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2015 Ram 4500 problems

The most common problem on the 2015 Ram 4500 is brakes. It has 1.4 times the complaints of a typical 4500 model year.

Fewer complaintsAmong the best years of this model
Owner complaints
7
Recalls
8
Service bulletins
399
Worst area
Brakes

The worst 2015 Ram 4500 problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

  • Brakes
    2
  • Wheels
    2
  • Electrical
    1
  • Engine
    1
  • Steering
    1

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Brakes
    2
  • Wheels
    2
  • Electrical
    1
  • Engine
    1
  • Steering
    1
  • Suspension
    1
  • Transmission
    1

Recalls 8

Wheels: lugs/nuts/bolts/studsReported May 27, 2021 · 447,985 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2012-2021 RAM 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis, 4500 Cab Chassis, and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles. Incorrect information in the Service and Owner's Manuals may cause the flanged lug nuts to be over-tightened, which could result in a broken wheel stud and possible wheel separation.
Risk
Wheel separation can cause a vehicle crash.
Remedy
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.

Recall number 21V398000 · Recall details

Electrical system: wiringReported May 17, 2018 · 4,815,661 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Dodge Journey, Charger and Durango, RAM 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis (more than 10,000lb), 4500 Cab Chassis and 5500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee and Chrysler 300, 2014-2019 RAM 1500, 2015-2018 Dodge Challenger, 2015-2017 Chrysler 200, 2016-2018 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis (less than 10,000 lb), 2017-2018 Chrysler Pacifica and 2018 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. These vehicles are being recalled to address a defect that could prevent the cruise control system from disengaging. If, when using cruise control, there is a short circuit within the vehicle's wiring, the driver may not be able to shut off the cruise control either by depressing the brake pedal or manually turning the system off once it has been engaged, resulting in either the vehicle maintaining its current speed or possibly accelerating.
Risk
If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
Remedy
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the software, and perform a software flash on the engine or powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began June 4, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Note: Owners are advised to stop using cruise control until the software update has been performed. In the event that cruise control cannot be disengaged while driving, owners should firmly and steadily apply the brakes and shift the transmission to neutral, placing the vehicle in park once it has stopped.

Recall number 18V332000 · Recall details

EquipmentReported December 21, 2017 · 61,791 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling various Dodge, Chrysler, and RAM vehicles equipped with Kidde Plastic-Handle or Push Button 'Pindicator' Fire Extinguishers. A list of the affected trailer models is available at: These extinguishers may become clogged, preventing the extinguisher from discharging as expected or requiring excessive force to activate the extinguisher. Additionally, in certain models, the nozzle may detach from the valve assembly with enough force that it could cause injury and also render the product inoperable. For a full list of the affected fire extinguisher models visit:
Risk
If the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury in the event of a fire.
Remedy
Chrysler will notify owners instructing them to contact Kidde for a replacement fire extinguisher, free of charge. The recall began February 14, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403 or Kidde customer service service toll-free at 1‑855‑262‑3540, or online at www.kidde.com and click on "Product Safety Recall" for more information. Chrysler's number for this recall is T82.

Recall number 17V824000 · Recall details

Power train: automatic transmission: lever and linkage: column shiftReported December 20, 2017 · 1,482,874 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Ram 3500 Cab Chassis with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of less than 10,000 lbs, 2011-2017 Ram 3500, 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles, 2009-2017 Ram 1500 and 2010-2017 Ram 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks, all equipped with a column shifter. Pushing the brake pedal for prolonged periods when the vehicle is running and in PARK may cause the Brake Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI) pin to stick in the open position. With the pin in the open position, the transmission can be shifted out of PARK into any gear without pushing the brake pedal or having the key in the ignition.
Risk
Being able to shift the transmission without pushing the brake pedal and/or without a key in the ignition can increase the risk of an unintended vehicle rollaway that may result in personal injury or a crash.
Remedy
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update the vehicle software, inspect the BTSI, and, as necessary, replace it, free of charge. The recall began February 26, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T79.

Recall number 17V821000 · Recall details

Engine and engine cooling: engine: dieselReported September 12, 2017 · 443,874 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2013-2017 RAM 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis, 4500 Cab Chassis, and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles, equipped with Cummins 6.7L Turbo Diesel engines that have Concentric-brand water pumps without a vent hole. These water pumps may leak coolant.
Risk
The leaking water pump can increase the risk of an engine compartment fire.
Remedy
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the water pumps, free of charge. The recall began February 26, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T51.

Recall number 17V562000 · Recall details

Suspension: front: control arm: upper armReported July 27, 2015 · 199 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2015 Ram 4500, and 5500 pickup trucks manufactured January 30, 2015, to February 6, 2015. The affected vehicles may have inadequate penetration of the front upper control arm loop to spacer weld, reducing the front suspension stability.
Risk
A reduction of suspension stability control could affect control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace any affected upper control arms, free of charge. The recall began on September 17, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R34.

Recall number 15V468000 · Recall details

Equipment: electrical: radio/tape deck/cd etc.Reported July 23, 2015 · 1,416,903 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Ram 1500, 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500, 2015 Chrysler 200, Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger, and Dodge Challenger, 2014-2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee, Cherokee, and Dodge Durango, and 2013-2015 Dodge Viper vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with radios that have software vulnerabilities that can allow third-party access to certain networked vehicle control systems.
Risk
Exploitation of the software vulnerability may result in unauthorized remote modification and control of certain vehicle systems, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Chrysler will notify and mail affected owners a USB drive that includes a software update that eliminates the vulnerability, free of charge. Optionally, owners may download the update to their own USB drive from http://www.driveuconnect.com/software-update/ or take their vehicle to a Chrysler dealer for immediate installation. In an effort to mitigate the effects of this security vulnerability, Chrysler has had the wireless service provider close the open cellular connection to the vehicle that provided unauthorized access to the vehicle network. This measure may not have been implemented on all vehicles and does not address access by other means that will be remedied by the software update. The recall began on August 25, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R40.

Recall number 15V461000 · Recall details

TiresReported May 18, 2015 · 1,771 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Chryser (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Ram 4500 and 5500 cab chassis trucks manufactured August 20, 2013, to January 27, 2015 and equipped with 6.4L Hemi engines. The affected vehicles have a maximum governed speed of 106 mph but are fitted with tires that are only rated for a maximum speed of 87 mph.
Risk
If the vehicle exceeds the tires' maximum speed rating, the tires may suddenly fail, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Chrysler has notified owners, and dealers will correct the electronic control unit software to limit the vehicle's speed to 87 mph, free of charge. The recall began on June 10, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R17.

Recall number 15V290000 · Recall details

See all 8 recalls for the 2015 Ram 4500

Defect investigations

Post Recall Remedy Brake Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI) FailureOpened July 3, 2025, still open

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received 14 Vehicle Owner Questionnaire (VOQ) reports and 6 EWR Death & Injury (D&I) reports describing post recall remedy failures of the brake transmission shift interlock (BTSI) system in certain Model Year (MY) 2013-2018 RAM pickup trucks.The subject vehicle models include 1500, 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500 trucks equipped with a column mounted shift lever.The failures of the BTSI described in the VOQs occurred on vehicles that had all previously been repaired under recall 17V‑821 or 18V‑100.Both recalls address a potential condition which can cause the BTSI locking pin to become stuck allowing the transmission to be shifted out of Park without depressing the brake pedal and/or without having a key in the ignition.Shifting the transmission out of Park when not having the brake pedal depressed can result in a vehicle rollaway. ODI is opening this Recall Query (RQ) to review the effectiveness of the 17V‑821 and 18V‑100 recall remedies, understand the root cause of additional vehicle rollaway incidents, and identify any other possible root cause that may affect the performance of the BTSI system. To review the ODI reports cited in the Opening Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to

RQ25003

Front Driveshaft FailureOpened December 12, 2019, closed October 22, 2023

On December 12, 2019, the federal safety agency's Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation (PE) 19-017 after receiving three Vehicle Owner Questionnaire (VOQ) reports alleging failures of the front driveshaft and/or transfer case, resulting in conditions of 1) a loss of engine power, 2) loss of steering assist, 3) loss of foundation brakes, 4) unintended air bag deployment and 5) engine/cab fires from combustible fluids striking hot exhaust components. The VOQs involved model year (MY) 2015 through 2017 RAM 4500 and 5500 vehicles. ODI received information from the vehicle manufacturer [Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA)] via information request letters dated February 28, 2020, and April 21,2020. Supplemental information was received on March 17, 2021. A review of the responsive manufacturer information, and related meetings and presentations, showed that the transfer case failures in 97.5% of the claims did not disable the vehicle. Since analysis showed that a failed driveshaft could result in catastrophic damage to the transfer case as well as other safety risks (i.e. steering/brake failures etc.), ODI shifted the investigation to focus only on the front driveshaft failures. The double cardan universal joint design requires maintenance lubrication within every 8000 miles. Despite an under-hood maintenance reminder label and professional servicing at both dealers and independent repair facilities, the driveshafts were often found to be unlubricated due to lack of awareness, difficulty of the operation or the lack of the special tools needed to perform the work. To increase the maintenance lubrication rates, in the summer of 2021, FCA launched a communications campaign, circulating awareness bulletins, training information, special tool options and instructional videos through more than a dozen channels covering both dealer and independent repair facilities. Additionally, in the fall of 2021, FCA mailed a VIN-specific letter to each registered owner reminding them of the maintenance needs, and also sent a special grease gun adapter to every FCA US dealer and fleet operator with an FCA US dealer code. Since January 2022,the federal safety agency has not received a complaint of front driveshaft failure due to lack of lubrication that can lead to failure conditions such as loss of engine power, loss of steering assist, loss of foundation brakes, unintended air bag deployment and engine/cab fires. This drop in complaints, the communications campaign launched by the manufacturer, and the absence of reports from the manufacturer, support the closing of this Preliminary Evaluation. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by the federal safety agency that a safety-related defect does not exist. The Agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances. To review the ODI reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to

PE19017

Software security vulnerabilityOpened July 24, 2015, closed January 5, 2016

On July 23, 2015, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) launched Safety Recall 15V‑461 to remedy security vulnerabilities in approximately 1.4 million model year (MY) 2013 through 2015 vehicles equipped with Uconnect head units (HU) 8.4A (RA3 radio) and 8.4AN (RA4 radio) manufactured by Harman International.On July 24, 2015, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Recall Query, RQ 15-004, to investigate HU security vulnerabilities and remedy effectiveness in the recalled population and to determine whether similar units have been supplied for use in other FCA vehicles.In an August 11, 2015 letter, FCA submitted a second Part 573 safety recall report expanding the scope of the Uconnect RA4 model radio to include additional 7,810 MY 2015 Jeep Renegade vehicles manufactured from September 18, 2014 through June 25, 2015 (Recall 15V‑508).Scope analysis indicated that Uconnect radios installed in FCA vehicles not included in recalls 15V‑461 or 15V‑508 (subject recalls) are not equipped with built-in cellular access or short range wireless communication features and, thus, do not contain the security vulnerabilities addressed by the subject recalls. SUBJECT VEHICLES: MY2014 through 2015 Dodge Durango, Jeep Grand Cherokee and Jeep Cherokee sport utility vehicles; MY2013 through 2015 Ram 1500, 2500, 3500 and 4500/5500 pickup trucks; MY2013 through 2015 Dodge Viper vehicles; and MY2015 Chrysler 200, 300, Jeep Renegade, Dodge Charger and Challenger vehicles.According to FCA, long and short range wireless vulnerabilities identified in the recalled vehicles could allow unauthorized third-party access to, and manipulation of, networked vehicle control systems.Successful exploitation of the vulnerabilities, coupled with reverse engineering of networked microprocessor control modules, could result in unauthorized manipulation of vehicle control systems. This unauthorized manipulation of vehicle controls and systems could expose the driver, vehicle occupants or other highway users to an increased risk of injury.FCA and its network provider, Sprint, conducted a nationwide campaign to block access to a radio communications port that was unintentionally left open.On July 27, 2015, short range wireless vulnerabilities were also blocked.Finally, third party security evaluation and regression testing identified vulnerabilities that were either remedied by Sprint or through updates to the FCA Uconnect software.ODI identified a total of 30 complaints or field reports on unique vehicles submitted by FCA (29) or received by the federal safety agency (1) alleging incidents of theft from a vehicle or anomalous performance that the owner alleged were caused by, or may have been caused by, remote hacking.Twenty-six (87%) of these reports were submitted after a magazine article was published on July 21, 2015, describing the remote hacking of an FCA vehicle by researchers who were able to affect the operation of various vehicle control systems, including the service brakes, steering, throttle and ignition.Most of the complaints involved vehicle systems that were not safety critical (e.g., complaints related to radio, navigation system, or air-conditioning control) and did not affect vehicle control.Three complaints reported engine stalls.One owner reported sudden unintended acceleration allegedly related to hacking.None of the complaints or field reports reviewed involved the steering and braking vehicle control effects demonstrated by the research hackers prior to the recall.There were no confirmed incidents of hacking in any of the records reviewed by ODI.The remedies completed by Sprint and FCA appear to have eliminated vulnerabilities that mi

RQ15004

Technical service bulletins for the 2015 Ram 4500 399

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 399 bulletins for the 2015 Ram 4500

What 2015 Ram 4500 owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Aug 28, 2023 · Wheels · OH · crash

Right rear wheel studs sheered off and the wheels fell off at highway speeds. It appears recall Y26 has listed this issue. One of the wheels rolled off the highway into a Tesla dealership and hit two new cars.

Filed Dec 8, 2020 · Engine · 120,000 miles · IL

Engine oil cooler pouring engine oil out!!

Filed Dec 29, 2018 · 113,233 miles · MD

I was driving on high way engine power reduced. I pulled over check engine light came on. I drove my mechanic shop he checked obd code told me your ecu internal performance issue memory loss need to reflash. It can shut down ant time on high way and cause problem.

Filed Jul 24, 2018 · Brakes, Transmission · 140,000 miles · NC · fire

The ambulance was driving down the highway when they felt a vibration then heard a loud noise. The cab filled with smoke and they lost steering, brakes and the engine shut off. Engine then caught on fire. After the fire was put out, found that the transfer case was in pieces. Found engine harness damage, both driveshafts, brake and fuel lines damaged. Ambulance box and truck floor board damaged.

Filed Dec 29, 2016 · Steering, Suspension · 117,000 miles · LA · fire

I purchased my 2015 ram 4500 new, within the first 3000 miles the front tires were showing uneven wear, by 50,000 miles the uneven wear was sever. I replaced front tires and had a front-end alignment performed. Within approx. 3000 miles again, the front tires were wearing unevenly. At approx. 117,000 the ABS service light came on, I called the dealership and they said to come n next week and they would change a wheel sensor but the vehicle was safe to drive until then. The day after the ABS light came on however, the hub bearings went out completely and caused a small fire. I had the hub bearing, brake caliber, brake pads and rotor changed as a result of the bearings failure. These have not changed the uneven wearing and has increased the occasionally sever wobble/shake that occurs at mid speeds when a rough spot in the road or a semi sharp curve is in the roadway.

Filed Nov 22, 2016 · Electrical · 30,000 miles · OR

I am with a state dot and we have experienced transmission water intrusion into a transmission bulkhead connector on two trucks with a third unconfirmed. The models affected are from the 2014 and 2015 model years for the ram 4500 and 5500. This bulkhead connector is located near front wheel splash and it is not properly protected. When water enter the electrical connector, the TCM can short circuit and an input speed sensor can short circuit without prior warning to the driver which renders the truck to lose the transmission functionality while in motion. Fca western regional managers have been notified and the fca fix is to apply dielectric grease to the connector, which is not a long-term solution. Dielectric grease will washout in time. A proper solution involves a proper splash shield or relocating the entire harness away from wheel splash.

Filed May 6, 2015 · Brakes · 9,032 miles · GA

In november 2014 I purchased a second ram 4500 and noticed that the brakes were not as good as my previous 4500 that I still have. I brought this to the attention of the selling dealer and they said nothing was wrong. I drove the truck and noticed that the brake pedal was getting lower and spongy and that the brakes would not stop the truck like they should. I took the truck back to another dealer on 3/11/15 with same complaint they said nothing was wrong. When I picked the truck up I noticed that the brakes were working correctly. I asked what they did and they said nothing. After about a week the brakes went back to not stopping the truck like it should and the pedal was spongy and low. I contacted the dealer again. They said nothing was wrong with the brakes. I then went to the dealer with both of my trucks a 2014 4500 and had them drive both trucks. They stated yes there is something wrong and they would contact chrysler. I then returned the truck to the dealer for further testing as chrysler needed the dealer to do. After testing the dealer stated that all tests checked out so chrysler says that there is nothing wrong. The dealer agrees there is something wrong. I have complained to chrysler . If these brakes are checking ok why do they not stop the truck as they should , this is a accident waiting to happen and this is a commercial truck. It needs to be fixed .

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Questions about the 2015 Ram 4500

Is the 2015 Ram 4500 reliable?

Owners have filed 7 complaints about the 2015 Ram 4500, 1.4 times a typical 4500 model year.

What is the most common problem with the 2015 Ram 4500?

Brakes, with 2 complaints. Next is wheels (2).

How many recalls does the 2015 Ram 4500 have?

8 recalls, covering wheels, electrical system and equipment.

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