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ProblemsByVin File / 2015-RAM-3500 NHTSA data synced 1 day ago
RAM

2015 RAM 3500 problems

The 2015 RAM 3500 has 136 NHTSA owner complaints and 16 active recall campaigns on file. Here's the breakdown — what's serious, what's noise, and what a working mechanic would actually do about it.

The 2015 RAM 3500 has 136 NHTSA owner complaints and 16 recalls on file (U.S. federal records, as of August 2026). The most-reported system is powertrain at 30 complaints, typically surfacing around 55,922 miles (~$2,500 to repair). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.

RAM 3500 owner complaints by model year
Model yearOwner complaintsRecalls
2012 3500 0 9
2013 3500 114 18
2014 3500 202 17
2015 3500 (this page) 136 16
2016 3500 133 16
2017 3500 303 13
2018 3500 781 11
2015 RAM 3500
Photo: MercurySable99 / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 · representative photo of the RAM 3500
0 5 10
Reliability score
4.4 / 10

Below average for the segment. Multiple systems have recurring complaints.

0
Critical
16
Severe
0
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2015 3500?
Avoid — the powertrain

The data says walk unless this exact vehicle has documented proof the powertrain was repaired or replaced.

Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.

Buying a used 2015 RAM 3500? Check these first

Here's what this model is known to do — so you can inspect for it, price it in, or make the seller fix it before you sign.

What to inspect on this specific car

⚠ The one to take seriously: powertrain is flagged severe on this model , showing up around 55,922 mi. Inspect it closely on a test drive.

Recalls to confirm are done

Run the VIN from the listing — 16 active recalls on this model. Recall repairs are always free.

Verdict for buyers: 4.4/10 model. The priciest documented failure is engine (~$3,100) — get the seller's service records for it or inspect closely. Otherwise an average-risk used buy at a fair price.

We tell you what this model is known for and what to inspect — a vehicle-history report tells you what this exact car has been through. Smart buyers get both.

See the full pre-purchase inspection checklist →
✦ Ask the data · AI

Ask anything about your 2015 RAM 3500

A noise, a warning light, a repair quote, "should I buy this?" — get an answer grounded in this vehicle's actual NHTSA record, not generic advice.

Dash light, leak, worn part — snap it and we'll read it against this car's record.

Answers use this vehicle's NHTSA complaint & recall record — owner-reported and unverified, not a diagnosis. Verify anything safety-critical with a mechanic.

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<iframe src="https://problemsbyvin.com/embed/reliability/2015-ram-3500/" width="100%" height="340" style="border:1px solid #e2e8f0;border-radius:8px;max-width:640px" title="2015 RAM 3500 reliability snapshot" loading="lazy"></iframe> <p style="font:12px/1.5 system-ui,sans-serif;color:#64748b;max-width:640px;margin:6px 0 0">Source: <a href="https://problemsbyvin.com/2015-ram-3500/" style="color:#b8540a;font-weight:600">2015 RAM 3500 reliability snapshot — ProblemsByVin</a></p>

Top trouble spots 8 categories with 3+ complaints

powertrain
30 reports · fails ~55,922 mi · avg $2,500
severe
steering
21 reports · fails ~47,428 mi · avg $700
moderate
electrical
16 reports · fails ~42,221 mi · avg $850
severe
brakes
12 reports · fails ~22,425 mi · avg $450
severe
engine
12 reports · fails ~62,854 mi · avg $3,100
severe
suspension
10 reports · fails ~29,528 mi · avg $900
moderate
wheels
10 reports · fails ~81,619 mi · avg $400
moderate
lighting
3 reports · fails ~26,000 mi · avg $250
moderate

Your road ahead on this 2015 RAM 3500

When owners report each system failing, in actual miles — so you can see what's likely behind you, what's due around now, and what to budget for next. Enter your mileage to mark where you are.

  1. ~25,000 mipowertrain~$2,500
  2. ~30,121 misteering~$700
  3. ~31,000 misuspension~$900
  4. ~50,000 mielectrical~$850
  5. ~69,000 miengine~$3,100
  6. ~110,000 miwheels~$400

"Typical" = median owner-reported failure mileage from the NHTSA complaint record for this exact year and model. Not a maintenance schedule — a heads-up on where this model's failures cluster.

Buyer's checklist
Going to look at one? Use the pre-purchase inspection list.
Generated from this 2015 3500's actual NHTSA complaint history — every item points at a documented failure pattern on this exact vehicle, not generic walkaround filler.
See the checklist ->
Honest Calculator
Should you buy an extended warranty on this 2015 3500?
We pulled the math: risk-weighted exposure, typical contract cost, and our verdict on whether coverage pencils out for this specific vehicle.
See the calculator ->

What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim

2015 3500 · wheels
The contact owns a 2015 Ram 3500. The contact stated while driving at approximately 30 MPH, the driver's front and driver's side rear wheels detached from the vehicle. The contact became aware of nine broken wheel studs. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact…
12/30/2022 · at 110,000 mi · NHTSA ODI #11499540.0 · see wheels pattern →
2015 3500 · seatbelts
Any speed over 55mph or and small bumps locks the drivers seat belt, no ther belt does this, only the driver seat belt.
12/27/2019 · at 138,000 mi · NHTSA ODI #11291439.0
2015 3500 · wheels
The front tires wear excessively on the outer edges. I have taken it to fletcher Dodge 3 times to correct the issue. The service department acknowledged that this is a problem they have seen before with this model vehicle. Fletcher Dodge did replace the 2 front tires and…
2015 3500 · suspension
My 2015 Ram 3500 has gone through 3 wheel alignment within a year 12000 miles. I also been getting a lot of bad fumes in cab where you have to open windows at around 20 to 40 MPH or when you start truck while warming up in cold weather. I had wheels rotated and the TPMS where…
12/20/2016 · at 10,000 mi · NHTSA ODI #10936561.0 · see suspension pattern →
View all 136 owner complaints →
Had a problem with your 2015 RAM 3500? File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free and official — owner filings are what build the federal safety record behind this page.

Estimate your repair exposure

Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.

0 mi 200k mi
At 80,000 miles
Likely repair cost in next 24 months
$0

Active recalls showing 3 of 16

severe NHTSA 21V632000 August 12, 2021

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2015-2020 Ram 1500 Classic, 2015-2016 Ram 3500, and Ram 2500 vehicles, and 2016 Ram 3500 Cab Chassis with a gross vehicle weight rating less than 10,000 lbs

A separated inflator end cap or inflator rupture can allow compressed gas to escape, resulting in the end cap or other components being propelled into the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury or crash.

Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace as necessary, the SABIC assemblies, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters were mailed on October 4, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 26, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is Y55.
severe NHTSA 21V398000 May 27, 2021

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2012-2021 RAM 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis, 4500 Cab Chassis, and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles

Wheel separation can cause a vehicle crash.

Fix: Dealers will update the torque specification in the owner's manual and other published service documents. Dealers will also inspect the vehicle's wheel studs, replacing them if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on November 30, 2021. Campaign Y36 owner notification letters were mailed on November 30, 2021. Campaign Y26 owner notification letters were mailed on December 1, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US's numbers for this recall are Y26 and Y36.
severe NHTSA 19V347000 May 9, 2019

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks equipped with an 8 foot bed and a power locking tailgate

If the tailgate opens while the vehicle is being driven, cargo may fall out the vehicle and create a road hazard, increasing the risk of crash.

Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will repair the tailgate latch, free of charge. The recall began May 23, 2019. Chrysler is expected to notify owners of the expanded population on October 18, 2019. Owners may contact FCA US customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US's number for this recall is V44. Note: 2015-2017 MY Ram 1500 pickup trucks with truck beds other than 8 foot, are currently covered under NHTSA recall 18V-486 for this issue.
View all 16 recalls →

Under investigation 1 open at NHTSA

RQ Power Train › Automatic Transmission · opened July 2025

NHTSA has an open defect investigation covering this vehicle — the step that can precede a recall, not a finding of fault. RQ25003 on NHTSA →

How NHTSA investigations work, and what's open now →

Common questions

Is the 2015 RAM 3500 reliable?

It's got known weak points. With a reliability score of 4.4 out of 10 based on 136 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2015 RAM 3500 has a higher-than-average rate of reported issues. The areas to watch are listed above. Whether it's worth owning depends on price, condition, and how much repair exposure you can absorb.

Should you avoid the 2015 RAM 3500?

On the NHTSA data, the 2015 RAM 3500 is one to avoid unless a specific vehicle proves otherwise. The data says walk unless this exact vehicle has documented proof the powertrain was repaired or replaced. The record behind that call: Powertrain: 30 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 5,000–69,200 mi; Reliability score 4.4/10 — below the segment average; 16 recall campaigns on file. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.

What should I check before buying a used 2015 RAM 3500?

Inspect the powertrain first — it's the most-reported issue on this model, with 30 owner complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 55,922 miles. Average repair cost runs about $2,500 at an independent shop. Also confirm any open recalls have been completed by running the VIN, and ask for service records covering the problem areas listed above.

Is the 2015 RAM 3500 a good used car to buy?

It scores 4.4 out of 10 on our NHTSA-based read of 136 owner complaints. The main thing to watch is powertrain. Typical failure occurs around 55,922 miles. Priced fairly and clean on inspection, it's a reasonable used buy. Our data covers what this model is known for — pair it with a vehicle-history report on the VIN to see what that specific car has been through.

What's the most common problem on the 2015 RAM 3500?

Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is powertrain, with 30 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 55,922 miles. Average repair cost runs about $2,500 at an independent shop.

What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?

The powertrain is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $2,500 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 55,922 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.

How do I check if my RAM 3500 has open recalls?

Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.

Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2015 RAM 3500?

Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 136 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $2,500, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.

Related

Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database, last synced 1 day ago. Verify the raw federal record at nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2015/RAM/3500. Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics. We are not affiliated with RAM. Some links on this page are affiliate links and we may earn a commission if you complete a quote or purchase.
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