2015 Ram 2500 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Caution The 2015 Ram 2500 has a Complaint Index of 38 with 214 complaints and 13 recall campaigns, ranking 9th worst of 14 model years. It carries a Caution verdict, capped due to its heavy recall load despite a moderate complaint index.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 38/100
- #9 of 14 2500 years
- Verdict
- Caution
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 214
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 13
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 13
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 3
- Injuries
- 12
- Top issue
- Engine
Top 2015 Ram 2500 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine53 (25%)
- Transmission & Powertrain44 (21%)
- Steering43 (20%)
- Electrical System31 (14%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires28 (13%)
- Brakes22 (10%)
- Other19 (9%)
- Fuel System15 (7%)
- Airbags11 (5%)
- Structure & Body11 (5%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Owners report the truck rolling away on its own after being placed in park, sometimes causing crashes into other vehicles or people.
- Several complaints describe frontal airbags failing to deploy during moderate-speed crashes, including impacts near 45-60 mph.
- Some owners report the water pump failing while driving, causing the serpentine belt to slip off and resulting in sudden loss of power steering and power brakes.
- One owner described losing steering and braking at highway speed followed by smoke and flames from under the hood.
- A dash-melting electrical incident was reported after the truck was parked, with no one inside at the time.
- One complaint describes the steering failing to respond at 65 mph, sending the truck into a ditch.
2015 Ram 2500 recalls
13 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 21V632000Aug 12, 2021Airbags212,373 vehicles
Air bags:side/window:curtain:inflator
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2015-2020 Ram 1500 Classic, 2015-2016 Ram 3500, and Ram 2500 vehicles, and 2016 Ram 3500 Cab Chassis with a gross vehicle weight rating less than 10,000 lbs. The side air bag inflatable curtain (SABIC) inflator end cap may detach from the inflator, or the inflator sidewall may rupture.
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 vehicle, increasing the risk of injury or crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace as necessary, the SABIC assemblies, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters were mailed on October 4, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 26, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is Y55.
- 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.
- NHTSA 19V021000Jan 25, 2019Steering795,575 vehicles
Steering:linkages:drag:link:connection
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Ram 3500 and 2014-2018 Ram 3500 Chassis Cab and Ram 2500 vehicles. The outboard steering linkage jam nut may loosen, allowing one end of the drag link to separate.
Risk: A drag link separation can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will check the steering linkage jam nut tightness, replacing the drag link assembly or welding the nut to the adjuster sleeve, free of charge. The recall began March 22, 2019. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is V06.
2015 compared with other 2500 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2015 Ram 2500 reliable?
- NHTSA lists 214 complaints and a Complaint Index of 38 for the 2015 Ram 2500, ranking 9th worst out of 14 model years. Its verdict is Caution, driven mainly by 13 recall campaigns rather than complaint volume alone.
- What are the biggest problem areas for the 2015 Ram 2500?
- Engine complaints lead at 53 (25% of complaints), followed by Transmission & Powertrain at 44 (21%) and Steering at 43 (20%). Median mileage at failure for these areas ranges from 35,000 to 40,000 miles.
- Does the 2015 Ram 2500 have a recall?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 13 recall campaigns for the 2015 Ram 2500, covering airbags, steering linkage, tailgate latches, electrical software, and engine water pumps.
- How does the 2015 Ram 2500 compare to other years?
- The 2015 model's Complaint Index of 38 is lower than 2014 (77), 2017 (92), 2018 (100), and 2022 (85), all rated Avoid. It is higher than 2013 (15), 2021 (23), and 2025 (31, rated Good).
- Why is the 2015 Ram 2500 rated Caution instead of a better verdict?
- NHTSA data shows a moderate Complaint Index of 38, but the verdict is capped to Caution because of 13 recall campaigns requiring a dealer visit.