2010 Dodge Ram 5500
The 2010 Dodge Ram 5500 is a heavy-duty work truck designed for demanding tasks. Engine options include the 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel I6, producing 350 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque, and the 5.7L Hemi V8. Transmission options are primarily the 6-speed Aisin AS69RC automatic for diesel models and the 5-speed automatic or 6-speed manual for the gasoline model. Owners appreciate the Ram 5500’s robust towing and payload capacity, as well as its rugged build. Common dislikes often include the firm ride, fuel economy (especially with the diesel), and some reported reliability issues, primarily associated with the diesel engine’s emissions system and the automatic transmission.
Engine
6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel I6
- Turbocharger Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Reduced power, excessive black smoke, loud whistling noises from the turbocharger, check engine light.
- Solution: Turbocharger replacement.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,500+
- Recalls: None Found
- Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Frequent regeneration cycles, reduced fuel economy, check engine light, potential engine damage if not addressed.
- Solution: DPF cleaning or replacement, addressing underlying issues causing excessive soot.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,000+
- Recalls: None Found
- EGR Valve Problems
- Description/Symptoms: Rough idling, poor performance, check engine light, excessive black smoke.
- Solution: EGR valve cleaning or replacement.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+
- Recalls: None Found
5.7L Hemi V8
- “Hemi Tick”
- Description/Symptoms: Ticking noise from the engine, typically at idle or low RPMs. The cause is not definitively known, but many believe it’s related to exhaust manifold bolts breaking or lifter issues.
- Solution: Replacing exhaust manifold bolts or lifters.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,500+
- Recalls: None Found
- Camshaft or Lifter Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Misfires, rough idle, reduced power, tapping noise from the engine, check engine light.
- Solution: Camshaft and/or lifter replacement.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $5,000+
- Recalls: None Found
Transmission
Aisin AS69RC 6-Speed Automatic (Diesel Models)
- Harsh Shifting
- Description/Symptoms: Abrupt or jerky gear changes, especially between 2nd and 3rd gear.
- Solution: Transmission reflash, valve body replacement, or complete transmission rebuild.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 (reflash) - $5,000+ (rebuild)
- Recalls: None Found
- Torque Converter Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Shuddering during acceleration, poor fuel economy, slipping during gear changes.
- Solution: Torque converter replacement.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2,000+
- Recalls: None Found
5-Speed Automatic (Gasoline Models)
- Slipping or Delayed Engagement
- Description/Symptoms: Engine revving without corresponding acceleration, delayed or hesitant shifting, especially when cold.
- Solution: Fluid flush and filter change (may provide temporary relief), valve body repair or replacement, or complete transmission rebuild.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 (flush) - $4,000+ (rebuild)
- Recalls: None Found
Suspension
- Worn Ball Joints/Tie Rod Ends
- Description/Symptoms: Excessive play in the steering, clunking noises from the front end, uneven tire wear.
- Solution: Ball joint and/or tie rod end replacement.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+ per side
- Recalls: None Found
- Leaf Spring Sag/Broken Leaf Springs
- Description/Symptoms: Reduced payload capacity, uneven ride height, rough ride, clunking noises from the rear end.
- Solution: Leaf spring replacement.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,500+ per side
- Recalls: None Found
Electrical
- TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module) Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Intermittent starting problems, fuel pump relay failure, windshield wipers not working, power windows/locks malfunctioning, airbag light illumination.
- Solution: TIPM replacement.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,500+
- Recalls: None Found
- Sensor Failures (ABS, Crankshaft Position, etc.)
- Description/Symptoms: Check engine light, ABS light, traction control light, poor engine performance, stalling.
- Solution: Sensor replacement.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $400+ per sensor
- Recalls: None Found
Exterior
- Rust
- Description/Symptoms: Rust forming on lower body panels, wheel wells, and frame. More prevalent in regions with heavy salt use.
- Solution: Rust repair or panel replacement.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $2,000+ depending on severity
- Recalls: None Found
- Headlight Lens Clouding/Yellowing
- Description/Symptoms: Reduced headlight brightness, cloudy or yellowed headlight lenses.
- Solution: Headlight lens restoration or headlight assembly replacement.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 (restoration kit) - $500+ (replacement)
- Recalls: None Found
Interior
- Dashboard Cracking
- Description/Symptoms: Cracks appearing on the dashboard surface, especially in hot climates.
- Solution: Dashboard replacement or dashboard cover installation.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1,500+
- Recalls: None Found
- HVAC Blend Door Actuator Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Inability to control air temperature, clicking noises from behind the dashboard.
- Solution: Blend door actuator replacement.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+
- Recalls: None Found
Summary
The 2010 Dodge Ram 5500, while a capable work truck, can suffer from some notable issues. The diesel engine, particularly its emissions system, is a frequent source of problems, and transmission issues, especially with the Aisin automatic, can be costly. Electrical problems related to the TIPM are also common. Suspension and steering components may need replacement over time due to the heavy-duty nature of the truck. While some issues can be relatively inexpensive to address (sensor replacements, headlight restoration), others (turbocharger failure, DPF issues, transmission rebuilds) can be quite costly. Potential buyers should carefully inspect the vehicle’s maintenance history and be aware of these potential problem areas.