHING, THANKFULLY. COME TO FIND OUT AFTER HAVING TO GET A TOW TO THE DEALERSHIP THE TRANSFER CASE HAD EXPLODED AND CAME APART WHICH MADE THE DRIVESHAFT BREAK LOOSE AND COME THROUGH THE FLOORBOARD. WHO KNOWS WHAT ALL DAMAGE WAS DONE BECAUSE THE T…

Owner-reported narrative. 82,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 11320633 at NHTSA ↗

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 RAM 5500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT 45 MPH, THE TRANSFER CASE EXPLODED. THE FRONT DRIVE SHAFT FRACTURED IN HALF AND PUNCHED A HOLE IN THE FLOORBOARD OF THE CABIN OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT PULLED OFF THE HIGHWAY SAFELY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THE FAILURE WITH THE TRANSFER CASE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO ANOTHER INDEPENDENT MECHANIC CLOSER TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED DUE TO PARTS NOT BEING AVAILABLE FOR THE REPAIRS. CONW…

Owner-reported narrative. 163,793 miles reported. Look up ODI 11383064 at NHTSA ↗

ON MARCH 23, 2021, WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, I STARTED HEARING THE SAME HUMMING NOISE I HEARD 8 MONTHS AGO WHEN I HAD THE TRANSFER CASE PROBLEM. THIS WAS THE NEW TRANSFER CASE THE DEALERSHIP HAD PUT IN, AND ALL OF A SUDDEN THERE WAS A LOUD BANG/EXPLOSION SOUND FROM WHERE THE TRANSFER CASE EXPLODED. I WAS DRIVING AT 60 MPH AND WAS NOT ABLE TO BRAKE AS I LOST THE BRAKES AFTER THE TRANSFER CASE EXPLODED. AFTER ABOUT 30 SECONDS THE TRUCK COMPLETELY TURNED OFF AND IT STARTED SLOWING DOWN ON ITS OWN, AND AFTER NEARLY HITTING SEVERAL CARS ON THE H…

Owner-reported narrative. 100,066 miles reported. Look up ODI 11404657 at NHTSA ↗

The contact owns a 2018 Ram 5500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V398000 (Wheels) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The dealer had been notified about the recall; however, the contact was informed that the part was not yet available. The manufacturer had been notified of the recall. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available.

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11429600 at NHTSA ↗

Reported: 2017-12-21 (December 21, 2017)

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 detach from the valve assembly with enough force that it could cause injury and also render the product inoperable. For a full list of the affected fire extinguisher models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17E062-5427.pdf

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 online at www.kidde.com and click on "Product Safety Recall" for more information. Chrysler's number for this recall is T82.

Reported: 2018-02-08 (February 8, 2018)

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 the pin in the open position, the transmission can be shifted out of PARK into any gear without pushing the brake pedal or having the key in the ignition.

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 number for this recall is U11.

Reported: 2018-05-01 (May 1, 2018)

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.

Reported: 2018-05-17 (May 17, 2018)

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 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. These vehicles are being recalled to address a defect that could prevent the cruise control system from disengaging. If, when using cruise control, there is a short circuit within the vehicle's wiring, the driver may not be able to shut off the cruise control either by depressing the brake pedal or manually turning the system off once it has been engaged, resulting in either the vehicle maintaining its current speed or possibly accelerating.

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: Owners are advised to stop using cruise control until the software update has been performed. In the event that cruise control cannot be disengaged while driving, owners should firmly and steadily apply the brakes and shift the transmission to neutral, placing the vehicle in park once it has stopped.

Reported: 2019-03-28 (March 28, 2019)

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.

Reported: 2019-05-13 (May 13, 2019)

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.

Reported: 2021-05-27 (May 27, 2021)

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 December 1, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US's numbers for this recall are Y26 and Y36.

Reported: 2024-11-27 (November 27, 2024)

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 notification letters will be mailed at a future date, anticipated October 2026. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is C4B.