This page covers 8 recalls and 13 owner complaints for the 2015 Ram 5500.
Complaints for the 2015 Ram 5500 center most heavily on the engine and drivetrain. On the engine side, owners report a failure where a nut from the intake air grid heater separates and causes severe internal engine damage, and at least one owner describes discovering advanced rust and deterioration on the oil pan at relatively low mileage. Wheel retention is a recurring concern as well, with owners reporting that rear dual-wheel studs shear off entirely, allowing the wheel assembly to separate from the truck while driving, one owner notes this happened twice on the same vehicle. Powertrain complaints include transmission solenoid faults causing shifting problems and a separate report of a fractured transfer case accompanied by fluid loss and vibration at highway speed.
13
Total Complaints
1
Fire-Related
By System
The 2015 RAM 5500 has 8 recalls, the most serious including a diesel engine water pump that can leak coolant and cause an engine compartment fire, a software vulnerability that allows unauthorized remote control of vehicle systems, and a front upper control arm weld that can compromise suspension stability.
On the drivetrain and chassis side, the column shifter can allow the transmission to be moved without the brake pedal pressed or a key in the ignition, creating a rollaway risk. Wheel studs can break and allow a wheel to separate from the truck if lug nuts are over-tightened due to incorrect torque specs in the owner's manual. Some models equipped with 6.4L Hemi engines are fitted with tires rated for a lower top speed than the engine allows, meaning the tires can fail suddenly if the truck reaches governed speed. There is also a cruise control software issue where the system may maintain or increase speed even when the driver tries to cancel it. Finally, certain vehicles were equipped with Kidde fire extinguishers that may fail to discharge when needed.
At a glance
What can fail
The owner's manual contains incorrect torque specifications for wheel lug nuts. Following these specs can cause over-tightening, which may break wheel studs and lead to wheel separation.
What the fix does
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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 →
Dealers will correct the torque specifications in the owner's manual and service documents, and inspect and replace wheel studs as needed 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 front upper control arm may not be properly welded to the spacer, which could reduce front suspension stability.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and replace affected upper control arms at no charge.
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 truck's engine is programmed to reach 106 mph, but the tires are only rated for 87 mph, creating a mismatch between vehicle capability and tire safety limits.
What the fix does
Dealers will reprogram the engine control software to limit the truck's maximum speed to 87 mph to match the tire rating.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
