2015 Ram 3500

Routine

Owners filed 136 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the power train. It has been recalled 16 times.

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k

101 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 010,000 miles; the median is 28,000 miles.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Service Brakes24
100
Engine23
030
Power Train17
111
Steering16
100
Electrical System10
000
Wheels9
000
Unknown or Other7
000
Suspension6
000
Air Bags3
000
Wheels › Lugs/Nuts/Bolts/Studs2
000

16 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Air Bags › Side/Window › Curtain › Inflator21V632000
Filed Aug 12, 2021212,373 vehiclesChrysler (fca Us, Llc)

Defect. 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.

Wheels › Lugs/Nuts/Bolts/Studs21V398000
Filed May 27, 2021447,985 vehiclesChrysler (fca Us, Llc)

Defect. 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.

Latches/Locks/Linkages › Tailgate › Latch19V347000
Filed May 9, 20191,103,209 vehiclesChrysler (fca Us Llc)

Defect. 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.

Steering › Linkages › Drag › Link › Connection19V021000
Filed Jan 25, 2019795,575 vehiclesChrysler (fca Us Llc)

Defect. 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.

Risk. A drag link separation can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of crash.

Remedy. 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.

Steering › Linkages18E096000
Filed Oct 16, 2018847 vehiclesStreetcar Orv Llc

Defect. 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.

Risk. The weakened connection may result in a fractured steering drag link, causing a loss of steering and increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy. Streetcar will notify owners and dealers will inspect and install a new steering knuckle, free of charge. The recall began December 3, 2018. Owners may contact AEV customer service at 1-248-926-0256, extension 500.

Latches/Locks/Linkages › Tailgate › Latch18V486000
Filed Jul 27, 20181,149,223 vehiclesChrysler (fca Us Llc)

Defect. 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.

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.

Remedy. 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.

Electrical System › Software18V332000
Filed May 17, 20184,815,661 vehiclesChrysler (fca Us Llc)

Defect. 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.

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.

Remedy. 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.

Equipment17V824000
Filed Dec 21, 201761,791 vehiclesChrysler (fca Us Llc)

Defect. 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

Risk. If the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury in the event of a fire.

Remedy. 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.

Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Lever and Linkage › Column Shift17V821000
Filed Dec 20, 20171,482,874 vehiclesChrysler (fca Us Llc)

Defect. 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.

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Diesel17V562000
Filed Sep 12, 2017443,874 vehiclesChrysler (fca Us Llc)

Defect. 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.

Risk. The leaking water pump can increase the risk of an engine compartment fire.

Remedy. 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.

Showing 10 of 16 campaigns, newest first.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Steering
Filed Jun 5, 2026193,000 milesTX

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 repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V021000 (Steering); and believed that the welding that was performed in the recall repair had directly caused the current failure. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer, where the technicians diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the previous recall repair made it impossible to perform a proper wheel alignment. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 193,000.

Electrical System
Filed Mar 4, 202650,000 milesFL

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 contact was able to continue driving, but the vehicle failed to exceed 5 MPH. Upon arriving to the residence, the vehicle was scanned, and it was determined that the turbo charger actuator had failed and needed to be replaced. The contact purchased an aftermarket part and repaired the vehicle. The dealer was not contacted. The contact later became aware that the failure was related to Chrysler Extended Warranty Coverage Number: X99; however, the contact had not received a notification from the manufacturer. The contact requested reimbursement from the manufacturer; however, the reimbursement was denied because the vehicle was not repaired by a dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.

Service Brakes
Filed Mar 4, 2026OR

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 i cant get it fixed it may possibly cause the brakes or steering assistance to fail.

Service Brakes
Filed Mar 4, 2026CA

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. This is a safety hazard in stop and go driving. There are many complaints about this same problem in the Ram Forumz. Ram should be able to do a software update to fix the problem. One of the posts in the forum stated that Ram has the software update available but will charge a lot of money for it. This is a safety issue and these trucks should be recalled to fix the problem.

Steering
Filed Feb 17, 2026CT

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 alignment can not be preformed. There is no longer adjustment available due to the welded nut. The only way to properly fix this is to replace the track bar. I have had many communications with ram (stellantis) and they refuse to remedy this as they tell me they have complied with the NTSB’s resolution.

Service Brakes
Filed May 2, 2025TN

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 [XXX] my wife and I took the truck out for a drive and both front brakes began dragging and heated up. I had to be towed 40+ miles back home. Two of my neighbors can verify I've had issues with the brakes on multiple occasions for several years now. I've had to limp the truck home on several occasions while in town and in Feb. 2025 it put my wife and I in what a consider a dangerous situation by stranding us on the side of the highway. I don't remember any warning lamps coming on but I did a scan after I got the truck back home. B170-15, B210A-16, B222C, B2861-15, P2509 & P2560 were present. I used my scanner to delete the codes and reset the EMC but am a bit hesitant to take the truck out on the road. Note: The truck has experienced a weird and harsh vibration on back of truck as well. I stop, shut engine off - do a walk around but haven't been able to pinpoint anything. Crank engine back up and problem has seemingly resolved itself. I think it's possibly a brake issue as well. At present this truck has less than 11,000 miles on it. Yes, LOL, less than 11,000 miles. Calipers and pads are in excellent functioning order. Fluid is easily pushed back into reservoir with no restrictions and no apparent degradation of f

Electrical System
Filed Dec 15, 2024NV

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. this could be a hazard.

Wheels › Lugs/Nuts/Bolts/Studs
Filed Nov 6, 2024166,000 milesIL

The contact owns a 2015 Ram 3500. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the steering started shuddering and the vehicle made an abnormal popping sound. The contact then noticed that the front driver's side wheel was wobbling. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and inspected the wheel. The contact noticed that two of the wheel studs of the front driver's side wheel had fractured. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously taken to the dealer to be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V398000 (Wheels); however, the dealer informed the contact that the wheel studs did not need to be replaced. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was no longer included in the recall because the recall had been marked completed. The vehicle was not repaired and remained on the side of the road. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 166,000.

Engine
Filed Nov 1, 2024NC

I am filing this report to highlight ongoing safety and warranty issues with my 2015 Dodge Ram 3500, which is severely impacted by Recall 67A. This recall was intended to address emissions tampering, involving significant obligations for Stellantis/Cummins Inc. under the emissions extended warranty, termed the "Special Extended Warranty." Since the completion of the recall in January 2024, my vehicle has been inoperable for a total of 148 days due to significant defects. The vehicle has required six service visits to address these issues, with the most recent visit occurring on October 31, 2024, when it was towed back to the dealership. Throughout this process, I have encountered a lack of effective communication from both Cummins and FCA, and my attempts to resolve these issues were largely ignored until I escalated the matter to federal authorities, including Randall Stone from the U.S. DOJ. The ongoing failure to address these defects has not only violated warranty obligations but also poses a risk to safety, as the vehicle remains inoperable. Impact of the Problem: The inability to use my vehicle has caused considerable disruption to my daily life, preventing me from performing essential tasks, including towing a camper and transporting heavy items. This situation has also led to significant emotional distress, given the prolonged nature of the issues and the lack of adequate responses from the manufacturer. Action Requested: I seek the NHTSA's assistance in investigating

Service Brakes
Filed Sep 10, 2024TX

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.

Wheels
Filed Jun 26, 2024183,901 milesCO

The contact owns a 2015 Ram 3500. The contact stated while driving 35-40 MPH, the vehicle started wiggling and wobbling abnormally. The contact was able to pull to the side of the road, where he noticed that the outer rear wheel had separated from the vehicle. Additionally, the contact noticed that the inner rear wheel had separated and pinched the axle, causing the wheel to support the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where an assessment was made. The dealer determined that the wheel studs needed be replaced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V398000 (Wheels); however, the wheel replacement was not covered. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 183,901.

Power Train
Filed Feb 28, 2024PA

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 January 2024 and took the vehicle, the notification, and the receipt for the repair to the dealer to be reimbursed. The contact stated the manufacturer was made aware of the issue however, the contact was not reimbursed for the repair. The failure mileage was unknown.

Trailer Hitches
Filed Feb 2, 202437,000 milesSC

The contact owns a 2015 Ram 3500. The contact stated that the gooseneck ball hitch failed to remain secured. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to dealer. The dealer confirmed the failure with the gooseneck ball hitch was related to the recall but did not replace the gooseneck ball hitch. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 18E028000 (Trailer Hitches) as a possible solution however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 37,000.

Unknown or Other
Filed Nov 21, 2023NC

Backing up 11/20/23 in our driveway, the tailgate fell down, shut it and it occurred 2 more times before it could be re-parked.

Service Brakes
Filed Oct 30, 2023FL

ABS Module / HCU (Hydraulic Control Unit Failure) causing abs MIL on. Fault code C0020

Power Train
Filed Oct 27, 2023112,000 milesCO

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, after the repair was performed, the gear shifter detached while the contact was shifting into gear. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V821000 (Power Train); however, the failure occurred. The failure mileage was approximately 112,000.

Wheels
Filed Dec 30, 2022110,000 milesMT

The contact owns a 2015 Ram 3500. The contact stated while driving at approximately 30 MPH, the driver's front and driver's side rear wheels detached from the vehicle. The contact became aware of nine broken wheel studs. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact referenced the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V398000 (Wheels) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The contact made a local dealer aware of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the wheel studs and lug nuts needed to be replaced. The vehicle remained with the independent mechanic awaiting parts for the repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 110,000.

Service Brakes
Filed Dec 17, 2022WA

ABS Module failed and is not reading rear wheel speed. Shop isolated issue to ABS module, and hydraulic control unit. Four safety components are no longer working as a result: ABS braking, traction control, 4wd, and rear back up sensors. This appears to be a common issue with Rams HD trucks as the parts are on back order causing me to drive my vehicle with no safety features.

Structure › BodyFire
Filed Dec 5, 2022PA

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.

Service Brakes
Filed Jul 6, 2022MI

After I brought my truck in for recall Y26 they inspected the studs and said they were fine (not stretched which is what the recall is for). I took a trip and put 6,700 after the inspection and the dealer re-torqued the wheels. When I got back there seemed to be something wrong with the brakes and so I brought it back to the same dealer that inspected it before and verified the studs were not stretched, now found that the pads and rotors were damaged and the studs were studs now stretched. No problem before the recall but after the recall and new torque for the wheels the studs are stretched. Dodge said they will pay for the studs to be replaced but not the brakes. The brakes were fine before. If it were just the pads I would understand that this could be normal wear but the rotors being destroyed only on the wheels that now had stretched studs does not make any sense and given that it was inspected beforehand and only after the new torque did the studs stretch and damage the rotors it seems like they may not be fixing the issue that the recall was originally issued for, in fact, they may have made the problem worse. The representative from Dodge said they have not had any other complaints so the brake damage must not have been caused by the stretched studs.

20 of 136 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2018
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
202626400Routine
202542500Routine
202443210Routine
202317500Routine
20221891250Routine
202162940Routine
20201161170Routine
20191341450Routine
20187991121Fatalities reported
20173101310Above average
20161341650Routine
2015 — this page1361650Routine
20142021770Above average
20131141871Fatalities reported
20093200Do not drive
20084100Routine
20076100Routine

Compare every 3500 year →

Reading this record

No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Aug 12, 2021. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.