YearToAvoid

2015 Ram 1500 Structure & Body Problems

NHTSA lists 59 Structure & Body complaints for the 2015 Ram 1500, about 4% of its 1,448 total complaints. Median mileage at failure was 39,500 miles, with 5 crashes and 6 fires reported. Two related recalls cover power tailgate latch and actuator issues.

Structure & Body complaints
59
4% of 1,448
Crashes reported
5
Fires reported
6
Injuries reported
4
Median mileage
39,500 mi
Related recalls
2

Typical body and structure symptoms owners report

  • Owners report unexpected fires starting in the engine compartment while driving on the highway, sometimes preceded by a burning or antifreeze smell.
  • Some vehicles reportedly caught fire while parked or idling shortly after being moved, with the fire spreading to nearby structures.
  • Owners describe the truck unexpectedly moving into reverse at full power after being left in park and the driver stepping out.
  • One complaint describes the inner fender liner being replaced with thin plastic that can be bent or torn by hand, exposing ABS and power steering components underneath.
  • A separate report describes an electronic 'dial-a-gear' selector behaving unexpectedly while trying to reposition the truck at a gas station.

When 2015 Ram 1500 body and structure complaints were filed

First complaint Mar 6, 2015, latest Sep 8, 2026.

2015 Ram 1500 structure & body complaints: complaints filed per month4Mar 2015Feb 2016Jul 2017May 2018Mar 2019Oct 2020Jan 2023
59 complaints filed with NHTSA from Mar 2015 to Sep 2026; peak Oct 2018 (4).

Structure & Body recalls for the 2015 Ram 1500

  1. NHTSA 19V347000May 9, 2019Structure & Body1,103,209 vehicles

    Latches/locks/linkages:tailgate:latch

    Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks equipped with an 8 foot bed and a power locking tailgate. Chrysler is also recalling all 2013-2014 and 2018 Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks built before April 1, 2018 with a 6 or 8 foot bed and a power locking tailgate. On August 29, 2019 Chrysler expanded the recall to include an additional 693,128 model year 2013-2014 Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks. The tailgate actuator limiter tab may fracture and cause the tailgate to unlatch and open while driving.

    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.

    Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will repair the tailgate latch, free of charge. The recall began May 23, 2019. Chrysler is expected to notify owners of the expanded population on October 18, 2019. Owners may contact FCA US customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US's number for this recall is V44. Note: 2015-2017 MY Ram 1500 pickup trucks with truck beds other than 8 foot, are currently covered under NHTSA recall 18V-486 for this issue.

  2. NHTSA 18V486000Jul 27, 2018Structure & Body1,149,223 vehicles

    Structure:body:tailgate

    Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2015-2017 RAM 1500, 2500, and 3500 pickup trucks equipped with a power locking tailgate and either a 5 foot, 7 inch or 6 foot, 4 inch bed. The tailgate actuator limiter tab may fracture and cause the tailgate to unlatch and open while driving.

    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.

    Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will repair the vehicle, free of charge. The recall began September 17, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U74.

Structure & Body complaints by 1500 model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

  1. 201352 (4%)
  2. 201452 (3%)
  3. 201559 (4%)
  4. 201644 (3%)
  5. 201746 (5%)
  6. 201826 (4%)
  7. 201995 (6%)
  8. 202047 (7%)
  9. 202133 (5%)
  10. 202222 (4%)
  11. 202312 (6%)
  12. 20243 (4%)
  13. 20254 (1%)

Frequently asked questions

How many Structure & Body complaints does NHTSA have for the 2015 Ram 1500?
NHTSA lists 59 Structure & Body complaints for the 2015 Ram 1500, which is about 4% of the 1,448 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a recall related to Structure & Body issues on the 2015 Ram 1500?
Yes, two recalls apply: campaign 19V347000 covers a power locking tailgate latch repair, and campaign 18V486000 covers a tailgate actuator limiter tab repair on trucks equipped with a power locking tailgate.
At what mileage do Structure & Body problems typically show up on the 2015 Ram 1500?
The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for this problem area is 39,500 miles.
Did the Structure & Body complaints involve crashes or fires?
NHTSA data for this area on the 2015 Ram 1500 shows 5 crashes, 6 fires, and 4 injuries reported.
How does the 2015 Ram 1500 compare to other years for this problem area?
The 2015 model year had 59 Structure & Body complaints (4% share), close to 2013's 52 (4%) and 2014's 52 (3%), but lower than 2019's 95 complaints (6% share).

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.