repaired · 2024 Q4
Side/window: curtain
Risk. A separated inflator end cap or inflator rupture can allow compressed gas to escape, resulting in the end cap or other components being propelled into the…
2015 Ram 3500Problems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 137 owner complaints about the 2015 Ram 3500, most often about the power train. It is covered by 14 safety recalls, and for recall 17V-499 the manufacturer reports only 11% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through October 6, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: Calreyn88, CC BY 4.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2015 Ram 3500 has problems
137 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
32Power train3 crash/fire/injury
28Engine3 crash/fire/injury
24Service brakes1 crash/fire/injury
22Steering1 crash/fire/injury
19Electrical system2 crash/fire/injury
17Suspension
15Wheels
6Vehicle speed control
6Fuel/propulsion system
2511 other systems4 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Power train | 32 | 3 |
| Engine | 28 | 3 |
| Service brakes | 24 | 1 |
| Steering | 22 | 1 |
| Electrical system | 19 | 2 |
| Suspension | 17 | 0 |
| Wheels | 15 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 6 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 6 | 0 |
| 11 other systems | 25 | 4 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
14 recalls
2015 Ram 3500 recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2023 Q3
Wheels: lugs/nuts/bolts/studs
Risk. Wheel separation can cause a vehicle crash.
repaired · 2020 Q4
Tailgate: latch
Risk. If the tailgate opens while the vehicle is being driven, cargo may fall out the vehicle and create a road hazard, increasing the risk of crash.
repaired · 2020 Q3
Link: connection
Risk. A drag link separation can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of crash.
Show 10 more recalls
repaired · 2019 Q4
Tailgate: latch
Risk. If the tailgate latch releases and the tailgate opens while driving, cargo may fall out, creating a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2019 Q4
Electrical system: software
Risk. If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
repaired · 2019 Q2
Equipment
Risk. If the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury in the event of a fire.
repaired · 2019 Q4
Lever and linkage: column shift
Risk. Being able to shift the transmission without pushing the brake pedal and/or without a key in the ignition can increase the risk of an unintended vehicle…
repaired · 2019 Q4
Engine: diesel
Risk. The leaking water pump can increase the risk of an engine compartment fire.
repaired · 2018 Q1
Wheels
Risk. If the wheel fractures, a loss of vehicle control can occur, increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2018 Q3
Air bags
Risk. If the rollover side curtain air bags and seat belt pretensioners are disabled, there is an increased risk of injury to the vehicle occupants in the event of a…
repaired · 2017 Q4
Steering
Risk. If the bracket components separate from the frame, the vehicle may have a reduced response to steering input, increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2017 Q1
Electrical: radio/tape deck/cd etc.
Risk. Exploitation of the software vulnerability may result in unauthorized remote modification and control of certain vehicle systems, increasing the risk of a…
repaired · 2016 Q4
Air bags: side/window
Risk. Air bags that unexpectedly deploy increase the risk of a crash or injury.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Ram.
Mileage at failure
When do power train problems start?
26kmiles, median
Based on the odometer reading in 22 power train complaints. 77% were reported before 100,000 miles.
12under 30k miles17under 100k miles5100k miles or more
Best & worst years
2015 vs. every other 3500 year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the 3500 median. How we score
'07'08'09'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25'26
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
4 investigations
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2015 Ram 3500, and the recalls they led to.
- Steering loss due to linkage separationNo recall
- Steering loss due to linkage separationLed to recall 19V-021
- Software security vulnerabilityLed to recall 15V-508
- Post Recall Remedy Brake Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI) FailureOpen
In owners' words
What 3500 owners report
Recent power train complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
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 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…
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…
Own a 2015 3500?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.