2015 Ram 1500 Transmission & Powertrain Problems
NHTSA lists 225 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2015 Ram 1500, 16% of all complaints that year, with 27 crashes, 5 fires and 9 injuries. Median mileage at failure is 50,000. Two related recalls (17V821000 and 15V661000) cover shifter/park and rear axle issues.
- Transmission & Powertrain complaints
- 225
- 16% of 1,448
- Crashes reported
- 27
- Fires reported
- 5
- Injuries reported
- 9
- Median mileage
- 50,000 mi
- Related recalls
- 2
Typical transmission symptoms owners report
- Owners report the gear shifter rolling out of park on its own, letting the truck roll away unattended and strike buildings, vehicles, or other objects.
- Several complaints describe the truck rolling backward or forward after being parked on an incline, in some cases while occupants were nearby or thrown from the vehicle.
- One complaint describes a rear axle bearing rubbing against the bearing journal, generating heat that led to a fire.
- A complaint describes the truck shifting into reverse unexpectedly after a remote start, injuring the owner and causing a collision with another vehicle.
- Some drivers report the vehicle switching to 4-wheel drive or lurching forward unexpectedly while trying to park.
When 2015 Ram 1500 transmission complaints were filed
First complaint Mar 12, 2015, latest Apr 30, 2026.
Transmission & Powertrain recalls for the 2015 Ram 1500
- NHTSA 17V821000Dec 20, 2017Transmission & Powertrain1,482,874 vehicles
Power train:automatic transmission:lever and linkage:column shift
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Ram 3500 Cab Chassis with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of less than 10,000 lbs, 2011-2017 Ram 3500, 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles, 2009-2017 Ram 1500 and 2010-2017 Ram 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks, all equipped with a column shifter. Pushing the brake pedal for prolonged periods when the vehicle is running and in PARK may cause the Brake Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI) pin to stick in the open position. With the pin in the open position, the transmission can be shifted out of PARK into any gear without pushing the brake pedal or having the key in the ignition.
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 rollaway that may result in personal injury or a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update the vehicle software, inspect the BTSI, and, as necessary, replace it, free of charge. The recall began February 26, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T79.
- NHTSA 15V661000Oct 15, 2015Transmission & Powertrain61,859 vehicles
Power train:axle assembly:axle shaft
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Ram 1500 trucks manufactured June 17, 2015, to September 28, 2015. The affected vehicles may have been built with rear axles that were incorrectly heat treated.
Risk: If the rear axle shaft was not properly heated treated, it may fracture and a wheel separation could occur, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles and replace the axle assemblies, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on November 23, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R59.
Transmission & Powertrain complaints by 1500 model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How many transmission complaints does the 2015 Ram 1500 have?
- NHTSA lists 225 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2015 Ram 1500, which is 16% of the 1,448 total complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there a transmission or park-related recall for the 2015 Ram 1500?
- Yes. Recall 17V821000 covers software, BTSI inspection, and possible replacement related to the shift system, and recall 15V661000 covers rear axle assemblies on trucks built June 17 to September 28, 2015.
- At what mileage do 2015 Ram 1500 transmission problems typically show up?
- NHTSA data shows a median mileage at failure of 50,000 miles for Transmission & Powertrain complaints on this model year.
- Did the 2015 Ram 1500 transmission issues cause crashes or fires?
- NHTSA records 27 crashes, 5 fires, and 9 injuries tied to Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2015 Ram 1500.