RAM 5500 · model year

2015 RAM 5500

20 NHTSA complaints, and 8 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

Not crash-tested

New Car Assessment Program

The 2015RAM5500 carries 20 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 0 crashes, 1 fire, 0 injuries, and 0 fatalities. No NCAP 5-star crash-test rating is available for this model year in the federal database.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2015 5500 is engine with 5 filings, followed by electrical system (4) and wheels (2). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 8 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.

NHTSA currently has 7 investigation files overlapping the 2015 5500, and 4 remain open. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

20
Complaints
0
Crashes
1
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Deaths

Total Complaints

20 filings

Crashes Reported

0 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

At or below the fleet median complaint volume.

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
ENGINE5
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM4
WHEELS2
POWER TRAIN2
TIRES1
SUSPENSION1
STEERING1
SERVICE BRAKES1
UNKNOWN OR OTHER1
POWER TRAIN:TRANSFER CASE (4-WHEEL DRIVE)1
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM:FUEL RAIL1

Recalls (8)

15V46800027/07/2015

SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:UPPER ARM

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.

21V39800027/05/2021

WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS

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 whe

15V46100023/07/2015

EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.

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 equip

17V82400021/12/2017

EQUIPMENT

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 ma

17V82100020/12/2017

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:COLUMN SHIFT

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.

15V29000018/05/2015

TIRES

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

18V33200017/05/2018

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

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

17V56200012/09/2017

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:DIESEL

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.

Recent Complaints

20241205ENGINE

Intake air grid heater nut came off and blew the #6 piston and engine needs to be replaced.

20240816WHEELS

While traveling on a highway at speeds in excess of 50mph the 2015 Ram 5500 lost the rear set of dual tires on the passenger side. The wheels came off after all 10-wheel studs failed and broke off. This is the second incident on this same truck despite going through the warranty process and procedures through Stellantis/Ram. No incident or injuries resulted from the failure.

20230119POWER TRAIN:TRANSFER CASE (4-WHEEL DRIVE)

The contact owns a 2015 Ram 5500. The contact stated while driving 69 MPH, the vehicle started vibrating abnormally with abnormal sounds coming from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to park on the side of the road, exited the vehicle, and noticed transmission fluid leaking underneath the vehicle. The contact stated that the transfer case was fractured. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle. The contact stated that the fuel rail, Service 4-WD, and the braking system messages were displayed. The vehicle was not drivable. The contact towed the vehicle to an independent mechanic and was informed that the transfer case needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 137,000.

Mileage: 137,000

20230119FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM:FUEL RAIL

The contact owns a 2015 Ram 5500. The contact stated while driving 69 MPH, the vehicle started vibrating abnormally with abnormal sounds coming from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to park on the side of the road, exited the vehicle, and noticed transmission fluid leaking underneath the vehicle. The contact stated that the transfer case was fractured. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle. The contact stated that the fuel rail, Service 4-WD, and the braking system messages were displayed. The vehicle was not drivable. The contact towed the vehicle to an independent mechanic and was informed that the transfer case needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 137,000.

Mileage: 137,000

20230104ENGINE

Vehicle is 2015 and has 44.4k miles on it. Had it in for a routine oil change and the mechanic showed me that the oil pan is in extremely poor condition with multiple rot spots all over and could fail at anytime. Mopar extended warranty covers oil pans, but they dont cover rust. An oil pan is a static part, the only way it could fail is from rust or a catastrophic engine failure where a connecting rod may protrude through it. Seems to be a common problem with these oil pans failing at a high rate. I have a 1977 chevy 289k miles with no problems on that oil pan. Perhaps the metal used in production was of poor quality which caused premature and expedited corrosion.

20210322ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

HAVE HAD SHIFTING ISSUE'S IN THE PAST, REPAIR UNDER WARRANTY WAS TRANS SOLENOIDS. NOW, OUT OF WARRANTY, IT'S THE TRANS WIRING HARNESS.

Mileage: 40,500

20210322POWER TRAIN

HAVE HAD SHIFTING ISSUE'S IN THE PAST, REPAIR UNDER WARRANTY WAS TRANS SOLENOIDS. NOW, OUT OF WARRANTY, IT'S THE TRANS WIRING HARNESS.

Mileage: 40,500

20201221ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

THE DPF FILTER IS SAYING THAT ITS CLOGGED AND IT WON'T REGIN. CODES: P0234, P24A2,P0420,P0087,P2228,P1193,P243F,P0102,P203F,P2280

Mileage: 180,000

20201221ENGINE

THE DPF FILTER IS SAYING THAT ITS CLOGGED AND IT WON'T REGIN. CODES: P0234, P24A2,P0420,P0087,P2228,P1193,P243F,P0102,P203F,P2280

Mileage: 180,000

20201221UNKNOWN OR OTHER

THE DPF FILTER IS SAYING THAT ITS CLOGGED AND IT WON'T REGIN. CODES: P0234, P24A2,P0420,P0087,P2228,P1193,P243F,P0102,P203F,P2280

Mileage: 180,000

20191204SERVICE BRAKES

TRUCK WAS ON HIGHWAY GOING 70 MPH. DRIVER SAID IT STARTED SHAKING VERY HARD AND THEN HEARD A VERY LOUD BANG. WAS ABLE TO KEEP IT UNDER CONTROL AND BRING IT TO A STOP. THERE WERE PARTS OF THE TRANSFER CASE ALL OVER THE ROAD. DRIVE SHAFT WAS BENT AT A 45 DEGREE ANGLE. WIRING WAS WRAPPED AROUND YOKE, UNDERNEATH OF CAB IS DAMAGED, BRAKE SYSTEM DAMAGED, DEF SYSTEM DAMAGED, ALONG WITH OTHER PROBLEMS THAT CANT BE SEEN.

Mileage: 148,870

20191204ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TRUCK WAS ON HIGHWAY GOING 70 MPH. DRIVER SAID IT STARTED SHAKING VERY HARD AND THEN HEARD A VERY LOUD BANG. WAS ABLE TO KEEP IT UNDER CONTROL AND BRING IT TO A STOP. THERE WERE PARTS OF THE TRANSFER CASE ALL OVER THE ROAD. DRIVE SHAFT WAS BENT AT A 45 DEGREE ANGLE. WIRING WAS WRAPPED AROUND YOKE, UNDERNEATH OF CAB IS DAMAGED, BRAKE SYSTEM DAMAGED, DEF SYSTEM DAMAGED, ALONG WITH OTHER PROBLEMS THAT CANT BE SEEN.

Mileage: 148,870

20191204POWER TRAIN

TRUCK WAS ON HIGHWAY GOING 70 MPH. DRIVER SAID IT STARTED SHAKING VERY HARD AND THEN HEARD A VERY LOUD BANG. WAS ABLE TO KEEP IT UNDER CONTROL AND BRING IT TO A STOP. THERE WERE PARTS OF THE TRANSFER CASE ALL OVER THE ROAD. DRIVE SHAFT WAS BENT AT A 45 DEGREE ANGLE. WIRING WAS WRAPPED AROUND YOKE, UNDERNEATH OF CAB IS DAMAGED, BRAKE SYSTEM DAMAGED, DEF SYSTEM DAMAGED, ALONG WITH OTHER PROBLEMS THAT CANT BE SEEN.

Mileage: 148,870

20191201FireENGINE

VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP DUE TO AN ISSUE WHERE WHITE SMOKE WOULD APPEAR WHEN THE ENGINE IS UNDER LOAD. DEALER WAS UNABLE TO REPAIR THE ISSUE DUE TO SCHEDULING CONFLICTS. OWNER ATTEMPTED TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE TO ANOTHER LOCATION FOR DIAGNOSTICS. VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE ON THE WAY TO ANOTHER DEALER LOCATION.

Mileage: 79,000

20180827STEERING

STEERING DRAG LINK BROKEN OFF ON PASSENGER (LONG ARM) SIDE OF ADJUSTMENT SLEEVE. NO IMPACT DAMAGE. PART APPEARS TO HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY MANUFACTURED. ONLY APPROX 1/3 TO 1/2 OF THE ROD WAS FUSED TOGETHER (SEE PICTURE). VEHICLE WAS BACKING UP AND TURNING IN A PARKING LOT, SLIGHTLY DOWNHILL WITH SERVICE BRAKES LIGHTLY APPLIED. VEHICLE IS HEAVILY LOADED (ELECTRICAL BUCKET TRUCK)

Mileage: 48,500

20171114ENGINE

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 RAM 5500. UPON INSPECTION, THE CONTACT NOTICED COOLANT LEAKING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO FIELDS CHRYSLER JEEP DODGE-SANFORD (750 TOWNE CENTER BLVD, SANFORD, FL), BUT A LEAK COULD NOT BE FOUND. AFTERWARDS, THE LOW COOLANT INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT CHECKED THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND NOTICED THAT COOLANT SPEWED OUT ONTO THE UNDERCARRIAGE AND ELECTRICAL WIRING. THE LOCAL DEALER (BREWBAKER DODGE CHRYSLER JEEP RAM OF PRATTVILLE, 2209 COBBS FORD RD, PRATTVILLE, AL) DIAGNOSED THAT THE WATER PUMP WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO ORLANDO DODGE CHRYSLER JEEP RAM (4101 W COLONIAL DR, ORLANDO, FL) WHERE IT WAS INITIALLY DIAGNOSED AS MUDDY WATER ON THE MOTOR. THE FAILURE BECAME MORE SEVERE AFTER ONE WEEK. THE VEHICLE WAS RETURNED TO ORLANDO DODGE CHRYSLER JEEP RAM AND THE WATER PUMP WAS REPLACED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V5620

Mileage: 50,000

20170207ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

BATTERY SAVER MODE MSG APPEARED ON DASH. TRUCK HAD 87,000 MILES AND 2400 HOURS. USED AS A ROADSIDE SERVICE WRECKER. TESTED BATTERIES. 1 TESTED BAD. REPLACED BOTH BATTERIES. MESSAGE COMES BACK AT STARTUP ON COLD MORNINGS. MSG STAYS ON UNTIL TRUCK IS WARMED LATER IN THE DAY.

Mileage: 87,000

20160226TIRES

FRONT TIRES. TIRES WEAR UNEVEN. MOSTLY PASSENGER SIDE. CUPPING OF OF BOTH. NOTICEABLE VIBRATION. SAME THING HAPPENED WITH MY 2011 MODEL OF THE SAME VEHICLE.

20160226SUSPENSION

FRONT TIRES UNEVEN WEAR, TIRE CUPPING. VIBRATION AND NOISY!

Mileage: 34,000

20160226WHEELS

FRONT TIRES UNEVEN WEAR, TIRE CUPPING. VIBRATION AND NOISY!

Mileage: 34,000

Compare 2015RAM5500 to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations 4 Open

View all investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2015 RAM 5500 have?
The 2015 RAM 5500 has 20 NHTSA complaints, 0 crashes, 1 fires, 0 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
Are there any recalls for the 2015 RAM 5500?
Yes, the 2015 RAM 5500 has 8 recall(s). The most common affected component is SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:UPPER ARM. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2015 RAM 5500?
The most-complained component for the 2015 RAM 5500 is ENGINE with 5 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include ELECTRICAL SYSTEM and WHEELS.
Is the 2015 RAM 5500 safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. No NHTSA crash test rating is available for this model year. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.