2015 RAM 1500 Common Problems & Defect Telemetry
Authoritative defect intelligence synthesized from 1435 verified NHTSA owner complaints, 18 federal safety recalls, and interquartile failure mileage telemetry.
The 2015 RAM 1500 receives a 3.5/10 MazicBay Reliability Index based on 1435 verified NHTSA federal complaints and 18 safety recalls. The primary reported failure mode is Engine Stalling, Oil Consumption & Cooling Defect Reports with a median failure point at 58,000 miles (IQR: 21,500 – 72,000 mi). Out-of-warranty repairs benchmark at $950 – $3,200 .
35 complaints / 10k sold
Verified US federal records
Crash, fire & stall audit
18 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
“I started my Truck to go to a funeral approximately 100 miles from my house and the brake light , abs light and traction control light all came on. thank goodness it did not happen while in motion. after doing significant research I am appalled that this common safety issue ha...”
“The contact owns a 2015 Ram 1500. The contact stated that the fuel system was replaced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V406000 (Fuel System, Diesel); however, after the repair, the vehicle persistently experienced fuel injector leaks and fuel line failures. The contact stated t...”
“On July 2nd, I was actively driving my 2015 Ram 1500 equipped with the 5.7L Hemi V8 gas engine. The vehicle is completely factory-stock with zero aftermarket electronics, wiring modifications, or accessories. While operating the truck, the dashboard instrument cluster suddenly...”
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 Electronic power steering assist keeps going in and out. it will work fine for about three months then it goes out for a month or so. it is very hard to steer and could cause someone to lose control and crash.”
“I started my Truck to go to a funeral approximately 100 miles from my house and the brake light , abs light and traction control light all came on. thank goodness it did not happen while in motion. after doing significant research I am appalled that this common safety issue ha...”
“The ABS, Traction Control, & Trailer Braking system no longer function. The vehicle is still drivable, technically unsafely. Warning lights for these system on all the time. I took vehicle to my local repair shop and was told the ABS Controller Module has failed (code C2200-49...”
Transmission Hesitation, Hard Shifting & Slipping Reports
- Hard gear shifts / delayed engagement into Drive/Reverse
- Transmission shudder / jerking under acceleration
- Transmission slipping between gears
“While driving on the highway with my entire family in the vehicle, truck lost power without warning and what it seems it went into a limp mode. This created an incredibly hazardous situation, exposing my family and the drivers around us to an imminent risk of a high-speed coll...”
“In December 2023 my truck was diagnosed with a faulty Anti-lock brake module. The Ram dealer that diagnosed my truck was unable to source a new anti-lock brake module, but told me, "We're not allowed to tell you this, but it will always have brakes". My anti-lock brakes and tr...”
“ABS communication failure has completely locked the transmission in Park, creating an immediate safety hazard, and that the manufacturer has failed to provide replacement part”
Service Brakes, ABS Actuator & Master Cylinder Reports
- Spongy or hard brake pedal travel
- ABS / Brake warning light illuminated
- Extended stopping distance / pedal vibration
“ABS module failure. Warning lights on dash- ABS lamp (code C2200), traction control lamp, service trailer brake system message, and red brake fault lamp illuminated. Does not go away after vehicle running. Reduced braking feel present. Will not pass state inspection for legal ...”
“Abs module goes out which shuts off abs, traction control, and cruise control, and you can’t get the part anywhere except for third party refurbished. In Pennsylvania I can’t get inspection when red warning brake light is on.”
“ABS module malfunction from known corrosion that all these vehicles have. Then they don’t make the part anymore.”
Electrical Parasitic Drain, Infotainment & Harness Reports
- Unexplained battery drain after sitting overnight
- Infotainment display / instrument cluster blackouts
- Accessory malfunction / alternator fault warnings
“ABS module failure. Warning lights on dash- ABS lamp (code C2200), traction control lamp, service trailer brake system message, and red brake fault lamp illuminated. Does not go away after vehicle running. Reduced braking feel present. Will not pass state inspection for legal ...”
“Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2015 Ram 1500. The contact stated that after purchasing the vehicle, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was purchased at the local independent dealer with an odometer reading of 141,356. Later, after obta...”
“Abs module goes out which shuts off abs, traction control, and cruise control, and you can’t get the part anywhere except for third party refurbished. In Pennsylvania I can’t get inspection when red warning brake light is on.”
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
“The contact owns a 2015 Ram 1500. The contact stated that the fuel system was replaced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V406000 (Fuel System, Diesel); however, after the repair, the vehicle persistently experienced fuel injector leaks and fuel line failures. The contact stated t...”
“Front strap on fuel tank is broken. It is a danger and being held in place by ratchet straps. It is also sagging.”
“I am submitting this complaint to report a serious safety defect involving a high-pressure fuel system failure that occurred shortly after recall service was performed by an authorized dealership. The failure created a significant risk of engine compartment fire and potential ...”
Airbag Occupant Detection & Inflator Defect Reports
- SRS Airbag warning lamp illuminated
- Passenger occupant classification sensor failure
- Seat belt retractor lockup
“Component or system that failed or malfunctioned: The vehicle’s airbag restraint system failed to deploy during a severe single-vehicle crash. This includes the front airbags and any associated crash sensors. The vehicle is currently available for inspection upon request. How ...”
“I was in motor vehicle accident in my 2015 ram 1500 tradesman I was traveling at 60 mph and rear ended a semi trailer that was going 5 mph and the airbags did not deploy there was not lights on the dash to indicate a issue with the airbag system the ram is in a insurance lot f...”
“The contact owns 2015 Ram 1500. The contact stated that after parking another vehicle, the contact exited that vehicle and discovered that the air bag had deployed in this vehicle. No warning light was illuminated. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was inspected by a technic...”
Official NHTSA Safety Recalls (18)
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:DIESEL
Summary: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Ram 1500 and 2014-2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles equipped with 3.0L diesel engines. The crankshaft position sensor tone wheel may delaminate causing the engine to lose its ability to synchronize the fuel injector pulses and cam shaft timing, possibly resulting in an engine stall.
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.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:GAS RECIRCULATION VALVE (EGR VALVE)
Summary: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2019 Ram 1500 and 1500 Classic Pickup trucks equipped with 3.0L Eco Diesel engines. The Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) cooler may crack and allow pre-heated vaporized coolant to enter the EGR system. This mixture may combust inside the intake manifold.
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.
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.
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.
POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY:AXLE SHAFT
Summary: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Ram 1500 trucks manufactured June 17, 2015, to September 28, 2015. The affected vehicles may have been built with rear axles that were incorrectly heat treated.
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW
Summary: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Ram 1500 Quad Cab trucks manufactured August 26, 2013, to August 8, 2015. The affected vehicles are equipped with side air bag inflatable curtains (SABIC) that may not fully overlap the C-pillars in the event of a vehicle crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 226, "Ejection Mitigation."
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY:CABLES
Summary: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Ram 1500 diesel 4x2 trucks manufactured August 8, 2013, to July 2, 2015. The affected vehicles have a battery harness that may rub against the frame bracket for the right engine mount resulting in an electrical short.
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.
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.
STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
Summary: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Ram 1500 trucks manufactured January 22, 2015, to September 13, 2015. Contamination on the Electric Power Steering (EPS) control circuit board may cause a short and result in the loss of power steering assist.
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
Summary: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee, and 2014-2019 Ram 1500 vehicles equipped with 3.0L diesel engines. A high pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failure may introduce internal debris into the fuel system, potentially resulting in fuel starvation.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Summary: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2019 Ram 1500 and 2014-2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles equipped with 3.0L Diesel engines. The crankshaft position sensor tone wheel may delaminate, causing the engine to lose its ability to synchronize the fuel injector pulses and cam shaft timing, possibly resulting in an engine stall.
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist for 2015 RAM 1500
Before purchasing a used 2015 RAM 1500, 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 18 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 1500
Is the 2015 RAM 1500 a reliable used car?
The 2015 RAM 1500 earns a 3.5/10 MazicBay Reliability Index based on 1435 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 1500?
The leading complaint category is Engine Stalling, Oil Consumption & Cooling Defect Reports, with a median failure point around 58,000 miles (IQR: 21,500 – 72,000 mi).
Are there free recall repairs available for the 2015 RAM 1500?
Yes, the NHTSA records 18 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.