NHTSA (USA)Critical
At a glance
This page covers 19 recalls, 1409 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2015 Ram 1500.
15–22 mpg combined
10.7–15.7 L/100km
Standard Pickup Trucks 4WD
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 5 tested variants for this model year.
4/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
Steering dominates the complaint picture for the 2015 Ram 1500, with electric power steering failure being the most widely reported issue by a significant margin. Owners frequently describe the steering assist cutting out unexpectedly, sometimes right at startup, sometimes while already moving, and then returning intermittently before failing again. The unpredictable cycling between stiff and normal steering is a recurring theme across many reports. Engine complaints come in second, with exhaust manifold problems mentioned across multiple reports, including warping and soot buildup. Powertrain issues round out the top three, covering a range of drivetrain and transmission concerns. A smaller number of owners also report brake feel degrading suddenly, spongy pedal with reduced stopping response, with the anti-lock brake module cited as the cause in at least some cases where a shop confirmed the diagnosis.
1,409
Total Complaints
79
Crash-Related
57
Fire-Related
40
With Injuries
By System
The 2015 RAM 1500 has 19 recalls, the most serious being a fire risk on 3.0L diesel models where a cracked EGR cooler can allow coolant vapor to combust inside the intake manifold, and a separate fire risk from a battery harness that can short against the frame on diesel 4x2 trucks.
Several other recalls affect diesel-equipped trucks: a crankshaft sensor component can delaminate and cause the engine to stall without warning, and a high-pressure fuel pump can shed debris into the fuel system and cut power while driving. On the occupant safety side, side impact sensors may be calibrated too sensitively and fire the curtain airbags, seat airbags, and seatbelt pretensioners without a crash, while a separate issue can cause curtain airbags on Quad Cab models to not fully cover the rear side windows in a crash. A software vulnerability in the infotainment system can allow unauthorized remote access to vehicle controls, and a cruise control software fault can prevent the driver from canceling speed. The column shifter can be moved out of park without pressing the brake or using the key, creating a rollaway risk. Rear axle shafts on some trucks may fracture and cause a wheel to separate. Two recalls cover the power locking tailgate, which can swing open while driving and drop cargo into traffic. Electric power steering can cut out suddenly, requiring noticeably more effort to steer. A faulty roll rate sensor can disable the rollover curtain airbags and pretensioners. Vehicles equipped with a Kid
At a glance
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Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 6 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
What can fail
The crankshaft position sensor tone wheel may separate into layers, causing the engine to lose synchronization of fuel injector timing and camshaft operation, which can result in engine stall.
What the fix does
Dealers will reprogram the powertrain control module software to restore proper engine operation at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The high pressure fuel pump can fail and release debris into the fuel system, which may block fuel flow and cause the engine to stall.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the fuel pump and inspect and replace other fuel system parts if needed, at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The side air bag inflatable curtain inflator may have a detached end cap or a ruptured sidewall, potentially preventing proper air bag deployment.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and replace the side air bag inflatable curtain assemblies at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The crankshaft position sensor tone wheel may separate into layers, causing the engine to lose synchronization between fuel injector timing and camshaft timing, which can result in engine stall.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the engine control software to read the camshaft position signal if the crankshaft position signal is lost, maintaining engine operation.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The EGR cooler can crack, allowing hot vaporized coolant to enter the EGR system. This mixture may ignite inside the intake manifold.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the EGR cooler and inspect the intake manifold, replacing it if needed. Both services are free.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The tailgate actuator limiter tab may fracture, causing the power locking tailgate to unlatch and open while the truck is driving.
What the fix does
Dealers will repair the tailgate latch at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The tailgate actuator limiter tab can fracture, causing the power locking tailgate to unlatch and open while the truck is moving.
What the fix does
Dealers will repair the tailgate actuator limiter tab at no charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A wiring short circuit can prevent cruise control from disengaging. When engaged, you may not be able to turn it off by braking or using manual controls, causing the vehicle to maintain speed or accelerate unexpectedly.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the engine or powertrain control module software at no cost to fix the cruise control disengagement issue.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The fire extinguisher may clog and fail to spray, or require excessive force to use. In some models, the nozzle may separate from the valve assembly with enough force to cause injury and make the extinguisher unusable.
What the fix does
Chrysler will provide a replacement fire extinguisher at no cost. Contact Kidde or Chrysler to arrange the replacement.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Holding the brake pedal down for extended periods while parked may cause the Brake Transmission Shift Interlock pin to stick open, allowing the transmission to shift out of Park without pressing the brake or turning on the ignition.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the software, inspect the Brake Transmission Shift Interlock, and replace it if needed, at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Off-road driving or debris impact may cause the roll rate sensor to trigger a fault in the restraint controller, disabling the rollover side curtain airbags and seat belt pretensioners.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the restraint controller software at no cost to restore airbag and pretensioner function.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The steering assist control board may have manufacturing contamination, causing power steering to suddenly stop working during driving. The steering will still work but require much more effort from the driver.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the power steering rack and pinion assembly.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Contamination on the Electric Power Steering control circuit board may cause an electrical short, resulting in loss of power steering assist.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the Electric Power Steering unit at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Some rear axle shafts were improperly heat treated during manufacturing, causing heat buildup that damages nearby wiring, triggers the ABS warning light, and produces noise. Left uncorrected, the shaft could break and cause wheel separation.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect rear axle shafts and replace the axle assembly if needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The rear axle may have been improperly heat treated during manufacturing, which can weaken the axle.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect your rear axle and replace the axle assembly if needed, at no charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The side air bag curtains may not fully cover the C-pillars during a crash, reducing protection from ejection.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the side air bag curtains, install a foil patch on the headliner, and replace the curtains if needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The battery harness may rub against the right engine mount bracket, causing an electrical short.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the battery harness routing and replace any harness showing wear.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The radio software has security weaknesses that could let unauthorized people access some vehicle control systems through a network connection.
What the fix does
A software update will be installed via USB drive (mailed free, downloadable, or installed at a dealer) to close the security vulnerability.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The side impact sensors are overly sensitive, which can cause the side air bag curtains, seat air bags, and seat belt pre-tensioners to deploy unexpectedly.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the Occupant Restraint Control module calibration to correct the sensor sensitivity.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
