RAM 4500 Reliability by YearBest & worst years, problems & recalls β NHTSA data
Comparing used RAM 4500 options? We analyzed 10 model years (2017β2026) using real NHTSA complaint and recall data so you can spot stronger years, avoid riskier ones, and know what to inspect before buying.
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Found a RAM 4500? Check that exact car.
Model-year trends show patterns β they can't tell you whether this car was crashed, flooded, or rolled back. A VIN check can.
- Accident & damage history
- Odometer rollback records
- Open recalls & title brands
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the RAM 4500 has 27 owner complaints and 57 safety recalls across model years 2017β2026. The most reported issue area is SERVICE BRAKES. 2018 drew the most complaints; 2026 drew the fewest.
- Make
- RAM
- Model
- 4500
- Model years analyzed
- 2017β2026 (10 years)
- Total NHTSA complaints
- 27
- Safety recall campaigns
- 57
- Crash-related complaints
- 3
- Fire-related complaints
- 0
- Worst model year (by complaints)
- 2018 (9 complaints)
- Best model year (fewest complaints)
- 2026 (0 complaints)
- Top reported issue area
- SERVICE BRAKES
- Reliability signal
- Good
By model year
RAM 4500: which years to avoid & which to buy
Based on total NHTSA owner complaints per model year. Higher complaint counts indicate a riskier year to buy used β lower counts suggest a cleaner reliability record.
These years have the most owner complaints. Inspect carefully and always run a VIN check.
These years have the fewest owner complaints on record β lower risk starting points.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA NCAP crash test ratings
New Car Assessment ProgramNCAP crash tests measure how well a vehicle protects occupants in controlled frontal crash, side crash, and rollover scenarios. Stars are awarded per category (5 = safest). These laboratory results are independent of owner complaints and are performed by NHTSA engineers on new production vehicles.
NCAP crash test ratings for this model are not yet loaded or this vehicle was not tested in the years analyzed. NHTSA tests a subset of new vehicles each year. Check nhtsa.gov/ratings directly for the latest results.
What the complaint data suggests
GoodThe RAM 4500 has 27 NHTSA complaints and 57 recalls on record. 3 complaints involve crash-related incidents. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
- 27 total complaints filed with NHTSA
- 57 federal recall campaigns
- 3 crash-related complaints on record
- Review NHTSA complaint history for the most-reported components
- Check recall completion status at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Verify service records for frequently complained components
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with elevated complaint rates.
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with fewer reported issues.
- Run a VIN check on the specific vehicle you are considering
- Verify all open recalls are completed at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Request service records for the most-reported complaint components
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase
Problems by model year (best vs. worst)
Source: NHTSA public complaints database. Updated: Sep 2026
Safety recalls
NHTSA safety recalls
57 recalls foundSafety recalls are mandatory repair campaigns ordered by NHTSA when a vehicle defect poses an unreasonable risk to safety. Manufacturers are required to fix recalled vehicles free of charge. Always verify open recalls before buying a used car.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OIL/LUBRICATION
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OIL/LUBRICATION
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:LINKAGES
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OIL/LUBRICATION
SUSPENSION:REAR
SUSPENSION:REAR
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
STEERING:STEERING CONTROL MODULE
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER CLOCKSPRING/SPIRAL CASSETTE
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:LINKAGES
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OIL/LUBRICATION
SUSPENSION:REAR
Source: NHTSA Recalls Database. Data covers model years 2017β2026. Always run a VIN-specific check below for the most up-to-date open recall status.
Common problems
What goes wrong most often
The vehicle systems owners complain about most, ranked from all 27 NHTSA complaints β these are the areas to inspect first on a used car.
Owner complaints
NHTSA complaint reports
27 totalThese are consumer-submitted safety complaints filed directly with NHTSA. Each complaint describes a real owner's experience. Complaints flagged as crash-related or fire-related are highlighted.
The contact owns a 2020 Ram 4500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH during a rainstorm, the windshield wipers were activated; however, the windshield wipers failed to engage as needed. The contact attempted to activate the windshield wipers several times, but the windshield wipers stopped operating. The contact pulled over and waited out the rainstorm. The rain had not stopped, and the contact drove to a filling station, checked the electrical fuse for the windshield wipers, and then replaced the fuse. The contact stated that the wipers started to function, but only at the highest speed. The contact attempted to slow the windshield wipers, but when the wiper speed control was set to a slower speed, the wiper blades stopped working in the middle of the windshield. The contact drove to the residence with the windshield wipers functioning at high speed. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer but had not yet received a diagnostic report. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V035000 (Visibility); however, the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.
The contact owns a 2020 Ram 4500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V880000 (Fuel System, Diesel) and 22V035000 (Visibility) however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Truck turned off while driving and died. Would not turn back on. Was towing a 40ft gooseneck trailer with a load on it. Truck was stopped blocking multiple lanes of traffic. Truck and trailer had to be towed to nearest dealership where they found the CP4 fuel pump had failed and the entire fuel system needed to be replaced.
The contact owned a 2024 Ram 4500. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the vehicle hit the expansion joints and wobbled. The contact stated that the vehicle then experienced the Death Wobble and unintendedly pulled to the left, causing the contact to lose control of the steering wheel while driving on a curvy road. Additionally, the brake pedal was depressed but traveled to the floorboard, and the vehicle failed to respond. The contact stated that as the vehicle was approaching the guard rail, he attempted to make a right turn to avoid the guard rail, but the vehicle continued to pull to the left, and the front driver's side axle housing that had detached hit a road barrier, causing the front end of the vehicle to hit the guard rail. The vehicle then crossed the entrance ramp, and the front driver's side of the vehicle crashed into the guard rail located on the left side of the ramp. The contact stated that the front driver's side axle housing separated from the vehicle. The air bags failed to deploy. The ambulance transported the contact to the hospital, where the contact was informed he had sustained a secondary whiplash, back bruises, and left knee injury. The vehicle was towed and totaled by the insurance company. A police report was filed, but the contact did not have the police report information available. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and sent a field engineer, who diagnosed the vehicle. The manufacturer later informed the contact that based on the engineer's report, the failure was not due to a factory defect. No further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 11,105.
The contact owns a 2019 Ram 4500. The contact received notification of the NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V398000 (Wheel) and 21V880000 (Fuel System, Diesel) however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that the parts were not yet available for the recall repair. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
The fuel pump failed and they have not fixed it after 3 months and they do not answer or return my calls.
Read 14 more owner reports
My truck has been at a dodge dealership for over a month due to a open recall. This dealership is declining to service my vehicle because they are saying the recall has to be fixed first before they can diagnosis my truck for change in drive quality. They are telling me that dodge does not have a fix for the recall on my truck and my truck has to sit there until a fix is available. My truck sat there for 29 days because they said they were backed up and I had to wait my turn. I would like to speak with someone asap to continue telling about my experience and to also inform that my truck is still not fixed and Stellntis is involved also. All of this due to a recall that me as a customer cannot control and I am taking the biggest hit out of everybody I have to keep paying for a truck that I cannot even use please someone help me The dealership has not done proper research at all to service this recall and my truck is still down because of it The dealership has lied in roles that there current staff members are in to report false information to stellantis They charged me 740.00 cash and declined me of using my debit card only for my truck still to be in the same condition it was 34 days before I took it too this shop now they want me to bring it back in charge me another 149.00 diag fee and I am losing money with my company every day because of this This is a real urgent issue and would like to speak with someone asap sorry but this is really got me in a tight spot and the dealership is not helping at all The dealership Tony t dodge in orangeburg sc
AT ONLY 4 MONTHS SINCE VEHICLE IS PURCHASED, FUEL PUMP IS LEAKING. (POTENTIAL FIRE HAZARD) ALSO HAD EXPERIENCED DEATH WOBBLE SEVERAL TIMES WHEN GOING MORE THAN 60 MPH. STEERING ISSUE, POTENTIAL HAZARD
AT ONLY 15000 MILES AND 6 MONTHS OF LIFE, MY TRUCK IS LEAKING OIL/FUEL FROM THE CP4 FUEL PUMP. THE OIL/DIESEL IS LEAKING ON THE ENGINE BLOCK AND OTHER NEARBY HOT COMPONENTS WHICH I ASSUME COULD BE A FIRE HAZARD OR A FUEL SYSTEM DISASTER FAILURE. THE SYSTEM IS LEAKING ALL THE TIME WHILE ENGINE IS WORKING
IST TIME, APPROX. 29,000 MILES, WITH NO WARNING, VEHICLE RAN POORLY, ROUGH AND DIED. STRANDED ON SIDE OF ROAD FOR 4 HOURS UNTIL A TOW TRUCK CAME. DIAGNOSED AS HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP FAILURE. SECOND TIME, APPROX 39,000 MILES, SAME ISSUE OF STALLING, EXCEPT THIS TIME I WAS STUCK IN THE MIDDLE OF THE DESERT WITH 114 DEGREE TEMP FOR 8 HRS. BEFORE A TOW. SAME DIAGNOSIS, HIGH PRESSURE PUMP FAILURE. ALL DOCUMENTATION AVAILABLE THROUGH FCA CUSTOMER CARE CASE 76826889 AND ALSO [XXX] | CASE 76201975 REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
The vehicle has an active recall open on it (confirmed by local dealership, NHTSA webform, and directly with Ram/Stellantis) that was opened in 2024 and currently has no remedy available. The vehicles brake HCU fails causing loss of ABS/brake control, this unit has actively began alerting of intermittent ABS failures while in operation. We have pulled this vehicle out of service due to safety concerns. Upon contacting Ram there is no timeline for a remedy, and there is no temporary remedy available. Our sole option is to pay for a repair out of pocket and if/when the recall remedy becomes available we can apply for reimbursement.
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 4500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). However, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the message to "Check ABS" was displayed with an abnormal beeping sound. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that the part was not yet available for the recall repair. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 4500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). However, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. The vehicle was parked and was no longer driven due to safety concerns.
Nov 27,2024 Manufacturer Recall NumberC4B NHTSA Recall Number24V-896 Recall Status Recall Incomplete, remedy not yet available Still no repair for defective parts. Over years.
See attached document for complaint.
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 4500. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, the check engine warning light and other unknown warning lights were illuminated, before the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed that the turbo had failed, and there were 39 diagnostic trouble codes retrieved. The dealer determined that the turbo, the intake manifold sensor, the exhaust pressure sensors, and other unknown parts needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred four months later. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving 15 MPH to park the vehicle, while her husband and dog were occupying the passengerβs side seat, the brake pedal was depressed, but the vehicle failed to respond and struck one of the contact's parked vehicles. The contact stated that the dog sustained injuries after being thrusted forward. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 4500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle failed to respond immediately, causing the braking distance to be extended. There were no warning lights illuminated. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 31,885. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
The Anti-Lock Brake(ABS) & Electronic Stability Control(ESC) warning lights will come on and off during normally driving conditions. When The ESC light comes on the cruise control is non functioning. If the cruise control is set when the warning light is off, the cruise will disengage when it comes on.
4X4 DRIVE SHAFT FAILED. WHILE TRAVELING ON INTERSTATE THE FRONT DRIVE SHAFT BROKE AT THE U-JOINT. I'VE ONLY USED THE 4 WHEEL DRIVE OPTION 2-3 TIMES AND THE TRANSFER WAS IN 2H AT TIME OF FAILURE. FRONT ALUMINUM WHEELS FRACTURED. BOTH FRONT WHEELS GOT HAIRLINE CRACKS. ONE AT ABOUT 145K MILES AND THE OTHER AT ABOUT 160K. 90% OF MILES ARE HIGHWAY MILES.
I was driving my truck and when i came to a stop and tried to put it in reverse, I did not have reverse. After several attempts of moving the gear lever there was a loud clunk, then I had reverse. Then when I then put it into drive it would not move. The vehicle has 35,500 miles. Dealer believes its the K1 snap ring in the aisin transmission. It is still at the dealer and they believe it will takes months to get the parts. Dealer has the same issue when it was dropped off. No warning lamps or symptoms prior to attempting to put it in reverse. Vehicle just stopped moving.
Showing 20 of 27 total NHTSA complaints. Source: NHTSA Complaints Database
Check the exact car
Before you buy, check the exact RAM 4500
These pages show model-year patterns across 10 years. Enter a VIN to verify the exact vehicle's accident history, title brands, odometer records, and open recall status before purchase.
The basics
How to read this data
Complaints, recalls, investigations β hereβs what each number actually tells you about a used RAM 4500, in plain English.
What is an NHTSA Complaint?
An NHTSA safety complaint is a report filed directly by a vehicle owner or driver describing a safety-related issue. Anyone can submit a complaint at NHTSA.gov. The number of complaints is a signal of how common a problem is β but complaints per model-year matter more than raw totals, since popular vehicles naturally receive more reports. The RAM 4500 has 27 complaints on record across 10 model years.
What is a Safety Recall?
A safety recall is a mandatory campaign issued by NHTSA when a vehicle component poses an unreasonable risk to safety or does not comply with federal motor vehicle safety standards. Unlike complaints (which are owner-reported), recalls are formally investigated and confirmed by regulators. Manufacturers must fix recalled vehicles free of charge. The RAM 4500 has 57 recall campaigns in the NHTSA database.
What Are Crash Complaints?
Crash complaints are NHTSA filings where the owner indicates a crash occurred as part of the incident. 3 of the RAM 4500's 27 complaints involved a crash. This metric is particularly important because it indicates how often defects resulted in actual collisions β a key safety signal beyond general reliability.
How Is the Reliability Verdict Calculated?
The reliability verdict (Good) is generated by analyzing the vehicle's total complaints, recall history, crash complaint ratio, fire complaint ratio, and top component failures relative to class averages. This verdict gives buyers a quick interpretation before they review year-level details and VIN-level history. It should be treated as one decision input, not a substitute for a VIN-specific report.
Why Do Newer Years Have Fewer Complaints?
Newer model years appear to have fewer complaints because there has been less time for owners to file them. Complaints accumulate over years of ownership. A 2020 model year vehicle will typically show fewer complaints than a 2015 model year even if it is less reliable β simply because fewer owners have had time to report issues. Focus on complaints per year of market presence when comparing across model years.
Fleet Data vs. Individual VIN
Everything on this page reflects aggregated data across all RAM 4500 vehicles on the road β not any specific car. Two RAM 4500 vehicles of the same year can have very different histories: one may have been in three accidents and have an open recall; another may be clean. A VIN check gives you the individual car's history: accidents, title brands, odometer records, service history, and real-time recall status.
What Are NHTSA Investigations?
When NHTSA receives a pattern of related safety complaints, it opens a formal investigation. A Preliminary Evaluation (PE) is the first stage β NHTSA determines if a safety defect may exist. If evidence is strong, it escalates to an Engineering Analysis (EA), which can result in a mandatory recall. The RAM 4500 has 0 investigations on record (0 active). Investigations listed above may have already led to the recalls shown on this page.
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How does the RAM 4500 stack up? Compare complaint history with similar vehicles.
By state
Check a RAM 4500 by state
Title-branding rules, flood-damage exposure, and salvage laws vary by state. Run a free VIN check or explore state-specific vehicle history guidance before buying a used RAM 4500.
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Keep researching before you buy
Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.
RAM 4500 reliability β frequently asked questions
Is the RAM 4500 reliable?
Good. The RAM 4500 has 27 NHTSA owner complaints and 57 recall campaigns across model years. A commonly reported issue area is SERVICE BRAKES. Use year-level data as a pattern guide, then verify the exact car with a VIN check before purchase.
Which RAM 4500 years to avoid?
Years with the most NHTSA complaints: 2018 (9 complaints), 2019 (6 complaints), 2017 (5 complaints). Use these years as a shortlist for deeper inspection, and always run a VIN check on the exact vehicle before purchase.
What are the most common RAM 4500 problems?
Top reported issues: SERVICE BRAKES (12 complaints); POWER TRAIN (8 complaints); HYDRAULIC (7 complaints).
Does the RAM 4500 have recalls?
Yes β 57 NHTSA recall campaigns have been issued for the RAM 4500. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.