2015 Ram 4500 Safety Report
2015 RAM 4500: Low complaints, but 8 recalls address critical safety risks including wheel separation and engine fires.
AI Safety Analysis for the 2015 Ram 4500
Reliability Score
The 2015 Ram 4500 receives a reliability score of 45 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wheel Separation Due To Incorrect Manual Information Incorrect information in service/owner's manuals regarding wheel lug nut torque can lead to wheel separation, as evidenced by a recall (Y26) and a complaint where a wheel detached at highway speeds. |
High | Occasional | N/A miles |
| Engine Compartment Fire Risk From Water Pump A recall addresses a leaking water pump in Cummins 6.7L Turbo Diesel engines, which can increase the risk of an engine compartment fire. One complaint describes an engine fire after loss of steering and brakes. |
High | Occasional | N/A miles |
| Cruise Control Deactivation Failure A recall indicates a potential issue where the vehicle may maintain speed or accelerate despite attempts to deactivate cruise control, increasing crash risk. |
High | Occasional | N/A miles |
| Suspension Stability Control Reduction Inadequate penetration of welds on the front upper control arm can reduce suspension stability, affecting vehicle control and increasing crash risk, as per a specific recall for early 2015 models. |
High | Occasional | N/A miles |
| Transmission Water Intrusion Complaints indicate water intrusion into the transmission bulkhead connector, affecting multiple trucks and potentially leading to transmission issues. |
Medium | Occasional | N/A miles |
| Uneven Tire Wear / Tire Failure Multiple complaints describe severe uneven front tire wear requiring frequent replacement. A recall also addresses potential tire failure if the vehicle exceeds the tires' maximum speed rating. |
Medium | Occasional | 3000-117000 miles |
| Brake Pedal Becoming Low And Spongy A complaint details a brake pedal becoming progressively lower and spongy, indicating potential brake system issues. |
Medium | Occasional | N/A 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:
Issues related to wheel studs shearing off and wheel separation, directly linked to a recall regarding incorrect manual information for lug nut torque.
Problems including engine oil cooler leaks, ECU internal performance issues, and engine fires, with a recall specifically for water pump leaks leading to fire risk.
Issues such as transfer case failure leading to loss of steering/brakes and engine shut-off, and transmission water intrusion.
Concerns including cruise control deactivation failure (subject to recall) and potential remote hacking vulnerabilities (subject to recall).
Complaints about spongy brake pedals and general brake performance, alongside a recall for unintended vehicle movement if the transmission can be shifted without brake pedal.
Problems with uneven tire wear suggesting underlying suspension issues, and a recall for inadequate welds on front control arms affecting stability.
Uneven tire wear and a recall concerning tire failure if the vehicle exceeds the maximum speed rating.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2015 Ram 4500
Is the 2015 RAM 4500 safe?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2015 RAM 4500 has a low number of direct consumer complaints (7 total), but a high number of recalls (8). These recalls address critical safety issues like potential wheel separation, engine fires, and loss of vehicle control, indicating significant safety concerns identified by the manufacturer. The lack of NHTSA crash test ratings means its crashworthiness is unverified.
What are common problems with the 2015 RAM 4500?
The most reported issues and recall-related problems include wheel separation due to incorrect manual information, engine compartment fire risk from water pump leaks, cruise control deactivation failure, and suspension stability issues from inadequate control arm welds. Other concerns include transmission water intrusion, uneven tire wear, and spongy brake pedals.
Are there any recalls for the 2015 RAM 4500?
Yes, the 2015 RAM 4500 has 8 recalls. These include recalls for WHEELS (incorrect lug nut torque info), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (cruise control deactivation, remote hacking), EQUIPMENT (fire extinguisher, radio vulnerability), POWER TRAIN (unintended vehicle movement), ENGINE (water pump fire risk), SUSPENSION (control arm welds), and TIRES (speed rating).
What are the crash test ratings for the 2015 RAM 4500?
The 2015 RAM 4500 does not have specific NHTSA crash test ratings. All categories, including Overall, Frontal, Side, and Rollover, are listed as N/A (Not Applicable) by NHTSA.
Has the 2015 RAM 4500 had any issues with its wheels?
Yes, the 2015 RAM 4500 has had significant wheel-related issues. There is a recall for incorrect information in the service and owner's manuals that could lead to wheel separation. A consumer complaint also details a right rear wheel detaching at highway speeds, causing a crash.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Given the numerous critical safety recalls, potential buyers should ensure all 8 recalls have been addressed and thoroughly inspect the vehicle for signs of the reported issues, especially related to wheels, engine, and suspension, as NHTSA crash test data is unavailable.
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.