NHTSA vehicle safety data

2018 Ram 5500 Recalls & Complaints

The 2018 Ram 5500 has 8 NHTSA recall campaigns and 39 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 2018 Ram 5500. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

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2018 Ram 5500 owner complaints

Owners have filed 39 complaints with NHTSA about the 2018 Ram 5500, describing incidents dated January 1, 2019 to April 13, 2026.

Most-cited components

Service Brakes 26 complaints
Wheels 5 complaints
Power Train 4 complaints
Vehicle Speed Control 4 complaints
Electrical System 2 complaints
Steering 2 complaints

Of the 39 complaints on file, 1 reports a crash (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).

Newest complaints

ODI #11772134 · Filed October 19, 2026
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 5500. The contact stated that while driving at 50 MPH, the hydraulic brake warning light, ABS warning light, and other unknown warning lights illuminated. Additionally, the stopping distance increased. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number…
ODI #11765203 · Filed September 18, 2026
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 5500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that…
ODI #11753251 · Filed July 28, 2026
Subject: Complaint Regarding Delayed Safety Recall Repair – 2018 Ram 5500 (Recall C4B / NHTSA Recall 24V-896) I own a 2018 Ram 5500 Chassis Cab, VIN [XXX]. My truck is subject to Safety Recall C4B (NHTSA Recall 24V-896) involving the ABS Hydraulic Control Unit (HCU). I have attempted to have this…

Read all 39 complaints

NHTSA defect investigations

NHTSA's investigations file lists the 2018 Ram 5500 in 1 investigation. 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

Open and recently closed NHTSA defect investigations

Loss of ABS/Traction Control from Module Failure

NHTSA #24V896000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic — Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip — Control Unit/Module · NHTSA notice

Reported November 27, 2024 · Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)

Potentially affected: 317,630 vehicles

Repair completion: 18% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign C4B · Owners notified January 9, 2025 · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

A loss of anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control, or traction control can increase the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

Dealers will replace the brake HCU, or replace the HCU motor, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning January 9, 2025. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is C4B.

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 nhtsa.gov.

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.

Brake Light may Randomly Illuminate

NHTSA #19V359000 · Exterior Lighting — Brake Lights · NHTSA notice

Reported May 13, 2019 · Unruh Fire, Inc.

Potentially affected: 1 vehicle

Repair completion: 100% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Owners notified May 20, 2019 · Vehicles built January 29, 2018 – April 30, 2018 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

If the brake lights incorrectly illuminate, it can confuse other drivers, possibly increasing the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer 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.

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.

Brake Light may Randomly Illuminate

NHTSA #19V255000 · Exterior Lighting — Brake Lights · NHTSA notice

Reported March 28, 2019 · Blanchat Mfg., Inc.

Potentially affected: 1 vehicle

Repair completion: 100% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Owners notified March 27, 2019 · Vehicles built November 1, 2017 – May 16, 2018 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

If the brake lights incorrectly illuminate, it can confuse other drivers, possibly increasing the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer 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.

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.

Cruise Control cannot be Cancelled

NHTSA #18V332000 · Electrical System — Wiring · NHTSA notice

Reported May 17, 2018 · Chrysler (FCA US LLC)

Potentially affected: 4,815,661 vehicles

Repair completion: 76.99% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign U49,U59-U65,U68,U73 · Owners notified June 4, 2018 · Vehicles built August 20, 2013 – May 24, 2018 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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.

Safety 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.

Manufacturer 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.

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.

Loss of Braking due to Brake Hose Corrosion

NHTSA #18V277000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic — Foundation Components — Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings · NHTSA notice

Reported May 1, 2018 · Chrysler (FCA US LLC)

Potentially affected: 2,457 vehicles

Repair completion: 78.28% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign U41 · Owners notified June 19, 2018 · Vehicles built January 15, 2018 – March 15, 2018 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

If the ferrules corrode, the brake fluid may leak and cause a loss of braking, increasing the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer 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.

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 #18V100000 · Power Train — Automatic Transmission · NHTSA notice

Reported February 8, 2018 · Chrysler (FCA US LLC)

Potentially affected: 180,462 vehicles

Repair completion: 82.9% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign U11 · Owners notified February 26, 2018 · Vehicles built January 1, 2017 – January 10, 2018 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

try.vin has no NCAP crash-test rating on file for the 2018 Ram 5500. NHTSA rates some vehicles by body style — pickups by cab, vans by roof height — so check nhtsa.gov/ratings.

39 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2018 Ram 5500.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic

ODI #11772134

Incident: March 28, 2026 · Filed: October 19, 2026

The contact owns a 2018 Ram 5500. The contact stated that while driving at 50 MPH, the hydraulic brake warning light, ABS warning light, and other unknown warning lights illuminated. Additionally, the stopping distance increased. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); the vehicle was previously repaired under the recall, but the failure recurred. The contact stated an alternate replacement part was used during the recall repair, causing premature failure. The dealer was notified. The manufacturer was notified of the failure by telephone. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic

ODI #11765203

Incident: September 18, 2021 · Filed: September 18, 2026

The contact owns a 2018 Ram 5500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had experienced the failure, and the ABS and traction control warning lights were illuminated with an audible alarm while driving. The failure mileage was 8,000.

Service Brakes

ODI #11753251

Incident: April 13, 2026 · Filed: July 28, 2026

Subject: Complaint Regarding Delayed Safety Recall Repair – 2018 Ram 5500 (Recall C4B / NHTSA Recall 24V-896) I own a 2018 Ram 5500 Chassis Cab, VIN [XXX]. My truck is subject to Safety Recall C4B (NHTSA Recall 24V-896) involving the ABS Hydraulic Control Unit (HCU). I have attempted to have this safety recall completed, but the repair has been delayed because the required replacement part has reportedly been unavailable. This is a federally mandated safety recall involving the vehicle’s braking system. I am concerned that I have been unable to obtain the required repair within a reasonable period of time. The continued delay creates uncertainty about the safe operation of my vehicle and prevents me from having the recall corrected as required. I request that NHTSA investigate the availability of recall parts and the length of time owners are being required to wait for completion of this safety recall. I also request that NHTSA review whether the manufacturer is meeting its obligations to provide a timely remedy for affected vehicles. Vehicle Information: * Year: 2018 * Make: Ram * Model: 5500 Chassis Cab * VIN: [XXX] * Recall: C4B / NHTSA Recall 24V-896 Thank you for your attention to this matter. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Service Brakes, Hydraulic

ODI #11753003

Incident: November 27, 2024 · Filed: July 27, 2026

The contact owns a 2018 Ram 5500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that the ABS warning light was intermittently illuminated. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts for the recall repair was not yet available. The part was available for other year, make, and models. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

Service Brakes

ODI #11736434

Incident: November 27, 2024 · Filed: May 7, 2026

recall C4B hydraulic control unit still not addressed as of may 7 2026 recall received on

Suspension; Service Brakes

ODI #11735629

Incident: December 18, 2024 · Filed: May 4, 2026

Ref NHTSA 24v-896, Recall C4B The problem started back in 2021 when the anti-lock brake Hydraulic Control Unit failed. It was replaces and then it failed again in Dec 2024 while on vacation. When returning home in Jan 2025, the truck was brought to the dealer for repair. It was found to have failed again and told that a repair parts were not available, nor was it known when the redesigned part would be available. Shortly after that I received a letter stating that my truck was included and confirmed to be part of this recall. I have been severely impacted (restricted use of) due to safety concerns when driving this truck. I've not been able to get any assistance from Ram dealership or Ram customer service. What can be done to resolve this issue with RAM? Thanks for you assistance! [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Service Brakes, Hydraulic; Vehicle Speed Control

ODI #11734478

Incident: December 31, 2025 · Filed: April 29, 2026

The contact owns a 2018 Ram 5500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the ABS and traction control systems' warning lights illuminated. Due to the failure, the cruise control became inoperable. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the failure was related to the recall, and confirmed that parts were not yet available. A second dealer, S & L Motors (2298 WI-32, Pulaski, WI 54162); was made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic

ODI #11729900

Incident: November 27, 2024 · Filed: April 8, 2026

Service Brakes, Hydraulic

ODI #11713659

Incident: July 15, 2024 · Filed: January 27, 2026

The contact owns a 2018 Ram 5500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (Service Brake, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, a warning chime activated continuously. The ABS and Brake warning lights were illuminated. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired due to parts not being available. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.

Service Brakes; Forward Collision Avoidance

ODI #11707680

Incident: December 12, 2025 · Filed: December 29, 2025

Received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to repair the recall is not available. The manufacturer has exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. Because the vehicle currently has this recall, the State of CA will not allow the vehicle to be registered and is now out of operation. In addition, this vehicle is used for business and has resulted in several weeks being out of operation. ABS and traction control warning lights have illuminated while driving over uneven pavement. The vehicle is currently at the dealership and I was informed the manufacturer was not providing parts for the RAM 5500 series. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and has confirmed that parts are NOT available for the RAM 5500 series.

Other Ram 5500 model years

Check your 2018 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.

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