NHTSA vehicle safety data

2013 Ram 5500 Recalls & Complaints

The 2013 Ram 5500 has 9 NHTSA recall campaigns and 4 owner complaints on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized Ram dealer.

NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 2013 Ram 5500. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

Pre-purchase inspection checklist → Reliability & 5-year cost forecast →

2013 Ram 5500 owner complaints

Owners have filed 4 complaints with NHTSA about the 2013 Ram 5500, describing incidents dated September 23, 2013 to February 26, 2015.

Most-cited components

Engine 2 complaints
Power Train 2 complaints
Suspension 1 complaint
Wheels 1 complaint

Newest complaints

ODI #10819582 · Filed January 12, 2016
PULLSTAR PUMP HOIST & UTILITY BODY > TOTAL WEIGHT 17,000LBS BOTH REARMOST SHACKLE BOLTS FOUND OVER ONE HALF THE WAY OUT OF PLACE WITH THREADED ENDS WITH NUT MISSING. NEAR DISASTER.
ODI #10700763 · Filed March 20, 2015
02/26/15 WHILE UNDER WARRANTY.... #1 - WATER PUMP & WATER PUMP BEARING DEFECTIVE - COOLANT LEAKED, LEAKS AROUND SHAFT, BELT DAMAGE DUE TO FAILED WATER PUMP. #2 - CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ON AFTER REPAIR COMPLETE PCM CODES P2509 BCM POWER SIGNAL INT P20EE SCR NOX CAT EFFICIENCY P20EE HAS A FLASH P2560…
ODI #10639565 · Filed September 27, 2014
WHEN I PULLED OUT FROM A STOP INTO THE INTERSECTION I REALIZED THE CARS WERE CLOSER THAT I FIRST THOUGHT, AND WHEN I INSTINCTIVELY PUSHED THE ACCELERATOR TO THE FLOOR TO GET OUT OF THE WAY, NOTHING HAPPENED FOR WHAT SEEMS LIKE ETERNITY BUT MAYBE JUST A PORTION OF A SECOND BEFORE THE ENGINE RESPONDS…

Read all 4 complaints

NHTSA defect investigations

NHTSA's investigations file lists the 2013 Ram 5500 in 2 investigations. A listed model year means only that an investigation names it; it says nothing about any particular vehicle. An open investigation is not a finding that a safety defect exists, and NHTSA can close one without a recall.

Recall Query RQ25-003: Post Recall Remedy Brake Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI) Failure
Open since July 3, 2025
Recall Query RQ15-004: Software security vulnerability
Closed January 5, 2016
- Recall 15V-508

Open and recently closed NHTSA defect investigations

Wheel Studs May Break

NHTSA #21V398000 · Wheels — Lugs/Nuts/Bolts/Studs · NHTSA notice

Reported May 27, 2021 · Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)

Potentially affected: 447,985 vehicles

Repair completion: 59.41% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign Y26, Y36 · Owners notified August 26, 2021

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

Wheel separation can cause a vehicle crash.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Fire Extinguisher May Be Clogged or Inoperable

NHTSA #17V824000 · Equipment · NHTSA notice

Reported December 21, 2017 · Chrysler (FCA US LLC)

Potentially affected: 61,791 vehicles

Repair completion: 48.34% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign T82 · Owners notified February 14, 2018 · Vehicles built July 12, 2011 – November 14, 2017 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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

Safety consequence

If the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury in the event of a fire.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Vehicle May Rollaway

NHTSA #17V821000 · Power Train — Automatic Transmission — Lever and Linkage — Column Shift · NHTSA notice

Reported December 20, 2017 · Chrysler (FCA US LLC)

Potentially affected: 1,482,874 vehicles

Repair completion: 59.47% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign T79 · Owners notified February 26, 2018 · Vehicles built February 3, 2010 – December 31, 2016 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Ram 3500 Cab Chassis with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of less than 10,000 lbs, 2011-2017 Ram 3500, 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles, 2009-2017 Ram 1500 and 2010-2017 Ram 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks, 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.

Safety 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.

Manufacturer remedy

Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update the vehicle software, inspect the BTSI, and, as necessary, replace it, free of charge. The recall began February 26, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T79.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Water Pump Leak may cause Fire

NHTSA #17V562000 · Engine and Engine Cooling — Engine — Diesel · NHTSA notice

Reported September 12, 2017 · Chrysler (FCA US LLC)

Potentially affected: 443,874 vehicles

Repair completion: 81.11% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign T51 · Owners notified February 26, 2018 · Vehicles built October 24, 2012 – February 28, 2017 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2013-2017 RAM 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis, 4500 Cab Chassis, and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles, equipped with Cummins 6.7L Turbo Diesel engines that have Concentric-brand water pumps without a vent hole. These water pumps may leak coolant.

Safety consequence

The leaking water pump can increase the risk of an engine compartment fire.

Manufacturer remedy

Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the water pumps, free of charge. The recall began February 26, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T51.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Alternator may Fail Resulting in Engine Stall/Fire

NHTSA #16V739000 · Electrical System — Alternator/Generator/Regulator · NHTSA notice

Reported October 13, 2016 · Chrysler (FCA US LLC)

Potentially affected: 74,811 vehicles

Repair completion: 66.7% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign S68 · Owners notified December 23, 2016 · Vehicles built February 3, 2010 – June 1, 2013 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Dodge Charger Police vehicles, 2007-2013 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2008-2013 RAM 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis, and 2013 RAM 2500 and 3500 vehicles. The affected vehicles have a 220 amp alternator that may suddenly fail.

Safety consequence

If the alternator fails, the vehicle may stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash. There is also the possibility that the alternator may short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.

Manufacturer remedy

Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the alternator with a revised alternator, free of charge. The recall began on December 23, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S68.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Radio Software Security Vulnerabilities

NHTSA #15V461000 · Equipment — Electrical — Radio/Tape Deck/Cd Etc. · NHTSA notice

Reported July 23, 2015 · Chrysler (FCA US LLC)

Potentially affected: 1,416,903 vehicles

Repair completion: 98.79% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign R40 · Owners notified August 25, 2015 · Vehicles built June 20, 2012 – July 23, 2015 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Ram 1500, 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500, 2015 Chrysler 200, Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger, and Dodge Challenger, 2014-2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee, Cherokee, and Dodge Durango, and 2013-2015 Dodge Viper vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with radios that have software vulnerabilities that can allow third-party access to certain networked vehicle control systems.

Safety consequence

Exploitation of the software vulnerability may result in unauthorized remote modification and control of certain vehicle systems, increasing the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

Chrysler will notify and mail affected owners a USB drive that includes a software update that eliminates the vulnerability, free of charge. Optionally, owners may download the update to their own USB drive from http://www.driveuconnect.com/software-update/ or take their vehicle to a Chrysler dealer for immediate installation. In an effort to mitigate the effects of this security vulnerability, Chrysler has had the wireless service provider close the open cellular connection to the vehicle that provided unauthorized access to the vehicle network. This measure may not have been implemented on all vehicles and does not address access by other means that will be remedied by the software update. The recall began on August 25, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R40.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Inadvertent Driver Air Bag Deployment

NHTSA #15V459000 · Air Bags — Frontal · NHTSA notice

Reported July 22, 2015 · Chrysler (FCA US LLC)

Potentially affected: 1,059,444 vehicles

Repair completion: 74.55% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign R36 · Owners notified September 18, 2015 · Vehicles built January 18, 2011 – October 7, 2014 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 Ram 1500, 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500 trucks manufactured January 18, 2011, to October 7, 2014, and equipped with the Electronic Vehicle Information Center option. The affected vehicles have a steering wheel wiring harness that may rub against the driver air bag module retainer spring.

Safety consequence

This abrasion may result in an electrical short that could cause driver's frontal air bag to unexpectedly deploy. Inadvertent deployment of the air bag may increase the risk of injury and the possibility of a vehicle crash.

Manufacturer remedy

Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect, repair as necessary, and secure the steering wheel wiring harness. Additionally, protective caps will be added to the air bag retainer spring ends. These repairs will be done free of charge. The recall began on September 18, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R36.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Fuel Heater may Leak and could Increase Fire Risk

NHTSA #14V635000 · Engine and Engine Cooling — Engine — Diesel · NHTSA notice

Reported October 8, 2014 · Chrysler Group LLC

Potentially affected: 315,325 vehicles

Repair completion: 71.01% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign P65 · Owners notified April 27, 2015 · Vehicles built March 27, 2009 – September 5, 2013 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2010-2014 Ram 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500 trucks manufactured March 27, 2009, to September 5, 2013. In the affected vehicles, the electrical connectors of the diesel fuel heater may overheat.

Safety consequence

If the connectors overheat, the fuel heater may leak fuel, increasing the risk of a fire.

Manufacturer remedy

Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the harness side connector with a silver plated beryllium copper terminal service kit, and inspect the fuel heater for leaks, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. Chrysler issued interim notification to owners on December 8, 2014. The recall began on April 27, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is P65.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Track Bar may Detach/Loss of Directional Control

NHTSA #13V288000 · Structure · NHTSA notice

Reported July 2, 2013 · Chrysler Group LLC

Potentially affected: 747 vehicles

Manufacturer campaign N41 · Owners notified September 3, 2013 · Vehicles built January 22, 2013 – March 8, 2013 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2013 RAM 4500 and 5500 trucks manufactured January 22, 2013, through March 8, 2013. An incorrect bolt may have been used to attach the track bar to the frame.

Safety consequence

The incorrect attaching bolt may break or fall out, resulting in the vehicle suddenly pulling to one side, increasing the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the track bar fasteners, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on September 3, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N41.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

try.vin has no NCAP crash-test rating on file for the 2013 Ram 5500. NHTSA rates some vehicles by body style — pickups by cab, vans by roof height — so check nhtsa.gov/ratings.

4 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2013 Ram 5500.

Suspension

ODI #10819582

Incident: November 17, 2014 · Filed: January 12, 2016

PULLSTAR PUMP HOIST & UTILITY BODY > TOTAL WEIGHT 17,000LBS BOTH REARMOST SHACKLE BOLTS FOUND OVER ONE HALF THE WAY OUT OF PLACE WITH THREADED ENDS WITH NUT MISSING. NEAR DISASTER.

Engine and Engine Cooling; Power Train

ODI #10700763

Incident: February 26, 2015 · Filed: March 20, 2015

02/26/15 WHILE UNDER WARRANTY.... #1 - WATER PUMP & WATER PUMP BEARING DEFECTIVE - COOLANT LEAKED, LEAKS AROUND SHAFT, BELT DAMAGE DUE TO FAILED WATER PUMP. #2 - CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ON AFTER REPAIR COMPLETE PCM CODES P2509 BCM POWER SIGNAL INT P20EE SCR NOX CAT EFFICIENCY P20EE HAS A FLASH P2560 COOLANT LOW - CAUSED BY REPAIR #1 SO THE WARRANTY COVERED THE WATER PUMP AND WATER PUMP BEARING THAT WERE DEFECTIVE, BUT NOT THE BELT THAT WAS DAMAGED DUE TO IT. ALSO DURING THIS REPAIR IT WAS NOTED THAT THERE WAS A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT THAT NEVER WENT OFF AFTER REPAIR AND A P20EE THAT ONLY TEMPORARILY GOT RESET. 03/20/15 WARRANTY RUNNING OUT, BUT LUCKILY STILL COVERED... P20EE ERROR HAS BEEN PRESENT THE LAST 2 DAYS AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON SINCE LAST REPAIR. BECAUSE OF P20EE, THE TRUCK WENT LIMP AND THE DRIVER IS ABOUT 45 MIN TO THE NEAREST DEALERSHIP WITH A DIESEL TECH. TRUCK BOUGHT BRAND NEW JULY 2014. ALL MAINTENANCE UP TO DATE. TRUCK WELL TAKEN CARE OF. ALL WE WANT IS FOR THE TRUCK TO RUN WITHOUT ISSUES. IS THAT TOO MUCH TO ASK? I CAN SEE IT GIVING UP IN A FEW YEARS, BUT LESS THAN A YEAR? ITS A COMMERCIAL TRUCK. *TR

Power Train; Engine

ODI #10639565

Incident: September 23, 2013 · Filed: September 27, 2014

WHEN I PULLED OUT FROM A STOP INTO THE INTERSECTION I REALIZED THE CARS WERE CLOSER THAT I FIRST THOUGHT, AND WHEN I INSTINCTIVELY PUSHED THE ACCELERATOR TO THE FLOOR TO GET OUT OF THE WAY, NOTHING HAPPENED FOR WHAT SEEMS LIKE ETERNITY BUT MAYBE JUST A PORTION OF A SECOND BEFORE THE ENGINE RESPONDS. THIS DELAY COULD BE A LIFE THREATENING SITUATION, SINCE THE VEHICLE DOES NOT RESPOND AS YOU WOULD EXPECT IT TO, AND COULD THEREFORE ALLOW YOU TO BE IN THE PATH OF ONCOMING TRAFFIC WITHOUT THE ABILITY TO GET THE VEHICLE TO MOVE AS YOU WOULD EXPECT IT TO. THIS "DEAD PEDAL" SYNDROME HAS HAPPENED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS SINCE I HAVE HAD THE TRUCK ON THE ROAD IN THE LAST YEAR. *TR

Wheels

ODI #10621767

Incident: November 5, 2013 · Filed: August 12, 2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 DODGE RAM 5500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE WAS WEARING OUT THE TIRES. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE REPLACED BOTH FRONT TIRES ON TWO OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE FRONT END WAS OUT OF ALIGNMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 25,000.

Other Ram 5500 model years

Check your 2013 Ram 5500 VIN

Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your Ram 5500 at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.

Check a Ram VIN