Complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | vs. typical* | Recalls | Top problem | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | typical | 4 | — | Few |
| 2025 | 0 | typical | 4 | — | Few |
| 2024 | 1 | typical | 2 | Steering | Few |
| 2023 | 0 | −33% | 4 | — | Few |
| 2022 | 3 | 1.7× | 4 | Transmission | Few |
| 2021 | 0 | −50% | 5 | — | Few |
| 2020 | 4 | 1.3× | 9 | Fuel System | Few |
| 2019 | 6 | 1.6× | 9 | Fuel System | Average |
| 2018 | 9 | 2.2× | 7 | Brake | Average |
| 2017 | 5 | 1.2× | 7 | Brake | Few |
| 2016 | 1 | −50% | 7 | Body | Few |
| 2015 | 7 | 1.8× | 8 | Brake | Average |
| 2014 | 8 | 2.0× | 9 | Engine | Average |
| 2013 | 3 | −17% | 9 | Engine | Few |
| 2009 | 1 | −50% | 2 | Steering | Few |
* Complaints compared with the median 4500 year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.
Most common Ram 4500 problems
Latest Ram 4500 recalls
Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panel
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Ram 1500 Pickup, Ram 2500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Cab Chassis, Ram 4500 Cab Chassis, and Ram 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles. A software error may cause the instrument panel display to fail.
Remedy: Dealers will update the instrument panel software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 5, 2026. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is 35D.
Electrical system › Integrated trailer brake control
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2024-2026 Jeep Wagoneer S, 2025-2026 Ram 1500 Pickup, Ram 2500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Cab Chassis, Ram 4500 Cab Chassis, Ram 5500 Cab Chassis, and 2026 Jeep Cherokee vehicles.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the trailer tow module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning March 17, 2026. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403.
Air bags › Air bag/restraint control module
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2025 Ram 2500 Pickup, 3500 Pickup, 3500 Cab Chassis, 4500 Cab Chassis, and 5500 Cab Chassis trucks. A software error in the occupant restraint controller module may cause the driver's side air bag and/or seat belt pretensioner not to deploy in a crash and disable the electronic…
Remedy: Dealers will update the occupant restraint controller module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 15, 2026. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 800-853-1403.
Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panel
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Ram 1500 Pickup, Ram 2500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Cab Chassis, 4500 Ram Cab Chassis, and Ram 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles. A software error may cause the instrument panel cluster display to be blank.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and update the instrument panel software or replace the instrument panel cluster, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 18, 2025.
Steering › Steering control module
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Ram 1500, Ram 2500, Ram 3500, Ram 4500, and Ram 5500 vehicles. The steering column control module may cause the driver's side air bag not to deploy as intended.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the steering column control module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning December 11, 2025. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 800-853-1403.
Frequently asked questions
What years of the Ram 4500 should you avoid?
None of the Ram 4500 years has an unusually high number of complaints compared with the others at the same age.
What is the best year for the Ram 4500?
2016 has the fewest complaints compared with other 4500 years at the same age, followed by 2021 and 2023. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.
What are the most common Ram 4500 problems?
Across all years, owners report the most problems with the brakes (14), engine & cooling (11) and transmission & drivetrain (9). Brake complaints peak in the 2018 model year.
How many recalls has the Ram 4500 had?
41 recalls across 2009–2026. The model year with the most is 2013. See all Ram 4500 recalls by year.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.