2015 Ram 5500 Safety Report
2015 RAM 5500 Safety Report
Safety Decision Cockpit for the 2015 Ram 5500
This page is the hub for deciding what to inspect next on the 2015 Ram 5500. 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 (13) | Scan complaint narratives for recurring symptoms, mileage, crashes, fires, injuries, and dates. |
| Crash and fire reports | 1 | Treat any crash, fire, injury, or fatality-linked pattern as a priority pre-purchase inspection item. |
| Primary component hub | Engine | Compare engine issues across vehicles. |
| Cleaner nearby model year | 2021 | Compare against the 2021 Ram 5500 with 3 complaints and 5 recalls. |
| Riskier nearby model year | 2018 | Check the 2018 Ram 5500 before buying across this generation. |
Ram 5500 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 5500 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 5500 | 16 | 7 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2017 Ram 5500 | 18 | 7 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2018 Ram 5500 | 31 | 8 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2019 Ram 5500 | 10 | 10 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2020 Ram 5500 | 8 | 10 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2021 Ram 5500 | 3 | 5 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
2015 Ram 5500 Complaint Theme Map
Complaint counts become more useful when they are grouped into inspection themes. For the 2015 Ram 5500, 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.
Engine
4 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Engine issues Ram onlyWheels
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Wheels issues Ram onlyPower Train,Fuel System, Diesel
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Power Train,Fuel System, Diesel issues Ram onlyPower Train,Electrical System
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Power Train,Electrical System issues Ram onlyElectrical System,Unknown Or Other,Engine
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Electrical System,Unknown Or Other,Engine issues Ram onlyPower Train,Electrical System,Service Brakes
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Power Train,Electrical System,Service Brakes issues Ram onlyAI Safety Analysis for the 2015 Ram 5500
Reliability Score
The 2015 Ram 5500 receives a reliability score of 85 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 5500
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2015 Ram 5500:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine And Cooling System The intake air grid heater nut can come loose, leading to engine damage and requiring a complete engine replacement. |
High | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Electrical System Wiring issues in the electrical system have been reported, causing various malfunctions and potential safety hazards. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Automatic Transmission Shifting issues with the automatic transmission have been reported, requiring repairs under warranty and potentially out of warranty. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Suspension System Control arm issues, particularly with the upper arm, have been reported, leading to vehicle vibrations and abnormal sounds. |
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 5500:
Issues with the engine and cooling system are the most common problems, affecting 23% of vehicles.
Recall Details for the 2015 Ram 5500
The following 8 recalls have been issued for the 2015 Ram 5500 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 5500
Below are complaint narratives filed by owners of the 2015 Ram 5500 with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 1 involved fires.
Intake air grid heater nut came off and blew the #6 piston and engine needs to be replaced.
While traveling on a highway at speeds in excess of 50mph the 2015 Ram 5500 lost the rear set of dual tires on the passenger side. The wheels came off after all 10-wheel studs failed and broke off. This is the second incident on this same truck despite going through the warranty process and procedures through Stellantis/Ram. No incident or injuries resulted from the failure.
The contact owns a 2015 Ram 5500. The contact stated while driving 69 MPH, the vehicle started vibrating abnormally with abnormal sounds coming from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to park on the side of the road, exited the vehicle, and noticed transmission fluid leaking underneath the vehicle. The contact stated that the transfer case was fractured. The ...
Vehicle is 2015 and has 44.4k miles on it. Had it in for a routine oil change and the mechanic showed me that the oil pan is in extremely poor condition with multiple rot spots all over and could fail at anytime. Mopar extended warranty covers oil pans, but they dont cover rust. An oil pan is a static part, the only way it could fail is from rust or a catastrophic engine failure where a connect...
HAVE HAD SHIFTING ISSUE'S IN THE PAST, REPAIR UNDER WARRANTY WAS TRANS SOLENOIDS. NOW, OUT OF WARRANTY, IT'S THE TRANS WIRING HARNESS.
THE DPF FILTER IS SAYING THAT ITS CLOGGED AND IT WON'T REGIN. CODES: P0234, P24A2,P0420,P0087,P2228,P1193,P243F,P0102,P203F,P2280
TRUCK WAS ON HIGHWAY GOING 70 MPH. DRIVER SAID IT STARTED SHAKING VERY HARD AND THEN HEARD A VERY LOUD BANG. WAS ABLE TO KEEP IT UNDER CONTROL AND BRING IT TO A STOP. THERE WERE PARTS OF THE TRANSFER CASE ALL OVER THE ROAD. DRIVE SHAFT WAS BENT AT A 45 DEGREE ANGLE. WIRING WAS WRAPPED AROUND YOKE, UNDERNEATH OF CAB IS DAMAGED, BRAKE SYSTEM DAMAGED, DEF SYSTEM DAMAGED, ALONG WITH OTHER PROBLEMS...
VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP DUE TO AN ISSUE WHERE WHITE SMOKE WOULD APPEAR WHEN THE ENGINE IS UNDER LOAD. DEALER WAS UNABLE TO REPAIR THE ISSUE DUE TO SCHEDULING CONFLICTS. OWNER ATTEMPTED TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE TO ANOTHER LOCATION FOR DIAGNOSTICS. VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE ON THE WAY TO ANOTHER DEALER LOCATION.
STEERING DRAG LINK BROKEN OFF ON PASSENGER (LONG ARM) SIDE OF ADJUSTMENT SLEEVE. NO IMPACT DAMAGE. PART APPEARS TO HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY MANUFACTURED. ONLY APPROX 1/3 TO 1/2 OF THE ROD WAS FUSED TOGETHER (SEE PICTURE). VEHICLE WAS BACKING UP AND TURNING IN A PARKING LOT, SLIGHTLY DOWNHILL WITH SERVICE BRAKES LIGHTLY APPLIED. VEHICLE IS HEAVILY LOADED (ELECTRICAL BUCKET TRUCK)
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 RAM 5500. UPON INSPECTION, THE CONTACT NOTICED COOLANT LEAKING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO FIELDS CHRYSLER JEEP DODGE-SANFORD (750 TOWNE CENTER BLVD, SANFORD, FL), BUT A LEAK COULD NOT BE FOUND. AFTERWARDS, THE LOW COOLANT INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT CHECKED THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND NOTICED THAT COOLANT SPEWED OUT ONTO THE UNDERCARRIAGE AND ELECT...
BATTERY SAVER MODE MSG APPEARED ON DASH. TRUCK HAD 87,000 MILES AND 2400 HOURS. USED AS A ROADSIDE SERVICE WRECKER. TESTED BATTERIES. 1 TESTED BAD. REPLACED BOTH BATTERIES. MESSAGE COMES BACK AT STARTUP ON COLD MORNINGS. MSG STAYS ON UNTIL TRUCK IS WARMED LATER IN THE DAY.
FRONT TIRES UNEVEN WEAR, TIRE CUPPING. VIBRATION AND NOISY!
FRONT TIRES. TIRES WEAR UNEVEN. MOSTLY PASSENGER SIDE. CUPPING OF OF BOTH. NOTICEABLE VIBRATION. SAME THING HAPPENED WITH MY 2011 MODEL OF THE SAME VEHICLE.
NHTSA Defect Investigations for the 2015 Ram 5500
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 5500
Has the 2015 RAM 5500 been recalled?
Yes, the 2015 RAM 5500 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 5500 have?
The 2015 RAM 5500 has 13 complaints filed with NHTSA. None of the complaints involved crashes. No injuries or deaths have been reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2015 RAM 5500?
The 2015 RAM 5500 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 5500?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2015 RAM 5500 involve engine (4 complaints), wheels (1 complaints), power train,fuel system, diesel (1 complaints). Other affected components include power train,electrical system, electrical system,unknown or other,engine, power train,electrical system,service brakes.
How many crash reports does the 2015 RAM 5500 have?
There are no crash reports associated with the 2015 RAM 5500 in the NHTSA database.
How many fire reports does the 2015 RAM 5500 have?
There are 1 fire reports for the 2015 RAM 5500 out of 13 total complaints. Fire reports are among the most serious safety concerns tracked by NHTSA.
Are there any deaths reported for the 2015 RAM 5500?
No deaths have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2015 RAM 5500.
How many injuries are reported for the 2015 RAM 5500?
No injuries have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2015 RAM 5500.
Should I buy a 2015 RAM 5500?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2015 RAM 5500 is research thoroughly before purchasing. It has 13 complaints, 8 recalls. Always have a pre-purchase inspection done by a qualified mechanic.
What components fail most on the 2015 RAM 5500?
The components with the most failures on the 2015 RAM 5500 are: 1. ENGINE (4 complaints), 2. WHEELS (1 complaints), 3. POWER TRAIN,FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL (1 complaints), 4. POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (1 complaints), 5. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE (1 complaints). ENGINE is the single most-reported problem area with 4 complaints.
What should I know before buying a 2015 RAM 5500?
Be cautious of potential engine and electrical system issues, especially with high mileage vehicles. Regular maintenance is crucial. The 2015 RAM 5500 has 13 NHTSA complaints and 8 recalls on record.
How reliable is the 2015 RAM 5500?
The 2015 RAM 5500 receives a reliability score of 85/100, indicating above-average reliability. This is based on 13 owner complaints, 8 recalls, and 1 crash/fire reports in the NHTSA database. Key known issues include Engine and Cooling System and Electrical System.
What are the known issues with the 2015 RAM 5500?
Known issues with the 2015 RAM 5500 include: Engine and Cooling System, Electrical System, Automatic Transmission, Suspension System. These are based on patterns found across 13 NHTSA complaints. 8 of these patterns resulted in formal recalls.
What are the most common issues with the 2015 RAM 5500?
The most common issues are engine and cooling system problems, followed by electrical system and automatic transmission issues.
Are there any recalls for the 2015 RAM 5500?
Yes, there are recalls for engine and cooling system issues, electrical system wiring, and automatic transmission lever and linkage problems.
What should I do if I notice unusual vibrations or noises in my 2015 RAM 5500?
Have the vehicle inspected by a professional mechanic to identify and address any potential issues promptly.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Be cautious of potential engine and electrical system issues, especially with high mileage vehicles. Regular maintenance is crucial.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2015 Ram 5500
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2015 Ram 5500. The data includes 13 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 8 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 1 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