SEAL - OUTPUT SHAFT
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2015 RAM 3500 powertrain problems
severe 30 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
30
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
1crash
1fire
When does it fail?
Of the 30 powertrain complaints filed for the 2015 RAM 3500, 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
Owners have filed 30 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.
Among the 12 model years of RAM 3500 in our records for powertrain problems, this one ranks #3 by owner-complaint volume.
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.
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full bulletin at NHTSA ↗GEAR - REACTION SUN
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗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 ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2015 RAM 3500 Cummins diesel powertrain complaints center on throttle response lag and transmission problems. Most common is the "dead pedal"—when drivers press the accelerator hard (75–100%), the engine hesitates 1.5 to 4 seconds before responding. This happens from a standstill, rolling starts, and especially during traffic merging. Multiple owners describe near-miss accidents when the truck refused to accelerate during emergency maneuvers. RAM and dealers attribute it to turbo lag or normal derate logic (to protect the driveshaft), but owners dispute this; one TSB (18-041-15) exists but reportedly fixes it only partially. A few owners mention DPF regen backpressure and conservative throttle mapping as root causes.
Transmission issues range from bucking and stuttering while towing (one owner nearly went over a cliff when the truck lost forward momentum on a grade), to cooling-line fire (transmission fluid ignited on exhaust at 69k miles), gear-shifter detachment despite a prior recall repair, transmission park failure during loading (truck rolled downhill), and limp-mode activation at 24k miles.
Late-model powertrain failures include rear differential seizure at 173k miles (shortly after an oil service) and water-pump failure at 40k miles while towing at highway speed.
Recall parts shortages plague many owners. Campaigns 17V562000, 17V821000, 19V818000, and 20V036000 remain incomplete months or years after notification because manufacturers cannot supply parts. Dealers have no timelines; some owners report being told the maker is prioritizing newer model years.
Same RAM 3500 powertrain reports on nearby years: 2014 · 2016 · 2017 · 2018
Failure modes owners describe
Throttle lag / dead pedal under hard acceleration
Engine hesitates or fails to respond when accelerator is pressed hard (3/4 to full throttle), resulting in 1.5 to 3-4 second delays before the truck picks up speed. Occurs from a stop, rolling start, or during traffic merging. Owners report manufacturer blames turbo lag and emissions programming; TSB 18-041-15 reportedly only partially addresses the issue.
When: From new (16 miles) through entire ownership; occurs repeatedly under normal and emergency driving
Symptoms owners cite: Engine hesitation when pressing accelerator hard; 1.5-4 second delay before power delivery; Dead pedal feel, truck unresponsive to driver input; Turbo boost builds but throttle input still delayed; Worse during merging and traffic situations
Repairs/costs cited: TSB 18-041-15 exists but only partially corrects issue per owners; aftermarket solutions void warranty
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer claims normal turbo lag; RAM technical assistance states vehicle enters derate above 60-70% throttle to protect driveshaft, described as operating as designed
Transmission bucking, stuttering, and gear slippage under load
During towing on grade, transmission bucks, stutters, shakes, and slips out of gear in first, losing forward momentum. One owner nearly went over a 1000-foot cliff after vehicle stalled and slipped backward, then lunged forward smoking tires. Two dealerships acknowledged the issue and reported other customers with the same problem, but no fix available.
When: First observed June 2016 while towing light trailer uphill on Sonora Pass; issue persists thereafter
Symptoms owners cite: Bucking and stuttering in first gear while towing; Loss of forward momentum under load; Inability to tow in higher gears without stuttering; Vehicle stalled and slipped backward on grade
Rear differential failure and seizure
Rear differential began seizing without warning at 173,000 miles, 22,000 miles after a differential oil change performed at 151,000 miles. Vehicle failed to accelerate; repair quoted at approximately $6,000. Manufacturer was notified and issued a case number but no contact was made to owner regarding resolution.
When: 173,000 miles; symptoms began shortly after differential oil service at 151,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Noise from rear of vehicle without warning; Rear differential began to seize during test drive; Vehicle failed to engage and would not accelerate
Repairs/costs cited: Rear differential replacement estimated at $6,000; not repaired
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified, case number provided, promised representative contact but none made
Transmission cooling line failure and fire
At 69,200 miles, transmission cooling line clip failed, causing transmission fluid to ignite on exhaust and engulfing engine in flames. Owner was able to safely exit vehicle with wife but inhaled smoke. Fire department extinguished fire. Dealer identified faulty transmission cooling line clip as cause.
When: 69,200 miles; overnight highway driving
Symptoms owners cite: Orange glow from underneath vehicle; Smoke odor in cabin; Flames under hood and underneath vehicle; Severe underhood fire
Repairs/costs cited: Faulty transmission cooling line clip identified as cause; vehicle not repaired, awaiting parts
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer made aware three times; case number 71744090-74426250 issued; vehicle awaiting parts for testing
Turbo booster actuator failure with limp mode activation
At 24,000 miles, vehicle unexpectedly shifted into limp mode without warning, causing independent deceleration while driving at various speeds. Dealer diagnosed defective turbo booster actuator.
When: 24,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle shifts into limp mode without warning; Independent deceleration while driving; Loss of normal power delivery
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer not yet notified
Gear shifter linkage cable failure and detachment
At 120,000 miles, transmission warning lights appeared (Service Transmission, Shift to Drive) causing hesitation and stall. Independent mechanic identified gear shifter linkage cable needing replacement. After dealer tightened bolt, cable detached again during subsequent gear shifting. Vehicle was previously repaired under recall 17V821000 but failure recurred.
When: 120,000 miles; intermittent recurrence after initial repair
Symptoms owners cite: Service Transmission warning message on instrument panel; Shift to Drive warning message; Engine hesitation and stall when shifting; Loose or detached gear shifter
Repairs/costs cited: Gear shifter linkage cable replacement required; bolt tightening did not provide permanent fix
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Vehicle previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign 17V821000 (Power Train) but failure recurred
Transmission park failure and vehicle rollaway
While parked on a hillside and loading an attached trailer, transmission park failed after approximately 15 minutes, causing truck to roll downhill. Vehicle barely missed buildings, crashed through a fence, and ended up in a bog. Dealer advised there is a recall for transmission locking pin, but owner received no prior notice.
When: While parked on grade during trailer loading
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission park function failed; Vehicle rolled downhill unintended; Complete loss of parking brake function
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission locking pin recall exists but owner was unaware
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Transmission locking pin recall issued but owner received no notification
Transmission and drivetrain noise with pulling and unintended movement
At 143,000 miles, vehicle unintentionally pulled to right and left while driving 45 mph with loud abnormal noise from powertrain. Dealer performed unknown repairs to transmission, turbocharger, hubs, and bearings, but failures persisted after service.
When: 143,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle unintentionally pulls left and right; Loud abnormal noise from powertrain; Pulling persists after transmission, turbo, hub, and bearing repairs
Repairs/costs cited: Unknown repairs to transmission, turbocharger, hubs, and bearings performed; failures continued
Water pump assembly failure at highway speed under towing
At 40,000 miles while towing camper at 75 mph on highway, water pump assembly failed suddenly, causing severe overheating and loss of steering control. Engine overheated so severely it was smoking, steaming, and impossible to touch for 45 minutes; vehicle nearly caught fire. Owner stranded for a week. Recall was later issued for the same problem but no fix is available. Owner documented all issues with Chrysler Care.
When: 40,000 miles while towing on highway at 75 mph; recall issued later without available fix
Symptoms owners cite: Water pump assembly sudden failure; Severe overheating; Smoke and steam from engine; Loss of steering control; Near-fire condition
Repairs/costs cited: Water pump assembly replacement required; recall issued but no remedy available
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall issued for same problem but no fix available as of complaint
Recall parts unavailability and repair delays
Multiple owners report inability to complete recall repairs on campaigns 17V562000 (Engine/Engine Cooling), 17V821000 (Power Train), 19V818000 (Equipment/Engine/Engine Cooling), and 20V036000 (Power Train) due to parts not being supplied by manufacturer. Dealers unable to schedule repairs or provide estimated parts availability dates. Delays have lasted many months to over a year in some cases. One owner mentioned manufacturer prioritizing newer model years over older ones.
When: Ongoing from initial recall notification through many months and years after
Symptoms owners cite: Recall notification received but parts unavailable; Dealer unable to confirm parts arrival timeline; Multiple dealers unable to perform recall repairs; Extended delays exceeding reasonable timeframes
Repairs/costs cited: Parts distribution disconnect; manufacturers unable to supply recall remedy parts
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall campaigns 17V562000, 17V821000, 19V818000, 20V036000 issued but parts unavailable; manufacturer unable to provide timeline for parts availability
Miscellaneous powertrain component failures
Owner reports cumulative failures including TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module) failure, rear differential leaks, transmission replacement, DEF pump replacement, EGR valve replacement, and turbo sensor failure. Vehicle costly to operate and service appointments extremely delayed (2-3 weeks lead time).
When: Various mileage points throughout ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Multiple electrical and component failures; Rear end fluid leaks; Transmission failure requiring replacement; DEF system component failure; EGR system failure; Turbo system sensor failure
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple components replaced; very high repair costs and extended service delays
Synthesized from 30 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 7 most recent
In june 2016, towing a 14 foot light trailer up sonora pass on hwy 108 in california, the truck bucked, studdered and shook in first gear, stalled and slipped backward towards a 1000 foot cliff, it then lunged into gear and it was smoking the tires. I let it do that to gain traction and then slowly made my way back up. I cannot tow anything out of first gear without the bucking and studders,…
Tl* the contact owns a 2015 Ram 3500. The contact stated that the vehicle shifted into limp mode without warning, causing the vehicle to independently decelerate while driving at various speeds. The contact took the vehicle to lithia Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Fiat of eugene (2121 martin luther king jr blvd, eugene, or 97401) where they diagnosed the vehicle with a defective turbo booster actuator.…
The new Dodge Ram equipped with cummins diesel experience a dead pedal, or pedal delay when pressing the gas pedal 3/4 to full throttle. This poses a serious risk when needing to get out of the way, or move the vehicle under emergency circumstances. This happens under all conditions: stopped, rolling, under acceleration etc. If you push the pedal too far the truck will not respond to operator…
Dead accelerator pedal. When applying accelerator there is a period of time when nothing happens. This is particularly concerning as it leaves the vehicle occupants and the vehicle essentially dead and in harms way while trying to maneuver in traffic, merging, turning, emergency avoidance, etc.
The tuck has a horrible lag in the throttle response. When trying to pull out into heavy traffic the truck lags more than it should. This has been happening since the day I bought it new with 16 miles on it. If you press the pedal more than half down from a stop you can count to 30 before it actually starts moving. There have been multiple times where this has almost caused an accident. I…
The transmission is severely limited by torque management. If you step on the gas pedal the truck barely moves. It moves at its own pace instead of being under your control. This can creates some very dangerous merging situations where you are trying to merge with traffic and the truck decides it won't move. You end up half way committed and half way not.
Bought truck new and at 40k mile mark water pump assemby failed while driving on highway at 75 MPH towing camper,almost crashed,lost steering & control, truck almost caught fire, was so hot, steeming & smoking , mechanic couldnt touch hood for 45 minutes. Stranded for a week before fixed-now at the 80k mile mark re-call came out for exact problem and now theres no fix available ? Rolling the…
Had powertrain 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 powertrain problem on the 2015 RAM 3500?
It's a meaningful issue. 30 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 21 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 5,000 and 69,200 miles, with the median around 25,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 5,000; a quarter make it past 69,200. 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/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.