2021 Ram 5500

4 complaints on file, page 1 of 1.

1. Filed Aug 19, 2026Failure Feb 26, 202396,000 milesStony Point, NYElectrical systemFire

   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 vehicle safely. The color of the smoke was white and blue. The fire originated at the front of the vehicle. The vehicle was towing a trailer with other vehicles onboard. Several of the vehicles were damaged by the fire. The fire was extinguished by the local Fire Department. A fire report was not filed; however, a Police report was filed. The vehicle was consumed by the fire. No injury was sustained. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V060000 (Electrical System). However, a month after the fire had consumed the vehicle, the recall was initiated. The manufacturer stated the recall repair could not cover the failure. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 96,000.

   NHTSA complaint 11757945
2. Filed Jan 13, 2026Failure Jan 9, 2026189,040 milesSan Francisco, CAElectrical systemFire

   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 towing a vehicle on a flatbed. The contact stated that the driver noticed multiple lights were illuminated, and the RPM was at zero. The driver stated that an abnormal knocking sound could be heard coming from under the front of the tow truck. The driver pulled to the side of the road and immediately exited the vehicle. The tow truck driver used a fire extinguisher to extinguish the fire. None of the air bags deployed. The driver did not sustain any injuries. The contact stated that the damage by the fire was isolated to one side of the engine, by the heater of the relay intake on the driver side. The wires that were connected to the relay were damaged. The fire department was called. The police were called and arrived after the fire was extinguished. It was unknown if a police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to the business location. The contact owns a vehicle electrical shop and determined that the fire was electrical. There was no damage to the vehicle that was towed. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The insurance company was not notified.  The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 189,040.

   NHTSA complaint 11710690
3. Filed Oct 5, 2023Failure Jan 27, 2023New City, NYFirerelated

   See attached document from complainant

   NHTSA complaint 11548378
4. Filed Mar 25, 2023Failure Feb 13, 2023Oklahoma City, OKService brakes, Suspension, WheelsCrash

   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 11513738