The vehicle will exhibit a service transmission/check engine warning indicator for the following transmission models: 845RE, 8HP45, 850RE, 8HP50, 8HP70, 8HP75, 8HP75-PHEV, 8HP75-LCV, 8HP90, 8HP95. Transmissions may exhibit the following diagnostic codes: P07E4, P1DB2, P0716, P1B14, P0733, P1D90, P1DB7, P1B13.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2015 RAM 1500 powertrain problems
severe Owners of the 2015 RAM 1500 have filed 209 NHTSA complaints about the powertrain, typically surfacing around 55,000 miles at roughly $2,500 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
209
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2013 1500 | 80 |
| 2014 1500 | 172 |
| 2015 1500 (this page) | 209 |
| 2016 1500 | 188 |
| 2017 1500 | 81 |
| 2018 1500 | 50 |
| 2019 1500 | 183 |
26crashes
5fires
8injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 209 powertrain complaints filed for the 2015 RAM 1500, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 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
Of the 11 model years of RAM 1500 we track for powertrain problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 209.
Owners have filed 209 powertrain 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.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Plate - Planetary
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Outside Power Fold Rearview Mirror Noise Or Loose At Pivot. Mirror Contacts Door Window Glass In The Folded Position.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗No Start Intermittently, Vehicle Requires Multiple Keyless Push To Start Attempts To Start Vehicle, Intermittent Key Not Detected Message
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Gear Ratio DTC?s, Transmission Shift Concerns, Does Not Shift At Times, Shudders
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners describe a truck prone to serious, sometimes life-threatening powertrain failures. The 5.7L Hemi develops a ticking sound that progresses to camshaft and lifter collapse, requiring engine replacement. The Ecodiesel's crankshaft tone wheel delaminates—magnetic coating peels off—killing the crankshaft position signal and forcing the truck into limp mode at highway speed with no warning. One owner lost power while passing; another couldn't start the truck at all.
The V08 emissions recall (2019–2021) is universally reported as making these trucks undriveable. Owners cite 2–5 second throttle lag from a standstill, making merging and crossing intersections hazardous; one nearly got T-boned at a red light. Power drops 5–8 mpg, transmission refuses to hold 8th gear, and the truck becomes dangerous to tow. FCA claims this is normal operation.
EGR cooler cracks from thermal fatigue, venting vaporized coolant into the intake and causing fires. One owner had flames shoot from the undercarriage with his family in the truck; another's DPF glowed red-hot. The electronic gear selector sometimes shifts out of Park on its own, and the rear axle can snap at the spline during normal highway driving. Multiple engine failures—second replacements denied by warranty—are common. Dealers and FCA routinely blame each other, leaving owners without recourse.
Same RAM 1500 powertrain reports on nearby years: 2013 · 2014 · 2016 · 2017 · 2018
Failure modes owners describe
Camshaft and lifter failure (Hemi tick)
Progressive ticking noise in 5.7L V8 that leads to camshaft and lifter deterioration and internal engine damage, requiring complete engine replacement. Described as a design flaw affecting Hemi engines.
When: 141,000 miles; can develop from minor noise to severe failure
Symptoms owners cite: faint ticking sound that worsens over time; loss of engine power; internal engine damage
Repairs/costs cited: Complete engine replacement required
Tone wheel delamination and crankshaft sensor failure
Magnetic material on crankshaft tone wheel delaminates, causing loss of crankshaft position signal. Leads to loss of power, limp mode, starting difficulty, and failure to accelerate. Multiple owners report W58 recall (software update) as insufficient; W68 recall (part replacement) refused by FCA on many vehicles outside recall scope.
When: Occurs between 50k–110k miles; some failures after prior recalls
Symptoms owners cite: sudden loss of power; limp mode limiting speed to 35 mph or less; difficulty starting; check engine light and throttle control warning lights; hesitation and lack of acceleration in traffic; inability to start following loss of acceleration
Codes mentioned: crankshaft position sensor fault, turbo underboost code
Repairs/costs cited: Tone wheel replacement (W68 recall) or software update only (W58 recall); owners report $150–$1,700 replacement costs; FCA often refuses coverage outside recall scope; diagnostic fees $150 not always reimbursed
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: W58 recall (software update 2021) as temporary fix; W68 recall (tone wheel replacement) offered on limited vehicles; many owners outside recall scope denied coverage
V08 emissions recall–induced throttle lag and drivability loss
After V08 emissions software recall, severe throttle lag (2–5 seconds from full stop), erratic acceleration response, loss of low-end power, improper transmission shift mapping, and fuel economy loss (5–8 mpg reduction). Makes merging and intersection crossing dangerous. Owners report condition unsafe and contrary to recall statement that no performance change expected.
When: Immediately after V08 recall performed; worse when cold engine
Symptoms owners cite: 2–5 second delay in acceleration from full stop; no throttle response until ~70% pedal; vehicle sluggish at low speeds, then rapid acceleration; transmission refuses to hold 8th gear or upshifts inappropriately under load; loss of fuel economy (20 mpg to 13–17 mpg or 28–30 mpg to 20–21 mpg); inability to safely cross traffic or merge on highway; excessive diesel smell and black tailpipe; EGR cooler cracking and overheating
Codes mentioned: engine fault codes, check engine light
Repairs/costs cited: Software reflash by dealer; owners report no fix available or successful; some had EGR cooler and pipes replaced; fuel pump bearings also reported failing; no permanent remedy provided
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: FCA states condition is 'common and acceptable characteristic' and vehicle operates 'within factory engineered specifications'; no repairs offered; class action lawsuit settlement (AEM) stated no performance change expected but owners dispute this; dealer refuses further adjustments
EGR cooler thermal fatigue and engine fire risk
EGR cooler cracks internally due to thermal fatigue. Vaporized coolant enters EGR system and combusts in intake manifold, creating fire risk. One owner experienced full engine fire while driving with family; another had flames and sparks from undercarriage. Recall 19V-757 identified risk but remedy not available or complete.
When: Variable; can occur during normal highway driving
Symptoms owners cite: smoke from engine bay; melted or burning plastic smell; check engine light and service electronic throttle control warning; complete loss of power; flames and sparks from exhaust or undercarriage; DPF glowing red; engine fire
Codes mentioned: check engine light, service electronic throttle control light
Repairs/costs cited: EGR cooler and pipe replacement required; one owner had entire underside burned; vehicle becomes total loss or requires extensive rebuild; parts on order with long delays
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 19V-757 issued but remedy not available as of complaint filing; FCA stated 'information at hand does not permit association with manufacturing error' in one case despite fire; recall status changed from complete to open post-incident
Transmission shifting involuntarily out of Park
Electronic rotary dial shifter (dial-a-gear) fails to hold Park, causing vehicle to roll or move forward unexpectedly when parked with transmission lever showing Park. Occurs multiple times on same vehicle. Safety risk with occupants, especially children, inside.
When: Occurs after shifting to Park and exiting vehicle or during remote start
Symptoms owners cite: vehicle moves forward or backward despite shifter in Park position; indicator light blinks instead of going solid when shifting; no warning lights illuminate; vehicle moves as if in Drive
Repairs/costs cited: No successful repair documented; dealer investigation found no defect; transmission control module may require recalibration or replacement
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Investigation PE 16-014 referenced; FCA investigated but found no defect; vehicle returned without repair
Metal fragments in engine after cylinder misfire
Metal debris found in engine oil after cylinder misfire. Dealership refused engine replacement despite metal contamination; instead performed repeated part replacements while Chrysler covered under warranty. Owner alleges dealer milked warranty and caused additional damage. Second dealership confirmed engine replacement was necessary.
When: Fall 2018 onward; metal shavings found early but not addressed
Symptoms owners cite: cylinder misfire (cylinder 5 and 7); metal fragments in engine oil; oil leaks despite repeated service
Codes mentioned: cylinder 5 and 7 misfire codes
Repairs/costs cited: Engine replacement needed but dealer refused; instead performed multiple part replacements and additional damage repairs; owner had to take truck to another shop for independent assessment
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Powertrain warranty covered repeated repairs but not engine replacement despite metal contamination indicating catastrophic failure
4WD/ABS/traction control sudden failure in winter conditions
All-wheel-drive, ABS, traction control, and cruise control disable simultaneously at highway speed during winter driving. Caused vehicle to spin 360 degrees on slippery road. Initial dealer repair (rear speed sensor) unsuccessful; second attempt cut and spliced wiring harness incorrectly, requiring complete harness replacement.
When: 48,100 miles; occurs in winter/cold conditions
Symptoms owners cite: simultaneous loss of 4WD, ABS, traction control, and cruise control; dash warning lights flashing; loss of vehicle control on slippery surface; multiple 360-degree spins
Repairs/costs cited: Rear speed sensor replacement attempted and failed; wiring harness cut and spliced by dealer (unauthorized repair) creating permanent damage; second dealer indicated harness cannot be repaired by splicing and must be replaced in whole; issue remains unresolved
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer performed unauthorized work; manufacturer did not intervene
Rear axle failure and shaft breakage
Rear axle snapped at the spline with no towing history. Pre-sale inspection by dealership noted new metal pieces on rear end with silicone, but salesman dismissed concern. Steering also became stiff initially then cleared. At 70 mph highway, rear end separated completely. Plant worker alleges rear axles catching fire due to bearing journal rubbing from tight shaft fit, with 4 vehicles burning at Marysville Axle Plant; repairs performed off-site to avoid public recall announcement.
When: Less than 78k miles; occurs suddenly at highway speed
Symptoms owners cite: stiffness in steering wheel initially; rear end separation at spline; loud noise or failure; potential fire from bearing rubbing (per plant worker allegation)
Repairs/costs cited: Rear axle assembly replacement required; dealership and Chrysler refused responsibility; plant worker alleges off-site repairs to hide scope
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership blamed owner; Chrysler blamed dealership; no recall issued despite multiple reports
Engine failure (second or third) within warranty period
Multiple engine failures on same vehicle. First engine failed at 30k miles after 3 years of ownership and was replaced under warranty. Second engine (with only 30k miles on replacement) failed at ~110k total miles, 5 years after purchase. Owners report emissions settlement extended warranty to 100k miles from software update date, but FCA refuses coverage by claiming mileage or time limits on powertrain warranty.
When: First failure ~30k miles (within 3 years); second failure at ~110k total miles (5 years after purchase, within settlement warranty but outside 2-year parts warranty)
Symptoms owners cite: grinding and knocking noises; complete engine shutdown at highway speed; all dash lights illuminating
Repairs/costs cited: Engine replacement warranty denied on second failure despite settlement warranty extension; dealership initially confirmed coverage, then reversed decision; owner required to pay for diagnostics and towing out of pocket
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Emissions settlement provided 100k miles or 5 years warranty from software update date (05/2019), but FCA disputes applicability; powertrain warranty is 2 years and owner missed by 2 months
Oil cooler failure and contamination
Faulty oil cooler allows oil to enter coolant system, creating black sludge and cross-contamination. Leads to overheating, risk of coolant in engine causing cracked block, and check engine light. Repair complicated with multiple dealership visits (75+ days in shop) and continued check engine light despite multiple part replacements.
When: Not specified; appears to be a 2014–2017 Eco Diesel issue
Symptoms owners cite: check engine light; black sludge in coolant; overheating; oil in coolant system
Codes mentioned: check engine light
Repairs/costs cited: Oil cooler replacement required; multiple part replacements failed to resolve issue across two dealers; 75+ days in shop with no resolution
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: FCA initially claimed no warranty coverage; after extended back-and-forth, coverage status unclear; FCA and dealership blamed each other
Ecodiesel camshaft gear slipping and engine failure
Camshaft gear on fuel pump side slips, causing catastrophic engine failure. Failures reported typically after 70k miles. Described as 'Achilles heel' marring diesel reliability. No manufacturer recall despite pattern of failures.
When: Generally after 70,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: catastrophic engine failure
Repairs/costs cited: Third-party shops (D&J Diesel in Utah) have developed permanent fix process
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued despite known pattern
Transmission reluctance to shift and limp mode after updates
After software updates and recalls, transmission struggles to downshift or upshift appropriately. In limp mode, vehicle limited to 10 mph. Occurs randomly, sometimes during towing uphill, creating hazard for highway traffic.
When: After software updates; occurs randomly
Symptoms owners cite: transmission downshift into neutral unexpectedly; transmission seizure; limp mode activation limiting speed to 10 mph; multiple warning lights illuminated
Codes mentioned: turbo underboost code, transmission warning light
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission control module and various sensors replaced with limited success; issue recurs
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers state 'common complaint' but no fix available
Tailgate latch failure and load loss
Tailgate opens unexpectedly while driving with load, causing lumber to spill onto highway. Tailgate replacement required at owner's expense.
When: Not specified; occurred after V08 emissions recall
Symptoms owners cite: tailgate opens without warning while driving; loss of cargo
Repairs/costs cited: Tailgate replacement required at owner cost
Fuel pump bearing failure noise
Fuel pump produces constant failing bearing noise, creating concern about stranded vehicle.
When: Not specified
Symptoms owners cite: loud fuel pump noise like failing bearings
Repairs/costs cited: Fuel pump replacement likely required
Transfer case grinding and excessive play
4x4 transfer case produces grinding noise with excessive play. Causes rocking motion during acceleration/deceleration in stop-and-go traffic.
When: Not specified
Symptoms owners cite: grinding noise from transfer case; excessive play and rocking motion
Synthesized from 209 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 4 most recent
EGR cooler cracked and leaked coolant onto the intake. This melted the intake and caused other damage. What happened to my vehicle sounds the same as NHTSA recall id 19v757.
Put truck in park and exited vehicle and it rolled away in drive. Ran after it for 2 blocks until it jumped a curb and halted. No injuries but could have been serious.
I put the 2015 Ram 1500 into park and removed the key, when I stepped out of the vehicle it started to roll backwards down my driveway. I was able to get back into the vehicle and apply the brake. I put the key back into the ignition and the park indicator light was on. I pulled the vehicle forward and put it into park again, when I took my foot off the brake it began to roll backwards down the…
Tl* the contact owns a 2015 Ram 1500. After parking the vehicle, it rolled backwards down a hill 75 feet and crashed into trees. The transmission made contact with a three foot diameter rock, which cracked the transmission housing and bent the driveshaft. A police report was not filed and there were no injuries. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be repaired. The vehicle may be…
Had powertrain 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 powertrain problem on the 2015 RAM 1500?
It's a meaningful issue. 209 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $2,500.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 132 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 28,000 and 73,000 miles, with the median around 55,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 28,000; a quarter make it past 73,000. 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 $2,500 for powertrain 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 powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain 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.