Is the 2021 Ram 5500 reliable?

The 2021 Ram 5500 has 5 complaints filed with NHTSA (0.2x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: excellent. Most common issue: BRAKES problems.

What are common problems with the 2021 Ram 5500?

Top problems: BRAKES (1 complaints, avg repair $500); WHEELS (1 complaints, avg repair $500); SUSPENSION (1 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2021 Ram 5500?

Yes, there are 5 recall(s): ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:RELAYS/SOLENOIDS, WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:RELAYS/SOLENOIDS, AIR BAGS:FRONTAL. Contact any Ram dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to insure a 2021 Ram 5500?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2021 Ram 5500 is approximately $1,687/year (sedan-midsize class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

2021 Ram 5500

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Excellent Reliability

Quick Summary

The 2021 Ram 5500 has 5 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 0.2x the segment average of 21. The most common issue is brakes problems (20% of all complaints), specifically: the wheel studs broke going down the interstate causing the wheels to come off into oncoming traffic. this caused damage to the wheel studs, lug nuts, brake calipers,brakes, rotors, rims and tires.. There are 5 recalls issued for this model year. ⚠️ 1 fire report filed.

1 fire report 3 crash reports

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

—/5

Safety Stars

0.2x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 5)

BRAKES

1 complaints

20%

• The wheel studs broke going down the Interstate causing the wheels to come off into oncoming traffic. This caused damage to the wheel studs, lug nuts, brake calipers,brakes, rotors, rims and tires.

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500💥 1 crashes

“The wheel studs broke going down the Interstate causing the wheels to come off into oncoming traffic. This caused damage to the wheel studs, lug nuts, brake calipers,brakes, rotors, rims and tires.”

— NHTSA complaint filing

Recalls (5)

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:RELAYS/SOLENOIDS14/10/2021

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Ram 3500, 2500 pickup trucks, and Ram 3500, 4500, and 5500 cab chassis vehicles equipped with Cummins 6.7L Turbo Diesel engines. An electrical short in the relay may cause a vehicle fire with the ignition on or off.

Risk: A vehicle fire increases the risk of injury.

Fix: Owners are advised to park these vehicles outside of buildings or structures, and not near other vehicles, until the vehicle has been remedied. Dealers will inspect and, if needed, replace the Solid State Intake Heater Grid Relay ("Relay"); if FCA US Recall ID Y08 (NHTSA Recall ID 21V-163) is open, then insulating material will be applied to the Relay after inspection. Owner notification letters were mailed November 10, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is Y76. This recall has been superseded by 23V060.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2021 Ram 5500

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$1,687

Full coverage / month

$141

Liability only / year

$611

vs US avg

+1%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (sedan-midsize)0.96x

× theft risk1.00x

× safety rating1.00x

× vehicle age1.05x

= Full coverage estimate$1687

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Ram 5500 Service Intervals

Oil change

8K mi / 12 mo

Tire rotation

8K mi

Brake fluid

36 months

Transmission fluid

60K mi

Engine coolant

100K mi

Spark plugs

100K mi

Cabin air filter

24K mi

Engine air filter

30K mi

Differential (AWD/4WD)

30K mi

5.7L HEMI: 8,000 mile oil intervals; EcoDiesel: shorter intervals for DEF and fuel filter. Towing usage requires severe service intervals.

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Ram New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

3 yr / 36K mi

Powertrain

5 yr / 60K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

8 yr / 100K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

5 yr / unlimited mi

Roadside assistance

5 yr / 60K mi

These are the terms for a new Ram. If you're buying a used 2021 5500, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Ram dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

BRAKES(~50K mi)

$500

WHEELS(~50K mi)

$500

SUSPENSION(~50K mi)

$500

OTHER(~50K mi)

$500

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 5 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
BRAKES: The wheel studs broke going down the Interstate causing the wheels to come off into oncoming traffic. This caused damage to the wheel studs, lug nuts, brake calipers,brakes, rotors, rims and tires.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
WHEELS: The wheel studs broke going down the Interstate causing the wheels to come off into oncoming traffic. This caused damage to the wheel studs, lug nuts, brake calipers,brakes, rotors, rims and tires.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
SUSPENSION: The wheel studs broke going down the Interstate causing the wheels to come off into oncoming traffic. This caused damage to the wheel studs, lug nuts, brake calipers,brakes, rotors, rims and tires.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
OTHER: See attached document from complainant
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 5 recalls have been completed — free at any Ram dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)