2015 Ram 3500 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Caution The 2015 Ram 3500 has a Complaint Index of 40, ranking 10th worst among 16 model years, and carries a Caution verdict capped by 14 recall campaigns. NHTSA lists 136 complaints, with Engine (24%) and Transmission & Powertrain (24%) as the top problem areas.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 40/100
- #10 of 16 3500 years
- Verdict
- Caution
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 136
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 14
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 3
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 5
- Injuries
- 1
- Top issue
- Engine
Top 2015 Ram 3500 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA 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%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Engine compartment fires have occurred while driving, sometimes with smoke entering the cabin before the vehicle had to be stopped.
- Some owners report the transmission park mechanism failing, allowing the truck to roll unexpectedly even after being parked.
- Steering rod or steering cable bolts have loosened or broken while towing trailers, causing loss of steering control.
- Owners describe the antilock brake system failing to stop the truck in time, including one case during low-speed driving.
- Electronic trailer brake controllers reportedly provide insufficient stopping power for trailers during hard or faster braking.
- A strong diesel fuel odor has been reported inside the cabin during driving, which dealers were sometimes unable to diagnose.
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?
- NHTSA data gives the 2015 Ram 3500 a Complaint Index of 40 and a Caution verdict relative to other Ram 3500 years, with 136 complaints and 14 recall campaigns on file.
- What problems does the 2015 Ram 3500 have?
- The top problem areas are Engine (24% of complaints) and Transmission & Powertrain (24%), followed by Suspension, Wheels & Tires (23%) and Brakes (19%).
- Why is the 2015 Ram 3500 rated Caution instead of based on complaints alone?
- Its verdict is capped to Caution because it has 14 recall campaigns requiring a dealer visit, despite a moderate complaint index of 40.
- How does the 2015 Ram 3500 compare to other years?
- It ranks 10th worst out of 16 model years for complaints; the 2018 model has the highest Complaint Index at 100 and is rated Avoid, while 2007 and 2025 are rated Good.
- Does the 2015 Ram 3500 have an airbag recall?
- Yes, recall 21V632000 covers certain 2015-2020 Ram 1500 Classic and 2015-2016 Ram 3500 vehicles for side airbag inflator issues, with dealers inspecting and replacing assemblies as needed.