Is the 2021 Ram 5500 reliable?

There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.

What are the most common problems with the 2021 Ram 5500?

The most-reported component is wheels, accounting for 33% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2021 Ram 5500 have?

5 recalls on file for this model year.

2021 Ram 5500

○ Not enough data

2021 Ram 5500
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:44:19.074Z

Only 3 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

Only 3 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 3
Recalls: 5
Investigations: 0
Top problem: —

Complaints per year

2021: 3 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
2008	0
2009	0
2011	0
2012	0
2013	4
2014	11
2015	13
2016	17
2017	21
2018	37
2019	12
2020	8
2021	3
2022	26
2023	0
2024	0
2025	2
2026	0

Known problem areas

Only 3 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

Wheels

1 of 3 total reports mentions: wheels.

CRASH

Show complaint excerpts

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2023-03-25

Also filed under Suspension and service brakes

Suspension

1 of 3 total reports mentions: suspension.

CRASH

Service brakes

1 of 3 total reports mentions: service brakes.

CRASH

Firerelated

1 of 3 total reports mentions: firerelated.

Show complaint excerpts

See attached document from complainant

NHTSA ODI report, 2023-10-05

Electrical system

1 of 3 total reports mentions: electrical system.

FIRE

Show complaint excerpts

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-01-13

Safety timeline

5 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

R

2021-05-03Electrical system21V163000 Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021 Ram 2500, 3500, and 3500, 4500, and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles equipped with a Cummins 6.7L Turbo Diesel engine.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and, if needed, replace the Solid State Intake Heater Grid Relay ("Relay"); if FCA US Recall ID Y08 (NHTSA Recall ID 21V-163) is open, then insulating material will be applied to the Relay after inspection.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2021-08-26Wheels21V398000 Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2012-2021 RAM 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis, 4500 Cab Chassis, and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles.

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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2021-11-10Electrical system21V798000 Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Ram 3500, 2500 pickup trucks, and Ram 3500, 4500, and 5500 cab chassis vehicles equipped with Cummins 6.7L Turbo Diesel engines.

Remedy: Owners are advised to park these vehicles outside of buildings or structures, and not near other vehicles, until the vehicle has been remedied.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2023-04-04Electrical system23V060000 Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Ram 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis, and 4500, 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles equipped with a Cummins 6.7L Turbo Diesel engine.

Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the relay, free of charge. This will be a Phased campaign. Phase 1 will include 2023 model year vehicles.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2025-12-11Air bags, steering25V765000 Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Ram 1500, Ram 2500, Ram 3500, Ram 4500, and Ram 5500 vehicles. The steering column control module may cause the driver's side air bag not to deploy as intended.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the steering column control module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning December 11, 2025. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is 14C.

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2021 Ram 5500 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Wheels: 1 report on file for this year.
Suspension: 1 report on file for this year.
Service brakes: 1 report on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 21V163000 · Electrical system
Recall 21V398000 · Wheels
Recall 21V798000 · Electrical system
Recall 23V060000 · Electrical system
Recall 25V765000 · Air bags, steering

FAQ

Is the 2021 Ram 5500 reliable?: There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Ram 5500?: The most-reported component is wheels, accounting for 33% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2021 Ram 5500 have?: 5 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.