Research · Standard Pickup Trucks 2WD

2015 Ram 1500Recalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 18 safety recalls and 1,460 owner complaints for the 2015 Ram 1500. Most complaints involve steering (342) and engine (335). The EPA rates it 15–24 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 4 stars overall.

Combined MPG
15–24mpg
EPA · 12 versions
NHTSA overall
4of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
18campaigns
Latest Jun 2023
Owner complaints
1,460
Top: steering
Fuel cost / yr
$3,050est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

18 NHTSA campaigns · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Engine and engine cooling

Remedy pending

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2019 Ram 1500 and 2014-2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles equipped with 3.0L Diesel engines. The crankshaft position sensor tone wheel may delaminate, causing the engine to lose its ability to synchronize the fuel injector pulses and cam shaft timing, possibly resulting in an engine stall.

Engine and engine coolingReported Jun 8, 2023NHTSA 23V411000

Fuel system

Remedy pending

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee, and 2014-2019 Ram 1500 vehicles equipped with 3.0L diesel engines. A high pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failure may introduce internal debris into the fuel system, potentially resulting in fuel starvation.

Fuel system, dieselReported Jun 9, 2022NHTSA 22V406000

Air bags: side

Remedy pending

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2015-2020 Ram 1500 Classic, 2015-2016 Ram 3500, and Ram 2500 vehicles, and 2016 Ram 3500 Cab Chassis with a gross vehicle weight rating less than 10,000 lbs. The side air bag inflatable curtain (SABIC) inflator end cap may detach from the inflator, or the inflator sidewall may rupture.

Air bagsReported Aug 12, 2021NHTSA 21V632000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 3, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

1,460 complaints filed with NHTSA · Feb 2015 – Oct 2026
  1. Steering342
  2. Engine335
  3. Power train226
  4. Fuel/propulsion system166
  5. Electrical system159
  6. Service brakes140
  7. Vehicle speed control86
  8. Fuel system, diesel67
  9. Engine and engine cooling64

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each 1500 model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
200937
2011689
20131,282
20141,780
20151,460
20161,554
2017884
2018667
20191,496
2020642
2021685
2022637
2023205
20240
20260
Crashes reported
79
Fires reported
58
Injuries reported
52
Deaths reported
4
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 3, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Steering

342 reports10 crashes
“The contact owns a 2015 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds and while idling, the power steering assist suddenly became inoperable. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent at initial startup. The dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the VIN was not included in a recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 14, 2026SteeringODI 11771145

Engine

335 reports6 crashes39 fires
“I am submitting this complaint regarding my 2015 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel 3.0L, VIN [XXX]. My vehicle previously received an EGR/emissions-related repair in XXX. The vehicle records also show emissions-related campaigns/repairs, including VB1, V08, and VA7. I am concerned that Ram/Stellantis is not honoring applicable EGR coverage associated with the class action lawsuit XXX v. FCA US LLC, Civil Action No.XXX, in the [XXX]. This case concerns alleged defects involving EGR coolers in 2014–2019 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel trucks. The court-approved settlement provides coverage relating to the EGR cooler issue. I contacted Ram/Stellantis and the dealership and requested that they review my VIN and the applicable recall and extended warranty information. I was told that the applicable coverage was not showing or was not being honored. I was also given manufacturer case number XXX. I am requesting that NHTSA review whether my VIN is covered by the applicable EGR recall, warranty extension, or court-approved settlement and whether my previous January 2023 EGR repair affects eligibility for later applicable coverage. My vehicle currently has approximately 168,000 miles. I can…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 19, 2026EngineODI 11765531

Power train

226 reports27 crashes5 fires
“The contact owns a 2015 Ram 1500. While driving at an undisclosed speed, the ABS, traction control, and several other unknown warning lights illuminated. On a separate occasion, the transmission failed to shift out of park(P). The contact manually unlocked the automatic gearbox and shifted the transmission into neutral(N) before shifting out of park(P). The vehicle was taken to the dealer and DTC: C2200-49; was retrieved. The dealer determined that the ABS module needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure by phone, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 163,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 2, 2026Service brakes, hydraulic, Power trainODI 11768520
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 3, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

12 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Standard Pickup Trucks 2WD, Standard Pickup Trucks 4WD
Engines
3.0L 6-cyl turbo diesel · 3.6L 6-cyl · 5.7L 8-cyl
Transmissions
Automatic 8-spd · Automatic 6-spd
Drive
Rear-Wheel Drive · 4-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Diesel · Regular Gasoline · Midgrade Gasoline

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 3, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
1500 HFE 2WD
Auto 8-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Diesel, Turbo · Rear-Wheel Drive
212924$3,900428
1500 2WD
Auto 8-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Diesel, Turbo · Rear-Wheel Drive
202723$4,100442
1500 4WD
Auto 8-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Diesel, Turbo · 4-Wheel Drive
192622$4,300461
1500 HFE 2WD
Auto 8-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
182521$3,050426
1500 2WD
Auto 8-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
172520$3,200451
1500 2WD
Auto 8-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L, FFV · Rear-Wheel Drive
172520$3,200451
1500 4WD
Auto 8-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L, FFV · 4-Wheel Drive
162319$3,400475
1500 4WD
Auto 8-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L · 4-Wheel Drive
162319$3,400475
1500 2WD
Auto 8-spd, 8 cyl, 5.7 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
152217$4,350513
1500 4WD
Auto 8-spd, 8 cyl, 5.7 L · 4-Wheel Drive
152117$4,350527
1500 2WD
Auto 6-spd, 8 cyl, 5.7 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
142016$4,600558
1500 4WD
Auto 6-spd, 8 cyl, 5.7 L · 4-Wheel Drive
131915$4,900580
  • 1500 HFE 2WD
    Auto 8-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Diesel, Turbo
    21 city · 29 hwy · $3,900/yr
    24
    mpg comb.
  • 1500 2WD
    Auto 8-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Diesel, Turbo
    20 city · 27 hwy · $4,100/yr
    23
    mpg comb.
  • 1500 4WD
    Auto 8-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Diesel, Turbo
    19 city · 26 hwy · $4,300/yr
    22
    mpg comb.
  • 1500 HFE 2WD
    Auto 8-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L
    18 city · 25 hwy · $3,050/yr
    21
    mpg comb.
  • 1500 2WD
    Auto 8-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L
    17 city · 25 hwy · $3,200/yr
    20
    mpg comb.
  • 1500 2WD
    Auto 8-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L, FFV
    17 city · 25 hwy · $3,200/yr
    20
    mpg comb.
  • 1500 4WD
    Auto 8-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L, FFV
    16 city · 23 hwy · $3,400/yr
    19
    mpg comb.
  • 1500 4WD
    Auto 8-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L
    16 city · 23 hwy · $3,400/yr
    19
    mpg comb.
  • 1500 2WD
    Auto 8-spd, 8 cyl, 5.7 L
    15 city · 22 hwy · $4,350/yr
    17
    mpg comb.
  • 1500 4WD
    Auto 8-spd, 8 cyl, 5.7 L
    15 city · 21 hwy · $4,350/yr
    17
    mpg comb.
  • 1500 2WD
    Auto 6-spd, 8 cyl, 5.7 L
    14 city · 20 hwy · $4,600/yr
    16
    mpg comb.
  • 1500 4WD
    Auto 6-spd, 8 cyl, 5.7 L
    13 city · 19 hwy · $4,900/yr
    15
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 3, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

6 tested variants
Overall rating
4/ 5
4 of 5
Ram 1500 Quad PU/EC 4WD
Frontal crash
4 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
5 of 5
Rollover
3 of 5
Rollover risk
21.9%
Overall
4 / 5
Ram 1500 Quad PU/EC 2WD
Frontal crash
4 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
5 of 5
Rollover
4 of 5
Rollover risk
19.8%
Overall
4 / 5
Ram 1500 Crew PU/CC 2WD
Frontal crash
4 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
4 of 5
Rollover
4 of 5
Rollover risk
19.8%
Overall
4 / 5
Ram 1500 Crew PU/CC 4WD
Frontal crash
4 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
4 of 5
Rollover
3 of 5
Rollover risk
21.9%
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 3, 2026Vehicle 9216Vehicle 9215Vehicle 9214
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2015 1500 questions

How many recalls does the 2015 Ram 1500 have?

18 safety recalls as of Nov 3, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.

What are the most common 2015 Ram 1500 problems?

Owners filed 1,460 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are steering (342), engine (335), power train (226). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2015 Ram 1500 get?

The EPA rates the 2015 Ram 1500 at 15–24 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (12 versions rated).

How safe is the 2015 Ram 1500?

NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2015 Ram 1500 4 out of 5 stars overall.

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 3, 2026