2015 Ram 3500 Transmission & Powertrain Problems
NHTSA lists 32 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2015 Ram 3500, 24% of the 136 total complaints for the year. Owners most often describe throttle/pedal delay ('dead pedal') and transmission park failure, with a related recall (17V821000) covering the transmission park lock pin.
- Transmission & Powertrain complaints
- 32
- 24% of 136
- Crashes reported
- 1
- Fires reported
- 2
- Injuries reported
- 1
- Median mileage
- 25,750 mi
- Related recalls
- 1
Typical transmission symptoms owners report
- Owners report a 'dead pedal' delay of a few seconds between pressing the accelerator and the truck actually responding, especially from a stop or rolling stop.
- Some describe the transmission bucking, shuddering, and momentarily slipping backward in first gear while towing on grades.
- Several report sudden throttle lag or power drop-off while merging or pulling into traffic, then an abrupt surge of power seconds later.
- One owner reported the transmission park mechanism failing while parked on a hill, causing the truck to roll away unattended.
- A vibration at highway speeds around 70 mph or above was reported, felt mainly in the rear of the truck.
- Engine compartment fires were reported in two sample complaints, with smoke and flames appearing while driving.
When 2015 Ram 3500 transmission complaints were filed
First complaint Oct 10, 2015, latest Feb 28, 2024.
Transmission & Powertrain recalls for the 2015 Ram 3500
- 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.
Transmission & Powertrain complaints by 3500 model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How many transmission and powertrain complaints does the 2015 Ram 3500 have?
- NHTSA lists 32 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2015 Ram 3500, which is 24% of the 136 total complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there a recall related to Ram 3500 transmission problems?
- Yes. Recall 17V821000, reported on 2017-12-20, covers certain 2015 Ram 3500 trucks and involves a software update and inspection of the BTSI, with parts replaced as necessary.
- What is the most common transmission complaint on the 2015 Ram 3500?
- Owners most frequently describe a throttle delay or 'dead pedal' effect, where the truck does not respond immediately to the accelerator, sometimes for several seconds.
- At what mileage do 2015 Ram 3500 transmission problems typically appear?
- The median mileage at failure for Transmission & Powertrain complaints on the 2015 Ram 3500 is 25,750 miles.
- Did the transmission issue cause any crashes or injuries?
- NHTSA records show 1 crash and 1 injury among the Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2015 Ram 3500, along with 2 fire reports.