2015 Ram 5500 Safety Report
2015 RAM 5500: Low Complaints, High Recall Count for Critical Safety Issues, No Crash Test Data
AI Safety Analysis for the 2015 Ram 5500
Reliability Score
The 2015 Ram 5500 receives a reliability score of 55 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 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 Component Failure (E.G., Intake Air Grid Heater Nut, Dpf Filter, Oil Pan Rust) Multiple complaints related to engine issues, including a catastrophic failure due to an intake air grid heater nut, DPF filter clogging, and severe oil pan rust at relatively low mileage. |
High | Common | 44000-unknown miles |
| Wheel/Tire Separation Or Failure One complaint details the loss of dual rear tires due to stud failure, directly correlating with a recall regarding incorrect torque information for wheel lugs/nuts/bolts/studs. |
High | Occasional | unknown miles |
| Power Train Failures (Transmission, Transfer Case) Complaints include transmission shifting issues (solenoids, wiring harness) and catastrophic transfer case failure leading to parts on the road. |
High | Occasional | unknown miles |
| Engine Compartment Fire Risk One complaint describes a vehicle catching fire after exhibiting white smoke, aligning with a recall for a leaking water pump that could cause an engine compartment fire. |
High | Rare | unknown miles |
| Steering Component Breakage A complaint details a broken steering drag link, appearing to be improperly manufactured, affecting vehicle control. |
High | Rare | unknown 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:
Four out of 13 complaints relate to the engine, covering issues like intake air grid heater nut failure, DPF filter clogging, and oil pan rust.
Three complaints mention power train issues, including transmission shifting problems and transfer case failure.
Three complaints involve wheels or tires, specifically wheel stud failure leading to tire separation and uneven tire wear/cupping.
Two complaints mention electrical system issues, including a 'battery saver mode' message and a transmission wiring harness problem.
One complaint details a broken steering drag link.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2015 Ram 5500
Is the 2015 RAM 5500 safe?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2015 RAM 5500 has a low number of direct consumer complaints (13 total, 0 crashes, 1 fire, 0 injuries, 0 deaths). However, it has a high number of recalls (8 total) addressing critical safety concerns such as wheel separation, engine compartment fires, and potential loss of vehicle control. There are no NHTSA crash test ratings available for this vehicle, making a definitive safety assessment challenging without independent crash performance data.
What are common problems for the 2015 RAM 5500?
The most reported issues for the 2015 RAM 5500, based on NHTSA complaints, are related to the ENGINE (30.8% of complaints), including failures like intake air grid heater nuts, DPF filter clogging, and oil pan rust. POWER TRAIN (23.1%) issues like transmission and transfer case failures, and WHEELS/TIRES (23.1%) problems such as wheel stud failure and uneven tire wear are also frequently cited.
Are there any recalls for the 2015 RAM 5500?
Yes, the 2015 RAM 5500 has 8 recalls. These include critical issues such as incorrect information in manuals leading to potential wheel separation, a leaking water pump that could cause an engine compartment fire, potential unintended vehicle movement due to transmission shifter issues, and a software vulnerability that could allow remote control of vehicle systems.
Does the 2015 RAM 5500 have good crash test ratings?
NHTSA has not provided crash test ratings for the 2015 RAM 5500. The Overall, Frontal, Side, and Rollover ratings are all listed as 'N/A', meaning there is no independent government crash test data available for this specific model year.
What should I look out for when buying a used 2015 RAM 5500?
When considering a used 2015 RAM 5500, pay close attention to the engine for signs of DPF issues, oil pan rust, or unusual noises. Thoroughly inspect the wheels and tires for abnormal wear and ensure all recall repairs, especially those related to wheel studs, engine cooling, and power train components, have been completed. A pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic is highly recommended.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Given the significant number of safety recalls addressing critical components and recurring engine/power train complaints, a thorough pre-purchase inspection and verification of all recall completions are essential for any prospective buyer.
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.