Manufacturers failed to remedy a recall for the water pump in a timely manner.
2015 RAM 3500 engine problems
severe 12 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100 · see engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
12
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
2fires
1injury
When does it fail?
Of the 12 engine complaints filed for the 2015 RAM 3500, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 50,000-75,000 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
No new NHTSA engine complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 8 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: A 2015 RAM 3500 can suffer engine compartment fires (water pump), turbo actuator faults costing $3,000+, PCM failures, catalytic system issues, throttle response delays creating safety hazards, and other emissions-system problems—some occurring at low mileage with manufacturer parts shortages or non-response.
Two owners report engine compartment fires on this truck. One occurred at 64,900 miles with flames visible under the hood; the other happened the day after a dealer completed two safety recalls related to water pump failure (recall 17V-302). One fire victim sustained minor burns. Chrysler's investigator ruled out manufacturing defect in writing, though the owner questioned whether a non-engineer performed adequate analysis.
Multiple throttle-response failures crop up: dead-pedal conditions with 1–2 second freezes when quickly releasing and reapplying throttle; 2–3 second acceleration delays from stops; hesitation that resembles stalling during traffic merges and yield-sign maneuvers. Owners flag this as a documented issue on RAM diesel pickups and cite safety risk.
One owner reports repeated P00AF codes (turbo boost actuator) requiring a $3,000 MOPAR actuator replacement and warns of catastrophic engine failure risk if ignored. At 20,000 miles, another truck needed SCR system replacement but Dodge had not manufactured the part; the dealer offered no timeline. A diesel particulate filter failed and fragmented at 82,143 miles. One truck experienced PCM failure and no-start at 80,000 miles. Another owner reported abnormal exhaust odor entering the cabin but faced a three-week dealer diagnostic backlog.
Same RAM 3500 engine reports on nearby years: 2013 · 2014 · 2016 · 2017
Failure modes owners describe
Engine compartment fire—water pump related
Engine compartment caught fire during normal driving. Safety recall 17V-302 identified water pump as potential fire cause. One owner sustained minor burns requiring medical attention; another owner's fire occurred the day after dealer recall work was completed.
When: 64,900 miles; second incident day after recall service
Symptoms owners cite: Smoke under hood; Engine warning light illuminated; Flames visible in engine compartment
Repairs/costs cited: Engine replaced at dealer in one case; Chrysler investigator photographed damage but declined to attribute fire to manufacturing defect
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Safety recall 17V-302 issued for water pump failure that 'may' cause fire; Chrysler investigator concluded fire could not be associated with manufacturing or assembly error
P00AF turbo boost actuator fault
Engine code P00AF logged repeatedly, indicating turbo boost actuator malfunction. Owner reports this is a common problem on RAM 6.7L Cummins engines. Owner states problem can lead to poor engine performance and catastrophic engine failure.
Symptoms owners cite: Engine brake fails to engage on grades; Intermittent then constant check engine light; P00AF diagnostic code
Codes mentioned: P00AF
Repairs/costs cited: MOPAR actuator replacement cost cited as $3,000
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued; owner advocates for recall
PCM failure—no-start condition
Vehicle failed to start with multiple unknown warning lights illuminated. Independent mechanic diagnosis identified PCM failure requiring replacement. Battery disconnect/reconnect restored temporary operation.
When: 80,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle will not start; Multiple warning lights on instrument panel; Temporary resolution with battery reconnection
Repairs/costs cited: PCM replacement needed; vehicle not repaired by owner
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA campaign 20V475000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) referenced by owner as possible solution
Selective Catalytic Reduction System degradation
SCR system degraded and required replacement at low mileage. Dealer unable to source replacement part from Dodge. Manufacturer offered no assistance beyond suggestion to visit dealer daily for checks.
When: 20,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle stalled while driving; Check engine light illuminated
Repairs/costs cited: SCR replacement required; part unavailable from manufacturer at time of complaint
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dodge stated part not yet manufactured; offered no further assistance
Diesel Particulate Filter failure
Diesel particulate filter fragmented and lodged in exhaust system, causing loss of power and white exhaust smoke during highway driving.
When: 82,143 miles
Symptoms owners cite: White smoke from exhaust pipe; Loss of engine power; Check engine light illuminated
Repairs/costs cited: DPF replacement required; vehicle not repaired by owner
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified; no response documented
Throttle response delay—dead pedal
Throttle response freezes for 1–2 seconds when accelerator is released quickly then reapplied. Multiple owners report this as a documented issue on RAM diesel pickups. Creates hazard during traffic merging and left turns.
Symptoms owners cite: 1–2 second throttle delay after quick release and reapply; Dead pedal condition
Acceleration hesitation and stall-like behavior
Delay of 2–3 seconds or more when accelerating from stop or resuming acceleration after lifting off throttle. Owner reports vehicle feels as though it stalls. Occurs in traffic and at yield signs.
Symptoms owners cite: 2–3 second acceleration delay from stop; Stall-like sensation when resuming throttle; Hesitation at low speeds and traffic yields
Abnormal exhaust odor—cabin intrusion
Strong exhaust odor detected entering passenger cabin. Dealer had three-week backlog and did not diagnose the issue.
When: 100,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Abnormal exhaust odor in cabin
Repairs/costs cited: Not diagnosed
Synthesized from 12 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
Had engine 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 engine problem on the 2015 RAM 3500?
It's a meaningful issue. 12 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $3,100.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Across the 10 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 36,500 and 82,143 miles, with the median around 69,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 36,500; a quarter make it past 82,143. 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 $3,100 for engine 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 engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine 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.