CarRecallWatchThe 2021 RAM 5500 has 5 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.
Owners have filed 4 complaints with NHTSA, including 1 crash, 2 fires.
The most-reported problem area is Electrical System (2 reports).
2021 RAM 5500 recalls
Driver Airbag May Not Deploy in a Crash
Certain 2021-2022 Ram 1500, 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500 trucks have a steering column control module that may keep the driver's side air bag from deploying as intended.
Heater Grid Relay Can Short and Cause Engine Fire
A short circuit may develop in the heater grid relay of certain Ram heavy-duty trucks with the Cummins 6.7L Turbo Diesel engine.
Electrical Short Can Cause Fire, Even With Engine Off
Certain heavy-duty Ram pickups and cab chassis vehicles with the Cummins 6.7L Turbo Diesel engine may have an electrical short in the Solid State Intake Heater Grid Relay.
Wrong lug nut torque spec can break wheel studs
Some RAM 3500, 4500, and 5500 trucks and cab chassis were built with incorrect torque information in the Service and Owner's Manuals.
Electrical short can cause fire in diesel engine heater relay
Certain diesel-powered cab chassis trucks may develop an electrical short in the solid state intake heater grid relay.
Most common 2021 RAM 5500 problems
Problem areas named in the 4 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.
| Problem area | Reports |
|---|---|
| Electrical System | 2 |
| Service Brakes | 1 |
| Wheels | 1 |
| Suspension | 1 |
| Firerelated | 1 |
What owners report
The contact owns a 2021 Ram 5500. The contact stated that while driving at an unspecified speed, there was smoke coming from the engine compartment. The contact pulled over, and the vehicle became engulfed in flames. The contact was the only occupant inside the vehicle and was able to exit the vehicle safely. The color of the smoke was white and blue. The fire originated at the front of the vehicle. The vehicle was towing a trailer with other vehicles onboard. Several of the vehicles were damaged by the fire. The fire was extinguished by the local Fire Department. A fire report was not filed; however, a Police report was filed. The vehicle was consumed by the fire. No injury was sustained. T
The contact owned a 2021 Ram 5500. The contact stated that the vehicle is a flatbed tow truck, and while one of his drivers was driving at 48 MPH, the tow truck driver noticed that white/gray smoke was emitting from under the hood. It was unknown if the smoke entered the vehicle. The tow truck was towing a vehicle on a flatbed. The contact stated that the driver noticed multiple lights were illuminated, and the RPM was at zero. The driver stated that an abnormal knocking sound could be heard coming from under the front of the tow truck. The driver pulled to the side of the road and immediately exited the vehicle. The tow truck driver used a fire extinguisher to extinguish the fire. None of t
See attached document from complainant
The wheel studs broke going down the Interstate causing the wheels to come off into oncoming traffic. This caused damage to the wheel studs, lug nuts, brake calipers,brakes, rotors, rims and tires.
2021 RAM 5500 questions
Does the 2021 RAM 5500 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 5 safety recalls for the 2021 RAM 5500: Driver Airbag May Not Deploy in a Crash; Heater Grid Relay Can Short and Cause Engine Fire; Electrical Short Can Cause Fire, Even With Engine Off; Wrong lug nut torque spec can break wheel studs; Electrical short can cause fire in diesel engine heater relay. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 RAM 5500?
Based on 4 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Electrical System (2), Service Brakes (1), Wheels (1).
How do I check if a recall on my 2021 RAM 5500 has been fixed?
Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.