2015 RAM 3500 Common Problems & Defect Telemetry
Authoritative defect intelligence synthesized from 136 verified NHTSA owner complaints, 16 federal safety recalls, and interquartile failure mileage telemetry.
The 2015 RAM 3500 receives a 4.6/10 MazicBay Reliability Index based on 136 verified NHTSA federal complaints and 16 safety recalls. The primary reported failure mode is Engine Stalling, Oil Consumption & Cooling Defect Reports with a median failure point at 19,150 miles (IQR: 9,750 – 57,475 mi). Out-of-warranty repairs benchmark at $950 – $3,200 .
22.7 complaints / 10k sold
Verified US federal records
Crash, fire & stall audit
16 Active / Free Remedies
Top Reported Problem Clusters (7)
Engine Stalling, Oil Consumption & Cooling Defect Reports
- Engine sudden stall / hesitation while driving
- Abnormal oil burning / consumption
- Check Engine Light (MIL) flashing
- Engine overheating / coolant loss
“The contact owns a 2015 Ram 3500. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 MPH in the left lane, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle simultaneously went into LIMP Mode. The contact was able to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway. The conta...”
“At about 3,000 miles I noticed a periodical head light flicker and intermittent radio issues. Shortly after that the truck has presented with periodical brake issues. My front brakes parodically drag and get hot. Typically on one front side or the other. However on ... my wife...”
“the instrument panel dash cluster went black and now I have no information like tire pressure, mph, engine oil temp, coolant temp, cruise control,parking sensor alert, ect. I have tried everything to reboot or see if there is loose connections and have come up with nothing. th...”
Transmission Hesitation, Hard Shifting & Slipping Reports
- Hard gear shifts / delayed engagement into Drive/Reverse
- Transmission shudder / jerking under acceleration
- Transmission slipping between gears
“The contact owns a 2015 Ram 3500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V821000 (Power Train). The contact had experienced the failure and paid for the repair before receiving the recall notification. The contact stated he received the notification in J...”
“The contact owns a 2015 Ram 3500. The contact stated that after his wife started the vehicle, the transmission failed to shift into the intended gear because the gear shifter was loose. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where the gear shifter bolt was tightened; however, af...”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 RAM 3500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE SHIFTED INTO LIMP MODE WITHOUT WARNING, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO INDEPENDENTLY DECELERATE WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO LITHIA CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM FIAT OF EUGENE (212...”
Electric Power Steering Assist & Suspension Noise Reports
- Sudden loss of electric power steering assist
- Steering wheel pull or highway wander
- Clunking / knocking noise over bumps
“The contact owns a 2015 Ram 3500. While attempting to have an alignment performed, the contact was informed that the steering drag link and the tie rod were both cracked. The failure caused rapid, premature wear on the tire. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously r...”
“humming from the hydroboost pump, actual issue is the high pressure steering line has a nylon tube inside the hose that breaks apart and moves throughout the system. Dodge had one revision of the hose on the early model years but this issue has gone unresolved. I am afraid if ...”
“There was a recall forced by the NTSB for a condition where the track bar adjustment nut would come loose and the truck would lose steering. The recall on the track bar was rectified by the dealer by welding the nut on the track bar. Now that the nut has been welded a proper a...”
Service Brakes, ABS Actuator & Master Cylinder Reports
- Spongy or hard brake pedal travel
- ABS / Brake warning light illuminated
- Extended stopping distance / pedal vibration
“humming from the hydroboost pump, actual issue is the high pressure steering line has a nylon tube inside the hose that breaks apart and moves throughout the system. Dodge had one revision of the hose on the early model years but this issue has gone unresolved. I am afraid if ...”
“The output voltage to the Trailer Braking system is low, only 7.5 volts. Other owners have the same problem. From what I understand there is an issue with the computer that keeps the Original Equipment trailer brake controller from delivering full power at speeds below 30 MPH....”
“At about 3,000 miles I noticed a periodical head light flicker and intermittent radio issues. Shortly after that the truck has presented with periodical brake issues. My front brakes parodically drag and get hot. Typically on one front side or the other. However on ... my wife...”
Electrical Parasitic Drain, Infotainment & Harness Reports
- Unexplained battery drain after sitting overnight
- Infotainment display / instrument cluster blackouts
- Accessory malfunction / alternator fault warnings
“The contact owns a 2015 Ram 3500. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 MPH in the left lane, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle simultaneously went into LIMP Mode. The contact was able to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway. The conta...”
“the instrument panel dash cluster went black and now I have no information like tire pressure, mph, engine oil temp, coolant temp, cruise control,parking sensor alert, ect. I have tried everything to reboot or see if there is loose connections and have come up with nothing. th...”
“ABS and Traction control warning lights are on display. Cruise control and 4x4 will not engage due to this issue. Also causing malfunction while towing a trailer.”
Airbag Occupant Detection & Inflator Defect Reports
- SRS Airbag warning lamp illuminated
- Passenger occupant classification sensor failure
- Seat belt retractor lockup
“Driving down turnpike my truck went up in flames, mopar sent investigator to determine cause of fire at dealership never called me to give me a report they emailed me to badly burnt to determine cause of fire.”
“TL* THE CONTACT WAS A LAWYER CALLING ON BEHALF OF HER CLIENT WHO OWNED A 2015 RAM 3500. THE LAWYER STATED WHILE HER CLIENT WAS HAULING HORSES AT AN UNKNOWN RATE OF SPEED, THE STEERING ROD BROKE UNEXPECTEDLY, CAUSING THE DRIVER TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE DRIVER DROVE D...”
“ANY SPEED OVER 55MPH OR AND SMALL BUMPS LOCKS THE DRIVERS SEAT BELT, NO THER BELT DOES THIS, ONLY THE DRIVER SEAT BELT.”
Fuel Pump Pressure Loss & Fuel Delivery Defect Reports
- Sudden loss of propulsion power at highway speeds
- Extended engine cranking / failure to restart
- Fuel odor near fuel tank / engine bay
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 RAM 3500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE LOST POWER WHILE ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE FROM A STOP. THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT DROVE HOME AND CALLED THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE SENSOR WAS REPLA...”
“I HAVE A NEW 2015/3500 DUALLY, WITH AIR RIDE, ADVERTISED AT 30K TOWING CAPACITY, THE AIR RIDE SYSTEM DOESN'T WORK, IT HAS THE DEATH WOBBLE IN THE FRONT END, THE LIGHTS FLICKER AT NIGHT WHEN IT'S COLD, THE ROOF HAS LEAKED WATER SINCE I TOOK DELIVERY IN THE LAST WEEK OF JULY 201...”
Official NHTSA Safety Recalls (16)
STEERING:LINKAGES:DRAG:LINK:CONNECTION
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.
STEERING:LINKAGES
Summary: Streetcar ORV LLC (Streetcar) is recalling certain American Expedition Vehicles (AEV) 3" Dualsport aftermarket suspension kits, part numbers N0436000 and N0436001, sold for installation on 2013-2018 RAM 2500 and 3500HD trucks. Improper installation and machining of the original equipment steering knuckle may weaken the joint between the steering drag link and knuckle.
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TAILGATE:LATCH
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.
STRUCTURE:BODY:TAILGATE
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 SYSTEM:WIRING
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.
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN:INFLATOR
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:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS
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.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:COLUMN SHIFT
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.
WHEELS
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.
EQUIPMENT
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
AIR BAGS
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.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:DIESEL
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.
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.
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.
STEERING
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.
SEAT BELTS
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.
EQUIPMENT
Summary: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling aftermarket Mopar Canvas Seat Covers for certain 2012-2016 RAM 1500, 2500, and 3500 trucks. These Mopar canvas seat covers were sold through Chrysler dealerships beginning October 15, 2015. The seat covers can impede the deployment of the seat thorax airbags.
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist for 2015 RAM 3500
Before purchasing a used 2015 RAM 3500, perform the following targeted inspections based on reported federal defect patterns:
Scan the OBD-II port under the dash for pending freeze-frame codes (e.g. P0300 misfires, P0087 fuel rail pressure, P0420 catalytic efficiency).
Test vehicle at low-speed stop-and-go and highway merges. Check for delayed reverse engagement or gear shift shudder between 2nd and 3rd gears.
Verify that all 16 NHTSA safety recall campaigns have been performed by an authorized dealership using the VIN.
Ensure the instrument cluster, center screen, and auxiliary charging ports operate with stable 12.0V–14.4V alternator voltage.
Defect & Reliability Q&A: 2015 RAM 3500
Is the 2015 RAM 3500 a reliable used car?
The 2015 RAM 3500 earns a 4.6/10 MazicBay Reliability Index based on 136 federal owner reports. Vehicles maintained under factory service schedules exhibit strong longevity past 150,000 miles.
What is the most frequent defect reported on the 2015 RAM 3500?
The leading complaint category is Engine Stalling, Oil Consumption & Cooling Defect Reports, with a median failure point around 19,150 miles (IQR: 9,750 – 57,475 mi).
Are there free recall repairs available for the 2015 RAM 3500?
Yes, the NHTSA records 16 safety recall campaign(s) for this model year. All safety recalls are performed 100% free of charge by authorized franchise dealerships regardless of vehicle warranty status.