Heavy duty full-size trucks have been the “true workhorses” when compared to their regular lifestyle-oriented counterparts and are expected to function without breaking a sweat, given the crazy money invested in one. But it seems that RAM has been not having a great time with their 3500 HD trucks in recent times as recalls have been piling up one over the other. Even though the customer complaint number has been in the lower triple digits, reasons such as vendor faults, electronic glitches, and compromised quality management tactics during production have struck hard on this truck causing sudden a rise in recall numbers, thereby desirability. Though this might not sound like a big deal for its segment, the performance as of now is far from best in class and does enforce Dodge to be on its toes if they don’t want to lose any customers here. So, the question is, should you even buy the RAM 3500 HD trucks knowing that these issues exist from the factory instead of the current best alternate like the Ford F-350 or even the Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD and the GMC Sierra 3500HD for that matter? Well, let’s take a look at all the known issues in detail to get a grasp of the situation here.
2015 RAM 3500 Regular Cab Problems, Issues, Complaints, Recalls, and Which Year to Avoid
2015 RAM 3500 Regular Cab User Complaints and Problems
Mechanical Complaints
- Diesel Engine Problems- As reported by the NHTSA, the RAM 3500 trucks equipped with the 6.7L Cummins diesel engine have inherent throttle response issues. The issue is most noticeable when users try to get a quick roll from a standstill. As reported, this is not a problem per se, but a safety “torque management system” that has been employed to reduce wear to the driveline components due to the high torque output of the diesel engine. Although, the automaker advises a linear throttle input to counter this issue. However, there are plenty of aftermarket flashes available to tune this aspect out of the ECU, but at the owner’s risk. Coolant leak and catalytic converter issues are also common in high mileage trucks with the former even receiving a recall (ID-17V562000) in the following years.
- Transmission Problems- Delay in shifts, grinding noises, switching to limp mode as well as flashing of “service transmission” warnings have been pretty common problems with the transmission on the RAM 3500. The dead throttle pedal issues have been misinterpreted as transmission issues but they actually fall into the engine category. There are no specific failure points here, but the aforementioned issues could come up at any moment given the kind of torque figures that engine options put out and the kind of use these trucks go through.
- Trailer brake issues- The trailer brake control module is reported to work intermittently on the 2015 RAM 3500 compromising the entire braking capacity of the truck. The trailer brake control module has some obvious firmware issues from the factory which causes it to put out lower output voltages than required to trigger the system when the driver depresses the brakes. Most times, the control modules need to be replaced and this problem is also seen in low mileage examples.
Electric System complaints
- AC/Heater Issues- Low coolant level and faulty heater core are two main issues that lead to a faulty heater in the 2015 RAM 3500. The spares for this complaint usually don’t come under warranty and as reported, the replacement could cost anywhere from $900 to $1,200 depending on the problem that we are looking at.
- Miscellaneous Electrical complaints- Tyre pressure monitor sensors, UConnect system, and in-door electronics are stuff that usually breaks on the RAM 3500. These are not common complaints here but are definitely something that buyers need to know of that could end up making them spend thousands of dollars on
Structural complaints
- Steering (death wobble)-Compromise in steering linkage andfront track bar components is something to watch out for on the 2015 RAM 3500. Unexpected changes in wheel alignment and toe adjustment due to failure of structural components as complained, compromises steerability and also is said to result in what is referred to as “death wobble” by owners. RAM has been aware of these issues and multiple recalls (IDs-21V398000, 19V021000, and 16V559000) have been rolled out in the following years to counter these problems.
- Wheel issues- Loosening or failing of wheel lug nuts/studs are issues that many owners point out on the 2015 RAM 3500. This might lead to excessive driveline vibration and metal noises when steering. The issue mainly arises from the over-tightening of the nuts which causes them to fail in the long run. The automaker is aware of these issues and has initiated a recall (ID-21V398000) to replace the filed components. Wheel fracture is also a known complaint that causes tire deflation and was a part of a recall the following year (ID-17V449000).
2015 RAM 3500 Regular Cab Recalls
|
S. No |
Date |
NHTSA ID |
Issues Noticed |
Additional Remarks |
Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
12th August 2021 |
21V632000 |
The side Curtain airbag inflator may rupture |
The side airbag inflatable curtain (SABIC) inflator end cap may detach from the inflator, or the inflator sidewall may rupture causing components to propel into the cabin, increasing the risk of a crash or injury. |
The dealers will inspect and replace as necessary, the SABIC assemblies, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters were mailed on October 4, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on June 9, 2022. |
|
2 |
27th May 2021 |
21V398000 |
Wheel studs may break |
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, increasing the risk of a crash. |
The 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. |
|
3 |
9th May 2019 |
19V347000 |
The tailgate may open unexpectedly. |
The tailgate actuator limiter tab may fracture and cause the tailgate to unlatch and open while driving, creating a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash. |
The dealers will repair the tailgate latch, free of charge. The recall began on May 23, 2019. |
|
4 |
25th January 2019 |
19V021000 |
Steering linkage may separate |
The outboard steering linkage jam nut may loosen, allowing one end of the drag link to separate, causing a loss of vehicle control and increasing the risk of a crash. |
The dealers will check the steering linkage jam nut tightness, replace the drag link assembly, or weld the nut to the adjuster sleeve, free of charge. The recall began on March 22, 2019. |
|
5 |
16th October 2018 |
18E096000 |
Incorrectly machined steering knuckle may fail. |
Improper installation and machining of the original equipment steering knuckle may weaken the joint between the steering drag link and knuckle, causing a loss of vehicle control and increasing the risk of a crash. |
The dealers will inspect and install a new steering knuckle, free of charge. The recall began on December 3, 2018. |
|
6 |
27th July 2018 |
18V486000 |
The tailgate may open unexpectedly. |
The tailgate actuator limiter tab may fracture and cause the tailgate to unlatch and open while driving, creating a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash. |
The dealers will repair the vehicle, free of charge. The recall began on September 17, 2018. |
|
7 |
17th May 2018 |
18V332000 |
Cruise control cannot be canceled. |
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, increasing the risk of a crash. |
The dealers will inspect the software, and perform a software flash on the engine or powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began on June 4, 2018.
|
|
8 |
21st December 2017 |
17V824000 |
The fire extinguisher may be clogged or inoperable |
RAM vehicles equipped with Kidde Plastic-Handle or Push Button 'Pindicator' fire extinguishers may become clogged, preventing the extinguisher from discharging as expected or requiring excessive force to activate the extinguisher, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash. |
Chrysler will notify owners instructing them to contact Kidde for a replacement fire extinguisher, free of charge. The recall began on February 14, 2018. |
|
9 |
20th December 2017 |
17V821000 |
The vehicle may roll away |
The Brake Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI) pin is 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, increasing the risk of injury or crash. |
The dealers will update the vehicle software, inspect the BTSI, and, as necessary, replace it, free of charge. The recall began on February 26, 2018. |
|
10 |
12th September 2017 |
17V562000 |
The water pump leak may cause a fire |
Trims that are equipped with Cummins 6.7L Turbo Diesel engines that have Concentric-brand water pumps without a vent hole. These water pumps may leak coolant, causing the engine to overheat and increasing the risk of a fire. |
The dealers will replace the water pumps, free of charge. The recall began on February 26, 2018. |
|
11 |
10th August 2017 |
17V499000 |
Wheels may fracture causing rapid air loss |
In trucks equipped with Katla 8.5” Road wheels, the outer surface of the wheel may fracture, resulting in rapid air loss, leading to loss of vehicle control and increasing the risk of a crash. |
The dealers will replace the wheels with wheels of similar value, free of charge. The recall began on August 30, 2017. |
|
12 |
9th May 2017 |
17V302000 |
Side curtain airbags may not deploy in a rollover |
Certain driving conditions, such as driving off-road or debris striking the vehicle may cause the roll rate sensor to trigger a fault within the Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC). If this fault occurs, the rollover side curtain air bag and the seat belt pre-tensioner will be disabled from deploying, increasing the risk of injury. |
The dealers will update the ORC software, free of charge. The recall began on June 26, 2017. |
|
13 |
26th July 2016 |
16V559000 |
Weld failure may reduce steering ability. |
Inadequate welds securing the front track bar frame brackets, possibly resulting in the bracket components separating from the frame, reducing steering response and increasing the risk of a crash. |
The dealers will weld on a new track bar frame bracket or replace the frame of the vehicle, free of charge. The recall began on September 14, 2016.
|
|
14 |
13th May 2016 |
16E041000 |
Seat cover affects airbag deployment |
The Mopar seat covers can impede the deployment of the seat thorax airbags, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash. |
Chrysler will notify owners to remove the front seat covers and return them for a full refund. The recall began on July 1, 2016. |
|
15 |
23rd July 2015 |
15V461000 |
Radio Security software vulnerabilities |
The vehicles are equipped with radios that have software vulnerabilities that can allow third-party access to certain networked vehicle control systems, increasing the risk of a crash if unauthorized modifications are made. |
Chrysler will notify and mail affected owners a USB drive that includes a software update that eliminates the vulnerability, free of charge. The recall began on August 25, 2015. |
|
16 |
22nd July 2015 |
15V460000 |
Inadvertent side airbag deployment |
The side impact sensor calibrations may be overly sensitive, and as a result, the side airbag inflatable curtains and seat airbags may unexpectedly deploy and the seat belt pre-tensioners may activate, increasing the risk of a crash or injury. |
The dealers will update the Occupant Restraint Control module calibration, free of charge. The recall began on September 8, 2015. |
Should you buy a used 2015 RAM 3500 Regular Cab?
Since the RAM series of trucks has been one of the most loved full-size trucks around after Ford’s F-150, we wouldn’t bother answering this question as we realize that a whole lot of you have already done buying it. Even though a concerning number of recalls exist on this truck's name, the surprising fact is that the user complaints are on the lower side. It’s not F-350 good, but a commendably low number for something that has clocked in a minimum of 16 factory recalls consistently for the last three years. We are in no position here to discourage anyone from buying this truck here, but if you do, make sure that all the issues, which are at least tagged by the automaker as necessary, are fixed before you jump in. As for this year, our recommendations would go for the F-350, but the RAM 3500 HD is yours to take if the issues have been sorted.
