2015 RAM 1500 Problems And Complaints

User complaints and problems

Electrical Problems 

• Defroster – Users were able to hear loud noise after running the window defroster for a while. It was found that the noise that came from the driver-side rear window blowing up resulted in a hole on the window. The dealers inspected the issue which led them to find the defroster module to be faulty which overrides the heating. The window had to be replaced and the heating module had to be reprogrammed.
• Battery – It was found that the dashboard lights start flickering while driving and features like the radio stopped working. Dealers suspected a bad battery but it was found that the ground connector had to be replaced due to a lot of corrosion.
• Uconnect – The infotainment software was reported to malfunction after a software update and the dealers confirmed that it was a bug in the software that resulted in the display freezing and the navigation not functioning as intended.
• Steering controls – Drivers were not able to use the steering mounted controls to switch or modify functions on the infotainment which was found to be caused due to an intermittent shorting that blew the fuse up.
• Fuel gauge – It was noticed that the fuel gauge would display E at random times even when the fuel tank was full. There were also error codes displayed, which the dealer confirmed to be related to the fuel level sensor. Replacing this sensor fixed the issue, furthermore, this was also found to be a common issue.
• Power steering – The electronic power steering was said to disengage at times, making it hard for the driver to steer. This was caused due to a short in the control circuit board.

Mechanical Problems 

• Engine – Owners had to get the truck towed to the dealers as the vehicle stalled after displaying a low oil pressure warning. The diagnosis showed that the engine had failed and would need to be replaced as the faulty oil pump failed to keep the engine well lubricated which caused the internal components to overheat and damage.
• Engine cooling – The truck was reported to stall at random times with the check engine warning flashing. Users could notice a fluid leak from the front of the vehicle which was immediately indicated to be a radiator leak. The dealers inspected and replaced the radiator hoses which fixed the issue.
• Transmission – The transmission was positioned in P and the engine was turned off but it still let the vehicle roll backward on a slight slope, causing the truck to hit a pole. There are no safety measures that lock the vehicle in place if the emergency brakes aren’t applied and the dealers did not diagnose the as it was claimed to be normal.
• Brakes – The brakes would engage and lock up at random times while slightly applying the brakes. This can cause a lot of trouble and the dealers inspected the brake assembly to find a faulty master cylinder that had to be replaced. Brakes locking up at a higher speed can create enough friction to even cause a fire.

Safety Problems 

• Seatbelt – The users reported the seatbelt unlatching itself while driving which isn’t safe in the event of a crash. The dealers diagnosed the issues and requested the user to get the whole seatbelt assembly changed.
• Airbags – Multiple users stated that the airbags failed to deploy, leaving the occupant to suffer serious injuries. It was later found that the airbag control module stopped responding to impacts or crashes, resulting in a replacement.

Interior Problems 

• Seats – Users found a moldy stench in the cabin which denoted moisture build-up. The dealers checked underneath the rear seats to find water that has been leaking through the weak seal around the third brake light.

Exterior Problems 

• Headlights – It has been a constant issue faced by the users that the low beam on the headlights is very weak, resulting in poor illumination at night. Driving with high beams was the only option but it imposes a safety hazard on the oncoming traffic.

2015 RAM 1500 recalls

S. No.	Date	NHTSA ID	Issues Noticed	Additional Remarks	Remedy
1.	12th August 2021	21V632000	Side-curtain airbag inflator may rupture.	An airbag rupture can cause the compressed gas to escape, resulting in the end cap or other components being propelled into the vehicle.	The side curtain airbag inflator assembly will be inspected and replaced if necessary.
2.	13th August 2020	20V475000	Crank position sensor tone wheel may delaminate.	This can cause the engine to lose its ability to synchronize the fuel injector, causing the vehicle to stall.	The powertrain control module software will be updated to maintain the right vehicle propulsion.
3.	24th October 2019	19V757000	Exhaust gas recirculation cooler may crack and cause a fire.	Combustion in the intake manifold can increase the risk of a fire.	The EGR cooler will be replaced.
4.	9th May 2019	19V347000	Tailgate may open unexpectedly.	The tailgate actuator limiter tab may fracture and cause the tailgate to unlatch and open while driving.	The tailgate latch will be repaired for free.
5.	27th July 2018	18V486000	Tailgate may open unexpectedly.	Unintentional tailgate opening while driving can cause the cargo to fall out and create a hazard for other vehicles.	Dealers will inspect the latch and repair it accordingly.
6.	17th May 2018	18V332000	Cruise control cannot be canceled.	If the vehicle maintains the same speed despite trying to slow down, it increases the risk of a crash.	The powertrain control module will be inspected and reflashed.
7.	21st December 2017	17V824000	Fire extinguisher may be clogged.	A fire extinguisher that does not operate will not be able to extinguish a fire.	A replacement fire extinguisher will be provided.
8.	20th December 2017	17V821000	Vehicle may roll away.	The transmission may shift into gear from park without applying the brakes which can cause the vehicle to roll away	The powertrain software will be updated along with the replacement of the brake transmission shift interlock.
9.	9th May 2017	17V302000	Side curtain airbags may not deploy during a rollover.	External debris may cause the roll rate sensor to trigger a fault within the occupant restraint controller and disable the airbags.	The ORC software will be updated.
10.	16th May 2016	16E041000	Seat cover affects airbag deployment.	The seat cover can impede the seat thorax airbags deployment and increase the risk of injury during a crash.	The users can return the front seat cover to avail a full refund.
11.	23rd March 2016	16V167000	Loss of power steering assist.	A sudden loss in power steering assist can make it hard to the drivers to maneuver.	The EPS unit will be replaced.
12.	15th October 2015	15V661000	Incorrectly heat-treated rear axle shaft.	This can lead to a fracture in the rear axle, separating the wheel and resulting in a crash.	The axle assembly will be inspected and replaced.
13.	21st August 2015	15V534000	Side airbags may deploy improperly.	If the side airbag inflatable curtains don’t inflate as necessary, it can increase the risk of injury during a crash.	Dealers will inspect the right and left SAIBC for proper orientation and a foil patch will be installed on the headliner. Bothe the airbags will be replaced if necessary.
14.	14th August 2015	15V517000	Battery harness may rub engine mount.	Battery harness rubbing against the frame bracket on the engine mount can cause an electrical short.	Any harness that shows signs of wear will be replaced.
15.	23rd July 2015	15V461000	Radio software security vulnerabilities.	Exploitation of the software vulnerability may result in unauthorized remote modification and control.	The affected owners will be given a USB drive that contains the update to get rid of the vulnerability.
16.	22nd July 2015	15V460000	Inadvertent side airbag deployment.	Airbags that unexpectedly deploy increase the risk of a fire	The occupant restraint control module calibration will be updated.

Should you buy the 2015 RAM 1500?

The high complaints and recalls on the 2015 RAM 1500 are a result of a higher sales volume, which doesn’t necessarily make this truck unreliable. There certainly are sudden loss in power and safety concerns regarding the airbag module that has been raised but RAM has successfully been able to resolve them all via multiple recalls. Practicality has been the priority when making this truck as it’s evident from the easy-to-fix components along with the utilitarian design. The Chevrolet and the GMC offer larger engines and a lot more torque in comparison but the RAM feels much sturdier in terms of build quality as well as the drivability. The $32,475 is all worth the package making the RAM our recommended pick over its rivals but do make sure to get the airbag module, powertrain control module, and the radio software updated if it hasn’t been done already.