2015 RAM 2500 Common Problems & Defect Telemetry
Authoritative defect intelligence synthesized from 214 verified NHTSA owner complaints, 15 federal safety recalls, and interquartile failure mileage telemetry.
The 2015 RAM 2500 receives a 5/10 MazicBay Reliability Index based on 214 verified NHTSA federal complaints and 15 safety recalls. The primary reported failure mode is Electric Power Steering Assist & Suspension Noise Reports with a median failure point at 40,000 miles (IQR: 40,000 – 40,000 mi). Out-of-warranty repairs benchmark at $450 – $1,400 .
17.8 complaints / 10k sold
Verified US federal records
Crash, fire & stall audit
15 Active / Free Remedies
2015 2500 Failure Distribution by Vehicle Subsystem
Top Reported Problem Clusters (7)
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
“Gas cap light come on took to a mechanic they dropped gas tank and found the rollover valve is cracked and not working Ram does not want to take any responsibility for poor engineering for making it”
“Airbag light triggered and message center says service airbags system. Horn does not work and all steering wheel controls do not work. Traced to bad clock spring in steering wheel. Will not pass inspection. Self diagnosed. Warning light always on and message center says servic...”
“The contact owns a 2015 Ram 2500. The contact stated that the vehicle was initially repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V021000 (Steering) at a local dealer; however, after the recall repair was performed, the vehicle was unable to receive a front alignment. The contact re...”
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
“Gas cap light come on took to a mechanic they dropped gas tank and found the rollover valve is cracked and not working Ram does not want to take any responsibility for poor engineering for making it”
“On two separate occasions, once in 2025 and again in July 2026, while pulling a travel trailer an emissions control fault in the EGR system caused the Cummins turbo diesel engine in the truck to lose power. At this reduced power, highway speeds could not be maintained, and eve...”
“Mopar has discontinued parts for many Ram vehicles with a 6.4L Hemi motor including the exhaust manifolds. My exhaust manifold is currently cracked and has an audible leak. Exhaust enters the cab of the vehicle when starting, idling, or reversing. They have no indication of pr...”
Transmission Hesitation, Hard Shifting & Slipping Reports
- Hard gear shifts / delayed engagement into Drive/Reverse
- Transmission shudder / jerking under acceleration
- Transmission slipping between gears
“Transmission stopped working temporarily after towing a trailer up a long hill, engine simply revved when i tried to accelerate at the very top just prior to descending the other side, after stopping for 3-4 minutes the transmission began to work again. Truck is available for ...”
“MANUFACTURER VIOLATION OF FEDERAL TREAD ACT REIMBURSEMENT REQUIREMENTS Vehicle experienced ABS hydraulic control unit failure in September 2022 with warning lights and transmission shifting problems. Repairs cost $5651 addressing brake system hydraulic control unit defects. In...”
“Complete engine failure at about 175000 miles, also transmission failure at about 125000 miles”
Service Brakes, ABS Actuator & Master Cylinder Reports
- Spongy or hard brake pedal travel
- ABS / Brake warning light illuminated
- Extended stopping distance / pedal vibration
“While driving down highway 65 mph, abs system activated causing right rear brakes to activate causing vehicle to activate steering control making truck head towards on coming traffic before able to control vehicle to shoulder of roadway. Would like to know if, when, and who an...”
“MANUFACTURER VIOLATION OF FEDERAL TREAD ACT REIMBURSEMENT REQUIREMENTS Vehicle experienced ABS hydraulic control unit failure in September 2022 with warning lights and transmission shifting problems. Repairs cost $5651 addressing brake system hydraulic control unit defects. In...”
“The contact owns a 2015 Ram 2500. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, driving, or attempting to depress the brake pedal, the integrated trailer brake control failed to respond as intended while the trailer was hitched to the vehicle. The contact stated that an ind...”
Electrical Parasitic Drain, Infotainment & Harness Reports
- Unexplained battery drain after sitting overnight
- Infotainment display / instrument cluster blackouts
- Accessory malfunction / alternator fault warnings
“Airbag light triggered and message center says service airbags system. Horn does not work and all steering wheel controls do not work. Traced to bad clock spring in steering wheel. Will not pass inspection. Self diagnosed. Warning light always on and message center says servic...”
“While driving down highway 65 mph, abs system activated causing right rear brakes to activate causing vehicle to activate steering control making truck head towards on coming traffic before able to control vehicle to shoulder of roadway. Would like to know if, when, and who an...”
“MANUFACTURER VIOLATION OF FEDERAL TREAD ACT REIMBURSEMENT REQUIREMENTS Vehicle experienced ABS hydraulic control unit failure in September 2022 with warning lights and transmission shifting problems. Repairs cost $5651 addressing brake system hydraulic control unit defects. In...”
Airbag Occupant Detection & Inflator Defect Reports
- SRS Airbag warning lamp illuminated
- Passenger occupant classification sensor failure
- Seat belt retractor lockup
“Airbag light triggered and message center says service airbags system. Horn does not work and all steering wheel controls do not work. Traced to bad clock spring in steering wheel. Will not pass inspection. Self diagnosed. Warning light always on and message center says servic...”
“side impact collision and the side airbags did not deploy. i had a broken hand from the impact of hitting the door/window due to the force of the impact. The other drive ran a stop sign and hit me at approximately 45-50 MPH. Uploaded pictures show the damage to my truck, with ...”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 DODGE RAM 2500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ANOTHER VEHICLE RAN A STOP SIGN AND HE CRASHED INTO THE VEHICLE ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR AT 35 MPH. THE CONTACT HAD TWO FRACTURED RIBS, HIS LEFT ELBOW WAS INJURED AND HIS LOWER BACK. THE OTHER DRIVER HAD TO B...”
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 high pressure fuel pump is disintegrating. It has been recalled in newer dodge rams But has not been recalled 4 2015 even though it is very similar and made of the same material. This has been confirmed with the dodge dealership as this is where it sits, so it is available...”
“The first time I started to have issue was rear ABS sensor started going in and out got repaired and they said the wires going down the frame rail are getting pinched by the fuel tank in the frame rail then my backup camera went and same issue I was told by dealer and now my d...”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 RAM 2500. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V021000 (STEERING) AND THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AT CARL HOGAN CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM (2335 US-45, COLUMBUS, MS 39705). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE RECALL REPAIR CAUSED DAMAGE T...”
Official NHTSA Safety Recalls (15)
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist for 2015 RAM 2500
Before purchasing a used 2015 RAM 2500, 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 15 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 2500
Is the 2015 RAM 2500 a reliable used car?
The 2015 RAM 2500 earns a 5/10 MazicBay Reliability Index based on 214 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 2500?
The leading complaint category is Electric Power Steering Assist & Suspension Noise Reports, with a median failure point around 40,000 miles (IQR: 40,000 – 40,000 mi).
Are there free recall repairs available for the 2015 RAM 2500?
Yes, the NHTSA records 15 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.