Before you buy
This 2020 Ram 5500 has 8 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Brake System.
A model-year pattern isn't the car in front of you. Check this exact VIN for accidents, open recalls, odometer rollback, and salvage titles.
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RAM 5500 2020 has 8 NHTSA complaints, with brake system issues most common (3 complaints). It also has 10 recalls, which is high for one model year. Buyers should verify all recall repairs are done. Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recall records.
- Make
- Ram
- Model
- 5500
- Model year
- 2020
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 8
- Crash-related complaints
- 1
- Safety recall campaigns
- 10
- Top reported component
- Brake System
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
Common problems
Most common 2020 Ram 5500 problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Brake System
Hydraulic
Seat Belt Issues
Complaint patterns center on Brake System, Hydraulic, Seat Belt Issues. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Buyer verdict
Should you buy a used 2020 Ram 5500?
The 2020 RAM 5500 may be worth considering if you can verify all recalls have been addressed, but the low complaint count limits reliability insights. Proceed with a thorough pre-purchase inspection, especially of the brake system.
Brake system complaints are the top issue, which directly affects safety and repair costs. Recalls are numerous, so ensuring all are completed is critical before purchase.
May Suit
This year may suit buyers who need a heavy-duty truck for commercial use and are willing to perform due diligence on recalls and service history.
May Want to Avoid
Buyers seeking a worry-free ownership experience with minimal recall risk may want to avoid this year.
Pre-purchase
What to check before buying a used 2020 Ram 5500
Inspection Focus
- Inspect brake system for leaks, wear, and proper function.
- Check hydraulic components for signs of failure.
- Verify all seat belt mechanisms operate correctly.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect brake system thoroughly before purchase.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for brake and hydraulic components.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Check the exact car
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2020 Ram 5500, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
AI verdict
What the complaint data suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2020 RAM 5500 shows a small number of reports, with brake system issues being the most common (3 complaints). The vehicle has 10 recalls, which is relatively high for a single model year. Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recall records.
Year context: Compared to other model years, 2020 has a low complaint count but a high recall count, making it a mixed option.
Recall context: With 10 recalls, it is essential to verify all recall repairs have been performed before purchasing.
- Brake system accounts for 3 of 8 total complaints.
- There are 10 recalls for the 2020 model year.
- Only 1 crash-related complaint was reported.
- Brake System issues (3 complaints)
- Hydraulic system problems (2 complaints)
- Seat belt issues (2 complaints)
Full breakdown
All 2020 Ram 5500 complaints by category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2020 Ram 5500. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brake System | 3 | 1 | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 1 | — | 1 | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
In their words
Real owner complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2020 Ram 5500. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
I was traveling down the hwy and and car went thru the stop sign. I could not stop in time and I t boned it. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The contact owns a 2020 Ram 5500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed during a heavy crosswind, the electronic stabilization system warning light illuminated, indicating that the system had deactivated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an indep…
The contact owns a 2020 Ram 5500. The contact stated that while driving at 20-25 MPH, the dual wheel tires detached from the vehicle and struck another vehicle. On another occasion while driving 60 MPH, the tires detached. There was no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was …
While driving on the freeway at 75 mph transfer case went into neutral. No power to wheels. I managed to coast off the freeway and then towed to dealership. Dodge 5500 trucks are used for heavy hauling such as fire trucks, ambulances and in the west ranchers. If a rancher is goi…
The contact owns a 2020 Ram 5500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and slamming on the brakes, the front driver's side seat belt failed to retract. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring while driving. The vehicle was taken to an unkno…
The contact owns a 2020 Ram 5500. The contact stated that while driving and slamming on the brakes, the front driver's side seat belt failed to retract. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring while driving. The vehicle was taken to an unknown dealer, where the sea…
The contact owns a 2020 Ram 5500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V759000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulics). The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and towing a trailer, while attempting to stop the vehicle, the contact noticed that…
2020 DODGE RAM 5500. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO Y26 STUDS SAFETY RECALL. CONSUMER WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHEN PARTS WILL BE AVAILABLE TO PERFORM THIS RECALL. THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE HAD AN EXHAUST FIRE. THE VEHICLE SMOKED FOR 20 MINUTES. * (RECALL RELATED INCIDENT) TS
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2020 Ram 5500.
Safety recalls
2020 Ram 5500 recalls
10 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2020 Ram 5500. With 10 recalls, it is essential to verify all recall repairs have been performed before purchasing. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OIL/LUBRICATION
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:LINKAGES
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
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
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
Research more
Keep researching before you buy
Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.
Questions
2020 Ram 5500 buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2020 Ram 5500 reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 8 owner complaints, 1 crash-related complaints, and 10 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2020 RAM 5500 may be worth considering if you can verify all recalls have been addressed, but the low complaint count limits reliability insights. Proceed with a thorough pre-purchase inspection, especially of the brake system. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2020 Ram 5500?▾
#1: Brake System (3 complaints). #2: Hydraulic (2 complaints). #3: Seat Belt Issues (2 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2020 Ram 5500?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2020 Ram 5500?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2020 Ram 5500, NHTSA complaints include 1 crash-related reports and 1 fire reports out of 8 total complaints. 4 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2020 Ram 5500 have any recalls?▾
Yes. 10 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2020 Ram 5500. A major recall area is ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OIL/LUBRICATION. With 10 recalls, it is essential to verify all recall repairs have been performed before purchasing. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2020 Ram 5500?▾
The 2020 RAM 5500 may be worth considering if you can verify all recalls have been addressed, but the low complaint count limits reliability insights. Proceed with a thorough pre-purchase inspection, especially of the brake system. Brake system complaints are the top issue, which directly affects safety and repair costs. Recalls are numerous, so ensuring all are completed is critical before purchase. Pay extra attention to Brake System during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpectorAI.
Wider context: See the full Ram 5500 reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
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Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Before you buy
Check the exact vehicle history before you buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.