Ram55002021Overview/ram/5500/2021/base/

2021 Ram 5500

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2021 5500.

The 2021 Ram 5500 accumulated only three documented owner complaints with electrical system concerns generating the most feedback, alongside five recalls issued for this production year. Within the 2008–2026 complaint history, where volumes range from a high of 35 reported in 2018 to a low of two in 2025, the 2021 model lands near the bottom of that spectrum. That positioning marks it as one of the more stable entries in the lineup, presenting researchers with a profile of minimal owner-reported problems distinct from the higher-complaint periods recorded elsewhere in the model run.

Model year2026202520242023202220212020

Fitment & sizes

Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.

From the factory this vehicle uses OE oil filter 05083285AA. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.

OE service part numbers OEM · verified

Engine oil filter05083285AA alt 04892339BE
Engine air filter57008652AA alt 53034051AB
Fuel filter68436631AA alt 68157291AA
Spark plugSP138239AC
BatteryBBH7F001AA
Front wiper blades55277446AC
Serpentine belt05281817AA alt 05281816AA
Thermostat68534176AA alt 05086740AA
Cabin air filter68535623AA

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.

Under the factory schedule, replace the engine oil and filter every 12,500 mi; coolant every 12,500 mi. The big-interval services (every 12,500 mi for coolant, and the transmission fluid) are the ones owners most often skip — on a lower-mileage example, assume the original fluids are still in it and check them first.

Every 7,500 miCV Joint Boot (inspect) · Diesel Emissions Fluid (inspect fluid level) · Driveshaft U-Joint (inspect) · Steering Linkage (inspect) · Tire & Wheel Assembly (rotate)
Every 8,000 miBattery (inspect) · Brake System (inspect) · Tire & Wheel Assembly (rotate)
Every 10,000 miTransmission Assembly (inspect fluid level)
Every 12,500 miEngine Air Filter Element (inspect) · Engine Coolant System (inspect fluid level) · Engine Coolant System Hoses (inspect) · Engine Oil (drain & refill) · Engine Oil Filter (replace) · Exhaust System (Complete) (inspect)
Every 15,000 miFuel Filter (replace) · Suspension System (inspect) · Tie Rod (inspect)
Every 20,000 miDrive Axle Assembly (inspect)
Every 22,500 miAccessory Drive Belt (inspect) · Brake Linings (inspect) · Cabin Air Filter (replace) · Parking Brake System (inspect)
At 30,000 miTransmission Assembly (drain & refill)
Every 30,000 miEngine Air Filter Element (replace) · Wheel Bearing (inspect)

Owner how-tos

Condensed service procedures for routine maintenance. Procedures that require dealer diagnostic equipment are identified and summarized only.

Common procedures

Key fob — remote (RKE) programming programming new fob buttons Dealer tool OEM · verified
Tool requiredDRBIII scan tool (dealer / locksmith)
WhyTransmitter codes are written into the receiver in the passenger door module
Anti-theft (SKIS) — module initialization after immobilizer module replacement Dealer tool OEM · verified
When neededAfter Sentry Key Immobilizer Module (SKIM) replacement
Tool requiredDRBIII scan tool
Also requiredThe vehicle's four-digit PIN code

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

The 2021 Ram 5500 sits at a notable low point in the generation's federal record, with just 3 complaints, 5 recalls, and zero investigations — the fewest complaints since 2009 and the lowest recall count to that point in the cycle. This represents a sharp decline from the 2018 peak of 35 complaints and 8 recalls, and it also precedes a dramatic resurgence in 2022, when complaints jumped to 26 with 4 recalls and 1 investigation. The 2021 complaint profile is narrow and low-volume, spanning electrical systems, fire-related concerns, and suspension/wheels/service brakes, with one crash complaint and one fire complaint recorded; the data does not specify root causes for any of these. TSB volume remained substantial at 364, only slightly down from 386 in 2020 and well above the generation's early-year levels, indicating ongoing manufacturer technical adjustments even as reported problems dipped. Taken in context, 2021 appears to be one of the quieter model years in this generation's arc — positioned between two higher-complaint years — making it a relatively favorable choice for a used buyer, provided the five recalls have been addressed.

5
Open recalls
NHTSA campaigns
364
Service bulletins
Manufacturer communications
0
ODI investigations
Office of Defects Investigation
3
Owner complaints
1 involved a crash · 1 a fire
Owner complaints by model year NHTSA · this generation & adjacent

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 3 complaints on record, top 3 components.

Electrical System1
Firerelated1
Suspension,Wheels,Service Brakes1

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 2 of 5 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

21V798000Electrical System:Wiring:Relays/SolenoidsReported 14/10/2021

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… Remedy: 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…

21V398000Wheels:Lugs/Nuts/Bolts/StudsReported 27/05/2021

Chrysler (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… Remedy: Dealers will update the torque specification in the owner's manual and other published service documents. Dealers will also inspect the vehicle's wheel studs, replacing them if…

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 364 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

BulletinDateComponentSummary
1130702026-06-29Electrical SystemSWITCH – HEADLAMP
1130692026-06-29Electrical SystemSWITCH – HEADLAMP
S2208000045 REV.D2026-06-26StructureBackup Camera Poor Image Quality Inspection
1130652026-06-25Unknown Or OtherOUTLET - AIR CONDITIONING & HEATER
1130662026-06-25Unknown Or OtherOUTLET - AIR CONDITIONING & HEATER

Common OBD-II trouble codes

The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.

P0420
Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — Bank 1
P0300
Random / multiple cylinder misfire detected
P0171
System too lean — Bank 1
P0455
Evaporative emission system leak detected — large leak
P0128
Coolant thermostat below regulating temperature
P0442
Evaporative emission system leak detected — small leak

VIN tools

Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.

VIN
Decode a VIN to confirm the transmission and build data for a specific 5500. OEM
Build data
Plant, GVWR class, engine and body data for any 17-character VIN.
Recalls
Check open recall campaigns against a specific vehicle by VIN.

Vehicles with shared specs

Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.

Reference guides

Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.

Frequently asked

Does the 2021 5500 have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 5 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.