2015 Ram 2500 with the cummins 6.7 diesel, engine seems to loose all power during the initial start of accelerating from a stop light or stop sign for a few seconds. Which leaves me with partly in intersection like it stalling out.
2015 RAM 2500 powertrain problems
severe 40 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
40
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
4crashes
1injury
When does it fail?
Of the 40 powertrain complaints filed for the 2015 RAM 2500, 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 40 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.
Powertrain accounts for 19% of all owner complaints filed against this vehicle, across 12 categories tracked.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2015 Ram 2500 powertrain generates consistent complaints across transmissions, shifting, and brake systems. Owners report transmissions that downshift unexpectedly, get stuck in a single gear (often 4th), or fail to respond to commands entirely—sometimes jerking hard or making loud clunking sounds. Multiple owners describe transmission bearing failure, solenoid pack malfunction, and filter fittings that loosen over time and burn up the transmission. The parking system is a major safety concern: vehicles roll out of Park while parked, with engine off or on, into obstacles and other vehicles. Some owners report the shift lever moving to Reverse without input, or the vehicle shifting from Park with the key out of the ignition and brake unpressed. Throttle response is chronically delayed—owners describe a 1–4 second lag when accelerating from a stop or re-applying the pedal, creating hazards during merging and intersections. The turbocharger actuator frequently malfunctions at normal operating temperature, causing loss of power and engine brake to remain engaged at highway speed even when the driver presses the accelerator. A handful report drag link wear at 40,000 miles triggering false ABS activation. Owners also note erratic shifting, electrical blackouts while driving with total loss of power steering, and transmission fluid leaks from defective plastic filter fittings. Notably, multiple recalls (T79, U30, 17V-821000) are outstanding, but owners report parts unavailable for months, no remedy defined, or conflicting dealer information about repair status.
Same RAM 2500 powertrain reports on nearby years: 2013 · 2014 · 2016 · 2017 · 2018
Failure modes owners describe
Vehicle rolls out of Park / Unintended Shift from Park
Vehicle shifts out of Park or rolls backward/forward while parked with engine off or on. Owners report vehicle rolling into obstacles, other vehicles, or requiring emergency brake application. Multiple incidents per owner in some cases.
When: 5,000–83,000 miles; occurs randomly, some owners report multiple occurrences over months or years
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle rolls forward or backward while stationary in Park; Shift lever moves from Park to Reverse or Drive without driver input; Vehicle can shift gears with key out of ignition and without brake pressed; Parking pawl fails to engage
Codes mentioned: Recall T79, NHTSA 17V-821000
Repairs/costs cited: Loose or missing retainer clip on parking pawl reported in one case; V06 remedy (solid weld on jab nut) noted as dealer fix but owner reports it did not resolve handling concerns and locked vehicle into dealership-only alignment service
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall T79 / NHTSA 17V-821000 issued; FCA inspector in one case reported ability to shift from Park with keys out and without brake in 2 of 15–20 attempts but found no manufacturer fault; owner reports FCA refused to provide written report or offer repair; other owners report recall parts unavailable or conflicting dealer information
Transmission failure / Loss of power while driving
Transmission loses power, downshifts unexpectedly, gets stuck in a single gear (often 4th or 1st), or stops responding to shift commands. Symptoms include jerking, hard shifting, loud noises, and inability to accelerate or restart.
When: 55,000–175,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission stuck in 4th gear or drops multiple gears unexpectedly; Vehicle jerks during gear shift; Engine revs in manual shift mode but vehicle does not accelerate; Check Engine or Transmission warning light illuminates; Loud clunk, pop, thump, or whine from transmission; Transmission solenoid pack failure; Transmission bearing failure or metal debris in transmission
Codes mentioned: U30 (transmission solenoid pack), 17V-821000 (Power Train recall), Check Engine light
Repairs/costs cited: Shifter solenoid valve replacement required in one case but failure recurred; unknown transmission part replacement in another case with recurrence; one owner reported bearing installed upside down during manufacturing; transmission bearing rebuild or full replacement cited; plastic secondary filter fitting does not tighten properly, causing filter to loosen and burn up transmission over time; transmission dipstick tube snaps off at bracket ($77 per replacement, short service life)
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall U30 and 17V-821000 referenced; in one case dealer refused to perform U30 recall due to rusted bolts, charging owner $187 for bolts (online cost $7.68); recall parts reported as unavailable in multiple cases; manufacturer referred owner to NHTSA
Throttle delay / Dead pedal
Accelerator pedal does not respond immediately or at all when pressed. Occurs at stops, when re-applying throttle after release, or during merging. Delay ranges from 1–4 seconds or no response at all.
When: Occurs daily or frequently; mileage not consistently stated
Symptoms owners cite: 1–2 second delay in throttle response from dead stop or after releasing and re-pressing pedal; Pedal feels unresponsive even with full throttle applied; Engine does not accelerate despite pedal input; Problem occurs repeatedly and is reproducible; Dangerous during merging or at intersections
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs documented in narratives; owner reports this is a fly-by-wire throttle system issue
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One owner noted issue is well known for past few model years but FCA has not addressed; no manufacturer response documented
Turbocharger / Engine brake malfunction
Turbocharger actuator malfunctions, triggering loss of power. Engine brake can remain engaged even when accelerator is pressed or manual override attempted, requiring vehicle shutdown to reset.
When: 34,000 miles (warranty expired)
Symptoms owners cite: Code U010c 'lost communication with turbo charger supercharger A' appears; Engine brake remains on during malfunction and causes loss of power; Loss of power at highway speeds; Engine brake malfunctions at normal operating temperature
Codes mentioned: U010c
Repairs/costs cited: Turbo actuator tests ok at cool-down but malfunctions when engine reaches operating temperature; dealer wants full turbo replacement; aftermarket replacement actuators available, suggesting common problem across 2012–2019 Cummins diesel engines
Drag link / Suspension wear causing ABS/Traction Control activation
Outer tie rod or drag link wears prematurely (at 40,000 miles), triggering ABS and traction control engagement for no apparent reason. No diagnostic code initially appears.
When: 40,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: ABS/Traction Control engages intermittently with no apparent reason; System activates while driving uphill on exit ramp; No diagnostic codes appear on initial scanner check
Repairs/costs cited: Outer tie rod diagnosed as worn; owner paid $1,879.19 for repair; dealer reprogrammed computer first per service bulletin without success
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer acknowledged recall for drag link but refused to cover tie rod repairs under recall; owner states this is notorious problem on Ram trucks but not covered
Manual downshift drops multiple gears at high RPM
When using manual downshift paddle in 6th gear, transmission drops all the way to 1st gear instead of single-gear downshift, causing engine to rev to 7,000 RPM and creating driveline shock.
When: Occurs during normal driving when downshift is manually selected
Symptoms owners cite: Downshift from 6th gear drops to 1st gear without warning; Engine revs to 7,000 RPM; Hard shock to driveline comparable to slamming rear brakes or throwing vehicle into 1st gear; Dangerous on wet or slippery roads; Can damage transmission
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer told owner this is 'correct characteristics of the truck' and refused to address; no system override exists to prevent multi-gear drop
Inability to shift into Reverse or failure to shift from Park
Vehicle gets stuck in Park and cannot shift into Reverse, or shifts into unexpected gears (1st) at highway speeds. Requires multiple restart cycles or brake pumping to restore function.
When: 55,000 miles; also 40 MPH driving scenario
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle will not shift into Reverse from Park; Vehicle stuck in Park with gear shifter warning indicator on; Vehicle shifts into 1st gear at 55 MPH on its own; Requires turning vehicle off, pumping brake pedal, and restarting to shift into Reverse; Transmission warning light illuminates
Repairs/costs cited: One case: parking brake was diagnosed as failed, part replaced but failure recurred; unknown transmission part replacement attempted but failure recurred
Oil and coolant leaks during acceleration
Engine leaks oil and coolant upon acceleration, draining coolant reservoir. Odor of oil and antifreeze inside cabin. No warning lights provided.
When: Occurred shortly after vehicle purchase (March 29, 2023 purchase); failed repair attempt on April 8, 2023
Symptoms owners cite: Engine oil and coolant spewing during acceleration; Coolant reservoir drained of coolant; Odor of oil and antifreeze in cabin (harmful and poisonous); No warning lights to indicate problem; Risk of engine failure without warning
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle returned for repair but repair failed; second failure occurred 10 days later
Transmission shudder / Vibration at highway speeds
Vehicle exhibits shake or vibration in steering wheel, seat, and floor at speeds over 45–65 MPH. Persists despite wheel balancing, rotation, alignment, new aftermarket wheels, and new tires.
When: At 65–75 MPH; also reported at 45+ MPH
Symptoms owners cite: Bad shake in steering wheel, seat, and floor; Feels like wheels are going to fall off; Occurs on smooth paved roads; Persists despite multiple dealer visits
Repairs/costs cited: Owner spent $3,500 on aftermarket wheels and new tires with no improvement; dealership unable to diagnose or resolve; suspected to be driveline issue
Vehicle stalls / Complete electrical shutdown while driving
Engine and electrical systems shut down completely while driving, including loss of power steering and engine control. Vehicle restarts on its own or after manual restart.
When: At highway speeds and while turning off highway with loaded trailer
Symptoms owners cite: Engine dies with total loss of electrical power; Loss of power steering; Loss of engine functions and all dashboard lights ('blackout on dash'); Vehicle dies three times in some cases; Vehicle restarts on its own; Complete loss of vehicle control
Transmission shifts erratically / Limp Mode activation
Transmission shifts unexpectedly between gears at various speeds or gets stuck in a single gear (Limp Mode). Vehicle may lose communication with transmission control module.
When: At 70–80 MPH and other speeds; multiple instances over time
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission shifts erratically at different speeds; Vehicle enters Limp Mode and sticks in 4th gear; Loose communication with TCM (transmission control module) and other components; Loss of communication with VGT (variable geometry turbo) and other systems; ESC light comes on; Implausible error messages; Loud clunk and noise during shifts
Codes mentioned: Lost communication with TCM, Lost communication with VGT, Implausible error
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer unable to pick up vehicle for diagnosis for several weeks (told January 19, 2022 for issue reported December 2021)
Recall parts unavailable / Recall delays
Multiple recalls issued (T79, U30, 17V-821000, 17V-302, 17V-562000) but parts are unavailable, remedy unknown, or manufacturer unable to confirm when parts will be available. Owners unable to schedule repairs or forced to reschedule repeatedly.
When: Recall notices issued 2016–2023; parts shortages ongoing
Symptoms owners cite: Recall parts not available at dealership; Dealer unable to estimate when parts will arrive; No remedy exists for some recalls; Owners asked to keep checking back with dealer; Conflicting information from dealers about recall status
Codes mentioned: T79, U30, 17V-821000, 17V-302, 17V-562000
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: FCA opened case number 3585335 but could not confirm parts availability; manufacturer referred owners to NHTSA; multiple recalls issued but remedies incomplete or unavailable
Ignition switch failure allowing unintended gear shifts
Ignition switch fails, allowing vehicle to be placed into gear without key in ignition and steering wheel to remain unlocked.
When: 83,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle fails to start; Vehicle can be placed into gear without key in ignition; Steering wheel does not lock; Gear shifter continues to fail after ignition switch replacement
Repairs/costs cited: Ignition switch replaced; however, gear shifter problem persisted after repair
Engine cold-start squeak noise
Vehicle emits squeak noise from engine or transmission when cold. Dealers claim this is normal operation despite owner finding it implausible.
When: Cold start condition
Symptoms owners cite: Squeak noise from engine or transmission; Occurs when vehicle is cold
Repairs/costs cited: Owner visited two different dealers seven times; no repair performed; dealers claim noise is normal
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers claim this is normal operation
Transmission fluid filter fitting loosens over time
Plastic fitting on transmission secondary filter does not allow proper tightening and slowly loosens over time, causing transmission fluid to leak and transmission to overheat and fail.
When: Over time after initial service
Symptoms owners cite: Secondary filter fitting slowly comes loose; Transmission gradually burns up; Results in very expensive transmission repairs
Repairs/costs cited: Plastic filter fitting is defective; filter comes loose over time causing transmission failure
Heavy diesel smell during DEF regeneration
Strong diesel smell occurs when vehicle comes to a stop or during active DEF (Diesel Exhaust Fluid) regeneration process.
When: When stopping or during DEF regeneration cycle
Symptoms owners cite: Heavy diesel smell when coming to a stop; Heavy diesel smell during active DEF regeneration process
Transmission overheating / Loss of power while towing
Transmission loses power temporarily while towing under load (trailer up long hill). Engine revs but vehicle does not accelerate. Problem resolves after a few minutes of rest.
When: While towing trailer up long hill
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission stops responding while towing; Engine revs but vehicle does not accelerate; Problem resolves after stopping for 3–4 minutes; No warning lights appear before or after
Repairs/costs cited: No diagnostic code triggered; vehicle not yet inspected by dealer
Synthesized from 40 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 4 most recent
Chrysler recall u30 for trans solenoid pack was not performed by this dealer. And after complaints to fca, us; they agreed with dealer. Dealer did not perform recall because bolts were rusted and told me I was responsible for the cost of the 15 bolts; cost $187. Cost of the same item online at wit transmission parts is $7.68.
At random times with the rear end pointed down hill. I start up the truck up in park, then shift into drive and when I release the brake the truck will roll backwards, I go back reapply the brakes as soon as I can wait a short time, then ease the brakes off slowly and it drives normally. The transmission slips backwards at random times when in drive. This has happened mostly after being parked,…
Tl* the contact owns a 2015 Ram 2500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle jerked as the vehicle shifted to 4th gear. The contact stated that the RPM revved in manual shift mode. The contact managed to veer to the shoulder of the road turned the vehicle off and back on which resumed back to normal. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was…
Had powertrain trouble with your 2015 RAM 2500?
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 2500?
It's a meaningful issue. 40 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 22 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 5,500 and 83,000 miles, with the median around 41,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 5,500; a quarter make it past 83,000. 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/2500.
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.