The 2015 Ram 1500 has been recalled 16 times for various issues, including concerns over side-impact airbags that may not inflate and a tailgate that may open unexpectedly due to a faulty latch. Overall, though, according to owners, the Ram 1500 ranks in the middle of its light-duty full-size pickup peer group when it comes to its appeal.
Key Points
- The 2015 Ram 1500 is a full-size pickup truck that combines big-rig looks with V6, V8, and turbodiesel power, plus a host of body styles and trim levels.
- 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.
- Owner complaints that recalls have not addressed center around various mechanical issues, including stalling and ticking noises.
2015 Ram 1500’s Hefty 16 Recalls Cover Airbags, Electrical-system Faults, Transmission Hardware, and Tailgate Hinges
Four of the recalls issued by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration apply to issues related to the 2015 Ram’s side-curtain airbags, though they are all for different concerns. At fault are potentially improperly installed curtain airbags, inflators that may not operate correctly, and fault restraint sensors. Additionally, seat covers sold through the Mopar accessory catalog may prevent seat-mounted side-impact airbags from deploying correctly.
Electrical system issues include a cruise control system that may not correctly respond to cancelation attempts due to a short circuit in the wiring harness and a battery cable that may make contact with underhood components and lead to engine stalling or even a fire.
An investigation into reports of 2015 Ram 1500 trucks rolling away even when their transmissions were placed into Park is ongoing. However, Ram recalled the pickup to update the electronic transmission control software.
Additional concerns center around two separate recalls covering all three bed lengths offered on the Ram 1500 to address a tailgate latch that may contain a component that fractures, which could potentially cause the tailgate to open while driving.
Federal Investigators Looked into Software Security Vulnerability Issues in the 2015 Ram 1500, Too
Between 2015 and early 2016, the NHTSA prompted Ram to recall vehicles equipped with an 8.4-inch touchscreen over concerns that unauthorized hackers could access the vehicles’ drive systems.
The investigation stemmed from three complaints about engine stalls, plus one report of sudden unintended acceleration said to have been linked to hacking. As a result, a user-friendly software update was launched in 2015.
Federal investigators looked into the touchscreen used by the Ram 1500 after Wired conducted an experiment using a Jeep Cherokee that included a similar display with the same software. Hackers were able to remotely control the vehicle’s audio and climate controls, as well as its windshield wipers, and they turned off its engine.
2015 Ram 1500 Owner Complaints Include Various Cooling System and Engine Noise Concerns
The NHTSA has captured 789 complaints from 2015 Ram 1500 owners. Nearly one-third of those related to engine issues, including cooling system concerns and underhood ticking noises.
Car Complaints has logged a total of 121 complaints, with the most common concerns including hard shifting from the transmission, a blown engine, and underhood ticking noise.
Further, complaints received by the NHTSA indicate that even though there have been several recalls over side-impact airbags, some owners still report, in 2022, that replacement parts haven’t been easy to come by.
Another 128 complaints focused on the truck’s steering system, with some noting that the power steering system failed to operate. A recall covered replacing the entire electric power steering unit for just 440 examples of Ram trucks.
2015 Ram 1500 Rates Mid-rack Among Full-size Light-duty Pickups, with Owners Mixed on its Climate Control System and Available Navigation Unit
The Ram 1500 was redesigned for the 2009 model year and saw moderate updates for 2013 and 2014 but few notable changes for 2015. Though the Ram lineup was completely redesigned for 2019, the circa-2009 model continues through at least 2022 as a lower-priced alternative called Ram 1500 Classic.
Owners surveyed by J.D. Power gave the 2015 Ram 1500 an 83 out of 100, putting it in third place among five full-size pickups surveyed. Owners reported liking the truck’s driving experience, including its performance and in-cabin technology, as well as its resale value, though its air conditioning and heating systems were less-liked.
When it comes to maintenance, Repair Pal notes an annual estimate of $668, with bigger-ticket items including as much as $1,084 for an air conditioning evaporator or $2,260 for the replacement of an air suspension spring.
For the most part, the 2015 Ram 1500 is a solid choice among light-duty full-size pickups, including the 2015 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and 2015 Ford F-150, though potential shoppers should check to confirm that all recalls have been performed.
Photos: Stellantis
