CarBrief

NHTSA has 1,459 owner complaints for the 2015 Ram 1500, and engine and steering are the biggest groups[1][2][3]. The model year also has 17 recalls, so check the VIN before you buy[4].

1,459owner complaints[1]
17recalls[4]
15–24MPG combined (EPA)[5]
4★NHTSA overall rating[6]

Most reported problems

NHTSA complaints are unverified owner reports, and one complaint can name several parts. The counts below are also not adjusted for how many trucks were sold[1].

Component group Complaints Median mileage at failure
Engine[2] 393 75,000
Steering[3] 342 76,380
Power train[7] 226 50,000
Fuel/propulsion system[8] 166 56,500
Electrical system[9] 159 45,900
Brakes[10] 159 50,850

The engine group also has the most fire mentions of the groups we looked at, 42 of them[2]. Across all complaints, 58 mention a fire and 4 mention a death[1].

In a small sample of complaint texts we read for the engine, steering, power train and fuel groups, owners describe the patterns below. They are not counts of all owners.

These samples are too small to say how common any problem is.

Recalls

NHTSA lists 17 recalls for the 2015 model year[4]. Newest first[4]:

Fuel economy

EPA lists many versions of the 2015 Ram 1500[28]. Annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the truck was new[28].

Engine and drive City / Highway / Combined MPG EPA annual fuel cost
3.6L 6-cyl, 8-spd, 2WD[29] 17 / 25 / 20 $3,350
3.6L 6-cyl, 8-spd, 4WD[30] 16 / 23 / 19 $3,550
3.6L 6-cyl, 8-spd, HFE 2WD[31] 18 / 25 / 21 $3,200
3.0L 6-cyl turbo diesel, 8-spd, 2WD[32] 20 / 27 / 23 $4,150
3.0L 6-cyl turbo diesel, 8-spd, 4WD[33] 19 / 26 / 22 $4,350
3.0L 6-cyl turbo diesel, 8-spd, HFE 2WD[5] 21 / 29 / 24 $4,000
5.7L 8-cyl, 8-spd, 2WD[34] 15 / 22 / 17 $4,450
5.7L 8-cyl, 8-spd, 4WD[35] 15 / 21 / 17 $4,450
5.7L 8-cyl, 6-spd, 2WD[28] 14 / 20 / 16 $4,750
5.7L 8-cyl, 6-spd, 4WD[36] 13 / 19 / 15 $5,050

The diesel is rated 22 to 24 MPG combined, and the 5.7L 8-cyl is rated 15 to 17[32][33][5][28][34][36][35]. The diesel costs more to fuel per year than the 3.6L in EPA's estimate[32][29].

Safety ratings

NHTSA gives the 2015 Ram 1500 4 stars overall, 4 stars for frontal crashes and 5 stars for side crashes[6].

Rollover differs by drive. The 2WD versions get 4 stars with a 19.8% rollover risk[6]. The 4WD versions get 3 stars with a 21.9% rollover risk[37].

Engine and size

EPA lists these horsepower ratings:

Dimensions below are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US trucks.

Version Length Width Height Wheelbase Curb weight
Crew Cab 5.7-ft box 2WD[41] 226 in 79 in 77 in 141 in 4,949 lb
Crew Cab 5.7-ft box 4x4[42] 226 in 79 in 78 in 141 in 5,150 lb
Crew Cab 6.4-ft box 2WD[43] 235 in 79 in 77 in 149 in 5,192 lb

How 2015 compares with other years

2013: 1,279 complaints, 11 recalls20132014: 1,775 complaints, 16 recalls20142015: 1,459 complaints, 17 recalls1,45920152016: 1,554 complaints, 16 recalls20162017: 883 complaints, 13 recalls20172018: 665 complaints, 15 recalls20182019: 1,492 complaints, 29 recalls20192020: 640 complaints, 14 recalls20202021: 683 complaints, 15 recalls20212022: 627 complaints, 16 recalls20222023: 203 complaints, 11 recalls20232024: 77 complaints, 6 recalls20242025: 365 complaints, 8 recalls20252026: 101 complaints, 9 recalls2026
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each 1500 model year. The 2015 is highlighted[4].
Show the numbers
Model yearComplaintsRecalls
20131,27911
20141,77516
20151,45917
20161,55416
201788313
201866515
20191,49229
202064014
202168315
202262716
202320311
2024776
20253658
20261019

Among the Ram 1500 model years NHTSA lists, 2015 has 17 recalls[4]. Only 2019 has more, with 29[4]. The years 2014, 2016 and 2022 each have 16[4].

For complaints, 2015 has 1,459[4]. Three years have more: 2014 with 1,775, 2016 with 1,554 and 2019 with 1,492[4]. Complaint counts are not adjusted for sales, so treat the ranking as rough.

Should you buy a used 2015 Ram 1500?

The data shows a truck with many recalls and a large complaint file, led by engine and steering reports[4][1][2][3]. Run the VIN through NHTSA to see which of the 17 recalls apply, because several only cover certain build dates, engines or bed types[22][23][25][16][17]. Pay extra attention to the 3.0L diesel, which has several recalls on file[11][12][14][15]. The 4-star overall NHTSA rating is a positive[6], and fuel economy depends heavily on the engine, from 15 to 24 MPG combined[36][5]. Our facts do not cover reliability scores, towing or oil capacity.

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2015 Ram 1500?
Engine has the most NHTSA complaints at 393, then steering at 342 and power train at 226[2][3][7]. In a small sample we read, owners describe stalling, steering lockups and vibration. This does not show how common they are.
How many recalls does the 2015 Ram 1500 have?
NHTSA lists 17 recalls for the 2015 model year[4]. Check your VIN to see which apply.
What MPG does the 2015 Ram 1500 get?
EPA combined ratings run from 15 to 24 MPG depending on engine and drive[28][5]. The 3.0L diesel 2WD HFE version is highest at 24 and the 5.7L 4WD with the 6-speed is lowest at 15[5][36].
What safety rating does the 2015 Ram 1500 have?
NHTSA rates it 4 stars overall[6]. Rollover is 4 stars for 2WD and 3 stars for 4WD[6][37].
Is the 2015 Ram 1500 the worst year?
Our data does not rank years that way. It has the second most recalls at 17 and the fourth most complaints at 1,459 among the years listed[4].

Facts and sources

  1. NHTSA has 1,459 owner complaints on file for the 2015 Ram 1500 (79 mention a crash, 58 a fire, 52 injuries, 4 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
  2. 393 complaints name the engine component group (6 crashes, 42 fires, 6 injuries, median mileage at failure 75,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  3. 342 complaints name the steering component group (10 crashes, 0 fires, 3 injuries, median mileage at failure 76,380). NHTSA vehicle records
  4. Owner complaints and recalls for every Ram 1500 model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
  5. EPA rating for 1500 HFE 2WD, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, Automatic 8-spd, Diesel, Rear-Wheel Drive: 21 city / 29 highway / 24 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,000. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  6. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, PU/CC 2WD: overall 4 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 19.8%. NHTSA vehicle records
  7. 226 complaints name the power train component group (27 crashes, 5 fires, 9 injuries, median mileage at failure 50,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  8. 166 complaints name the fuel/propulsion system component group (4 crashes, 3 fires, 3 injuries, median mileage at failure 56,500). NHTSA vehicle records
  9. 159 complaints name the electrical system component group (11 crashes, 14 fires, 5 injuries, median mileage at failure 45,900). NHTSA vehicle records
  10. 159 complaints name the brakes component group (8 crashes, 1 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 50,850). NHTSA vehicle records
  11. Recall 23V411, filed June 8, 2023: Engine And Engine Cooling. NHTSA recall database
  12. Recall 22V406, filed June 9, 2022: Fuel System, Diesel › Delivery › Fuel Pump. NHTSA recall database
  13. Recall 21V632, filed August 12, 2021: Air Bags › Side / Window › Curtain › Inflator. NHTSA recall database
  14. Recall 20V475, filed August 13, 2020: Engine And Engine Cooling › Engine › Diesel. NHTSA recall database
  15. Recall 19V757, filed October 24, 2019: Engine And Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Emission Control › Gas Recirculation Valve (Egr Valve). NHTSA recall database
  16. Recall 19V347, filed May 9, 2019: Latches / Locks / Linkages › Tailgate › Latch. NHTSA recall database
  17. Recall 18V486, filed July 27, 2018: Latches / Locks / Linkages › Tailgate › Latch. NHTSA recall database
  18. Recall 18V332, filed May 17, 2018: Electrical System › Software. NHTSA recall database
  19. Recall 17V824, filed December 21, 2017: Equipment. NHTSA recall database
  20. Recall 17V821, filed December 20, 2017: Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Lever And Linkage › Column Shift. NHTSA recall database
  21. Recall 17V302, filed May 9, 2017: Air Bags › Side / Window › Curtain. NHTSA recall database
  22. Recall 16V167, filed March 23, 2016: Steering › Electric Power Assist System. NHTSA recall database
  23. Recall 15V661, filed October 15, 2015: Power Train › Axle Assembly › Axle Shaft. NHTSA recall database
  24. Recall 15V534, filed August 21, 2015: Air Bags › Side / Window. NHTSA recall database
  25. Recall 15V517, filed August 14, 2015: Electrical System › 12V / 24V / 48V Battery › Cables. NHTSA recall database
  26. Recall 15V461, filed July 23, 2015: Equipment › Electrical › Radio / Tape Deck / Cd Etc.. NHTSA recall database
  27. Recall 15V460, filed July 22, 2015: Seat Belts. NHTSA recall database
  28. EPA rating for 1500 2WD, 5.7L 8-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Midgrade, Rear-Wheel Drive: 14 city / 20 highway / 16 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,750. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  29. EPA rating for 1500 2WD, 3.6L 6-cyl, Automatic 8-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 17 city / 25 highway / 20 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,350. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  30. EPA rating for 1500 4WD, 3.6L 6-cyl, Automatic 8-spd, Gasoline or E85, 4-Wheel Drive: 16 city / 23 highway / 19 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,550. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  31. EPA rating for 1500 HFE 2WD, 3.6L 6-cyl, Automatic 8-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 18 city / 25 highway / 21 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  32. EPA rating for 1500 2WD, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, Automatic 8-spd, Diesel, Rear-Wheel Drive: 20 city / 27 highway / 23 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,150. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  33. EPA rating for 1500 4WD, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, Automatic 8-spd, Diesel, 4-Wheel Drive: 19 city / 26 highway / 22 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,350. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  34. EPA rating for 1500 2WD, 5.7L 8-cyl, Automatic 8-spd, Midgrade, Rear-Wheel Drive: 15 city / 22 highway / 17 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,450. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  35. EPA rating for 1500 4WD, 5.7L 8-cyl, Automatic 8-spd, Midgrade, 4-Wheel Drive: 15 city / 21 highway / 17 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,450. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  36. EPA rating for 1500 4WD, 5.7L 8-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Midgrade, 4-Wheel Drive: 13 city / 19 highway / 15 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $5,050. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  37. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, PU/RC 4WD: overall 4 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 3 stars; rollover risk 21.9%. NHTSA vehicle records
  38. EPA Test Car List, 2015 Ram 1500 with 3.0L 6-cylinder: rated 240 hp. www.epa.gov
  39. EPA Test Car List, 2015 Ram 1500 with 3.6L 6-cylinder: rated 290 hp. www.epa.gov
  40. EPA Test Car List, 2015 Ram 1500 with 5.7L 8-cylinder: rated 390 hp. www.epa.gov
  41. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, RAM 1500 CREW CAB 5.7-FT BOX 2WD: length 226 in, width 79 in, height 77 in, wheelbase 141 in, curb weight 4,949 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  42. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, RAM 1500 CREW CAB 5.7-FT BOX 4X4: length 226 in, width 79 in, height 78 in, wheelbase 141 in, curb weight 5,150 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  43. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, RAM 1500 CREW CAB 6.4-FT BOX 2WD: length 235 in, width 79 in, height 77 in, wheelbase 149 in, curb weight 5,192 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov

Complaints submitted to NHTSA by owners; unverified reports, one complaint can name several components. Complaint counts are not normalized by sales; compare years of the same model, not different models. EPA annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new. Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles. Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.