KnownCarProblems2015 Ram 3500 Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 137 complaints with NHTSA about the 2015 Ram 3500, most often about the transmission (23% of complaints, typically around 26,000 miles). It is 5th of 17 3500 model years by number of complaints and has 14 recalls.
Most common 2015 Ram 3500 problems
Transmission
32 complaints · 23%Half of these problems showed up before 26,000 miles. Parts named most often: driveline.
The tuck has a horrible lag in the throttle response. When trying to pull out into heavy traffic the truck lags more than it should. This has been happening since the day I bought it new with 16 miles on it. If you press the pedal more than half down from a stop you can count to 30 before it actually starts moving.…
Happened a year ago and again yesterday. Both times were similar situations: pulling out into traffic, doing a right turn on red - after stopping. Pull out with light throttle as normal and then power drops to nothing for a second or two and then it takes off! Very disconcerting when traffic is coming at you. Btw: I'm…
Engine
31 complaints · 23%Half of these problems showed up before 36,500 miles. Parts named most often: exhaust system, engine.
If you let up on the throttle for a traffic issue and press it back down quickly the throttle response goes dead for 1-2 seconds. This a real safety issue in left turns and/or merging into traffic. Aka dead pedal, which is well documented on internet sites associated with Ram diesel pickups.
Bought truck new and at 40k mile mark water pump assemby failed while driving on highway at 75 MPH towing camper,almost crashed,lost steering & control, truck almost caught fire, was so hot, steeming & smoking , mechanic couldnt touch hood for 45 minutes. Stranded for a week before fixed-now at the 80k mile mark…
Brakes
24 complaints · 18%Half of these problems showed up before 16,500 miles.
The contact owns a 2015 Ram 3500. While driving 35 MPH, the brake boosters failed without warning and caused the brakes to seize. The vehicle was taken to three different dealers, but they could not duplicate the failure. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the hydraulic brake booster…
This is a diesel powered truck. Twice the hydraulic pressure created by the hydroboost unit has blown metal hoses apart resulting in complete and sudden loss of steering and brakes. Fortunately the truck was operating at very low speed. If this had occurred at highway speed, it would have resulted in a crash and…
Steering
22 complaints · 16%Half of these problems showed up before 30,000 miles.
The steering wheel began losing it's function after turning out of my driveway, while I was driving down my street, at approximately 20-25 MPH. It would turn approximately 90 degrees with no affect suddenly. I had it transported to the reno dodge dealership. They at first tried to charge me for a realignment. I took…
Pittman rod bolts keep backing off, 2nd time this has happen. Lost of steering. Steering wheel sitting between 120 degrees and 180 degrees..
Electrical
19 complaints · 14%Half of these problems showed up before 41,500 miles.
Vehicle fails to start in cold weather below 55 degrees. When it is below 55 degrees, the win module will not recognize the key fob and vehicle will not start. I must keep inserting the key fob, turn it off and on, recycle door locks, open and close door. I have brought this to the dealer. No parts available. Brought…
Vehicle attempts to do over the air software update of uconnect system while driving. Update does not install and shuts system down causing loss of navigation, back up camera, and emergency assistance calling. Creates a dangerous situation when towing a large horse trailer with live animals on board, and relying on…
Suspension
17 complaints · 12%Half of these problems showed up before 41,000 miles.
I was towing my travel trailer and entered a slight left turn at approximately 50mph when my front driver side tire started to shake/wobble uncontrollably. I slowed down and it stopped. Dealership replaced both front hubs and bearings. When I hit a small bump while turning and not towing, it still shakes/wobbles…
I can't drive my tuck due to the face the truck being to shake out of control and I have to pull over . I go the truck home but due to the insane shaking I do not drive the vehicle.
Wheels and tires
16 complaints · 12%Half of these problems showed up before 28,000 miles. Parts named most often: lugs/nuts/bolts/studs, tread/belt.
2015 dodge Ram 3500 dually with 28,000 miles on it and I have already replaced 3 of the 6 tires due to tire tread separation. I have never experienced anything like this before, but have never owned this brand of tires either. These are the original tires that came on the truck to begin with. Very poor tire!
During a trip on an improved highway, the front end began to shake violently. The steering wheel was hard to keep ahold of at 50 MPH. At this time the truck had 17596 miles on it. When we returned home I called my dodge dealer, landers mclarty to express my concern of the truck performance. Subsequently I brought the…
Other or unspecified
14 complaints · 10%Half of these problems showed up before 28,500 miles.
Integrated trailer brake controller not functioning properly cannot apply enough voltage and amperage to trailer brakes to properly stop whether stopped or while moving, maximum gain cannot apply enough stopping power. 3 trailer experts have told me the power is insufficient trailer brakes have been serviced
When starting from a stationary or near stationary position, the truck will hesitate for 1-2 seconds if the accelerator is fully depressed. The acceleration must be slow and gradual to avoid the hesitation. The is dangerous when slowly merging into traffic.
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2015 Ram 3500 recalls
Air bags: inflator
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.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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.
Wheels and tires: lugs/nuts/bolts/studs
Risk: Wheel separation can cause a vehicle crash.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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.
Doors and locks: latch
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.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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.
Steering: connection
Risk: A drag link separation can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of crash.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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.
Doors and locks: latch
Risk: If the tailgate latch releases and the tailgate opens while driving, cargo may fall out, creating a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will repair the vehicle, free of charge. The recall began september 17, 2018. Owners may contact chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is u74.
Full defect summary
Chrysler (fca US llc) is recalling certain 2015-2017 ram 1500, 2500, and 3500 pickup trucks equipped with a power locking tailgate and either a 5 foot, 7 inch or 6 foot, 4 inch bed. The tailgate actuator limiter tab may fracture and cause the tailgate to unlatch and open while driving.
Electrical: software
Risk: If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the software, and perform a software flash on the engine or powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began june 4, 2018. Owners may contact chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Note: owners are advised to stop using cruise control until the software update has been performed. In the event that cruise control cannot be disengaged while driving, owners should firmly and steadily apply the brakes and shift the transmission to neutral, placing the vehicle in park once it has stopped.
Full defect summary
Chrysler (fca US llc) is recalling certain 2014-2018 dodge journey, charger and durango, ram 2500, 3500, 3500 cab chassis (more than 10,000lb), 4500 cab chassis and 5500 cab chassis, jeep cherokee and grand cherokee and chrysler 300, 2014-2019 ram 1500, 2015-2018 dodge challenger, 2015-2017 chrysler 200, 2016-2018 ram 3500 cab chassis (less than 10,000 lb), 2017-2018 chrysler pacifica and 2018 jeep wrangler vehicles. These vehicles are being recalled to address a defect that could prevent the cruise control system from disengaging. If, when using cruise control, there is a short circuit within the vehicle's wiring, the driver may not be able to shut off the cruise control either by depressing the brake pedal or manually turning the system off once it has been engaged, resulting in either the vehicle maintaining its current speed or possibly accelerating.
Equipment
Risk: If the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury in the event of a fire.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners instructing them to contact kidde for a replacement fire extinguisher, free of charge. The recall began february 14, 2018. Owners may contact chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403 or kidde customer service service toll-free at 1-855-262-3540, or online at www.kidde.com and click on "product safety recall" for more information. Chrysler's number for this recall is t82.
Full defect summary
Chrysler (fca US llc) is recalling various dodge, chrysler, and ram vehicles equipped with kidde plastic-handle or push button 'pindicator' fire extinguishers. A list of the affected trailer models is available at: https://static.NHTSA.gov/odi/rcl/2017/rmisc-17v824-0103.pdf. These extinguishers may become clogged, preventing the extinguisher from discharging as expected or requiring excessive force to activate the extinguisher. Additionally, in certain models, the nozzle may detach from the valve assembly with enough force that it could cause injury and also render the product inoperable. For a full list of the affected fire extinguisher models visit: https://static.NHTSA.gov/odi/rcl/2017/rmisc-17e062-5427.pdf
Transmission: column shift
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.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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.
Engine: diesel
Risk: The leaking water pump can increase the risk of an engine compartment fire.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the water pumps, 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 t51.
Full defect summary
Chrysler (fca US llc) is recalling certain 2013-2017 ram 2500, 3500, 3500 cab chassis, 4500 cab chassis, and 5500 cab chassis vehicles, equipped with cummins 6.7l turbo diesel engines that have concentric-brand water pumps without a vent hole. These water pumps may leak coolant.
Wheels and tires: wheels
Risk: If the wheel fractures, a loss of vehicle control can occur, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Aev will notify owners, and dealers will replace the wheels with wheels of similar value, free of charge. The recall began on august 30, 2017. Owners may contact aev customer service at 1-248-926-0256 extension 500.
Full defect summary
Streetcar orv llc, dba american expedition vehicles (aev) is recalling certain 2013-2017 ram 2500 and 3500 heavy duty trucks, modified by aev to be equipped with cast aluminum katla 8.5" road wheels. The outer surface of the wheel may fracture, resulting in rapid air loss.
Air bags: curtain
Risk: If the rollover side curtain air bags and seat belt pretensioners are disabled, there is an increased risk of injury to the vehicle occupants in the event of a crash that necessitates activation of these safety systems.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update the orc software, free of charge. The recall began june 26, 2017. Owners may contact chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is t25.
Full defect summary
Chrysler (fca US llc) is recalling certain model year 2013-2016 ram 1500, ram 2500, and 2014-2016 ram 3500 vehicles. Certain driving conditions, such as driving off-road or debris striking the vehicle may cause the roll rate sensor to trigger a fault within the occupant restraint controller (orc). If this fault occurs, the rollover side curtain air bag and the seat belt pretensioner will be disabled from deploying.
Steering
Risk: If the bracket components separate from the frame, the vehicle may have a reduced response to steering input, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will weld on a new track bar frame bracket or replace the frame of the vehicle, free of charge. The recall began on september 14, 2016. Owners may contact chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is s58.
Full defect summary
Chrysler (fca US llc) is recalling certain model year 2015 ram 2500 trucks, and ram 3500 trucks and cab chassis. The affected vehicles may have inadequate welds securing the front track bar frame brackets, possibly resulting in the bracket components separating from the frame.
Equipment: radio/tape deck/cd etc.
Risk: Exploitation of the software vulnerability may result in unauthorized remote modification and control of certain vehicle systems, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Chrysler will notify and mail affected owners a usb drive that includes a software update that eliminates the vulnerability, free of charge. Optionally, owners may download the update to their own usb drive from http://www.driveuconnect.com/software-update/ or take their vehicle to a chrysler dealer for immediate installation. In an effort to mitigate the effects of this security vulnerability, chrysler has had the wireless service provider close the open cellular connection to the vehicle that provided unauthorized access to the vehicle network. This measure may not have been implemented on a
Full defect summary
Chrysler (fca US llc) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 ram 1500, 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500, 2015 chrysler 200, chrysler 300, dodge charger, and dodge challenger, 2014-2015 jeep grand cherokee, cherokee, and dodge durango, and 2013-2015 dodge viper vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with radios that have software vulnerabilities that can allow third-party access to certain networked vehicle control systems.
Air bags: side/window
Risk: Air bags that unexpectedly deploy increase the risk of a crash or injury.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update the occupant restraint control module calibration, free of charge. The recall began on september 8, 2015. Owners may contact chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is r23.
Full defect summary
Chrysler (fca US llc) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 ram 1500, 2500, and 3500 trucks manufactured june 20, 2012, to january 26, 2015. In the affected vehicles, the side impact sensor calibrations may be overly sensitive, and as a result, the side air bag inflatable curtains and seat air bags may unexpectedly deploy and the seat belt pre-tensioners may activate.
Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.
NHTSA defect investigations
Post recall remedy brake transmission shift interlock (btsi) failure
Summary
The office of defects investigation (odi) has received 14 vehicle owner questionnaire (voq) reports and 6 ewr death & injury (d&I) reports describing post recall remedy failures of the brake transmission shift interlock (btsi) system in certain model year (my) 2013-2018 ram pickup trucks.the subject vehicle models include 1500, 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500 trucks equipped with a column mounted shift lever.the failures of the btsi described in the voqs occurred on vehicles that had all previously been repaired under recall 17v-821 or 18v-100.both recalls address a potential condition which can cause the btsi locking pin to become stuck allowing the transmission to be shifted out of park without
Steering loss due to linkage separation
Summary
On december 17, 2018, NHTSA's office of defects investigation (odi) opened preliminary evaluation pe18016 to investigate alleged drag link failures in the steering system on model year (my) 2015 and 2016 ram 2500 trucks manufactured by fca US, llc (fca). â the drag link failures were found to be due to a safety defect with the steering linkage where the drag link adjustable connector (used to adjust the steering system), held in position by two opposing jam nuts, can loosen.â â the loosening of this part can lead to wear and deterioration of the threads and eventual separation of the drag link, causing loss of steering.â during the course of pe18016, it was found that two styles of drag link
Steering loss due to linkage separation
Summary
On december 17, 2018, NHTSA's office of defects investigation (odi) opened preliminary evaluation (pe) 18-016 to investigate the steering system on model year (my) 2015 and 2016 ram 2500 manufactured by fca US, llc (fca). Four complaints were received alleging separation of the drag link, a steering linkage that connects between the right front steering knuckle and the pitman arm on the steering box output shaft. The failures were found to be at a threaded coupler within the drag link used for adjusting the length of the linkage during routine maintenance (alignment) of the steering system.once separation occurs, turning the steering wheel has no effect, and there is no way for the driver to
Software security vulnerability
Summary
On july 23, 2015, fiat chrysler automobiles (fca) launched safety recall 15v-461 to remedy security vulnerabilities in approximately 1.4 million model year (my) 2013 through 2015 vehicles equipped with uconnect head units (hu) 8.4a (ra3 radio) and 8.4an (ra4 radio) manufactured by harman international.on july 24, 2015, the office of defects investigation (odi) opened recall query, rq 15-004, to investigate hu security vulnerabilities and remedy effectiveness in the recalled population and to determine whether similar units have been supplied for use in other fca vehicles.in an august 11, 2015 letter, fca submitted a second part 573 safety recall report expanding the scope of the uconnect ra4
Questions about the 2015 Ram 3500
- What are the most common problems with the 2015 Ram 3500?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: transmission (32 complaints, typically around 26,000 miles); engine (31 complaints, typically around 36,500 miles); brakes (24 complaints, typically around 16,500 miles).
- How many recalls does the 2015 Ram 3500 have?
- 14 recalls listed by NHTSA, the latest from August 12, 2021 (air bags). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which ones are still open on your car.
- Is the 2015 a bad year for the Ram 3500?
- It is 5th of 17 3500 model years by number of complaints, with 137 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.