Tl* the contact owns a 2015 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that while sitting idle and the brake depressed when the vehicle suddenly accelerated forward. The vehicle crashed into the rear of the vehicle in front. The contact stated that they had to turn the vehicle off in order to stop the vehicle from accelerating. The air bags did not deploy. A police report was filed. The driver in the…
2015 RAM 1500 cruise control problems
severe 45 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $600 · see cruise control across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
45
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$600
2crashes
1injury
When does it fail?
Of the 45 cruise control complaints filed for the 2015 RAM 1500, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Owners have filed 45 cruise control complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Among the 10 model years of RAM 1500 in our records for cruise control problems, this one ranks #2 by owner-complaint volume.
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: Buyers should avoid 2015 Ram 1500s with EcoDiesel engines due to recurrent accelerator pedal failures, dangerous post-emissions-update lag, and widespread ABS module failures with no available parts. These trucks have documented safety hazards involving uncontrolled acceleration and loss of power control that dealers cannot consistently fix.
The 2015 Ram 1500 cluster shows multiple overlapping safety failures in throttle control, power delivery, and braking systems.
Accelerator pedal sticking is the most frequently reported issue. Owners describe the pedal sinking to the floor or remaining depressed even when their foot is off it, causing sudden uncontrolled acceleration to 72–90+ mph. One owner with four children experienced three separate incidents over weeks; another reports a dozen occurrences over 18 months. Owners say lifting the pedal manually with their toe is the only reliable way to regain control. Dealership repairs—accelerator sensor, throttle body, and pedal replacement—consistently fail to prevent recurrence.
Emissions recall updates (V08 recall, AEM reflash) trigger severe acceleration lag. Owners report 3–10 second delays between pressing the pedal and vehicle response, worst on cold starts. This lag persists even after warm-up and creates dangerous situations when merging or passing. Twelve separate complaints cite this post-recall lag; manufacturers acknowledge the problem but offer no fix.
ABS module failures disable anti-lock braking, traction control, and cruise control simultaneously. Factory replacement parts (68228991-AD, 68228991-AB) are on indefinite backorder across dealerships despite being on backorder for over a year in some cases. Owners in wet or winter conditions face significant skidding risk.
Electronic Throttle Control failures cause complete loss of throttle function at highway speeds, requiring emergency vehicle control. Loss-of-power incidents during limp mode or boost-related failures put traffic at risk. Dealership diagnostics frequently find no codes or identify parts that, once replaced, fail again within days.
Same RAM 1500 cruise control reports on nearby years: 2013 · 2014 · 2016 · 2017 · 2018
Failure modes owners describe
Stuck or unresponsive accelerator pedal
Accelerator pedal sinks to floor or stays depressed without driver input, causing sudden uncontrolled acceleration. Owners report pedal remaining stuck even when foot removed, vehicle racing to 72–90+ mph. Manual lifting of pedal required to stop acceleration. Electronic Throttle Control warning light often appears.
When: Multiple incidents reported; #1 owner experienced three occurrences (7/7/17, 7/16/17, 8/15/17) over weeks; #4 reports dozen times over 18 months; #20 reports three separate incidents; #24 first incident at 850 miles, repeated a month later; #25 at 1250 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Accelerator pedal sinks to floor or sticks in depressed position; Vehicle accelerates without driver input or foot on pedal; Rapid uncontrolled acceleration (60–90+ mph); Electronic Throttle Control warning light illuminates (red thunderbolt icon); Pedal must be manually lifted with toe to stop acceleration; Braking provides only slight slowdown; lifting pedal is only reliable stop; Tire squealing and vehicle tilting during acceleration
Codes mentioned: Electronic Throttle Control error
Repairs/costs cited: #1 accelerator sensor replaced after first incident (ineffective); #4 throttle body replaced with no improvement; #22 throttle body and accelerator pedal replaced; #24 pedal and Electronic Throttle Control replaced
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealerships unable to duplicate; one requested owner provide video while driving; #2 case opened with Chrysler (case #59112985) with promise to 'look into it' but no resolution; most incidents not under warranty at time of complaint
Limp mode / severe power loss (EcoDiesel engines)
Vehicle involuntarily downshifts and loses power, limiting speed to 20–25 mph regardless of accelerator input. Electronic Throttle warning light activates. Occurs in highway traffic creating hazardous situations. Multiple dealership visits and part replacements fail to resolve.
When: #2 five occurrences from January–March 2016 on highway and surface streets; incidents clustered within weeks despite repairs
Symptoms owners cite: Involuntary downshift to 20–25 mph without warning; Vehicle loses power; cannot maintain highway speed; Electronic Throttle warning light on dashboard; No driver control over speed reduction; Occurs at various speeds and conditions
Codes mentioned: Voltage code 18-19-04-EH, P0299 (Under Boost)
Repairs/costs cited: #2 PCM software update (ineffective); boost sensor (68211211AA) replaced; fuel injectors replaced (all); defective injector replaced; loud noise heard after injector replacement. #34 P0299 code cleared by dealership with notation 'software issue, no fix available'
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: #2 Chrysler case representative offered one month payment reimbursement for loss of use; owner declined pending permanent fix. Chrysler and dealership declined vehicle replacement request. #34 dealership advised software issue with no fix
Acceleration lag and hesitation (post-emissions recall)
After V08 emissions software update or AEM reflash, vehicle exhibits severe delay (3–5 seconds, sometimes up to 10 seconds) in throttle response, particularly on cold start or hard acceleration. Creates dangerous merging and passing situations. Lag persists even after engine warm-up but improves slightly. No diagnostic codes generated.
When: #5 day after July 2 recall update; #8 August emissions software install; #11 after recent emissions recall; #13 two weeks after V08 recall, extreme cold-start lag on next morning; #14 June 2019 emissions update; #16 after approved emissions modification; #21 after initial emissions update, second visit required for emissions sensor damage; #26 after emissions recall; #28 after emissions recall; #31 May 2019 V08 recall; #33 after FCA settlement emissions adjustment; #35 after V08 recall; #38 after software update; #45 after FCA reflash
Symptoms owners cite: 3–10 second delay from pressing accelerator to vehicle responding; Worst on cold engine start (below 150°F), improves after warm-up to ~200°F (takes ~15 min); Occurs at stops, traffic lights, highway merges, passing situations, turns; Loss of 25% overall performance; Vehicle stalls or hesitates before moving; Hard acceleration (pedal floored) may fail on uphills; Unpredictable throttle response; driver cannot rely on pedal input; Rear-end accident risk when merging
Repairs/costs cited: #5 FCA case opened but no fix available; dealership suggested aftermarket pedal commander (may void extended warranty); #11 dealer suggested pedal commander or wait for FCA update; #13 no codes generated to aid diagnostics; #16 uphill acceleration failure; #21 emissions sensors damaged by first update, second visit required; #26 5–10 second delay on stops and merges; #28 3–4 second lag especially bad in turns; #31 'dead pedal' sensation, counts to 3 before movement; #38 3–5 second delay
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: #5 FCA case #59112985 opened; told to contact dealer; dealer stated nothing can be done; #8 FCA aware of problem but states no fix available, denied loaner and replacement vehicle (claimed 'as designed'), owner in arbitration and plans lawsuit; #11 dealer offered pedal commander workaround (may void warranty); #13 dealer acknowledged something wrong but no fix (no codes); #14 manufacturer closed case, stated vehicle operating as intended; #16 owner states would not have purchased if aware; #21 second emissions update required to fix sensors; #26 described as safety hazard; #31 multiple forum reports of same issue; #38 acknowledged as normal post-update issue
ABS control module failure
Anti-Lock Braking System control module fails, disabling ABS, electronic stability control, traction control, and cruise control. Brake warning lights, ABS lights, and emergency brake lights illuminate. Owners report inability to drive safely, especially in wet or winter conditions. Factory replacement parts on indefinite backorder with no delivery date.
When: #6 no mileage stated; vehicle only 54,000 miles at time of failure; #10 ongoing problem for over 2 years per dealer; #19 failure type not dated; #23 initially identified May 2024, parts still unavailable months later; #37 failure over a year ago, parts remain backorder; #40 no date provided; #42 over a year in engineering review; #44 no date provided
Symptoms owners cite: Warning lights: ABS, brake system, emergency brake, traction control on dashboard; Cruise control non-functional; Electronic stability control inoperative; Anti-lock braking system disabled; Traction control disabled; Increased skidding and accident risk in rain or winter conditions; Brakes may lock or fail to function properly
Codes mentioned: C2200
Repairs/costs cited: #6 ABS module and ABS pump require replacement; parts and labor estimated ~$1615 with likelihood of increase; no warranty coverage; #10 ABS module replaced, part # 68228991-AD (replaced 68228991-AB); #19 new repair parts not available from dealers or repair shops; #23 part 68228991AB required; Stellantis instructed all dealers and parts suppliers to return all new versions of part; #37 factory replacement parts unavailable, on backorder indefinitely; #40 parts on backorder, no known availability; #42 part 68228991AD; parts in engineering review over a year with monthly calls yielding 'next month' responses; #44 part 68228991AD should be recalled as safety concern
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: #6 FCA did not respond to warranty inquiry; dealer stated no warranty coverage; #10 dealer confirmed ongoing problem for 2+ years, no recall action; #19 owners report locked brakes on some vehicles preventing any driving; #23 parts unavailable, RAM/Stellantis directed return of new inventory, monthly follow-ups yield no ETA; #37 no manufacturer response; #40 dealer states parts on backorder, unknown ETA; #42 parts stuck in engineering review 1+ year despite safety reports; #44 implied lack of recall despite safety concern
Vehicle acceleration without driver input
Vehicle accelerates involuntarily while stationary or at low speed without driver pressing accelerator pedal. Occurs when shifted into Drive or Reverse, or while parked with engine running. Can result in collisions or near-misses. Dealerships unable to diagnose root cause.
When: #12 vehicle parked on residential street, shifted to Reverse while idling with door open, rolled backward ~10 feet into parked Honda Civic; #15 vehicle accelerated forward while sitting idle with brake depressed, crashed into vehicle in front; #18 occurred at 29,300 miles while backing out of garage; #24 incidents at 850 miles and one month later; #30 while stopped in highway traffic, vehicle accelerated without foot on gas pedal
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle accelerates without accelerator pedal input; Occurs while idling or at rest; May shift from Park to Reverse/Drive spontaneously; Vehicle rolls or accelerates backward or forward; Electronic Throttle Control warning light may illuminate; Engine revving continues even when brake depressed
Codes mentioned: Electronic Throttle Control indicator
Repairs/costs cited: #12 owner suspects bad shift dial on dash; #15 airbags did not deploy; vehicle required manual shift to Drive to unlock wheels for towing; #18 vehicle accelerated at 7 mph with depressed accelerator; Electronic Throttle Control indicator illuminated; #24 Electronic Throttle Control identified as bad; #30 service vehicle at Dodge dealership in Vancouver, WA at time of complaint
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: #15 dealer (Steve White Motors) unable to identify cause; manufacturer unable to assist; #18 diagnostic appointment scheduled but vehicle not repaired; manufacturer not notified; #24 dealership repaired issue (cause noted as pedal and Electronic Throttle Control); #30 vehicle at dealership for service
Electronic Throttle Control system failure (general)
Service Electronic Throttle Control warning message appears; throttle loses function entirely or becomes unresponsive. Can occur at highway speeds, creating dangerous loss-of-power situations requiring emergency vehicle control.
When: #17 three separate incidents over time with highway incident at 70 mph; #22 at 172,120 miles; #29 at approximately 145,000 miles; #39 timing not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Service Electronic Throttle Control warning message on dashboard; Complete loss of throttle function; Throttle unresponsiveness; no acceleration response to pedal input; Loss of power while driving; Check Engine light illuminates; Occurs during city driving under 30 mph and highway driving at 70 mph
Codes mentioned: Service Electronic Throttle Control error
Repairs/costs cited: #17 dealership unable to address in first two service attempts; issue recurred within 200 driving miles (mostly highway); third incident at 70 mph on freeway required emergency exit while coasting with no throttle control; #22 owner (independent mechanic) diagnosed and replaced throttle body and accelerator pedal; #29 crankshaft position sensor diagnosed as needing replacement but vehicle not repaired at time of complaint
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: #17 dealership service attempts failed; #29 manufacturer notified; #39 dealer communication not mentioned
Cruise control malfunction or failure
Cruise control stops working or operates intermittently. Often associated with ABS module failure or dashboard warning lights. Complete loss of cruise control function.
When: #6 timing not specified; #10 cruise control failure associated with ABS module failure; #14 intermittent cruise control operation after emissions update; #19 cruise control disabled due to ABS module failure; #23 not working due to ABS module failure; #37 Electronic Speed Control disabled by ABS module failure; #41 cruise control worked then stopped without reason; #42 no cruise control due to ABS module failure
Symptoms owners cite: Cruise control does not engage or operate; Intermittent operation; Complete loss of function; Often accompanied by brake warning lights and ABS failure
Repairs/costs cited: #6 cruise control failure part of broader ABS/brake system failure; #10 cruise control malfunction confirmed as part of ABS module failure (part 68228991-AD replacement attempted); #14 hesitation and acceleration issues post-emissions update; #41 speed control system completely out; #42 no cruise control available
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: #6 no response from FCA on warranty; #10 dealership confirmed ongoing issue; #14 manufacturer closed case stating operating as intended; #41 owner reports need to add to complaint list
Engine manifold defect ('Hemi tick')
Exhaust manifold warps or splits due to thermal stress from aluminum and steel materials expansion/contraction cycle. Produces ticking sound during idle. Risk of manifold failure and potential loss of power at highway speeds. Repair requires manifold replacement at high labor cost.
When: #9 manifold previously altered once per owner's mechanic; appointment scheduled November 30 for dealership repair
Symptoms owners cite: Ticking sound during engine idle; Manifold warping or splitting; Loss of power, especially at highway speeds; Manifold bolts too small and prone to snapping
Repairs/costs cited: #9 repair quote ranges $500–$2,000; manifold replacement labor intensive; bolts prone to snapping during removal; drilling risks metal contamination into engine; dealership repair required due to bolt removal difficulty
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Defect described as supposed to be fixed in later models; not true per owner; described as safety concern
Synthesized from 45 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
Had cruise control trouble with your 2015 RAM 1500?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the cruise control problem on the 2015 RAM 1500?
It's a meaningful issue. 45 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $600.
At what mileage does the cruise control typically fail?
Across the 28 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most cruise control failures cluster between 25,340 and 93,000 miles, with the median around 58,765. A quarter of owners report trouble before 25,340; a quarter make it past 93,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $600 for cruise control repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to cruise control?
No active recalls currently cover cruise control issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2015/RAM/1500.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.