2015 RAM 3500 Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2015 RAM 3500, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Powertrain (other)3216.8%
- Engine3015.8%
- Brakes2412.6%
- Steering2111.1%
- Electrical2010.5%
- Other / unspecified178.9%
- Suspension168.4%
- Driver assistance84.2%
- Fuel system63.2%
- Airbags42.1%
- Exterior lighting31.6%
- Body & structure31.6%
- Tires & wheels31.6%
- Interior & seats10.5%
- Visibility10.5%
- Seat belts10.5%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2015 Ram 3500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V821000 (Power Train). The contact had experienced the failure and paid for the repair before receiving the recall notification. The contact stated he received the notification in January 2024 and took the vehicle, the notification, and the receipt for the repair to the dealer to be reimbursed. The contact stated the manufacturer was made aware of the issue however, the contact was not reimbursed for the repair. The failure mileage was unknown.
The contact owns a 2015 Ram 3500. The contact stated that after his wife started the vehicle, the transmission failed to shift into the intended gear because the gear shifter was loose. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where the gear shifter bolt was tightened; however, after the repair was performed, the gear shifter detached while the contact was shifting into gear. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V821000 (Power Train); however, the failure occurred. The failure mileage was approximately 112,000.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
I am filing this report to highlight ongoing safety and warranty issues with my 2015 Dodge Ram 3500, which is severely impacted by Recall 67A. This recall was intended to address emissions tampering, involving significant obligations for Stellantis/Cummins Inc. under the emissions extended warranty, termed the "Special Extended Warranty." Since the completion of the recall in January 2024, my vehicle has been inoperable for a total of 148 days due to significant defects. The vehicle has required six service visits to address these issues, with the most recent visit occurring on October 31, 2024, when it was towed back to the dealership. Throughout this process, I have encountered a lack of effective communication from both Cummins and FCA, and my attempts to resolve these issues were largely ignored until I escalated the matter to federal authorities, including Randall Stone from the U.S. DOJ. The ongoing failure to address these defects has not only violated warranty obligations but also poses a risk to safety, as the vehicle remains inoperable. Impact of the Problem: The inability to use my vehicle has caused considerable disruption to my daily life, preventing me from performing essential tasks, including towing a camper and transporting heavy items. This situation has also led to significant emotional distress, given the prolonged nature of the issues and the lack of adequate responses from the manufacturer. Action Requested: I seek the NHTSA's assistance in investigating these ongoing issues with my vehicle and holding the manufacturer accountable for their failure to uphold warranty obligations and address safety concerns related to emissions defects.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 RAM 3500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE SHIFTED INTO LIMP MODE WITHOUT WARNING, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO INDEPENDENTLY DECELERATE WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO LITHIA CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM FIAT OF EUGENE (2121 MARTIN LUTHER KING JR BLVD, EUGENE, OR 97401) WHERE THEY DIAGNOSED THE VEHICLE WITH A DEFECTIVE TURBO BOOSTER ACTUATOR. THE MANUFACTURER HAD YET TO BE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HAD YET TO BE REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 24,000.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
The contact owns a 2015 Ram 3500. The contact stated while driving 35-40 MPH, the vehicle started wiggling and wobbling abnormally. The contact was able to pull to the side of the road, where he noticed that the outer rear wheel had separated from the vehicle. Additionally, the contact noticed that the inner rear wheel had separated and pinched the axle, causing the wheel to support the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where an assessment was made. The dealer determined that the wheel studs needed be replaced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V398000 (Wheels); however, the wheel replacement was not covered. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 183,901.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
I WAS TOWING MY TRAVEL TRAILER AND ENTERED A SLIGHT LEFT TURN AT APPROXIMATELY 50MPH WHEN MY FRONT DRIVER SIDE TIRE STARTED TO SHAKE/WOBBLE UNCONTROLLABLY. I SLOWED DOWN AND IT STOPPED. DEALERSHIP REPLACED BOTH FRONT HUBS AND BEARINGS. WHEN I HIT A SMALL BUMP WHILE TURNING AND NOT TOWING, IT STILL SHAKES/WOBBLES UNCONTROLLABLY. I NOTIFIED DEALERSHIP ABOUT IT AND THEY STILL FAILED TO MAKE THE REPAIR. THE VEHICLE IS STILL UNDER WARRANTY.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
ABS and Traction control warning lights are on display. Cruise control and 4x4 will not engage due to this issue. Also causing malfunction while towing a trailer.
TIPM, REAR END LEAKS, TRANSMISSION REPLACED, DEF PUMP REPLACED, KNOX, EGR VALVE REPLACED, TURBO SENSOR, THIS TRUCK COST 2 DOLLARS A MILE TO OPERATE, BRINGING IT INTO THE SHOP IS LIKE PULLING TEETH HORRIBLE IT'S TWO TO THREE WEEKS.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
THERE IS A DEFINITE DELAY IN ACCELERATION WHEN PULLING OUT IN TRAFFIC. SOMETIMES 2 OR 3 SECONDS OR MORE. ALSO WHEN DRIVING IN TRAFFIC IF YOU LET UP ON THE ACCELERATOR AND THEN RESUME ACCELERATING IT ALMOST FEELS LIKE THE VEHICLE STALLS. VERY DANGEROUS.
WHEN ACCELERATING (EITHER FROM A STOP OR A ROLLING STOP) AND THEN BRAKING AND THEN ACCELERATING AGAIN, THE ENGINE WILL HESITATE. SOME CALL THIS "DEAD PEDAL" BUT I FEEL IT'S DANGEROUS BECAUSE IT LEAVES VULNERABLE IN TRAFFIC TO A COLLISION. IT'S HAPPENED TO ME NUMEROUS TIMES AND AGAIN TODAY. I WAS AT A 4 WAY STOP AND PROCEEDED TO ACCELERATE WHEN IT WAS MY TURN, ABOUT 1/3 WAY INTO THE INTERSECTION, A VEHICLE TRAFFIC IGNORED THE STOP SIGN AND ATTEMPTED TO CROSS MY LINE OF TRAVEL. I HAD TO BREAK AND THEN IMMEDIATELY ACCELERATE AND THE TRUCK HESITATED WHICH LEFT ME IN THE INTERSECTION. IF THE OTHER VEHICLE HAD BEEN TRAVELING AT A FASTER RATE, IT WOULD HAVE T-BONED ME. AS IT WAS, THE OTHER DRIVER WAS ABLE TO MANEUVER HIS VEHICLE AROUND ME. TO ME, THIS ISN'T A DELAY IN WHICH THE TURBO SPOOLS UP TO HELP DELIVER POWER. IT ALMOST FEELS LIKE THE THROTTLE IS DEAD HOWEVER THE TRUCK IS STILL RUNNING. THE HESITATION CAN LAST ABOUT A SECOND OR SO BUT IN THAT TIME, I FEEL THE TRUCK IS UNSAFE.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
Driving down turnpike my truck went up in flames, mopar sent investigator to determine cause of fire at dealership never called me to give me a report they emailed me to badly burnt to determine cause of fire.
MANUFACTURING DEFECT IN A DRAINAGE RAIL ON SUNROOF CAUSES WATER TO RUN INTO ELECTRONICS AND SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAG AND ITS WIRING. THIS LEAKING OCCURS WHEN THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION AND WHEN STATIONARY. HERE'S A YOUTUBE VIDEO OF MY FINDINGS. HTTPS://M.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=QMXFK_UUVY4&T=29S
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
WATER GETS INTO THE HEADLIGHT HOUSING AND STAYS IN THERE UNLESS HEADLIGHTS ARE REMOVED AND WATER IS RELEASED. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 RAM 3500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS KEPT GOING OUT SEVERAL TIMES. THE CONTACT REPLACED ALL OF THE BULBS, SPECIFICALLY THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HIGH BEAM HEADLIGHTS OPERATED NORMALLY. THE DEALER (CLASSIC CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM, 1102 WALTON DR, TEXARKANA, TX 75503, (903) 716-0600) SCHEDULED A DIAGNOSTIC APPOINTMENT FOR NEXT WEEK. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT HE HAD TWO OTHER 2016 RAM 3500 VEHICLES THAT EXHIBITED THE SAME FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 58,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
Driving down turnpike my truck went up in flames, mopar sent investigator to determine cause of fire at dealership never called me to give me a report they emailed me to badly burnt to determine cause of fire.
MANUFACTURING DEFECT IN A DRAINAGE RAIL ON SUNROOF CAUSES WATER TO RUN INTO ELECTRONICS AND SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAG AND ITS WIRING. THIS LEAKING OCCURS WHEN THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION AND WHEN STATIONARY. HERE'S A YOUTUBE VIDEO OF MY FINDINGS. HTTPS://M.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=QMXFK_UUVY4&T=29S
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 RAM 3500 EQUIPPED WITH NEXEN ROADIAN-A/T PRO IT TIRES, SIZE: 235/80/R17 (NA). WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE VIBRATED SEVERELY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DISCOVERED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE EXPERIENCED BUBBLING AND TREAD SEPARATION. THE TIRE WAS REPLACED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED WITH THE REPLACEMENT TIRE APPROXIMATELY 10,000 MILES LATER. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT FIVE SEPARATE TIRES LOCATED IN THE FRONT AND REAR OF THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED THE SAME FAILURES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES, BUT NO ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE DOT NUMBER AND VIN WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE TIRE AND VEHICLE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,000.
DRIVER'S SIDE, FRONT TIRE (ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT NEXEN ROADIAN) SEPARATED WHILE DRIVING STRAIGHT ON A HIGHWAY AT 55 MPH. SEPARATION CAUSED EXTREME VIBRATION AND INSTABILITY. CAUSED TRUCK TO BECOME UNDRIVABLE.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
TAKATA RECALL WHEN DRIVING MY VEHICLE ON THE HIGHWAY OR FREEWAY AT HIGH SPEEDS OF 65 TO 80 MPH THE WHOLE TRUCK BEGINS TO VIBRATE.HAVE GOTTEN IT CHECKED MECHANICALLY FOR FAULTS.TIRES HAVE BEEN CHECKED AS WELL AS STEERING COMPONENTS AND SUSPENSION AND EVERYTHING IS IN GOOD SHAPE.WAS TOLD THAT ITS NORMAL FOR A 2015 RAM 3500 DUALLY TO VIBRATE SO MUCH .ITS NOT.THERE ABSOLUTELY NO READON WHY A NEWISH TRUCK SHOULD VIBRATE SO MUCH THAT IT FEELS LIKE ITS GOING TO FALL APART ON ITS OWN.ITS NOT NORMAL AND ALL THE PEOPLE ON THE FORUMS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM HAVE BEEN TOLD BY THE DEALERS THAT IT IS NORMAL.IT IS A DRIVING HAZARD THAT ITS ONLY A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE DODGE HAS LAWSUITS ON ITS FRONT DOOR FOR NEGLICENCE ON THEIR PART FOR THE BAD VIBRATIONS MAKING BOLTS FALL OFF AND CAUSING A WRECK.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
TIPM, REAR END LEAKS, TRANSMISSION REPLACED, DEF PUMP REPLACED, KNOX, EGR VALVE REPLACED, TURBO SENSOR, THIS TRUCK COST 2 DOLLARS A MILE TO OPERATE, BRINGING IT INTO THE SHOP IS LIKE PULLING TEETH HORRIBLE IT'S TWO TO THREE WEEKS.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
ANY SPEED OVER 55MPH OR AND SMALL BUMPS LOCKS THE DRIVERS SEAT BELT, NO THER BELT DOES THIS, ONLY THE DRIVER SEAT BELT.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .