Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2015 Ram 2500 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2015 Ram 2500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle suddenly lost significant motive power, after which the contact became aware that the vehicle had downshifted independently, prompting him to pull to the shoulder of the roadway. After restarting the vehicle, the vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the transmission solenoid pack. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to Customer Satisfaction Notification: U30. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 122,000.
This issue relates to code U010c "lost communication with turbo charger supercharger A". When the engine brake is turned on the engine brake can remain on during this malfunction and the vehicle loses power. If the fault code above occurs at highway speed and the engine brake was activated the engine brake can remain on even if the accelerator is pressed and the engine brake is manually turned off. This situation required me to quickly move to the shoulder and shut the engine off to reset the fault code. This has happened to me several times. My vehicle only has 34k miles but the warranty has expired. The turbo actuator tests ok until the engine is at operating temperature. The actuator electronic control malfunctions at normal engine operating temperature. The dealer wants to replace the entire turbo. …
On 3/29/23 while driving approximately 80 miles back home, the vehicle began leaking engine oil and coolant upon acceleration. The vehicle was returned to the shop for repair but the repair failed. On 4/8/23, again the vehicle began to spew oil and coolant upon acceleration. No warning lights came on. The reservoir for coolant is drained of coolant. There is an odor of oil and antifreeze in the cabin which is harmful and poisonous. Also, the engine may fail along with other components on the vehicle without warning as no there is no indicator light warning of the problem.the vehicle was purchased on 3/29_23 from a used car dealership, whom allegedly claims to have inspected the vehicle thoroughly
Transmission stopped working temporarily after towing a trailer up a long hill, engine simply revved when i tried to accelerate at the very top just prior to descending the other side, after stopping for 3-4 minutes the transmission began to work again. Truck is available for inspection and has not been inspected by anyone The truck is equipped with both engine and exhaust braking and had the failure occurred going downhill with a trailer in tow then it would have created a safety issue. No warning lights or messages appeared prior to or after the incident to indicate there was any issues.
Transmission bearing failure, resulting in total transmission loss. Bearing broke without warning while driving and sent metal pieces through the entire transmission. The transmission is currently being rebuild and the mechanic identified that the bearing was installed upside down during manufacturing and is what caused the transmission fail. The mechanic also found that another transmission rebuild shop had several transmissions of the same model with the same failure issue I experienced.
The vehicle started shifting on it's own while driving at different speeds shifts erratically in and out causing the esc light to come on when put on code reader messages come up as implausible error and lost communication to tcm and now I've lost communication to vgt and other components as well and cannot drive vehicle at all since 12/22/21 waiting for dealer to pick it up to assess problem but they told me couldn't get to it till the January 19th 2022
Able to shift vehicle from park to gear without brake depressing. Truck jumps from park to reverse without being started. Yellow lights indicators for gear selected. Vehicle has died 3 times, once on highway lost total control of vehicle then turned on by itself. Once loaded with with a trailer turning off highway vehicle died lost power steering and engine functions. Vehicle died total blackout on dash then restarted.
Vehicle was placed in park on a slight incline and engine turned off. Vehicle began to roll backwards as I exited. The truck indicated that it was in park, but no parking brake engaged. If I had exited completely and left the vehicle, it could have rolled and caused serious injury. The truck was taken to the dealership and diagnosed with a loose/ missing retainer clip on the parking pawl.
Vehicle was stationary on a city street. In park, motor not running, keys not in the ignition. Vehicle started to roll and crashed into a utility pole nearly breaking it in two. There was a recall performed in 2019 to prevent this from happening. A google search shows that the recall did not correct all the issues. I contacted FCA, they sent an inspector out, I was told by the inspector([redacted]) via phone that the truck was a able to be shifted from park with the keys not in the ignition and without pressing the brake. It failed 2 out of the 15 or 20 times that he tried. I was later contacted by FCA saying there was no fault on the manufacturer. They made no offer to repair the vehicle even after the inspectors report. The inspector told me that he would not put his findings in writing to me and that I wouldn't be allowed to have a copy of the report. …
On 8.20.18 my vehicle going 70mph on the freeway and then made a large sound. I then lost all steering and braking on the highway. I barely was able to pull off without getting hit. After sitting, smoke started coming out of from under my hood. After popping the hood, there were flames down in the engine. I poured the little amount of drinking water on the flames to douse them. The tow truck came and took us to the nearest Dodge dealer (crown Dodge in redding, california). They immediately noted it was likely due to recall t51, where the water pump overheats, breaks the belts, overheats the car and could cause an engine fire. This is exactly what happened. I tried to get this fixed with my local dealer months ago, but they didn't have the parts. I also never recieved any correspondence letters on the recall... I opened a ticket with Dodge directly, they are investigating. …
Related recalls
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.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update the vehicle software, inspect the BTSI, and, as necessary, replace it, free of charge. The recall began February 26, 2018.
NHTSA investigations
Post Recall Remedy Brake Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI) Failure
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received 14 Vehicle Owner Questionnaire (VOQ) reports and 6 EWR Death & Injury (D&I) reports describing post recall remedy failures of the brake transmission shift interlock (BTSI) system in certain Model Year (MY) 2013-2018 RAM pickup trucks.The subject vehicle models include 1500, 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500 trucks equipped with a column mounted shift lever.The failures…
Transmission complaints in other 2500 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2015 Ram 2500?
NHTSA has 44 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2015 Ram 2500, 20% of the model year's 215 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2015 Ram 2500 transmission problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 17V-821 (column shift, Dec 20, 2017). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2015 Ram 2500 transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 40,000 miles, and 37% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 4 crashes, 1 fire and 1 injury to transmission & drivetrain problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.