2015 Ram 3500 Safety Report

The 2015 RAM 3500 presents a mixed safety picture, characterized by a significant number of recalls addressing critical components, but a lack of formal crash test ratings from NHTSA. With 135 total complaints, including 3 crashes, 5 fires, and 1 injury, there are clear areas of concern. The most frequently reported issues revolve around the POWER TRAIN (13 complaints), SERVICE BRAKES (12 complaints), WHEELS (10 complaints), and STEERING (10 complaints), indicating potential systemic weaknesses in these vital systems. The 16 recalls issued for this model year are particularly noteworthy, covering serious defects such as side curtain airbag inflator ruptures, wheel separation due to incorrect manual information, tailgate latch failures, and steering drag link separations, all of which significantly increase the risk of a crash or injury. Specific recall details highlight severe safety risks. For instance, the recall for 'WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS' directly addresses the potential for wheel separation, a catastrophic event. Similarly, multiple recalls related to 'STEERING:LINKAGES' point to a recurring problem with steering control, with consequences ranging from loss of steering to increased crash risk. The recall concerning 'ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:DIESEL' for a leaking water pump increasing fire risk is also a serious concern, especially given the 5 reported fires in the complaint data. The absence of NHTSA crash test ratings means that consumers cannot rely on standardized performance metrics for frontal, side, or rollover protection, making the recall and complaint data even more crucial for assessing safety. Overall, while the 2015 RAM 3500 has not been crash-tested by NHTSA, the extensive recall history and the nature of the top complaints suggest significant safety vulnerabilities. The high number of recalls addressing fundamental vehicle control and safety systems, coupled with complaints about brakes, steering, and wheels, indicates that potential buyers should exercise caution. The reported fires and injuries, though low in number, underscore the severity of some of the identified issues. Prospective owners should ensure all 16 recalls have been addressed and be vigilant for symptoms related to the common complaint areas.

Our recommendation: Given the extensive recall history for critical safety components and the lack of official crash test ratings, thoroughly verify all 16 recalls have been addressed and be prepared for potential issues with the power train, brakes, steering, and wheels.