DODGE RAM 5500 PROBLEMS

Common Complaints and Reliability

• 1. Electrical System Issues:

  • Lights started to fail, then electrical system went out completely while driving, and the truck would not start.
    
  • Fuse box caught fire.
    
  • Fuse box overloads and shorts out.
    
  • Vehicle unexpectedly ignited into massive flames while parked, leading to complete destruction.
    
  • Vehicle started smoking from under the hood, electrical system failed, caught fire, and engine stalled at 10 MPH.
    
  • Horn and cruise control stopped working after an airbag repair.
    

• 2. Steering & Suspension Issues:

  • Vehicle steered into the left and right direction without assistance, requiring excessive force to steer.
    
  • Driver's side tie rod failed/sheared.
    
  • Right outer tie rod broke.
    
  • Tie rod broke while driving at low speeds (e.g., 5 MPH).
    
  • Steering wheel became very stiff and difficult to turn.
    
  • Shaft for the driver side tie rod fractured.
    
  • Vehicle swayed to the left and right on rough terrain or wandered above 55 MPH on the freeway.
    
  • Abnormal noise from the drive side tire, related to tie rod issues.
    
  • Dealers refused to perform tie rod recall repair or lacked equipment for alignment.
    
  • Recall notices for steering components (NHTSA Campaign Number 13V527000, K28 Left Tie Rod End) with parts consistently unavailable.
    
  • Front driver side tie rod failed eleven months after a previous recall service (NHTSA Campaign ID Number 10V657000).
    
  • Front driver side tie rod fractured at 20 MPH, even after a previous repair.
    
  • Steering wheel seized due to tie rod detaching.
    
  • Vehicle suddenly made a sharp right turn, causing loss of control and a crash.
    
  • Vehicle drifts left and right at 55 MPH and has vibration.
    
  • Dealer unable to diagnose or repair steering issues, stating it could be several things.
    
  • Steering problems causing difficulty controlling the vehicle at speeds over 70 KMH and on bumps, raising safety concerns.
    
  • Steering box replaced on some units.
    

• 3. Airbag System Issues:

  • Airbags did not deploy during a crash that caused significant front-end damage.
    
  • Board behind the airbag was broken.
    

• 4. General Vehicle Operation Issues:

  • Service light illuminated and vehicle was inoperable.