2015 Ram 1500
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2015 models.

- Class
- Standard Pickup Trucks 2WD
- Engines
- 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, 3.6L 6-cyl, 5.7L 8-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Diesel, Regular Gasoline, FFV, Midgrade Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 24 combined · 21 city / 29 hwy
- Length
- –
- Curb weight
- –
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 17 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 24 MPG combined — 28% better than the average 2015 standard pickup truck (18.8 MPG).
- AWD / 4WD available
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 5 similar 2015 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2015 Ram 1500 is a standard pickup truck offered with 3 engines (3.0L 6-cyl turbo, 3.6L 6-cyl and 5.7L 8-cyl) and rear-wheel drive and 4-wheel drive.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 24 MPG combined (21 city / 29 highway), 28% better than the 2015 standard pickup truck average of 18.8 MPG, for an estimated $3,200 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 17 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 1459 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the steering.
What changed for 2015
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2014 1500 — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2014; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2014 1500 →
Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1500 HFE 2WD Diesel | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic 8-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 21 / 29 / 24 | +28% | $4,000 | 428 |
| 1500 2WD Diesel | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic 8-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 20 / 27 / 23 | +22% | $4,150 | 442 |
| 1500 4WD Diesel | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic 8-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 19 / 26 / 22 | +26% | $4,350 | 461 |
| 1500 HFE 2WD | 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic 8-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 / 25 / 21 | +12% | $3,200 | 426 |
| 1500 2WD | 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic 8-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 / 25 / 20 | +6% | $3,350 | 451 |
| 1500 2WD FFV | 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic 8-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 / 25 / 20 | +6% | $3,350 | 451 |
| 1500 4WD FFV | 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic 8-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 16 / 23 / 19 | +9% | $3,550 | 475 |
| 1500 4WD | 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic 8-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 16 / 23 / 19 | +9% | $3,550 | 475 |
| 1500 2WD | 5.7L 8-cyl | Automatic 8-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 / 22 / 17 | -10% | $4,450 | 513 |
| 1500 4WD | 5.7L 8-cyl | Automatic 8-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 15 / 21 / 17 | -3% | $4,450 | 527 |
| 1500 2WD | 5.7L 8-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 / 20 / 16 | -15% | $4,750 | 558 |
| 1500 4WD | 5.7L 8-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 13 / 19 / 15 | -14% | $5,050 | 580 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2015 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2015 Ram 1500.
Similar 2015 standard pickup trucks
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 Ram 1500 (this car) | 24 MPG | Not rated | 17 |
| 2015 Ford F-150 | 22 MPG | Not rated | 13 |
| 2015 Chevrolet Silverado | 20 MPG | Not rated | 24 |
| 2015 Toyota Tundra | 17 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2015 Nissan Titan | 15 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2015 GMC Sierra | 20 MPG | Not rated | 23 |
Recalls (17)
Engine And Engine Cooling · Jun 8, 2023
NHTSA campaign 23V411000 · 80,629 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will update the powertrain control module software to maintain vehicle propulsion, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed August 3, 2023. Some owner notification letters were mailed October 31, 2023. The remaining owner notification letters will be mailed at a future date, anticipated July 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 66A. This recall is an expansion of recall 20V-475.
Fuel System, Diesel › Delivery › Fuel Pump · Jun 9, 2022
NHTSA campaign 22V406000 · 138,645 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- Fuel starvation may result in an unexpected loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the HPFP, and inspect and replace, if necessary, additional fuel system components, free of charge. Interim notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed July 21, 2022. Owner notification letters for were mailed for Jeep Grand Cherokee owners starting January 11, 2024. Owner notification letters for Ram 1500 owners were mailed March 7, 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLS's number for this recall is Z46.
Air Bags › Side/Window › Curtain › Inflator · Aug 12, 2021
NHTSA campaign 21V632000 · 212,373 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- A separated inflator end cap or inflator rupture can allow compressed gas to escape, resulting in the end cap or other components being propelled into the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury or crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will inspect and replace as necessary, the SABIC assemblies, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters were mailed on October 4, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 26, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is Y55.
Engine And Engine Cooling › Engine › Diesel · Aug 13, 2020
NHTSA campaign 20V475000 · 58,016 vehicles
- Problem
- Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Ram 1500 and 2014-2016 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.
- Risk
- An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- FCA US will notify owners, and dealers will update the powertrain control module software to maintain vehicle propulsion by reading the camshaft position signal in the event that the crankshaft position signal is lost, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 13, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US customer service at 1-800-853-2002. FCA US's number for this recall is W58.
Engine And Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Emission Control › Gas Recirculation Valve (Egr Valve) · Oct 24, 2019
NHTSA campaign 19V757000 · 107,980 vehicles
- Problem
- Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2019 Ram 1500 and 1500 Classic Pickup trucks equipped with 3.0L Eco Diesel engines. The Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) cooler may crack and allow pre-heated vaporized coolant to enter the EGR system. This mixture may combust inside the intake manifold.
- Risk
- Combustion in the intake manifold can increase the risk of a fire.
- Fix
- Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the EGR cooler, free of charge. Dealers will also inspect and, as necessary, replace the intake manifold. The recall began April 16, 2020. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is VB1.
Latches/Locks/Linkages › Tailgate › Latch · May 9, 2019
NHTSA campaign 19V347000 · 1,103,209 vehicles
- Problem
- Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks equipped with an 8 foot bed and a power locking tailgate. Chrysler is also recalling all 2013-2014 and 2018 Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks built before April 1, 2018 with a 6 or 8 foot bed and a power locking tailgate. On August 29, 2019 Chrysler expanded the recall to include an additional 693,128 model year 2013-2014 Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks. The tailgate actuator limiter tab may fracture and cause the tailgate to unlatch and open while driving.
- Risk
- If the tailgate opens while the vehicle is being driven, cargo may fall out the vehicle and create a road hazard, increasing the risk of crash.
- Fix
- Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will repair the tailgate latch, free of charge. The recall began May 23, 2019. Chrysler is expected to notify owners of the expanded population on October 18, 2019. Owners may contact FCA US customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US's number for this recall is V44. Note: 2015-2017 MY Ram 1500 pickup trucks with truck beds other than 8 foot, are currently covered under NHTSA recall 18V-486 for this issue.
Structure › Body › Tailgate · Jul 27, 2018
NHTSA campaign 18V486000 · 1,149,223 vehicles
- Problem
- Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2015-2017 RAM 1500, 2500, and 3500 pickup trucks equipped with a power locking tailgate and either a 5 foot, 7 inch or 6 foot, 4 inch bed. The tailgate actuator limiter tab may fracture and cause the tailgate to unlatch and open while driving.
- Risk
- If the tailgate latch releases and the tailgate opens while driving, cargo may fall out, creating a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will repair the vehicle, free of charge. The recall began September 17, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U74.
Electrical System › Software · May 17, 2018
NHTSA campaign 18V332000 · 4,815,661 vehicles
- Problem
- 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 200, 2016-2018 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis (less than 10,000 lb), 2017-2018 Chrysler Pacifica and 2018 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. These vehicles are being recalled to address a defect that could prevent the cruise control system from disengaging. If, when using cruise control, there is a short circuit within the vehicle's wiring, the driver may not be able to shut off the cruise control either by depressing the brake pedal or manually turning the system off once it has been engaged, resulting in either the vehicle maintaining its current speed or possibly accelerating.
- Risk
- If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the software, and perform a software flash on the engine or powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began June 4, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Note: Owners are advised to stop using cruise control until the software update has been performed. In the event that cruise control cannot be disengaged while driving, owners should firmly and steadily apply the brakes and shift the transmission to neutral, placing the vehicle in park once it has stopped.
Equipment · Dec 21, 2017
NHTSA campaign 17V824000 · 61,791 vehicles
- Problem
- 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 may become clogged, preventing the extinguisher from discharging as expected or requiring excessive force to activate the extinguisher. Additionally, in certain models, the nozzle may detach from the valve assembly with enough force that it could cause injury and also render the product inoperable. For a full list of the affected fire extinguisher models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17E062-5427.pdf
- Risk
- If the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury in the event of a fire.
- Fix
- Chrysler will notify owners instructing them to contact Kidde for a replacement fire extinguisher, free of charge. The recall began February 14, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403 or Kidde customer service service toll-free at 1-855-262-3540, or online at www.kidde.com and click on "Product Safety Recall" for more information. Chrysler's number for this recall is T82.
Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Lever And Linkage › Column Shift · Dec 20, 2017
NHTSA campaign 17V821000 · 1,482,874 vehicles
- Problem
- 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. Pushing the brake pedal for prolonged periods when the vehicle is running and in PARK may cause the Brake Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI) pin to stick in the open position. With the pin in the open position, the transmission can be shifted out of PARK into any gear without pushing the brake pedal or having the key in the ignition.
- Risk
- Being able to shift the transmission without pushing the brake pedal and/or without a key in the ignition can increase the risk of an unintended vehicle rollaway that may result in personal injury or a crash.
- Fix
- 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. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T79.
Air Bags › Side/Window › Curtain · May 9, 2017
NHTSA campaign 17V302000 · 1,021,279 vehicles
- Problem
- Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2013-2016 Ram 1500, Ram 2500, and 2014-2016 Ram 3500 vehicles. Certain driving conditions, such as driving off-road or debris striking the vehicle may cause the roll rate sensor to trigger a fault within the Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC). If this fault occurs, the rollover side curtain air bag and the seat belt pretensioner will be disabled from deploying.
- Risk
- If the rollover side curtain air bags and seat belt pretensioners are disabled, there is an increased risk of injury to the vehicle occupants in the event of a crash that necessitates activation of these safety systems.
- Fix
- Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update the ORC software, free of charge. The recall began June 26, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T25.
Steering › Electric Power Assist System · Mar 23, 2016
NHTSA campaign 16V167000 · 440 vehicles
- Problem
- Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Ram 1500 trucks manufactured January 22, 2015, to September 13, 2015. Contamination on the Electric Power Steering (EPS) control circuit board may cause a short and result in the loss of power steering assist.
- Risk
- If the vehicle experiences a loss of power steering assist, extra steering effort will be required, especially at lower speeds, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
- Fix
- Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the EPS unit, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on May 16, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S19.
Power Train › Axle Assembly › Axle Shaft · Oct 15, 2015
NHTSA campaign 15V661000 · 61,859 vehicles
- Problem
- Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Ram 1500 trucks manufactured June 17, 2015, to September 28, 2015. The affected vehicles may have been built with rear axles that were incorrectly heat treated.
- Risk
- If the rear axle shaft was not properly heated treated, it may fracture and a wheel separation could occur, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles and replace the axle assemblies, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on November 23, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R59.
Air Bags › Side/Window · Aug 21, 2015
NHTSA campaign 15V534000 · 188,047 vehicles
- Problem
- Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Ram 1500 Quad Cab trucks manufactured August 26, 2013, to August 8, 2015. The affected vehicles are equipped with side air bag inflatable curtains (SABIC) that may not fully overlap the C-pillars in the event of a vehicle crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 226, "Ejection Mitigation."
- Risk
- In the event of a vehicle crash, if a SABIC does not inflate as intended, there is an increased risk of injury to the rear seat occupant.
- Fix
- Chrysler will notify owners, dealers will inspect the right and left side air bag inflatable curtains (SABIC) for proper orientation and a foil patch will be installed on both sides of the headliner. One or both of the air bag inflatable curtains (SABIC) will be replaced if necessary. The recall began on October 7, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R47.
Electrical System › 12v/24v/48v Battery › Cables · Aug 14, 2015
NHTSA campaign 15V517000 · 1,655 vehicles
- Problem
- Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Ram 1500 diesel 4x2 trucks manufactured August 8, 2013, to July 2, 2015. The affected vehicles have a battery harness that may rub against the frame bracket for the right engine mount resulting in an electrical short.
- Risk
- If the harness shorts, the vehicle may stall and there is an increased risk of a fire.
- Fix
- Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles to confirm that the battery harness is correctly routed and secured. Any harness that shows evidence of wear will be replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on October 8, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R43.
Equipment › Electrical › Radio/Tape Deck/Cd Etc. · Jul 23, 2015
NHTSA campaign 15V461000 · 1,416,903 vehicles
- Problem
- 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 equipped with radios that have software vulnerabilities that can allow third-party access to certain networked vehicle control systems.
- Risk
- Exploitation of the software vulnerability may result in unauthorized remote modification and control of certain vehicle systems, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Chrysler will notify and mail affected owners a USB drive that includes a software update that eliminates the vulnerability, free of charge. Optionally, owners may download the update to their own USB drive from http://www.driveuconnect.com/software-update/ or take their vehicle to a Chrysler dealer for immediate installation. In an effort to mitigate the effects of this security vulnerability, Chrysler has had the wireless service provider close the open cellular connection to the vehicle that provided unauthorized access to the vehicle network. This measure may not have been implemented on all vehicles and does not address access by other means that will be remedied by the software update. The recall began on August 25, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R40.
Air Bags › Side/Window · Jul 22, 2015
NHTSA campaign 15V460000 · 667,441 vehicles
- Problem
- Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500 trucks manufactured June 20, 2012, to January 26, 2015. In the affected vehicles, the side impact sensor calibrations may be overly sensitive, and as a result, the side air bag inflatable curtains and seat air bags may unexpectedly deploy and the seat belt pre-tensioners may activate.
- Risk
- Air bags that unexpectedly deploy increase the risk of a crash or injury.
- Fix
- Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update the Occupant Restraint Control module calibration, free of charge. The recall began on September 8, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R23.
Not every 2015 Ram 1500 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2015 Ram 1500 buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 17 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Steering — 340 owner reports. Turn lock-to-lock while parked and on the road; listen for noises and feel for heavy or loose steering.
- Engine — 335 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Power Train — 223 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 40,888 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2015 Ram 1500. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other 1500 years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 1500 | 22 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2026 1500 | 22 | 233.1 in | Not rated | 9 | 103 |
| 2025 1500 | 23 | 233.1 in | Not rated | 8 | 365 |
| 2024 1500 | 23 | 233.1 in | Not rated | 6 | 77 |
| 2023 1500 | 24 | 233.1 in | Not rated | 11 | 203 |
| 2022 1500 | 26 | 233.1 in | Not rated | 16 | 631 |
| 2021 1500 | 26 | 233.1 in | ★★★★★ | 15 | 683 |
| 2020 1500 | 26 | 233.1 in | ★★★★★ | 14 | 640 |
| 2019 1500 | 23 | 233.1 in | ★★★★★ | 29 | 1,494 |
| 2018 1500 | 23 | – | ★★★★★ | 15 | 667 |
| 2017 1500 | 23 | – | Not rated | 13 | 884 |
| 2016 1500 | 24 | – | Not rated | 16 | 1,554 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Ram. How we calculate this →