Is steering drag link separation and recall weld defect a known issue with the 2015 Ram 2500?

29 NHTSA complaints have been filed about steering drag link separation and recall weld defect on the 2015 Ram 2500 (2015-10 → 2025-09). Reported component: STEERING. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #10794446): "STEERING DRAG LINK ADJUSTER IS COMPLETELY LOOSE. PAINT MARKS INDICATE WHERE IT WAS SUPPOSED TO BE TIGHTENED TOO, BUT EITHER IT WAS NOT TIGHTENED TO TORQUE SPEC OR TORQUE SPEC IS NOT HIGH ENOUGH. I SUSPECT IT WAS HAND TIGHTENED" Source: NHTSA.

Is tailgate opens unexpectedly while driving a known issue with the 2015 Ram 2500?

5 NHTSA complaints have been filed about tailgate opens unexpectedly while driving on the 2015 Ram 2500 (2018-08 → 2021-12). Reported component: STRUCTURE, LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #11432450): "The contact owns a 2015 Ram 2500. The contact stated while driving approximately 75 MPH and hauling a trailer, the tailgate inadvertently lowered without warning" Source: NHTSA.

Is tire tread separation and sidewall cracking a known issue with the 2015 Ram 2500?

10 NHTSA complaints have been filed about tire tread separation and sidewall cracking on the 2015 Ram 2500 (2017-11 → 2023-08). Reported component: TIRES. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #11493785): "Both front tires separated near the rim lt275/70r18" Source: NHTSA.

Is transmission failure and erratic gear shifting a known issue with the 2015 Ram 2500?

14 NHTSA complaints have been filed about transmission failure and erratic gear shifting on the 2015 Ram 2500 (2015-12 → 2025-08). Reported component: POWER TRAIN. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #11420427): "Transmission stopped working at 70500 miles. Have to have it completely replaced" Source: NHTSA.

Is water pump failure causing loss of steering and brakes a known issue with the 2015 Ram 2500?

11 NHTSA complaints have been filed about water pump failure causing loss of steering and brakes on the 2015 Ram 2500 (2017-12 → 2020-09). Reported component: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #11144256): "THE WATER PUMP ON MY 2015 DODGE RAM 2500 FAILED WHILE I WAS DRIVING IT CAUSING THE SERPENTINE BELT TO SLIP OFF THE PULLEYS AND I LOST ALL POWER STEERING AND FOR SOME REASON POWER BRAKES" Source: NHTSA.

Is delayed throttle response from a stop (dead pedal) a known issue with the 2015 Ram 2500?

13 NHTSA complaints have been filed about delayed throttle response from a stop (dead pedal) on the 2015 Ram 2500 (2015-10 → 2018-02). Reported component: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #11014179): "VEHICLE "DEAD PEDAL" THROTTLE RESPONSE IS DOWNRIGHT DANGEROUS. WHEN ACCELERATOR IS PUSHED TO THE FLOOR TO GET OUT OF THE WAY OF TRAFFIC THE TRUCK IS UNRESPONSIVE FOR SEVERAL SECONDS AND CAME MEAN LIFE OR DEATH IN CERTAIN SITUATIONS" Source: NHTSA.

Is frontal or side air bags fail to deploy in a crash a known issue with the 2015 Ram 2500?

5 NHTSA complaints have been filed about frontal or side air bags fail to deploy in a crash on the 2015 Ram 2500 (2016-05 → 2021-09). Reported component: AIR BAGS. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #11090255): "WE WERE INVOLVED IN A TRAFFIC ACCIDENT ON I95. WE WERE HIT FROM THE REAR AND WE SLAMMED INTO THE CONCRETE HIGHWAY DIVIDER AT APPROXIMATELY 45-50 MPH. THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY" Source: NHTSA.

2015 Ram 2500 Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2015 Ram 2500 carries 15 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering connection and linkages. Owners report 7 recurring issue clusters, led by “Steering drag link separation and recall weld defect.” Ram trucks use the Oil Change Indicator system to signal oil service based on driving conditions. The Ram 1500 (HEMI 5.7L, eTorque mild-hybrid, EcoDiesel 3.0L) and Ram 2500/3500 (Cummins 6.7L turbo-diesel) have markedly different intervals — the schedule below covers Ram 1500 gas. Cummins-equipped HD trucks have separate oil, fuel filter, and DEF service requirements.

15 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

STEERING:LINKAGES:DRAG:LINK:CONNECTION

Campaign #19V021000 · Jan 25, 2019

Issue: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Ram 3500 and 2014-2018 Ram 3500 Chassis Cab and Ram 2500 vehicles. The outboard steering linkage jam nut may loosen, allowing one end of the drag link to separate.

Risk: A drag link separation can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of crash.

Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will check the steering linkage jam nut tightness, replacing the drag link assembly or welding the nut to the adjuster sleeve, free of charge. The recall began March 22, 2019. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is V06.

STEERING:LINKAGES

Campaign #18E096000 · Oct 16, 2018

Issue: Streetcar ORV LLC (Streetcar) is recalling certain American Expedition Vehicles (AEV) 3" Dualsport aftermarket suspension kits, part numbers N0436000 and N0436001, sold for installation on 2013-2018 RAM 2500 and 3500HD trucks. Improper installation and machining of the original equipment steering knuckle may weaken the joint between the steering drag link and knuckle.

Risk: The weakened connection may result in a fractured steering drag link, causing a loss of steering and increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Streetcar will notify owners and dealers will inspect and install a new steering knuckle, free of charge. The recall began December 3, 2018. Owners may contact AEV customer service at 1-248-926-0256, extension 500.

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TAILGATE:LATCH

Campaign #19V347000 · Sep 5, 2019

Issue: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks equipped with an 8 foot bed and a power locking tailgate. Chrysler is also recalling all 2013-2014 and 2018 Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks built before April 1, 2018 with a 6 or 8 foot bed and a power locking tailgate. On August 29, 2019 Chrysler expanded the recall to include an additional 693,128 model year 2013-2014 Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks. The tailgate actuator limiter tab may fracture and cause the tailgate to unlatch and open while driving.

Risk: If the tailgate opens while the vehicle is being driven, cargo may fall out the vehicle and create a road hazard, increasing the risk of crash.

Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will repair the tailgate latch, free of charge. The recall began May 23, 2019. Chrysler is expected to notify owners of the expanded population on October 18, 2019. Owners may contact FCA US customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US's number for this recall is V44. Note: 2015-2017 MY Ram 1500 pickup trucks with truck beds other than 8 foot, are currently covered under NHTSA recall 18V-486 for this issue.

STRUCTURE:BODY:TAILGATE

Campaign #18V486000 · Jul 27, 2018

Issue: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2015-2017 RAM 1500, 2500, and 3500 pickup trucks equipped with a power locking tailgate and either a 5 foot, 7 inch or 6 foot, 4 inch bed. The tailgate actuator limiter tab may fracture and cause the tailgate to unlatch and open while driving.

Risk: If the tailgate latch releases and the tailgate opens while driving, cargo may fall out, creating a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will repair the vehicle, free of charge. The recall began September 17, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U74.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

Campaign #18V332000 · May 17, 2018

Issue: 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.

Fix: 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.

AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN:INFLATOR

Campaign #21V632000 · Dec 8, 2021

Issue: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2015-2020 Ram 1500 Classic, 2015-2016 Ram 3500, and Ram 2500 vehicles, and 2016 Ram 3500 Cab Chassis with a gross vehicle weight rating less than 10,000 lbs. The side air bag inflatable curtain (SABIC) inflator end cap may detach from the inflator, or the inflator sidewall may rupture.

Risk: A separated inflator end cap or inflator rupture can allow compressed gas to escape, resulting in the end cap or other components being propelled into the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury or crash.

Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace as necessary, the SABIC assemblies, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters were mailed on October 4, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 26, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is Y55.

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:COLUMN SHIFT

Campaign #17V821000 · Dec 20, 2017

Issue: 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.

Fix: 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.

WHEELS

Campaign #17V499000 · Oct 8, 2017

Issue: Streetcar ORV LLC, dba American Expedition Vehicles (AEV) is recalling certain 2013-2017 RAM 2500 and 3500 heavy duty trucks, modified by AEV to be equipped with cast aluminum Katla 8.5" road wheels. The outer surface of the wheel may fracture, resulting in rapid air loss.

Risk: If the wheel fractures, a loss of vehicle control can occur, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: AEV will notify owners, and dealers will replace the wheels with wheels of similar value, free of charge. The recall began on August 30, 2017. Owners may contact AEV customer service at 1-248-926-0256 extension 500.

EQUIPMENT

Campaign #17V824000 · Dec 21, 2017

Issue: 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: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17V824-0103.pdf. 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: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17E062-5427.pdf

Risk: If the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury in the event of a fire.

Fix: 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.

AIR BAGS

Campaign #17V302000 · Sep 5, 2017

Issue: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2013-2016 Ram 1500, Ram 2500, and 2014-2016 Ram 3500 vehicles. Certain driving conditions, such as driving off-road or debris striking the vehicle may cause the roll rate sensor to trigger a fault within the Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC). If this fault occurs, the rollover side curtain air bag and the seat belt pretensioner will be disabled from deploying.

Risk: If the rollover side curtain air bags and seat belt pretensioners are disabled, there is an increased risk of injury to the vehicle occupants in the event of a crash that necessitates activation of these safety systems.

Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update the ORC software, free of charge. The recall began June 26, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T25.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:DIESEL

Campaign #17V562000 · Dec 9, 2017

Issue: 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.

Fix: 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.

SEAT BELTS

Campaign #15V460000 · Jul 22, 2015

Issue: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500 trucks manufactured June 20, 2012, to January 26, 2015. In the affected vehicles, the side impact sensor calibrations may be overly sensitive, and as a result, the side air bag inflatable curtains and seat air bags may unexpectedly deploy and the seat belt pre-tensioners may activate.

Risk: Air bags that unexpectedly deploy increase the risk of a crash or injury.

Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update the Occupant Restraint Control module calibration, free of charge. The recall began on September 8, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R23.

EQUIPMENT

Campaign #16E041000 · May 16, 2016

Issue: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling aftermarket Mopar Canvas Seat Covers for certain 2012-2016 RAM 1500, 2500, and 3500 trucks. These Mopar canvas seat covers were sold through Chrysler dealerships beginning October 15, 2015. The seat covers can impede the deployment of the seat thorax airbags.

Risk: If the seat cover impedes the air bag deployment, the seat thorax air bags may not provide adequate protection in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of a injury.

Fix: Chrysler will notify owners to remove the front seat covers and return them for a full refund. The recall began on July 1, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S30.

STEERING

Campaign #16V559000 · Jul 26, 2016

Issue: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2015 RAM 2500 trucks, and RAM 3500 trucks and cab chassis. The affected vehicles may have inadequate welds securing the front track bar frame brackets, possibly resulting in the bracket components separating from the frame.

Risk: If the bracket components separate from the frame, the vehicle may have a reduced response to steering input, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will weld on a new track bar frame bracket or replace the frame of the vehicle, free of charge. The recall began on September 14, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S58.

EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.

Campaign #15V461000 · Jul 23, 2015

Issue: 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.

Fix: 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 data refreshed Sep 6, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2015 Ram 2500.

1 active NHTSA investigation

Source: NHTSA

Post Recall Remedy Brake Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI) Failure
Action #RQ25003 · opened Jul 3, 2025
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 picku…
View on NHTSA →

Reported to NHTSA

Steering drag link separation and recall weld defect

STEERING

29 NHTSA complaints · 2015-10 → 2025-09

“STEERING DRAG LINK ADJUSTER IS COMPLETELY LOOSE. PAINT MARKS INDICATE WHERE IT WAS SUPPOSED TO BE TIGHTENED TOO, BUT EITHER IT WAS NOT TIGHTENED TO TORQUE SPEC OR TORQUE SPEC IS NOT HIGH ENOUGH. I SUSPECT IT WAS HAND TIGHTENED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10794446

“Our vehicle was not part of the safety recall V06/NHTSA 19V-21 recall based on VIN but have been experiencing same issues in the recall: Drag link separation can result in a loss of directional steering control. We have had several close calls of truck losing control”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11570103

“SAFETY RECALL V06/NHTSA 19V-021. THIS RECALL WAS PERFORMED BY A DEALER WITH FULL EXPLANATION OF WHAT WAS BEING DONE. THEIR 'FIX' AS APPROVED BY YOU HAS REMOVED SERVICEABILITY OF THE STEERING SYSTEM. WELDING IN PLACE AS A 'FIX' IS BEYOND ACCEPTABLE!”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11405082

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Tailgate opens unexpectedly while driving

STRUCTURE, LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

5 NHTSA complaints · 2018-08 → 2021-12

“The contact owns a 2015 Ram 2500. The contact stated while driving approximately 75 MPH and hauling a trailer, the tailgate inadvertently lowered without warning”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11432450

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 RAM 2500. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH OVER A BUMP IN THE ROAD, THE CONTACT HEARD A BANG SOUND. THE CONTACT PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND FOUND THAT THE TAILGATE FELL DOWN AND STRUCK THE TRAILER JACK”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11218878

“2015-2017 RAM TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH POWER LOCKING TAILGATES ARE EXPERIENCEING THE TAILGATE OPENING UNEXPECTANTLY WHILE DRIVING”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11115468

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Tire tread separation and sidewall cracking

TIRES

10 NHTSA complaints · 2017-11 → 2023-08

“Both front tires separated near the rim lt275/70r18”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11493785

“lt245/70r17 we had the other front tire separate a few weeks ago. the employee was driving a few miles an hour on property when she felt and heard a thumping”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11469644

“RIGHT REAR TIRE ON RAM 2500 MEGACAB BLEW WHILE TOWING A WILDCAT 312BHX 5TH WHEEL ON 7/25/2020 AT 1:45 PM ON I 26 W IN SC AT EXIT 159”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11350615

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Transmission failure and erratic gear shifting

POWER TRAIN

14 NHTSA complaints · 2015-12 → 2025-08

“Transmission stopped working at 70500 miles. Have to have it completely replaced”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11420427

“TRANSMISSION FAILURE, THIS IS DUE TO A PLASTIC FITTING ON THE SECONDARY FILTER THAT DOES NOT ALLOW A CORRECT TIGHTENING, OVER TIME THE FILTER COMES LOOSE AND SLOWLY BURNS UP THE TRANSMISSION RESULTING IN VERY EXPENSIVE REPAIRS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11389744

“Transmission bearing failure, resulting in total transmission loss. Bearing broke without warning while driving and sent metal pieces through the entire transmission”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11431535

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Water pump failure causing loss of steering and brakes

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

11 NHTSA complaints · 2017-12 → 2020-09

“THE WATER PUMP ON MY 2015 DODGE RAM 2500 FAILED WHILE I WAS DRIVING IT CAUSING THE SERPENTINE BELT TO SLIP OFF THE PULLEYS AND I LOST ALL POWER STEERING AND FOR SOME REASON POWER BRAKES”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11144256

“ON 8.20.18 MY VEHICLE GOING 70MPH ON THE FREEWAY AND THEN MADE A LARGE SOUND. I THEN LOST ALL STEERING AND BRAKING ON THE HIGHWAY. I BARELY WAS ABLE TO PULL OFF WITHOUT GETTING HIT. AFTER SITTING, SMOKE STARTED COMING OUT OF FROM UNDER MY HOOD”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11121526

“I RECEIVED NOTICE OF RECALL T51 AFTER BEING MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE ~ SEPTEMBER 2017. SINCE THAT TIME I HAVE MADE MULTIPLE (LOST TRACK) REQUESTS FOR SERVICE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11118593

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Delayed throttle response from a stop (dead pedal)

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

13 NHTSA complaints · 2015-10 → 2018-02

“VEHICLE "DEAD PEDAL" THROTTLE RESPONSE IS DOWNRIGHT DANGEROUS. WHEN ACCELERATOR IS PUSHED TO THE FLOOR TO GET OUT OF THE WAY OF TRAFFIC THE TRUCK IS UNRESPONSIVE FOR SEVERAL SECONDS AND CAME MEAN LIFE OR DEATH IN CERTAIN SITUATIONS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11014179

“ON 6.7L CUMMINS DIESEL THERE CAN BE AN UNPREDICTABLY LONG ( UP TO 2 SECOND) DELAY BETWEEN WHEN THE ACCELERATOR IS PRESSED AND WHEN THE TRUCK ACTUALLY BEGINS TO ACCELERATE. THIS IS NOT TURBO LAG (WHICH MAY LIMIT THE AMOUNT OF POWER UNTIL THE TURBO SPOOLS UP)”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10938402

“THE TRUCK HAS A "DEAD PEDAL" WHEN YOU FLOOR THE GAS PEDAL. IT TAKES A FEW SECONDS TO GO FORWARD. IVE HAD TRAFFIC SPEED UP WHEN PULLING OUT FROM A STOP SIGN AND TRY AND PUSH THE GAS PEDAL AND THERES NOTHING”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10789828

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Frontal or side air bags fail to deploy in a crash

AIR BAGS

5 NHTSA complaints · 2016-05 → 2021-09

“WE WERE INVOLVED IN A TRAFFIC ACCIDENT ON I95. WE WERE HIT FROM THE REAR AND WE SLAMMED INTO THE CONCRETE HIGHWAY DIVIDER AT APPROXIMATELY 45-50 MPH. THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11090255

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 RAM 2500. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A FENCE AND CONCRETE BARRIER. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10862614

“side impact collision and the side airbags did not deploy. i had a broken hand from the impact of hitting the door/window due to the force of the impact”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11432067

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Note: NHTSA also opened 3 defect investigation(s) on this vehicle that closed without action.

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 11, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 11, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter

Every 8,000 mi

HEMI 5.7L: SAE 5W-20 every 8,000 miles per Oil Change Indicator. Pentastar 3.6L: SAE 0W-20. EcoDiesel 3.0L: full synthetic 5W-30, every 10,000 miles. Cummins 6.7L (HD): 15W-40 every 15,000 miles or 6 months.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 8,000 mi

Rotate tires every 8,000 miles. 4WD models towing or hauling regularly: rotate every 5,000 miles to even out drivetrain wear.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 8,000 mi

Inspect pads, rotors, and parking brake every 8,000 miles. Ram 1500 front pads typically last 40,000-60,000 miles under normal use; cut by 30-50% if towing heavily.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Fuel Filter (EcoDiesel + Cummins)

Every 30,000 mi

EcoDiesel 3.0L: dual fuel filters (under hood + frame-mounted) replace every 30,000 miles. Cummins 6.7L: replace at 30,000 miles or sooner if water-in-fuel light triggers.

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 20,000 mi

Replace cabin air filter every 20,000 miles. Behind the glove box on Ram 1500.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

169 crashes 2010–2024

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

complaints mentioning a crash

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2015 Ram 2500 reflects Ram's published service intervals and the Oil Change Indicator system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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