Tl* the contact owns a 2015 Ram 3500. While driving 55 MPH, the contact noticed that the odometer gauge stopped functioning. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The contact called arcadia motors Chrysler Dodge Jeep (located at 731 w main st, arcadia, wi 54612, (608) 323-3118) and chilson Chrysler Dodge, llc (located at 1983 s prairie view rd, chippewa falls, wi 54729, (877) 317-2734)…
2015 RAM 3500 electrical problems
severe 16 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $850 · see electrical across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
16
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
1fire
What stands out
No new NHTSA electrical complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 6 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: Owners report significant safety-critical electrical and computer control failures in this truck, particularly integrated trailer brake module inadequacy, turbo actuator limp-mode failures, and instrument cluster blackouts. Several complaints involve towing-related hazards with no dealer-actionable solutions or recalls.
Owners describe an alarming pattern of electrical and computer control failures. The integrated trailer brake module is the most serious: multiple owners report it fails to deliver adequate voltage to trailer brakes regardless of adjustment, forcing hard stops into intersections with no warning light. One owner measured only 6.8V output instead of the required 11.9V, and dealers deny any problem exists. Turbocharger actuator failures force vehicles into limp mode without warning, capping speed at 5 MPH mid-traffic. One owner's vehicle also entered limp mode when both brake and accelerator were touched simultaneously—undisclosed system behavior that nearly caused a rear-end collision.
Key fob and door lock failures disable vehicle access or security, with one recurrence even after PCM and BCM repair. TPMS sensors report pressures from wrong tire locations, causing multiple dealer trips and one vehicle stranding. Instrument clusters go completely black, eliminating speed and critical information. A windshield module stops recognizing the key fob below 55 degrees—no parts available, no warranty fix.
Other hazards include Uconnect performing software updates while towing (shutting down navigation and backup camera), sunroof drains leaking directly onto airbag wiring, and ABS/traction control failures that disable cruise control and 4x4. One truck caught fire on the highway; the investigator deemed the damage too severe to determine cause and never contacted the owner. Computer calibration errors after collision repair weakened exhaust brake and tow functions, with dealers refusing to acknowledge the recalibration.
Same RAM 3500 electrical reports on nearby years: 2013 · 2014 · 2017 · 2018
Failure modes owners describe
Integrated Trailer Brake Module (ITBM) Insufficient Output
Factory ITBM fails to deliver adequate voltage to electric trailer brakes. Owners report the controller cannot be adjusted to provide proper braking force even at maximum settings, with measured output 6.8V instead of expected 11.9V. This differs from earlier model years (2013) with the same trucks that worked properly. No warning indicators or diagnostic trouble codes alert the driver.
When: During towing, high-speed braking situations
Symptoms owners cite: Trailer brakes ineffective during hard braking; Unable to achieve sufficient braking pressure regardless of voltage adjustment; Trailer overrun into intersection despite hard braking; No warning light or indicator of controller failure; No diagnostic codes set when scanning at dealer
Repairs/costs cited: ITBM replacement attempted; one owner reported replacement also failed. No parts availability mentioned in one case.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: RAM states the module is working as designed. No recall or technical service bulletin mentioned.
Turbocharger Actuator Failure
Turbocharger wastegate actuator fails electrically, forcing vehicle into limp mode. Occurs without warning and renders truck unable to exceed 5 MPH, creating hazardous traffic situation. One owner reports failure at 50,000 miles and later discovers a related extended warranty coverage (X99) that was never communicated by manufacturer.
When: 50,000 miles, during normal highway driving at 70 MPH
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine warning light illuminates; Vehicle immediately enters limp mode; Engine speed capped at 5 MPH maximum; Loss of power, unable to accelerate
Codes mentioned: Turbocharger actuator fault code
Repairs/costs cited: Aftermarket turbocharger actuator replacement performed. Manufacturer reimbursement requested but denied because repair was not done by dealer.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Extended Warranty Coverage Number X99 exists but was not communicated to owner. Reimbursement denied for non-dealer repair.
Throttle Position Sensor / Limp Mode False Trigger
Service Throttle Position message appears and forces limp mode when driver depresses both brake and accelerator pedals simultaneously (even slightly). This appears to be a software safeguard but was not disclosed in owner's manual or at purchase. Creates sudden loss of power during traffic situations without forewarning.
When: During normal driving, unintentionally triggering dual pedal input
Symptoms owners cite: Service Throttle Position warning displayed; Vehicle enters limp mode and loses power; Cannot exceed safe speed; Sudden power loss during traffic entrance; Nearly rear-ended during incident
Codes mentioned: Service Throttle Position code
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer explained condition as system design; no repair made.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer states condition is system design to prevent dual-pedal input. No owner's manual disclosure noted.
Door Lock System Failure (Pin Connector)
Master door lock control and key fob remote locking fail due to pin connector failure in door lock circuit. Door ajar warning illuminates on instrument panel. Even after PCM and BCM repair by dealer, the problem recurred.
When: Early in vehicle life, 7,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Doors will not lock manually via master panel; Doors will not lock via key fob; Door ajar warning illuminates on dash
Repairs/costs cited: Pin connector repaired; PCM and BCM also repaired. Failure recurred after repair.
TPMS Sensor Misalignment / Incorrect Readings
Tire pressure monitoring system reports pressure readings from wrong tire locations and provides inaccurate values. On dually trucks, inner and outer rear tires may be assigned to wrong sensors. One sensor reported steady 68 PSI while others changed with temperature, indicating sensor malfunction. Multiple dealer visits required for repeated mis-diagnosis and unnecessary tire repairs.
When: Recurring, early vehicle operation
Symptoms owners cite: TPMS displays pressure values for wrong tire locations; Front tires showing incorrect pressure values; Rear outer tire reporting constant 68 PSI (not responding to temperature change); Low-pressure warning for properly inflated tire; Vehicle stranded when tire actually went flat but warning was ignored due to prior false alarms
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer replaced two TPMS sensors; only one was actually bad per third-party shop. Multiple repair visits required. Radio software update also required (from 15.17.5 to 18.45.01).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Related to Chrysler Recall P62. Dealer reports inner and outer dually tires use same sensors, contradicting owner research and other owner reports.
Windshield Module Cold-Weather Key Fob Failure
Windshield module (WIN) fails to recognize key fob and vehicle will not start when ambient temperature falls below 55 degrees. Requires repeated cycling of key fob, door locks, and doors to finally start vehicle. Creates unsafe situation during winter emergencies. No parts available at dealer; no warranty repair offered by Chrysler despite repeated complaints.
When: Below 55 degrees ambient temperature
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle will not start in cold weather; Key fob not recognized by WIN module; Requires multiple key fob insertions and removals; Requires repeated door lock cycling; Requires opening/closing doors repeatedly
Repairs/costs cited: No parts available; dealer unable to repair. Owner attempted upload of diagnostic video but website rejected it.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler informed but no repairs or replacement parts offered under warranty.
Odometer / Instrument Cluster Failure
Odometer gauge stops functioning while driving at highway speed. No warning lights illuminate to alert driver of malfunction. Vehicle appears otherwise operable. High mileage vehicle (621,369 miles) at failure.
When: At 621,369 miles, while driving 55 MPH
Symptoms owners cite: Odometer gauge stops working; No warning indicator illuminates; Instrument cluster partial failure
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer was notified but no action documented.
Instrument Cluster Complete Blackout
Entire instrument cluster display goes black, eliminating all driver information including speed, fuel, tire pressure, engine temperature, coolant temperature, cruise control status, and parking sensor alerts. Creates significant safety hazard. Owner attempted to troubleshoot connections without resolution.
When: During vehicle operation
Symptoms owners cite: Instrument panel dash cluster completely black; No speed information displayed; No tire pressure information; No engine oil temperature display; No coolant temperature display; Cruise control unavailable; Parking sensor alerts unavailable
Repairs/costs cited: Owner troubleshot connections; no resolution found.
Rear Electric Window Malfunction
Right rear passenger electric window fails to roll back up using normal controls. Requires engine shutdown and restart, or using door-specific switch instead of driver master control, to operate. Intermittent and frustrating operation.
When: During normal vehicle operation
Symptoms owners cite: Right rear window does not roll up with driver-side master control; Requires engine shutdown and restart to function; Intermittently operates only from door-specific switch; Does not respond predictably to driver commands
Uconnect System Over-the-Air Update Failure While Driving
Uconnect infotainment system attempts to perform over-the-air software update while vehicle is in motion. Update fails to install and completely shuts down the system, eliminating navigation, backup camera, and emergency assistance calling. Creates hazardous situation when towing, particularly with livestock trailer depending on navigation.
When: During vehicle operation while towing
Symptoms owners cite: Uconnect system initiates OTA update while driving; Update fails to install; System shuts down completely; Loss of navigation functionality; Loss of backup camera; Loss of emergency assistance calling; Dangerous while towing horse trailer with live animals
Sunroof Drainage System Defect
Manufacturing defect in sunroof drainage rail causes water to run directly into vehicle electronics and side curtain airbag wiring. Water intrusion occurs both when vehicle is moving and stationary. Creates electrical and safety hazards.
When: During and after rain events
Symptoms owners cite: Water leaking from sunroof drainage system; Water entering electronics bay; Water contacting side curtain airbag wiring; Leaking occurs in motion and at rest
Engine Fire
Vehicle caught fire while driving on turnpike. Mopar investigator examined burned vehicle at dealership but did not communicate findings to owner. Final determination: too damaged to determine cause of fire.
When: While driving on turnpike
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle suddenly caught fire
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle burned completely; Mopar investigator examined remains.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Mopar investigator concluded cause too damaged to determine. No findings communicated to owner.
ABS and Traction Control Malfunction
ABS and traction control warning lights activate. As a result, cruise control and 4x4 functions will not engage. System malfunction persists during towing operations.
When: During normal vehicle operation
Symptoms owners cite: ABS warning light on; Traction control warning light on; Cruise control will not engage; 4x4 will not engage; Malfunctions while towing trailer
Computer Calibration Errors Post-Collision Repair
After collision damage repair at dealership, multiple computer calibrations were altered without owner authorization or consent. Exhaust brake function was intentionally weakened in the ECU. Speedometer was recalibrated to match oversized tires. After turbo replacement, tow/haul mode and torque delivery were significantly reduced. Dealership performed work with inexperienced technician (2 months experience). Second dealership also failed to address computer calibration issues.
When: Post-collision repair, after turbo replacement
Symptoms owners cite: Exhaust brake function severely weakened; Turbo whistle indicating damage; Tow/haul mode extremely weak or non-existent; Engine torque severely reduced; Almost wrecked twice while towing due to weak exhaust brake; Unsafe braking while towing 16,000 lb trailer through mountains; Functions altered even after new turbo installation
Repairs/costs cited: New turbo installed; exhaust brake function remained severely compromised. Insurance and dealership eventually agreed to turbo repair under claim.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer states 'truck is working as designed.' Second dealership replaced turbo instead of addressing computer calibration issues.
Synthesized from 16 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
the instrument panel dash cluster went black and now I have no information like tire pressure, mph, engine oil temp, coolant temp, cruise control,parking sensor alert, ect. I have tried everything to reboot or see if there is loose connections and have come up with nothing. this could be a hazard.
Driving down turnpike my truck went up in flames, mopar sent investigator to determine cause of fire at dealership never called me to give me a report they emailed me to badly burnt to determine cause of fire.
Had electrical trouble with your 2015 RAM 3500?
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 electrical problem on the 2015 RAM 3500?
It's a meaningful issue. 16 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $850.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Across the 10 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most electrical failures cluster between 7,000 and 66,000 miles, with the median around 50,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 7,000; a quarter make it past 66,000. 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 $850 for electrical 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 electrical?
No active recalls currently cover electrical 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/3500.
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.