2015 Ram 4500 Safety Report
2015 RAM 4500 Safety Report
Safety Decision Cockpit for the 2015 Ram 4500
This page is the hub for deciding what to inspect next on the 2015 Ram 4500. It connects recall campaigns, owner complaint patterns, service bulletins, sibling model years, component issue hubs, and the model buying guide so a shopper or owner can move from a single report into the wider safety graph.
| Signal | Value | What to inspect next |
|---|---|---|
| Recall burden | High (8) | Review campaign numbers, affected components, and dealer remedies below. |
| Owner complaints | Low (7) | Scan complaint narratives for recurring symptoms, mileage, crashes, fires, injuries, and dates. |
| Crash and fire reports | 3 | Treat any crash, fire, injury, or fatality-linked pattern as a priority pre-purchase inspection item. |
| Primary component hub | Wheels | Compare wheels issues across vehicles. |
| Cleaner nearby model year | 2016 | Compare against the 2016 Ram 4500 with 1 complaints and 7 recalls. |
| Riskier nearby model year | 2018 | Check the 2018 Ram 4500 before buying across this generation. |
Ram 4500 Year-by-Year Comparison
The safest purchase decision usually comes from comparing neighboring model years, not reading a single page in isolation. The table below uses only validated Ram 4500 years already present in the cleaned NHTSA dataset, so each comparison links to a real vehicle safety report rather than a generated combination.
| Model Year | Complaints | Recalls | Use case |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 Ram 4500 | 1 | 7 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2017 Ram 4500 | 3 | 7 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2018 Ram 4500 | 8 | 7 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2019 Ram 4500 | 6 | 10 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2020 Ram 4500 | 3 | 10 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2022 Ram 4500 | 3 | 4 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
2015 Ram 4500 Complaint Theme Map
Complaint counts become more useful when they are grouped into inspection themes. For the 2015 Ram 4500, these are the component areas with the clearest NHTSA complaint signals. Use each link to jump from this single vehicle into broader component hubs and make-specific issue pages.
Wheels
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Wheels issues Ram onlyEngine
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Engine issues Ram onlyUnknown Or Other
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Unknown Or Other issues Ram onlyPower Train,Unknown Or Other,Service Brakes
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Power Train,Unknown Or Other,Service Brakes issues Ram onlySteering,Suspension,Wheels
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Steering,Suspension,Wheels issues Ram onlyElectrical System
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Electrical System issues Ram onlyAI Safety Analysis for the 2015 Ram 4500
Reliability Score
The 2015 Ram 4500 receives a reliability score of 78 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates above-average reliability relative to comparable vehicles.
Known Issues for the 2015 Ram 4500
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2015 Ram 4500:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wheels Recalled due to wheel studs sheering off at highway speeds, posing a significant safety risk. |
High | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Electrical System Engine oil cooler issues can lead to engine damage and potential fire hazards. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Power Train Transmission water intrusion has been reported, leading to reduced performance and potential failure. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Service Brakes Brake performance has declined over time, with some users experiencing reduced braking effectiveness. |
Low | Common | 30k-60k miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2015 Ram 4500:
Recalled due to wheel studs sheering off at highway speeds.
Engine oil cooler issues can lead to engine damage and potential fire hazards.
Transmission water intrusion has been reported.
Brake performance has declined over time.
Recall Details for the 2015 Ram 4500
The following 8 recalls have been issued for the 2015 Ram 4500 by NHTSA:
Summary: 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.
Consequence: 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 De...
Summary: 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 c...
Consequence: 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 d...
Summary: 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 v...
Consequence: 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 i...
Summary: 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 op...
Consequence: 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.
Summary: 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.
Consequence: 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.
Summary: 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.
Consequence: 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.
Summary: 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.
Consequence: 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, ...
Summary: 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.
Consequence: 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.
NHTSA Complaint Summaries for the 2015 Ram 4500
Below are complaint narratives filed by owners of the 2015 Ram 4500 with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 1 complaint involved crashes. 2 involved fires.
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.
ENGINE OIL COOLER POURING ENGINE OIL OUT!!
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.
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.
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 ...
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 CIR...
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...
NHTSA Defect Investigations for the 2015 Ram 4500
NHTSA defect investigations are higher-signal than ordinary complaints because they indicate the agency opened a formal review of a potential safety defect. Some investigations later connect to recall campaigns; others close without a recall after review.
Component: Power Train:Automatic Transmission
Opened 2025-07-03
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 b...
Component: Electrical System:Software
Opened 2015-07-24 · Closed 2016-01-05
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 det...
Component: Power Train
Opened 2019-12-12 · Closed 2023-10-22
On December 12, 2019, NHTSA'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) 20...
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2015 Ram 4500
Has the 2015 RAM 4500 been recalled?
Yes, the 2015 RAM 4500 has 8 recalls on record with NHTSA. Each recall addresses a specific safety defect identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA.
How many complaints does the 2015 RAM 4500 have?
The 2015 RAM 4500 has 7 complaints filed with NHTSA. Of these, 1 involved crashes. No injuries or deaths have been reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2015 RAM 4500?
The 2015 RAM 4500 does not have an NHTSA safety rating on file. This can happen for newer model years, specialty vehicles, or models that have not been crash-tested.
What are the most common problems with the 2015 RAM 4500?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2015 RAM 4500 involve wheels (1 complaints), engine (1 complaints), unknown or other (1 complaints). Other affected components include power train,unknown or other,service brakes, steering,suspension,wheels, electrical system.
How many crash reports does the 2015 RAM 4500 have?
There are 1 crash reports associated with the 2015 RAM 4500 out of 7 total complaints (14.3% of complaints involved crashes).
How many fire reports does the 2015 RAM 4500 have?
There are 2 fire reports for the 2015 RAM 4500 out of 7 total complaints. Fire reports are among the most serious safety concerns tracked by NHTSA.
Are there any deaths reported for the 2015 RAM 4500?
No deaths have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2015 RAM 4500.
How many injuries are reported for the 2015 RAM 4500?
No injuries have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2015 RAM 4500.
Should I buy a 2015 RAM 4500?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2015 RAM 4500 is research thoroughly before purchasing. It has 7 complaints, 8 recalls. Always have a pre-purchase inspection done by a qualified mechanic.
What components fail most on the 2015 RAM 4500?
The components with the most failures on the 2015 RAM 4500 are: 1. WHEELS (1 complaints), 2. ENGINE (1 complaints), 3. UNKNOWN OR OTHER (1 complaints), 4. POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES (1 complaints), 5. STEERING,SUSPENSION,WHEELS (1 complaints). WHEELS is the single most-reported problem area with 1 complaints.
What should I know before buying a 2015 RAM 4500?
Be aware of the potential for wheel stud failure and electrical system issues, especially in the first 60,000 miles. The 2015 RAM 4500 has 7 NHTSA complaints and 8 recalls on record.
How reliable is the 2015 RAM 4500?
The 2015 RAM 4500 receives a reliability score of 78/100, indicating above-average reliability. This is based on 7 owner complaints, 8 recalls, and 3 crash/fire reports in the NHTSA database. Key known issues include Wheels and Electrical System.
What are the known issues with the 2015 RAM 4500?
Known issues with the 2015 RAM 4500 include: Wheels, Electrical System, Power Train, Service Brakes. These are based on patterns found across 7 NHTSA complaints. 8 of these patterns resulted in formal recalls.
Are there any recalls for the 2015 RAM 4500?
Yes, there are recalls for wheel studs and electrical system issues.
What are the common problems with the 2015 RAM 4500?
Common issues include wheel stud failure, electrical system problems, and transmission water intrusion.
Are the service brakes reliable?
Brake performance has declined over time, but it is generally reliable.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Be aware of the potential for wheel stud failure and electrical system issues, especially in the first 60,000 miles.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2015 Ram 4500
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2015 Ram 4500. The data includes 7 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 8 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 1 reported crashes, 2 fire incidents, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.
Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.
Disclaimer: This analysis is AI-generated from NHTSA public data and does not constitute professional automotive or safety advice. Always verify recall status at NHTSA.gov and consult a qualified mechanic.
Analysis last updated: 2026-05-16