
2015 Ram 3500
Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report
Quick Summary
The 2015 Ram 3500 has 205 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 1.1x the segment average of 182. The most common issue is transmission problems (16% of all complaints), specifically: excessive driveline vibration at speeds from 55mph - 70mph.. There are 16 recalls issued for this model year. ⚠️ 10 fire reports filed.
205
Total Complaints
16
Recalls Issued
—/5
Safety Stars
1.1x
vs Segment Avg
Known Problems(top 5 of 8)
TRANSMISSION
32 complaints- • EXCESSIVE DRIVELINE VIBRATION AT SPEEDS FROM 55MPH - 70MPH.
- • THE TRANSMISSION IS SEVERELY LIMITED BY TORQUE MANAGEMENT. IF YOU STEP ON THE GAS PEDAL THE TRUCK BARELY MOVES. IT MOVES AT ITS OWN PACE INSTEAD OF BEING UNDER YOUR CONTROL. THIS CAN CREATES SOME VERY DANGEROUS MERGING SITUATIONS WHERE YOU ARE TRYING TO MERGE WITH TRAFFIC AND THE TRUCK DECIDES IT WO
- • DEAD ACCELERATOR PEDAL. WHEN APPLYING ACCELERATOR THERE IS A PERIOD OF TIME WHEN NOTHING HAPPENS. THIS IS PARTICULARLY CONCERNING AS IT LEAVES THE VEHICLE OCCUPANTS AND THE VEHICLE ESSENTIALLY DEAD AND IN HARMS WAY WHILE TRYING TO MANEUVER IN TRAFFIC, MERGING, TURNING, EMERGENCY AVOIDANCE, ETC.
“EXCESSIVE DRIVELINE VIBRATION AT SPEEDS FROM 55MPH - 70MPH.”
— NHTSA complaint filing
When Problems Appear on the 2015 Ram 3500
Based on 147 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 27K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 0-30K miles range.
TRANSMISSION
ENGINE
STEERING
ELECTRICAL
BRAKES
WHEELS
Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.
Recalls (16)
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.
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.
Estimated Insurance Cost for 2015 Ram 3500
How this estimate is calculated
Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.
Maintenance & Warranty
Recommended Ram 3500 Service Intervals
5.7L HEMI: 8,000 mile oil intervals; EcoDiesel: shorter intervals for DEF and fuel filter. Towing usage requires severe service intervals.
"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.
Ram New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage
These are the terms for a new Ram. If you're buying a used 2015 3500, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Ram dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.
Estimated Repair Costs
Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.
🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Based on 205 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:
- ☐TRANSMISSION: EXCESSIVE DRIVELINE VIBRATION AT SPEEDS FROM 55MPH - 70MPH.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐ENGINE: MOTOR GONE AND DON'T HAVE KNOW REPLACEMENT.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐BRAKES: THIS IS A PARTICULARLY DANGEROUS SITUATION BECAUSE THERE IS NO METHOD TO KNOW, IN ADVANCE, THE FACTORY INTEGRATED TRAILER BRAKE MODULE (ITBM) WILL FAIL TO PROVIDE FULL VOLTAGE TO THE ELECTRIC TRAILER BRAKES I ATTACHED MY 13,000 POUND FIFTH WHEEL TRAILER TO MY TRUCK AND FOLLOWING THE ITBM SETUP STEP
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐STEERING: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 DODGE RAM 3500. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH AND HAULING A TRAILER, THE STEERING WHEEL BEGAN TO TURN INDEPENDENTLY COUNTER CLOCKWISE AND BLOCKED THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER, LOOKED UNDERNEATH, AND NOTICED SOME BOLTS WERE LOOSE FROM THE STEERING CABLE
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐RECALLS: Verify all 16 recalls have been completed — free at any Ram dealer
- ☐General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)
Ram 3500 — Year Comparison
How does 2015 compare to other years? Fewer complaints = more reliable.
NHTSA Safety Rating
No NHTSA safety rating available
At a Glance
- Complaints
- 205
- Recalls
- 16
- Fire reports
- 10
- Crash reports
- 3
- Injury reports
- 4
- Segment avg
- 182
Check a Specific VIN
See recalls for YOUR 2015 Ram 3500