The most-reported 5500 run is 3C7WRNEL5NG (2022 builds) with 4 complaints, 3.3× the typical run. Power train problems make up 26% of reports; 2020 is the worst model year at 1.4 complaints per run; NHTSA lists 42 recall campaigns for 5500 model years 2013–2026.
Which build runs owners report most
A production run is the first 11 characters of the VIN: plant, model year, body and engine. The RAM 5500 has 124 of them on record. The five runs at the top of this table hold 10% of every 5500 complaint on file.
| Production run (VIN 1–11) | Year | Complaints | Involved a crash | Fire |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3C7WRNEL5NG•••••• | 2022 | — | — | |
| 3C7WRNBL4NG•••••• | 2022 | — | — | |
| 3C7WRNAL5EG•••••• | 2014 | 1 | 3 | |
| 3C7WRNDLXJG•••••• | 2018 | — | — | |
| 3C7WRNFL6HG•••••• | 2017 | — | — | |
| 3C7WRMDL3JG•••••• | 2018 | — | — | |
| 3C7WRNFL0JG•••••• | 2018 | — | — | |
| 3C7WRNEL9JG•••••• | 2018 | — | — | |
| 3C7WRNBL2JG•••••• | 2018 | — | — | |
| 3C7WRMBLXGG•••••• | 2016 | 2 | — | |
| 3C7WRMFL8FG•••••• | 2015 | — | — | |
| 3C7WRNDL3GG•••••• | 2016 | — | — |
Each of the other 112 5500 runs has 2 complaints or fewer. ForCar has checked 88 5500 VINs so far, most often 2026, 2024, 2022 builds.
Which model years to check twice
Complaints per production run, so a year that simply sold more does not top the list. On the RAM 5500 the gap between build years is 1.4×: a 2020 car draws 1.4 complaints per run, a 2013 one 1.
| Year | Per run | Complaints | Runs | Crashes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 25 | 18 | 1 | |
| 2021 | 4 | 3 | 1 | |
| 2020 | 7 | 5 | 1 | |
| 2019 | 11 | 11 | — | |
| 2018 | 37 | 29 | 1 | |
| 2017 | 20 | 18 | — | |
| 2016 | 17 | 15 | 2 | |
| 2015 | 13 | 12 | — | |
| 2014 | 9 | 7 | 2 | |
| 2013 | 4 | 4 | — |
Heaviest year here is 2022 at 1.4 complaints per run; lightest is 2013 at 1. The 2022 line is still collecting reports, so it reads low.
What to inspect on this car
One system accounts for 26% of everything RAM 5500 owners report: Power Train, 46 of 149 complaints. Start the pre-purchase inspection there.
| System | Complaints | Involved a crash | Fire |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power Train | — | 2 | |
| Service Brakes | 2 | — | |
| Wheels | 4 | — | |
| Hydraulic | — | — | |
| Electrical System | — | 3 | |
| Engine | — | 3 | |
| Steering | 1 | — | |
| Suspension | 3 | 1 |
Recalls to check against your VIN
NHTSA has 42 recall campaigns on the RAM 5500; the 6 below cover build years 2013 to 2023. These are for the model and year; whether one is still open on a given car, only that VIN can tell.
| Campaign | Component | Model years |
|---|---|---|
| 21V398000 | Wheels:lugs/nuts/bolts/studs | 2013–2021 |
| 17V824000 | Equipment | 2013–2018 |
| 18V332000 | Electrical System:wiring | 2014–2018 |
| 17V821000 | Power Train:automatic Transmission:lever And Linkage:column Shift | 2013–2017 |
| 17V562000 | Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:diesel | 2013–2017 |
| 23V060000 | Electrical System:wiring:relays/solenoids | 2021–2023 |
21V398000 was opened in 2021 on cars built from 2013: 8 years on the road before the recall.
How serious were they
Of the 149 reports on the RAM 5500, 6% involved a crash against 5.8% across all vehicles, above the norm.
| Outcome | RAM 5500 | All vehicles |
|---|---|---|
| Complaints filed | 149 | 1,115,966 |
| Involved a crash | 9 (6%) | 64,194 (5.8%) |
| Involved a fire | 11 (7.4%) | 26,974 (2.4%) |
| Injuries reported | 12 | 58,013 |
| Deaths reported | 0 | 2,728 |
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How this check works
The file behind this page holds 1,115,966 complaints filed with NHTSA between 1981 and 2026, across 298,921 production runs. The RAM 5500 share of that is 149 complaints over 124 runs, 0.01% of everything on record.
Frequently asked questions
How do I check a RAM 5500 VIN for free?
Enter the 17 characters above. ForCar matches the first eleven, the production run, against 149 NHTSA complaints from 124 5500 runs and 42 recall campaigns. No account, no card.
Which 5500 production run has the most complaints?
3C7WRNEL5NG, a 2022 build, with 4 complaints. The typical 5500 run has 1.2.
Which 5500 years have the most complaints?
Per production run, 2022 is heaviest at 1.4 complaints per run and 2013 lightest at 1.
How many 5500 complaints involve a crash?
6% of 149 reports, against 5.8% across all vehicles; 11 involved a fire.
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