3C7WRNFL9LG1300532020 RAM 5500DP
2020 RAM 5500 was analyzed across NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, crash test data, and public auction records. There are 10 open recalls on record — these are safety-critical and should be addressed immediately. 8 owner complaints include 4 reported injuries, indicating real-world safety incidents beyond normal wear.
Executive Summary
2020 RAM 5500
2020 RAM 5500 was analyzed across NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, crash test data, and public auction records. There are 10 open recalls on record — these are safety-critical and should be addressed immediately. 8 owner complaints include 4 reported injuries, indicating real-world safety incidents beyond normal wear.
- 10 open recalls including safety-critical systems (Brake system recall; Fuel system recall)
- 4 injuries reported across 8 owner complaints
- Brakes is flagged in both recalls and owner complaints — double-confirmed failure pattern
- Engine or platform shared with models that have documented failure issues
- High lemon law risk indicators — multiple safety-critical recall and complaint patterns present
- Component failure cascade detected — a known defect pattern that typically leads to more severe downstream damage
8 owner complaints filed — top areas: Safety Systems (38%), Brakes (25%), Suspension/Wheels (13%). 1 crash reported.
Title Brand Check
Mined from auction damage fields and listing titles — not a DMV title history pull
No auction records available. Title brand status could not be verified — request title history from seller or state DMV.
Vehicle Specifications
Decoded from NHTSA vPIC database
- Make
- RAM
- Model
- 5500
- Year
- 2020
- Trim / Series
- DP
- Body Style
- Incomplete - Chassis Cab (Single Cab)
- Vehicle Type
- INCOMPLETE VEHICLE
- Drive Type
- 4WD/4-Wheel Drive/4x4
- Fuel Type
- Diesel
- Engine
- 6-cyl 6.7L
- Transmission
- Automatic
- Manufacturer
- CHRYSLER DE MEXICO TOLUCA
- Assembly
- SALTILLO, COAHUILA, MEXICO
- GVWR
- Class 5: 16,001 - 19,500 lb (7,258 - 8,845 kg)
Assembly Plant Quality
Plant: SALTILLO, COAHUILA
No specific quality data available for this plant. No documented recall or complaint concentrations on record.
Safety Intelligence
Composite analysis from NHTSA recall, complaint, and crash data
- ▸Brake system recall
- ▸Fuel system recall
- ▸Engine recall
- ▸1 complaint(s) involved a fire
- ⚠2 recalls on same component: Engine/Powertrain
- ⚠3 recalls on same component: Brakes
- ⚠3 recalls on same component: Suspension/Wheels
- ⚠Safety system appears in both official recalls and owner complaints
Lemon law eligibility depends on state law, number of repair attempts, and days out of service. Consult an attorney for actual eligibility.
The same components appear in both official NHTSA recalls and owner-filed complaints — a double-confirmed failure signal.
6.7L Cummins diesel: DEF/SCR system failures, NOx sensor faults, and urea injector failures leading to engine derate — class action lawsuits pending
Driver Assistance Features
ADAS equipment data from NHTSA vPIC database
Deferred Failure Risk
Components and defects approaching or past their known service milestones
Worn chain tensioners cause timing chain skip or snap — common on GM 5.3L/6.2L, Ford EcoBoost, VW/Audi EA888, BMW N47/N63. Listen for cold-start rattles.
Water pump failure causes rapid overheating. If the engine overheats even once, head gasket damage is likely — turning a $400 part into a $3,000+ repair.
Degraded transmission fluid destroys clutch packs and solenoids. CVT transmissions are especially sensitive — neglected fluid can result in a $4,000–$8,000 replacement.
On 4WD/AWD vehicles, neglected differential or transfer case fluid causes metal-on-metal wear. Replacement costs $1,500–$4,000.
Degraded coolant loses corrosion inhibitors and attacks aluminum engine components. Can cause head gasket failure and water pump corrosion.
Worn spark plugs cause misfires that can foul and crack catalytic converters. A $150 tune-up can prevent a $1,200 catalytic converter replacement.
Dirty or failing injectors cause rough idle, reduced fuel economy, and increased emissions. Cleaning costs $100–$200; replacement $800–$1,600.
NHTSA Safety Recalls
10 RECALLSNHTSA VIN-specific recall lookup returned no data for this VIN. The 10 recalls below are model-wide and may or may not apply to this exact vehicle depending on production date. Verify at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Average repair completion across 10 recalls is ~72%. Always ask the seller for dealer service records confirming each repair.
Statistical model based on recall age, component type, and manufacturer. Not a repair confirmation. Demand dealer service records.
RAM has a below-average recall completion rate (82%). Open recalls on this vehicle may go unaddressed longer than average (~23 months). Verify completion before purchase.
Avg time to remedy open recall: ~23 months · Source: NHTSA Recall Completion Rate Reports
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OIL/LUBRICATION
SummaryChrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ram 3500, 4500, and 5500 cab chassis vehicles equipped with a Cummins 6.7L High Output engine. The engine calibration software may not warn about low oil volume.Read full details...
~29% chance this recall was never fixed
Moderate RiskSource: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:LINKAGES
SummaryChrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ram 2500 and Ram 3500 vehicles, Ram 3500 Cab Chassis, 4500 Cab Chassis, 5500 Cab Chassis and 3500 Cab Chassis with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of less than 10,000 lbs. The windshield wiper arms may loosen, possibly causing the wipers to function improperly and reduce the driver's visibility in certain weather conditions.Read full details...
~28% chance this recall was never fixed
Moderate RiskSource: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
SummaryExcellance, Inc (Excellance) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Excellance-modified RAM 4500/5500 vehicles to be equipped with CLASS Suspension Systems. In the affected suspension systems, the rear brake caliper flexible line may have been routed so that it contacts a suspension component, possibly causing excessive wear and a loss of rear brakes.Read full details...
~27% chance this recall was never fixed
Moderate RiskSource: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
SummaryChrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ram 2500, 3500 pickup trucks, and Ram 3500, 4500, and 5500 cab chassis vehicles equipped with Cummins 6.7L Turbo Diesel engines. The High Pressure Fuel Pump (HPFP) may fail, resulting in a sudden engine stall without warning.Read full details...
~23% chance this recall was never fixed
Moderate RiskSource: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type
WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS
SummaryChrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2012-2021 RAM 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis, 4500 Cab Chassis, and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles. Incorrect information in the Service and Owner's Manuals may cause the flanged lug nuts to be over-tightened, which could result in a broken wheel stud and possible wheel separation.Read full details...
~35% chance this recall was never fixed
Moderate RiskSource: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OIL/LUBRICATION
SummaryChrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ram 3500, 4500 and 5500 cab chassis built with a Cummins
6.7L High Output engine. Inadequate warmup protection can cause a lack of oil film on the engine connecting rod bearings while the engine is reaching operating temperature. This can result in engine damage and connecting rod failure, which could potentially puncture the engine block.Read full details...
~29% chance this recall was never fixed
Moderate RiskSource: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type
SUSPENSION:REAR
SummaryCustom Truck And Body Works is recalling certain 2020 Dodge 4500 and 5500 vehicles. In the affected suspension systems, the rear brake caliper flexible line may have been routed so that it contacts a suspension component, possibly causing excessive wear and a loss of rear brakes.Read full details...
~31% chance this recall was never fixed
Moderate RiskSource: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type
SUSPENSION:REAR
SummaryLiquidSpring LLC (LiquidSpring) is recalling certain Compressible Liquid Adaptive Suspension Systems (C.L.A.S.S.), part numbers DS135RS3A, DS135RS3AF, DS135RS3-DM, sold for use with 2019-2020 RAM 4500 and 5500 vehicles. In the affected suspension systems, the rear brake caliper flexible line may have been routed so that it contacts a suspension component, possibly causing excessive wear and a loss of rear brakes. As such, these parts fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 105, "Hydraulic and Electric Brake Systems."Read full details...
~31% chance this recall was never fixed
Moderate RiskSource: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
SummaryBraun Northwest (Braun Northwest) is recalling certain 2019-2020 RAM 4500/5500 vehicles equipped with Liquid Spring rear suspension systems. In the affected suspension systems, the rear brake caliper flexible line may have been routed so that it contacts a suspension component, possibly causing excessive wear and a loss of rear brakes.Read full details...
~27% chance this recall was never fixed
Moderate RiskSource: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
SummaryChrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ram 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles. The rear brake hose inside diameter may be too small, which could cause the hose to rupture. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 106, "Brake Hoses."Read full details...
~24% chance this recall was never fixed
Moderate RiskSource: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type
Recall Intelligence
Detailed analysis of recall history and severity
Recall Remedy Effectiveness — Complaints Continue After Fix
RECALL DIDN'T FIX ITOwner complaints filed AFTER recall remedies were issued for the same components
100% of complaints about "SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS" were filed AFTER recall campaign 22V759000 (2022-11-10) — the recall remedy may not have fully resolved the issue.
Continuing complaints after a recall may indicate an inadequate fix, a new failure mode, or that many vehicles never had the recall performed. Verify recall completion status directly with NHTSA.
Manufacturer Recall Response Time
Time between first owner complaint and recall issuance
Recall was issued within 3 months of first complaints — relatively prompt response.
1 in 2 complaints involved an injury — significantly above average, indicating real-world safety incidents.
Complaint Intelligence
8 complaints analyzed across 5 system categories
Owner Complaints
HIGH VOLUME8 safety complaints filed with NHTSA
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 independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 1,000.
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 taken to the local dealer to be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V398000 (Wheels). The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the wheel studs needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the same dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 223,926.
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 going down a steep grade with a heavy load (cattle/horses) they would not be able to STOP due to weight. Transfer case has defective parts internally. Dealer said that there is a defect in the transfer cases and is common on Dodge Ram 4500/5500.
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 unknown dealer, where the seat belt was inspected, and the contact was informed that the seat belt needed to be replaced. Additionally, the dealer informed the contact that the vehicle could not be repaired free of charge because the warranty had expired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and made the same assessment. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 2,000.
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 seat belt was inspected, and the contact was informed that the seat belt needed to be replaced. Additionally, the dealer informed the contact that the vehicle could not be repaired free of charge because the warranty had expired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and made the same assessment. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 25,000. The VIN was unavailable.
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 the vehicle failed to stop within a reasonable amount of time. The contact stated that the vehicle had lost proper braking functionality. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 150,000.
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
Component Failure Cascade Risk
Known patterns where one defect leads to more severe downstream failures
▸ Engine stalling at speed — fuel delivery failure can cause sudden loss of power in traffic or on highways
Complaint & Reliability Timeline
Annual complaints (blue) vs. composite reliability score (amber) — recall years marked in red
The blue line shows 8 NHTSA complaints on file for the RAM 5500 — a relatively low volume that spans from 2021 to 2025.
The amber reliability line is declining — recent years score around 83/100, lower than earlier in the vehicle's life. This pattern indicates issues are accumulating over time rather than being resolved, which is a concern for used buyers.
The recalls (red dashed lines) were issued in the same year or before complaints peaked, suggesting the manufacturer identified and acted on the defect relatively quickly.
Red dots on the amber line flag 2025, a year when complaints included crash events — these are the highest-severity incidents in the dataset.
Legal & Regulatory Actions
Known class action lawsuits, settlements, and manufacturer extended warranty programs
5-Year Total Cost of Ownership
Estimated based on EPA fuel data, risk-adjusted maintenance, and depreciation
Estimated 5-year cost of ownership: $36,084 (~$601/mo). Repair risk buffer is standard due to vehicle risk profile.
Negotiation Ammunition
Use these data-backed findings to negotiate the price down
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Tailored for the 2020 RAM 5500 — specific failure modes your mechanic must check, not a generic list
Recall Probability Forecast
Estimated likelihood of a new recall in the next 18 months based on NHTSA signals
15% baseline recall probability — no strong indicators of an imminent recall.
- ▸Multiple prior recalls — pattern of safety issues on this model
Maintenance Schedule
OEM-specified service intervals for this vehicle
Maintenance intervals vary significantly by make, model, year, engine, and driving conditions. Always follow the manufacturer's official schedule — not generic industry estimates.
Tip: Request the seller's service records and compare against the manufacturer schedule. Missing intervals are a negotiation point.
Auction History
Public sale records from Copart, IAAI, and auction aggregators
Searching Public Auction Records
Checking Copart, IAAI, BidFax, and other sources for 3C7WRNFL9LG130053. Results appear automatically when found.
Insurance Cost Estimate
Estimated annual premiums based on vehicle profile, theft data, and NHTSA safety ratings
Based on 2024 national avg ($2,011/yr full coverage). Individual rates vary by driver, location & insurer. Always compare 3+ quotes.
Manufacturer NHTSA Penalty History
Federal fines issued for recall delays and safety violations
RAM has been fined $105M+ by NHTSA. Most recently in 2015: Failure to conduct timely recalls on 23 campaigns.
State-Specific Legal Protections
What consumer laws apply to this vehicle purchase in your state
Select your state to see what consumer protection laws, lemon law coverage, and title disclosure requirements apply to this vehicle purchase.
Complete Data Table
All decoded fields in a single flattened view
Vehicle Identity
| VIN | 3C7WRNFL9LG130053 |
| Model Year | 2020 |
| Make | RAM |
| Model | 5500 |
| Trim | DP |
| Vehicle Type | INCOMPLETE VEHICLE |
Body & Configuration
| Body Style | Incomplete - Chassis Cab (Single Cab) |
| Seat Rows | 5 |
| Drive Type | 4WD/4-Wheel Drive/4x4 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Transmission | Automatic |
Engine
| Engine Cylinders | 6 |
| Displacement (L) | 6.7 |
Manufacturer
| Manufacturer | CHRYSLER DE MEXICO TOLUCA |
| Assembly City | SALTILLO |
| Assembly Country | MEXICO |
VIN Structure
| WMI (Chars 1–3) | 3C7 |
| Check Digit (Char 9) | 9 |
| Model Year Code (Char 10) | L |
| Plant Code (Char 11) | G |
| Sequence (Chars 12–17) | 130053 |
Safety Data
| NHTSA Recall Count | 10 |
| NHTSA Complaint Count | 8 |
VIN Structure Decode
ISO 3779 character-by-character breakdown of this Vehicle Identification Number
Disclaimer: Data sourced from NHTSA public APIs and scraped auction listings. For informational purposes only. Not a substitute for a paid vehicle history report. Retrieved: 6/18/2026, 1:05:41 AM.