RAM 5500 problems
Light NHTSA footprint — 13 owner complaints. Either a clean record or thin data; we'll show what's there.
Above-average reliability for the segment. Few systemic issues on file.
Buyable on the data — keep up the usual maintenance and inspect normally.
- No systemic severe-failure pattern in the complaint record
- Reliability score 8.8/10 — above the segment average
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.
Top trouble spots 2 categories with 3+ complaints
What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
The DPF filter is saying that its clogged and it won't regin. Codes: p0234, p24a2,p0420,p0087,p2228,p1193,p243f,p0102,p203f,p2280
Intake air grid heater nut came off and blew the #6 piston and engine needs to be replaced.
Truck was on highway going 70 MPH. Driver said it started shaking very hard and then heard a very loud bang. Was able to keep it under control and bring it to a stop. There were parts of the transfer case all over the road. Drive shaft was bent at a 45 degree angle. Wiring…
Vehicle was taken to the dealership due to an issue where white smoke would appear when the engine is under load. Dealer was unable to repair the issue due to scheduling conflicts. Owner attempted to drive the vehicle to another location for diagnostics. Vehicle caught on fire…
Estimate your repair exposure
Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.
Under investigation 1 open at NHTSA
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 5500 reliable?
Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 8.8 out of 10 based on 13 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2015 RAM 5500 is generally a sound vehicle. The areas to watch are listed in the top problem section above — most are budget items, not deal-breakers.
Should you avoid the 2015 RAM 5500?
On the NHTSA data, the 2015 RAM 5500 does not need avoiding. Buyable on the data — keep up the usual maintenance and inspect normally. The record behind that call: No systemic severe-failure pattern in the complaint record; Reliability score 8.8/10 — above the segment average. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.
What's the most common problem on the 2015 RAM 5500?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is engine, with 4 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 64,500 miles. Average repair cost runs about $3,100 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The engine is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $3,100 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 64,500 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.
How do I check if my RAM 5500 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 5500?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 13 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $3,100, 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.