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2020 Ram

5500

DP, Regular Cab Chassis, 4WD, 6 cyl, 6.7 L, Diesel

Ram 5500: best and worst years
2020 Ram 5500

Closest available photo (2019 model year); you're viewing the 2020.

2019 photoKevautoCC BY-SA 4.0via Wikimedia Commons

Overview

Engine & performance

Efficiency

Fuel economy
Not EPA-ratedMost heavy-duty trucks and vans (over 8,500 lb gross vehicle weight rating) are exempt from EPA fuel economy testing, so no official MPG exists for this vehicle.

Dimensions & capacity

GVWR class
Class 5 (16,001 to 19,500 lb)NHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 10/13/2026

Safety NHTSA record NHTSA, model year

Recalls
9
Owner complaints
8 See on NHTSA
Reported injuries
4

Feature availability

Cameras & visibility

  • Backup camera
    Standard

Recalls NHTSA record NHTSA, model year

22V759000 Oct 11, 2022 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICChrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ram 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles.

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.

Vehicles covered (all models): 26,961

Full notice
22V035000 Jan 27, 2022 VISIBILITYChrysler (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…

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.

Vehicles covered (all models): 171,789

Full notice
21V880000 Nov 12, 2021 FUEL SYSTEM, DIESELChrysler (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…

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 March 2, 2023. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is Y78.

Vehicles covered (all models): 222,410

Full notice
21V439000 Jun 10, 2021 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGChrysler (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.

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.

Vehicles covered (all models): 32,002

Full notice
21V398000 May 27, 2021 WHEELSChrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2012-2021 RAM 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis, 4500 Cab Chassis, and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles.

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 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.

Vehicles covered (all models): 447,985

Full notice
21V023000 Jan 26, 2021 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICExcellance, Inc (Excellance) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Excellance-modified RAM 4500/5500 vehicles to be equipped with CLASS Suspension Systems.

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.

Vehicles covered (all models): 4

Full notice
21V016000 Jan 20, 2021 SERVICE BRAKES; SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC; SUSPENSIONCustom Truck And Body Works is recalling certain 2020 Dodge 4500 and 5500 vehicles.

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.

Vehicles covered (all models): 6

Full notice
21V008000 Jan 13, 2021 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICBraun Northwest (Braun Northwest) is recalling certain 2019-2020 RAM 4500/5500 vehicles equipped with Liquid Spring rear suspension systems.

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.

Vehicles covered (all models): 23

Full notice
20V511000 Aug 27, 2020 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING; ELECTRICAL SYSTEMChrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ram 3500, 4500 and 5500 cab chassis built with a Cummins 6.7L High Output engine.

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.

Vehicles covered (all models): 32,318

Full notice

Source: NHTSA

Reported problems NHTSA record NHTSA owner complaints, model year

  • SEAT BELTS18%
  • SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC18%
  • AIR BAGS9%
  • FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE9%
  • POWER TRAIN9%
  • SERVICE BRAKES9%

Source: NHTSA owner complaints, 11 total.

Ram 5500: best and worst years

Federal investigations NHTSA record NHTSA defect investigations, model year

  • EA23001Openopened Mar 17, 2023FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

    High pressure fuel pump failure

  • PE21021opened Oct 14, 2021FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

    High pressure fuel pump failure

Warranty manufacturer terms, by make

Basic
3 yr / 36k mi
Powertrain
10 yr / 100k mi
Roadside assistance
5 yr / 60k mi

Source: www.ramtrucks.com as of 2026-06

Information is gathered on a best-effort basis from public sources, may be incomplete or out of date, and is not purchasing or financial advice. Verify with the manufacturer or dealer before buying.