NHTSA (USA)Critical
At a glance
This page covers 16 recalls, 211 owner complaints and NHTSA crash-test ratings for the 2015 Ram 2500.
4/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
The 2015 Ram 2500 draws its heaviest complaint volume from the steering system, powertrain, and engine. Steering complaints center on a failing clock spring, with owners reporting that the airbag warning light illuminates at startup, the horn stops working, and steering wheel controls, audio, cruise, and others, go unresponsive. Powertrain complaints describe transmission behavior ranging from delayed or rough shifting to a temporary loss of drive under load, particularly after towing on steep grades. Engine reports include cracked exhaust manifolds on the 6.4L Hemi, with owners describing an audible exhaust leak and exhaust smell entering the cab during cold starts, idle, and reverse. A smaller number of owners report unexpected ABS activation at highway speeds, with the system engaging the rear brakes in situations where no wheel slip appeared to be present.
211
Total Complaints
13
Crash-Related
3
Fire-Related
8
With Injuries
By System
The 2015 RAM 2500 has 16 recalls, the most serious involving a steering drag link that can fracture or separate, a front track bar bracket that can break away from the frame, and a software vulnerability that allows remote unauthorized control of vehicle systems.
Several recalls involve steering and control: a loose jam nut on the outboard steering linkage can let the drag link separate and cause a loss of steering, and on trucks fitted with certain AEV aftermarket suspension kits, the connection between the drag link and steering knuckle can weaken and fracture. A separate issue lets the transmission shift without pressing the brake pedal or inserting a key, creating a rollaway risk. A cruise control software defect can also prevent the vehicle from slowing down when the driver tries to cancel it.
On the safety systems side, side impact sensors calibrated too sensitively can trigger airbags and seatbelt pretensioners without a crash, and a curtain airbag inflator can rupture or shed its end cap into the cabin. Certain Mopar canvas seat covers can block thorax airbag deployment, and off-road driving or road debris can trip the roll rate sensor and disable the curtain airbags and pretensioners entirely.
Trucks with power locking tailgates have a recurring latch defect where the tailgate can swing open while driving and spill cargo. On diesel models, a water pump without a vent hole can leak coolant and raise the risk of an engine fire. Trucks modified with AEV cast aluminum wheels may have wheels that fracture under load and cause sudden air loss.
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 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
On certain trucks with power locking tailgates, the tailgate may unlock and open while driving, potentially allowing unsecured cargo to fall onto the road.
What the fix does
Owners will receive a letter instructing them to visit a dealer, where the tailgate locking mechanism will be modified.
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 nut securing the outboard steering linkage may loosen, causing the drag link to separate from one end.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the steering linkage nut tightness and either replace the drag link assembly or weld the nut to the adjuster sleeve.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The suspension kit's installation or machining may weaken the connection between the steering drag link and the steering knuckle.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and replace the steering knuckle at no cost.
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
The water pump may leak coolant because it lacks a vent hole, potentially causing engine overheating.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the water pump at no cost to restore proper cooling system function.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The cast aluminum Katla 8.5" road wheels on your truck's outer surface may crack, causing the tire to lose air rapidly.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace your wheels with new wheels of similar value at no charge.
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 welds holding the front track bar frame brackets may be inadequate, allowing the bracket to separate from the frame.
What the fix does
Dealers will weld on a new track bar frame bracket or replace the frame at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Mopar canvas seat covers sold for 2012-2016 RAM trucks can block the side airbags in the seat from deploying properly during a crash.
What the fix does
Remove the front seat covers and return them to a Chrysler dealership for a full refund.
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.
