repaired · 2026 Q3
Air bags: frontal
Risk. A driver's side air bag that does not deploy as intended increases the risk of injury in a crash.
2021 Ram 5500Problems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 4 owner complaints about the 2021 Ram 5500, most often about the electrical system. It is covered by 5 safety recalls, and for recall 25V-765 the manufacturer reports only 35% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through August 19, 2026. Updated daily.
Complaints by system
Where the 2021 Ram 5500 has problems
4 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
2Electrical system2 crash/fire/injury
1Firerelated
1Service brakes1 crash/fire/injury
1Suspension1 crash/fire/injury
1Wheels1 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 2 | 2 |
| Firerelated | 1 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 1 | 1 |
| Suspension | 1 | 1 |
| Wheels | 1 | 1 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
5 recalls
2021 Ram 5500 recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2025 Q4
Wiring: relays/solenoids
Park outsideRisk. An electrical short in the relay can result in an engine compartment fire with the ignition on or off, increasing the risk of injury.
repaired · 2023 Q1
Wiring: relays/solenoids
Park outsideRisk. A vehicle fire increases the risk of injury.
repaired · 2023 Q3
Wheels: lugs/nuts/bolts/studs
Risk. Wheel separation can cause a vehicle crash.
Show 1 more recall
repaired · 2021 Q4
Electrical system
Risk. A vehicle fire increases the risk of injury.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Ram.
Best & worst years
2021 vs. every other 5500 year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the 5500 median. How we score
'08'09'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25'26
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
In owners' words
What 5500 owners report
Recent electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
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…
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…
Own a 2021 5500?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.