Own a Ram 5500 in the Phoenix area? EZ Swap LLC repairs and maintains the Ram 5500 for model years 2013 to 2022, 2025. Our shop at 9050 N 9th St handles everything from routine service to diagnostics and major repairs.
To help 5500 owners know what to watch for, we reviewed public records from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). For these model years NHTSA has 157 owner complaints on file for the 5500 and 39 safety recall campaigns. The most-reported problem areas are power train (48), service brakes (22), wheels (20).
Most-Reported Ram 5500 Problems
These problem areas come up most often in NHTSA owner complaints for the 5500 (all model years combined). Complaint counts reflect reports filed, not the share of vehicles affected, so popular and older models naturally have more.
| Problem area (NHTSA component) | Complaints | Share | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power Train | 48 | 30% | |
| Service Brakes | 22 | 14% | |
| Wheels | 20 | 12% | |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 20 | 12% | |
| Electrical System | 15 | 9% | |
| Engine | 14 | 8% | |
| Steering | 14 | 8% | |
| Suspension | 11 | 7% |
Power Train
48 of the 157 complaints (30%) mention the powertrain. Powertrain complaints can range from rough shifting to loss of drive. We road test, scan for stored codes and inspect fluids before recommending any repair. See our auto repair page.
Service Brakes
22 of the 157 complaints (14%) mention brakes. Brake complaints turn up on nearly every vehicle, and Phoenix stop-and-go traffic wears brake parts quickly. We measure pads and rotors, check calipers and fluid, and replace only what is worn. See our brake repair page.
Wheels
20 of the 157 complaints (12%) mention tires and wheels. Tire and wheel complaints are often about wear, vibration or pressure warnings. We check tires, balance and alignment, which matters in Phoenix where heat accelerates tire wear. See our suspension & alignment page.
Ram 5500 Complaints by Model Year
The 5500 model years with the most NHTSA complaints on file are 2018, 2022, 2017. Older model years have had more time to collect reports, so use this table as a guide for what to inspect, not as a verdict on any one vehicle.
| Model year | Complaints on file | |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 4 | |
| 2014 | 11 | |
| 2015 | 13 | |
| 2016 | 17 | |
| 2017 | 21 | |
| 2018 | 39 | |
| 2019 | 12 | |
| 2020 | 8 | |
| 2021 | 4 | |
| 2022 | 26 | |
| 2025 | 2 |
Ram 5500 Check Engine Codes
NHTSA owner complaints rarely cite specific trouble codes for the 5500, so we do not have a model-specific ranking to show. These are the check engine codes we see most often on vehicles in Phoenix heat, and any of them can show up on a Ram.
| Code | What it means |
|---|---|
| P0420 | Catalyst efficiency below threshold (bank 1) Often a worn catalytic converter, but failing oxygen sensors or exhaust leaks can set it too. Can cause an emissions test failure. |
| P0300 | Random or multiple cylinder misfire Worn spark plugs, failing ignition coils, fuel or vacuum problems. Do not ignore a flashing check engine light. |
| P0171 | System too lean (bank 1) Often a vacuum leak, dirty MAF sensor, weak fuel delivery or a failing oxygen sensor. |
| P0455 | EVAP system large leak Missing or loose gas cap, or a disconnected or cracked vapor hose. |
| P0128 | Coolant temperature below thermostat regulating temperature Usually a thermostat stuck open. Fix it to restore efficiency and cabin heat. |
| P0442 | EVAP system small leak Loose or worn gas cap, cracked hose or purge or vent valve. |
| P0301 | Cylinder 1 misfire Commonly a bad spark plug or ignition coil on that cylinder. |
| P0401 | EGR flow insufficient Clogged EGR passages or a stuck EGR valve. |
Got a check engine light on your 5500? A code is a clue, not a diagnosis, so we scan it and test the system before replacing anything. See our check engine light diagnostics.
Ram 5500 Safety Recalls
NHTSA lists 39 recall campaigns for the 5500 in these model years, most often involving electrical system, engine and engine cooling, service brakes, hydraulic. Recalls are repaired by the manufacturer at no charge to you, but each applies only to certain vehicles. Look up your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- 2026 recall, Exterior Lighting (campaign 26V059000): Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2024-2026 Jeep Wagoneer S, 2025-2026 Ram 1500 Pickup, Ram 2500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Cab Chassis, Ram 4500 Cab Chassis, Ram 5500 Cab Chassis, and 2026 Jeep Cherokee vehicles.
- 2026 recall, Electrical System (campaign 26V225000): Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Ram 1500 Pickup, Ram 2500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Cab Chassis, Ram 4500 Cab Chassis, and Ram 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles.
- 2025 recall, Air Bags (campaign 25V765000): 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.
- 2025 recall, Electrical System (campaign 25V826000): Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Ram 1500 Pickup, Ram 2500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Cab Chassis, 4500 Ram Cab Chassis, and Ram 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles.
- 2025 recall, Air Bags (campaign 25V882000): Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2025 Ram 2500 Pickup, 3500 Pickup, 3500 Cab Chassis, 4500 Cab Chassis, and 5500 Cab Chassis trucks.
- 2024 recall, Service Brakes, Hydraulic (campaign 24V896000): Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Ram 2500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Pickup, 3500 Cab Chassis, 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles.
Serious Incident Reports
Of the NHTSA complaints on file for the 5500, 9 involved a crash, 11 involved a fire, 12 reported injuries. These numbers are drawn from self-reported complaints and are not verified findings. If your vehicle has an open recall, get it repaired promptly.
Keeping a Ram 5500 Reliable in Phoenix
Arizona heat is the hardest test a Ram will face. Batteries, belts, hoses, tires and engine oil all wear faster here, and a 5500 that spends its life in stop-and-go Valley traffic needs maintenance earlier than the owner's manual's normal schedule suggests.
Our recommendation for 5500 owners: follow the severe-service schedule, test the battery before every summer, inspect brakes and tires twice a year, and have any warning light diagnosed instead of ignored. If you are shopping for a used Ram 5500, a pre-purchase inspection shows what the paperwork does not.
Ram 5500 Services at EZ Swap LLC
Get the details on our Phoenix Ram 5500 repair service, or choose a service below.
Auto Repair
All makes and models, from domestic trucks to imports.
Details →Brake Repair
Pads, rotors, calipers, fluid and brake lines.
Details →Suspension & Alignment
Shocks, struts, alignment and steering.
Details →Oil Change & Maintenance
Oil, filters, fluids, tires and scheduled service.
Details →Car A/C Repair
Phoenix heat demands cold air.
Details →Pre-Purchase Inspection
Know the car before you buy it.
Details →Ram 5500 FAQ
What are the most common problems with the Ram 5500?
Based on NHTSA owner complaints, the most-reported problem areas for the Ram 5500 are power train (48), service brakes (22), wheels (20). Complaint counts reflect reports filed, not the share of vehicles affected.
Which 5500 model years have the most complaints?
The 5500 model years with the most NHTSA complaints on file are 2018, 2022, 2017. Older years have had longer to collect reports, so inspect any specific vehicle before buying.
What check engine codes are common on the Ram 5500?
NHTSA complaints rarely cite specific codes for the Ram 5500. On Phoenix vehicles in general, we see P0420, P0300 misfires, P0171 lean conditions and EVAP leaks such as P0455 and P0442 most often. Bring yours in and we will scan and test it.
Does the Ram 5500 have any safety recalls?
NHTSA lists 39 recall campaigns for the Ram 5500 across model years 2013 to 2022, 2025. Each recall applies only to certain vehicles, so enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is affected.
Do you repair the Ram 5500 in Phoenix?
Yes. EZ Swap LLC repairs and maintains Ram vehicles including the 5500, at 9050 N 9th St in Phoenix. Call or text (602) 246-9063 for an appointment.
Is a pre-purchase inspection worth it for a used Ram 5500?
Yes. An inspection checks the engine, transmission, brakes, suspension, A/C and electrical system, and scans for stored codes, so you know the real condition before you buy.
How often should I service my Ram 5500 in Phoenix?
Follow the severe-service schedule in your owner's manual, since heat and stop-and-go driving count as severe use. Test the battery before summer and inspect brakes and tires regularly.
More Ram Models We Service
Source: public complaint and recall records from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov). Counts reflect reports filed and do not predict the condition of any individual vehicle.