2015 Ram 4500 problems

General information about Ram-4500
Overview of popular issues
Analysis of common problems
Сomplaints list
Recalls list

The Ram pickup (marketed as the Dodge Ram until 2010) is a full-size pickup truck manufactured by Stellantis North America (formerly Chrysler Group LLC and FCA US LLC) and marketed from 2010 onwards under the Ram Trucks brand. The current fifth-generation Ram debuted at the 2018 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan, in January of that year.

Previously, Ram was part of the Dodge line of light trucks. The name Ram was first used in 1981 model year Dodge Trucks in October 1980, following the retiring and rebadging of the Dodge D series pickup trucks as well as B-series vans, though the company had used a ram's-head hood ornament on some trucks as early as 1933.

Ram trucks have been named Motor Trend magazine's Truck of the Year eight times; the second-generation Ram won the award in 1994, the third-generation Ram heavy-duty won the award in 2003, the fourth-generation Ram Heavy Duty won in 2010 and the fourth-generation Ram 1500 won in 2013 and 2014, and the current fifth-generation Ram pickup became the first truck in history to win the award three times, winning in 2019, 2020, and 2021.

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Common 2015 Ram 4500 problems

The 2015 Ram 4500 has been reported to have several common problems, primarily related to the drivetrain and electronics.

One of the most significant issues is the failure of the AISIN transmission, which has been reported to have major failures, including torque converter failure and input shaft failure, as early as 30,000 miles. This problem can result in the truck losing power or being unable to move altogether, making it unreliable for heavy-duty use.

Another issue reported by owners is the failure of the electronics, with multiple glitches in the electrical system. These glitches can affect various functions of the truck, including the engine, transmission, and other critical systems.

The 2015 Ram 4500 has also been reported to have problems with the steering system, with several owners reporting issues with the steering rod breaking at the joint ball. This problem can result in a loss of steering control, which can be dangerous, especially at high speeds or in heavy traffic.

Additionally, the 2015 Ram 4500 has been reported to have problems with the exhaust system and suspension, with several owners reporting issues with these systems. These problems can result in reduced performance, decreased fuel efficiency, and a less comfortable ride.

Finally, the 2015 Ram 4500 has been subject to several recalls, including recalls for defective airbag inflators, faulty Totally Integrated Power Modules (TIPM), and dangerous Takata airbags. These recalls can affect various functions of the truck, including the vehicle safety and ignition systems, and can result in a loss of power or even a total loss of steering control.

In summary, the 2015 Ram 4500 has been reported to have several common problems, primarily related to the drivetrain and electronics. These problems can result in reduced performance, decreased fuel efficiency, and a less comfortable ride, and can even be dangerous in some cases. It is essential to address these issues promptly to ensure the safety and reliability of the truck.

Are there any problems with a 2015 Dodge Ram?

Since production began, the Ram 1500 lineup has been subject to 16 recalls, two investigations, and 789 owner complaints. Several of the 2015 Ram's recalls stem from faulty airbag inflators, safety system software, and curtain airbag assemblies.

Is the RAM 4500 reliable?

Ram 4500 Reliability Problems. 4500 owners have made 11 complaints over 5 model years. Using our PainRank™ system we've ranked it 2nd in overall reliability out of 9 Ram models , with real windows and electrical concerns.

Are 2015 Rams reliable?

How Reliable Is the 2015 Ram 1500? The 2015 Ram 1500 has a reliability rating of three out of five from J.D. Power, which is about average for all used vehicles. However, most full-size pickup trucks earn better scores.

What is the problem with the 2015 Ram 2500?

Owner Reported Trouble Spots

Steering And Suspension. ...
Exhaust. ...
Fuel System/Emissions. ...
Engine Major. ...
Drive System. ...
Engine Electrical. ...
Electrical Accessories. ...
Brakes.

2015 Ram 4500 car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Ram 4500 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

Wheels problems
Unknown or other problems
Service brakes problems
Engine problems
Power train problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 2015 Ram 4500 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

2015 Ram 4500 complaints

The NHTSA has received 7 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2015 Ram 4500.

2023-08-28

WHEELS PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2023-08-24
Crash: 1
VIN: 3C7WRMDL6FG
Components: WHEELS
Summary: 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.

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2020-12-08

ENGINE PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2020-12-02
VIN: 3C6URVJG6FE
Components: ENGINE
Summary: ENGINE OIL COOLER POURING ENGINE OIL OUT!!

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2018-12-29

UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2018-12-16
VIN: 3C7WRKAL3FG
Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Summary: 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.

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2018-07-24

POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2018-07-03
Fire: 1
VIN: 3C7WRLBL5FG
Components: POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES
Summary: 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.

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2016-12-29

STEERING,SUSPENSION,WHEELS PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2016-12-22
Fire: 1
VIN: 3C7WRKFL4FG
Components: STEERING,SUSPENSION,WHEELS
Summary: 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 WOULD CHANGE A WHEEL SENSOR BUT THE VEHICLE WAS SAFE TO DRIVE UNTIL THEN. THE DAY AFTER THE ABS LIGHT CAME ON HOWEVER, THE HUB BEARINGS WENT OUT COMPLETELY AND CAUSED A SMALL FIRE. I HAD THE HUB BEARING, BRAKE CALIBER, BRAKE PADS AND ROTOR CHANGED AS A RESULT OF THE BEARINGS FAILURE. THESE HAVE NOT CHANGED THE UNEVEN WEARING AND HAS INCREASED THE OCCASIONALLY SEVER WOBBLE/SHAKE THAT OCCURS AT MID SPEEDS WHEN A ROUGH SPOT IN THE ROAD OR A SEMI SHARP CURVE IS IN THE ROADWAY.

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2016-11-22

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2016-10-03
VIN: 3C7WRKEJ7FG
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Summary: 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 CIRCUIT AND AN INPUT SPEED SENSOR CAN SHORT CIRCUIT WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING TO THE DRIVER WHICH RENDERS THE TRUCK TO LOSE THE TRANSMISSION FUNCTIONALITY WHILE IN MOTION. FCA WESTERN REGIONAL MANAGERS HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED AND THE FCA FIX IS TO APPLY DIELECTRIC GREASE TO THE CONNECTOR, WHICH IS NOT A LONG-TERM SOLUTION. DIELECTRIC GREASE WILL WASHOUT IN TIME. A PROPER SOLUTION INVOLVES A PROPER SPLASH SHIELD OR RELOCATING THE ENTIRE HARNESS AWAY FROM WHEEL SPLASH.

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2015-05-06

SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2015-03-11
VIN: 3C7WRLFL6FG
Components: SERVICE BRAKES
Summary: 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 ON 3/11/15 WITH SAME COMPLAINT THEY SAID NOTHING WAS WRONG. WHEN I PICKED THE TRUCK UP I NOTICED THAT THE BRAKES WERE WORKING CORRECTLY. I ASKED WHAT THEY DID AND THEY SAID NOTHING. AFTER ABOUT A WEEK THE BRAKES WENT BACK TO NOT STOPPING THE TRUCK LIKE IT SHOULD AND THE PEDAL WAS SPONGY AND LOW. I CONTACTED THE DEALER AGAIN. THEY SAID NOTHING WAS WRONG WITH THE BRAKES. I THEN WENT TO THE DEALER WITH BOTH OF MY TRUCKS A 2014 4500 AND HAD THEM DRIVE BOTH TRUCKS. THEY STATED YES THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG AND THEY WOULD CONTACT CHRYSLER. I THEN RETURNED THE TRUCK TO THE DEALER FOR FURTHER TESTING AS CHRYSLER NEEDED THE DEALER TO DO. AFTER TESTING THE DEALER STATED THAT ALL TESTS CHECKED OUT SO CHRYSLER SAYS THAT THERE IS NOTHING WRONG. THE DEALER AGREES THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG. I HAVE COMPLAINED TO CHRYSLER . IF THESE BRAKES ARE CHECKING OK WHY DO THEY NOT STOP THE TRUCK AS THEY SHOULD , THIS IS A ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN AND THIS IS A COMMERCIAL TRUCK. IT NEEDS TO BE FIXED . *TR

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2015 Ram 4500 recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 8 recalls for different components of the 2015 Ram 4500.

2021-05-27

Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
Components: WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS
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 December 1, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US's numbers for this recall are Y26 and Y36.

2018-05-17

Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US LLC)
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
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 cruise control system from disengaging. If, when using cruise control, there is a short circuit within the vehicle's wiring, the driver may not be able to shut off the cruise control either by depressing the brake pedal or manually turning the system off once it has been engaged, resulting in either the vehicle maintaining its current speed or possibly accelerating.
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 disengaged while driving, owners should firmly and steadily apply the brakes and shift the transmission to neutral, placing the vehicle in park once it has stopped.

2017-12-21

Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US LLC)
Components: EQUIPMENT
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 valve assembly with enough force that it could cause injury and also render the product inoperable. For a full list of the affected fire extinguisher models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17E062-5427.pdf
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 is T82.

2017-12-20

Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US LLC)
Components: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:COLUMN SHIFT
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 open position, the transmission can be shifted out of PARK into any gear without pushing the brake pedal or having the key in the ignition.
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.

2017-09-12

Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US LLC)
Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:DIESEL
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.

2015-07-27

Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US LLC)
Components: SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:UPPER ARM
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.

2015-07-23

Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US LLC)
Components: EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.
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, Chrysler has had the wireless service provider close the open cellular connection to the vehicle that provided unauthorized access to the vehicle network. This measure may not have been implemented on all vehicles and does not address access by other means that will be remedied by the software update. The recall began on August 25, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R40.

2015-05-18

Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US LLC)
Components: TIRES
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.

Additional sources

More sources of information about 2015 Ram 4500 problems:

2015 RAM chassis cab 4500/Cummins initial impressions with ...

https://www.cumminsforum.com/threads/2015-ram-chassis-cab-4500-cummins-initial-impressions-with-problems.2446666/

May 7, 2018 ... I agree, you have problems. 1 problem is either your story telling ability or your recollection of your dealership encounters. Not sure how you ...

What's Wrong with the Ram 4500?

http://www.ramproblems.com/models/4500/

5 Common Ram 4500 Problems · TRW Crash Sensor Defect. There's growing concern that some sort of electrical overstress is messing with airbag control units (ACU) ...

Integrated trailer brake controller problem | DODGE RAM FORUM

https://www.ramforumz.com/threads/integrated-trailer-brake-controller-problem.257617/

Oct 29, 2018 ... I asked and confirmed that his boat trailer has surge brakes and the situation with my truck is a known problem and is nothing like sure brakes ...