2015 Ram 3500 Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
GoodComplaint Index
25/100
#10 most-complained of 13 3500 years
The 2015 Ram 3500 has 136 NHTSA complaints, 14 recalls, and a complaint index of 25, ranking 10th out of 13 model years — a Good result relative to other 3500 years. Engine and transmission issues are the top reported problem areas.
- Complaints
- 136
- Recalls
- 14
- Crashes / fires
- 3 / 5
- Injuries / deaths
- 1 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- —
Top 2015 Ram 3500 problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine33 (24%)
- Transmission & Powertrain32 (24%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires31 (23%)
- Brakes26 (19%)
- Electrical System22 (16%)
- Steering21 (15%)
- Other17 (13%)
- Fuel System6 (4%)
- Structure & Body5 (4%)
- Airbags4 (3%)
What owners report
- Engine compartment fires have started while driving, in some cases with smoke and warning lights before flames appeared.
- Transmission park mechanisms have failed while parked on inclines, allowing the truck to roll away unexpectedly.
- Steering rods and steering cable bolts have loosened or broken while towing, causing the steering wheel to turn on its own or the driver to lose control.
- Electronic trailer brake controllers have provided insufficient stopping power at highway speeds when towing heavy trailers.
- A strong diesel fuel odor has entered the cabin at low mileage, making occupants feel ill, with dealers unable to pinpoint the cause.
- Total ABS brake failure has been reported at very low mileage, resulting in a collision.
2015 Ram 3500 recalls
14 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 21V398000May 27, 2021Suspension, Wheels & Tires447,985 vehicles
Wheels:lugs/nuts/bolts/studs
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2012-2021 RAM 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis, 4500 Cab Chassis, and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles. Incorrect information in the Service and Owner's Manuals may cause the flanged lug nuts to be over-tightened, which could result in a broken wheel stud and possible wheel separation.
Risk: Wheel separation can cause a vehicle crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the torque specification in the owner's manual and other published service documents. Dealers will also inspect the vehicle's wheel studs, replacing them if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on November 30, 2021. Campaign Y36 owner notification letters were mailed on November 30, 2021. Campaign Y26 owner notification letters were mailed on December 1, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US's numbers for this recall are Y26 and Y36.
- 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.
2015 compared with other 3500 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2015 Ram 3500 reliable compared to other years?
- NHTSA data gives the 2015 Ram 3500 a complaint index of 25 and a Good verdict, ranking 10th out of 13 model years — better than the 2014, 2017, 2018, and 2022 Ram 3500 years, which are rated Avoid.
- What are the most common problems with the 2015 Ram 3500?
- The top problem area is Engine, with 33 complaints (24% share) and a median failure mileage of 40,000. Transmission & Powertrain follows closely with 32 complaints (24% share) and a median mileage of 25,750.
- Does the 2015 Ram 3500 have recall issues?
- NHTSA lists 14 recalls for the 2015 Ram 3500, covering airbags, suspension lug nuts, tailgate latches, steering linkage, and electrical/powertrain software.
- How many complaints does the 2015 Ram 3500 have?
- NHTSA lists 136 complaints for the 2015 Ram 3500, including 3 crashes, 5 fires, and 1 injury.
- What is the median mileage for problems on the 2015 Ram 3500?
- Across all reported issues, the median mileage at failure is 28,700, though this varies by system — Engine failures average 40,000 miles and Brakes around 20,641 miles.