2015 RAM 3500

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received 14 Vehicle Owner Questionnaire (VOQ) reports and 6 EWR Death & Injury (D&I) reports describing post recall remedy failures of the brake transmission shift interlock (BTSI) system in certain Model Year (MY) 2013-2018 RAM pickup trucks.The subject vehicle models include 1500, 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500 trucks equipped with a column mounted shift lever.The failures of the BTSI described in the VOQs occurred on vehicles that had all previously been repaired under recall 17V-821 or 18V-100.Both recalls address a potential condition which can cause the BTSI locking pin to become stuck allowing the transmission to be shifted out of Park without depressing the brake pedal and/or without having a key in the ignition.Shifting the transmission out of Park when not having the brake pedal depressed can result in a vehicle rollaway. ODI is opening this Recall Query (RQ) to review the effectiveness of the 17V-821 and 18V-100 recall remedies, understand the root cause of additional vehicle rollaway incidents, and identify any other possible root cause that may affect the performance of the BTSI system. To review the ODI reports cited in the Opening Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

On December 17, 2018, NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation PE18016 to investigate alleged drag link failures in the steering system on model year (MY) 2015 and 2016 Ram 2500 trucks manufactured by FCA US, LLC (FCA).  The drag link failures were found to be due to a safety defect with the steering linkage where the drag link adjustable connector (used to adjust the steering system), held in position by two opposing jam nuts, can loosen.   The loosening of this part can lead to wear and deterioration of the threads and eventual separation of the drag link, causing loss of steering.  During the course of PE18016, it was found that two styles of drag link were used by FCA on the subject vehicles.  The subject vehicles consist of two drivetrain types including four-wheel drive (4WD) and two-wheel drive (2WD).  The 4WD and 2WD trucks used drag links of differing design but both incorporated the same threaded connector.  In January 2019 FCA issued recall 19V-021 to address a potential loss of steering control in certain Model Year (MY) 2013-2018 4WD RAM 2500 and 3500 trucks.  The trucks using the 2WD style drag link were not included in the scope of recall 19V-021. ODI upgraded PE18016 to an Engineering Analysis EA19004 on December 12, 2019.  The purpose of EA19004 was to investigate if the root cause of the safety defect addressed by recall 19V-201 also affected the 2WD trucks and evaluate FCA’s rationale for not including them. ODI also monitored incoming consumer complaints regarding the remedy associated with 19V-021 and evaluated the suitability and long-term effectiveness of the prescribed repair. In the Defect Information Report submitted for recall 19V-021, FCA stated that the outboard jam nut could loosen and result in damage to the threading of the steering drag link connector.  This could cause a separation in the drag link resulting in a loss of steering control.  FCA determined that only the 4WD style drag link was affected and did not recall trucks with the 2WD style drag link due to design differences that made it unsusceptible to this failure mode.  The repair remedy called for the steering coupler to be tightened to the proper torque prior to the jam nut being spot welded to the coupler body. If the coupler has already become detached or correct torque cannot be obtained, the drag link is to be replaced with an updated unit that went into production on the MY2019 RAM trucks.This updated unit uses a clamp to secure the coupler in place of the jam nuts used on original style components. In order to determine if the 2WD drag link was susceptible to the same defect found on the 4WD vehicles, ODI requested that our Vehicle Research and Test Center (VRTC) conduct testing on both RAM 2500 4WD and 2WD trucks.  This testing was to determine operating conditions that might lead to loosened jam nuts of the recalled 4WD design and recreate these conditions on the 2WD vehicles to discover whether the 2WD design would also experience the loosening defect.  Results from VRTC’s dynamic testing indicated that when the jam nuts are significantly under-torqued, they may loosen further from regular vehicle operation on the 4WD vehicles.  Further, VRTC testing does not refute FCA’s assertion that the failure mechanism does not exist in the 2WD steering system. At the time of this closing resume, ODI has only received two allegations of drag link separation on 2WDvehicles.Neither could be validated as resulting from loose jam nuts. Since the release of recall 19V-021 ODI has received consumer complaints regarding the appearance of the spot weld applied to the defective drag link and the inability to have the steering properly aligned after welding of the jam nut.  In September 2023, FCA provided owners with a supplemental Vehicle Alignment Clarification notification that provided information on an updated alignment procedure. Regarding the spot weld remedy used on the 4WD vehicles, ODI is concerned about the remedy in that during an alignment by a non-dealer repair facility, the spot weld might not be replaced after the alignment.   To date there is no complaint trend of post alignment drag link separations, weld failures or other safety related incidents on remedied vehicles. This investigation is being closed with no further action. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist. The Agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances.

On December 17, 2018, NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation (PE) 18-016 to investigate the steering system on model year (MY) 2015 and 2016 Ram 2500 manufactured by FCA US, LLC (FCA). Four complaints were received alleging separation of the drag link, a steering linkage that connects between the right front steering knuckle and the pitman arm on the steering box output shaft. The failures were found to be at a threaded coupler within the drag link used for adjusting the length of the linkage during routine maintenance (alignment) of the steering system.Once separation occurs, turning the steering wheel has no effect, and there is no way for the driver to control or maintain the direction of the vehicle. During the investigation, it was determined that the same threaded coupler was used on two different drag link designs FCA manufactured on MY 2013-2018 Ram 2500 and 3500 pickups. FCA refers to the designs as either 4x2 or 4x4 style. In both designs, the coupler is prevented from turning on the drag link via two jam nuts that are tightened against the coupler. In its response to NHTSA's March 15, 2019, Information Request (IR) letter, FCA identified 48 incidents alleging separation of the steering linkage at the coupler resulting in a loss of steering control. Of those, 13 involved a crash, one of which resulted in an injury. All of the separations involved the 4x4 style drag link. Additionally, FCA's IR response refers to over 300 4x4 style equipped vehicles that experienced, or may have experienced loosening of one or more coupler jam nuts. On January 25, 2019, FCA submitted a Defect Information Report (DIR) initiating NHTSA Recall No. 19V-021. In its DIR, FCA stated that the outboard jam nut in certain MY 2013-2018 Ram 2500 and 3500 could loosen potentially resulting in damage to the coupler and/or drag link threading allowing one end of the drag link to separate. The DIR notes that drag link separation results in loss of steering control, which in turn can cause a crash without warning. FCA's DIR did not identify a root cause for the defect, however it posits that an improperly torqued outboard jam nut could loosen, and with long-term vehicle use, cause damage to the outer link bar and/or coupler threads due to relative motion between the two components. The scope of Recall 19V-021 included vehicles with the 4x4 style drag link only. Also discussed in its IR response, FCA noted that the 4x2 style drag link contains a design difference (the outboard portion of the drag link is straight while the 4x4 style contains a bend) which it suggests may result in differences in the mechanical (bending) loads presented at the coupler and jam nut interface. Moreover, the DIR states that While root cause of the 4x4 style defect has not been established, FCA US believes that bending loads on the drag link is, at least, a causal contributing factor. FCA notes it did not identify any reports alleging 4x2 style separation as well as only three reports of loosening of jam nuts, two of which resulted in loosening that provided obvious warning to the vehicle operator, indicating a different failure mode.NHTSA is upgrading this investigation to Engineering Analysis (EA) 19-004 in order to continue to monitor the subject 4x2 style vehicles for evidence of field failures. Additionally, in conjunction with NHTSA's Vehicle Research and Test Center, ODI intends to more thoroughly study potential root cause(s) of the 4x4 style defect mechanism, and if identified, will seek to determine if the 4x2 drag link is susceptible to the same mechanism(s). NHTSA will also evaluate the long-term suitability of the recall

On July 23, 2015, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) launched Safety Recall 15V-461 to remedy security vulnerabilities in approximately 1.4 million model year (MY) 2013 through 2015 vehicles equipped with Uconnect head units (HU) 8.4A (RA3 radio) and 8.4AN (RA4 radio) manufactured by Harman International.On July 24, 2015, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Recall Query, RQ 15-004, to investigate HU security vulnerabilities and remedy effectiveness in the recalled population and to determine whether similar units have been supplied for use in other FCA vehicles.In an August 11, 2015 letter, FCA submitted a second Part 573 safety recall report expanding the scope of the Uconnect RA4 model radio to include additional 7,810 MY 2015 Jeep Renegade vehicles manufactured from September 18, 2014 through June 25, 2015 (Recall 15V-508).Scope analysis indicated that Uconnect radios installed in FCA vehicles not included in recalls 15V-461 or 15V-508 (subject recalls) are not equipped with built-in cellular access or short range wireless communication features and, thus, do not contain the security vulnerabilities addressed by the subject recalls. SUBJECT VEHICLES: MY2014 through 2015 Dodge Durango, Jeep Grand Cherokee and Jeep Cherokee sport utility vehicles; MY2013 through 2015 Ram 1500, 2500, 3500 and 4500/5500 pickup trucks; MY2013 through 2015 Dodge Viper vehicles; and MY2015 Chrysler 200, 300, Jeep Renegade, Dodge Charger and Challenger vehicles.According to FCA, long and short range wireless vulnerabilities identified in the recalled vehicles could allow unauthorized third-party access to, and manipulation of, networked vehicle control systems.Successful exploitation of the vulnerabilities, coupled with reverse engineering of networked microprocessor control modules, could result in unauthorized manipulation of vehicle control systems. This unauthorized manipulation of vehicle controls and systems could expose the driver, vehicle occupants or other highway users to an increased risk of injury.FCA and its network provider, Sprint, conducted a nationwide campaign to block access to a radio communications port that was unintentionally left open.On July 27, 2015, short range wireless vulnerabilities were also blocked.Finally, third party security evaluation and regression testing identified vulnerabilities that were either remedied by Sprint or through updates to the FCA Uconnect software.ODI identified a total of 30 complaints or field reports on unique vehicles submitted by FCA (29) or received by NHTSA (1) alleging incidents of theft from a vehicle or anomalous performance that the owner alleged were caused by, or may have been caused by, remote hacking.Twenty-six (87%) of these reports were submitted after a magazine article was published on July 21, 2015, describing the remote hacking of an FCA vehicle by researchers who were able to affect the operation of various vehicle control systems, including the service brakes, steering, throttle and ignition.Most of the complaints involved vehicle systems that were not safety critical (e.g., complaints related to radio, navigation system, or air-conditioning control) and did not affect vehicle control.Three complaints reported engine stalls.One owner reported sudden unintended acceleration allegedly related to hacking.None of the complaints or field reports reviewed involved the steering and braking vehicle control effects demonstrated by the research hackers prior to the recall.There were no confirmed incidents of hacking in any of the records reviewed by ODI.The remedies completed by Sprint and FCA appear to have eliminated vulnerabilities that mi

The contact owns a 2015 Ram 3500. While attempting to have an alignment performed, the contact was informed that the steering drag link and the tie rod were both cracked. The failure caused rapid, premature wear on the tire. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V021000 (Steering); and believed that the welding that was performed in the recall repair had directly caused the current failure. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer, where the technicians diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the previous recall repair made it impossible to perform a proper wheel alignment. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 193,000.

NHTSA ID

11742354

Incident

Apr 1, 2021

Mileage

193,000 mi

The output voltage to the Trailer Braking system is low, only 7.5 volts. Other owners have the same problem. From what I understand there is an issue with the computer that keeps the Original Equipment trailer brake controller from delivering full power at speeds below 30 MPH. This is a safety hazard in stop and go driving. There are many complaints about this same problem in the Ram Forumz. Ram should be able to do a software update to fix the problem. One of the posts in the forum stated that Ram has the software update available but will charge a lot of money for it. This is a safety issue and these trucks should be recalled to fix the problem.

NHTSA ID

11722035

Incident

Mar 3, 2026

humming from the hydroboost pump, actual issue is the high pressure steering line has a nylon tube inside the hose that breaks apart and moves throughout the system. Dodge had one revision of the hose on the early model years but this issue has gone unresolved. I am afraid if i cant get it fixed it may possibly cause the brakes or steering assistance to fail.

NHTSA ID

11721992

Incident

Mar 2, 2026

The contact owns a 2015 Ram 3500. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 MPH in the left lane, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle simultaneously went into LIMP Mode. The contact was able to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway. The contact was able to continue driving, but the vehicle failed to exceed 5 MPH. Upon arriving to the residence, the vehicle was scanned, and it was determined that the turbo charger actuator had failed and needed to be replaced. The contact purchased an aftermarket part and repaired the vehicle. The dealer was not contacted. The contact later became aware that the failure was related to Chrysler Extended Warranty Coverage Number: X99; however, the contact had not received a notification from the manufacturer. The contact requested reimbursement from the manufacturer; however, the reimbursement was denied because the vehicle was not repaired by a dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.

NHTSA ID

11721925

Incident

Mar 16, 2023

Mileage

50,000 mi

There was a recall forced by the NTSB for a condition where the track bar adjustment nut would come loose and the truck would lose steering. The recall on the track bar was rectified by the dealer by welding the nut on the track bar. Now that the nut has been welded a proper alignment can not be preformed. There is no longer adjustment available due to the welded nut. The only way to properly fix this is to replace the track bar. I have had many communications with ram (stellantis) and they refuse to remedy this as they tell me they have complied with the NTSB’s resolution.

NHTSA ID

11718592

Incident

Jan 1, 2026

At about 3,000 miles I noticed a periodical head light flicker and intermittent radio issues. Shortly after that the truck has presented with periodical brake issues. My front brakes parodically drag and get hot. Typically on one front side or the other. However on [XXX] my wife and I took the truck out for a drive and both front brakes began dragging and heated up. I had to be towed 40+ miles back home. Two of my neighbors can verify I've had issues with the brakes on multiple occasions for several years now. I've had to limp the truck home on several occasions while in town and in Feb. 2025 it put my wife and I in what a consider a dangerous situation by stranding us on the side of the highway. I don't remember any warning lamps coming on but I did a scan after I got the truck back home. B170-15, B210A-16, B222C, B2861-15, P2509 & P2560 were present. I used my scanner to delete the codes and reset the EMC but am a bit hesitant to take the truck out on the road. Note: The truck has experienced a weird and harsh vibration on back of truck as well. I stop, shut engine off - do a walk around but haven't been able to pinpoint anything. Crank engine back up and problem has seemingly resolved itself. I think it's possibly a brake issue as well. At present this truck has less than 11,000 miles on it. Yes, LOL, less than 11,000 miles. Calipers and pads are in excellent functioning order. Fluid is easily pushed back into reservoir with no restrictions and no apparent degradation of flexible lines. I considered the brake fluid might have moisture built up in the system so I had a complete fluid replacement done but problem has persisted.I did read there's a recall on the the HCU/ABS unit and my truck seems to be in that category but haven't received anything from FCA. [XXX] Your attention and assistance would be greatly appreciated. Thank You. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11658341

Incident

Feb 4, 2025

the instrument panel dash cluster went black and now I have no information like tire pressure, mph, engine oil temp, coolant temp, cruise control,parking sensor alert, ect. I have tried everything to reboot or see if there is loose connections and have come up with nothing. this could be a hazard.

NHTSA ID

11630799

Incident

Dec 14, 2024

The contact owns a 2015 Ram 3500. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the steering started shuddering and the vehicle made an abnormal popping sound. The contact then noticed that the front driver's side wheel was wobbling. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and inspected the wheel. The contact noticed that two of the wheel studs of the front driver's side wheel had fractured. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously taken to the dealer to be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V398000 (Wheels); however, the dealer informed the contact that the wheel studs did not need to be replaced. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was no longer included in the recall because the recall had been marked completed. The vehicle was not repaired and remained on the side of the road. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 166,000.

NHTSA ID

11623871

Incident

Nov 5, 2024

Mileage

166,000 mi

Trac-Rite Operation Diagnosis, Chatter, Shudder, Moving From A Stop And Turning

BEARING - CRANKSHAFT THRUST and KIT

BEARING - CRANKSHAFT THRUST and KIT

Outside Power Fold Rearview Mirror Noise Or Loose At Pivot. Mirror Contacts Door Window Glass In The Folded Position.

Outside Power Fold Rearview Mirror Noise Or Loose At Pivot. Mirror Contacts Door Window Glass In The Folded Position.

Outside Power Fold Rearview Mirror Noise Or Loose At Pivot. Mirror Contacts Door Window Glass In The Folded Position.