10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
9 / 12
Injuries / Deaths:
5 / 0
Average Mileage:
36,625 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2015 Ram 1500 electrical problems

electrical problem

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2015 Ram 1500 Owner Comments (Page 5 of 6)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #26

Apr 142017

1500

  • 31,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

April 14, 2017 my husband was heading East on I-20 in the tyler, Texas area located in smith county Texas.approaching his turn off at hwy 14. When exiting on the ramp he noticed smoke coming from the back of the truck. He looked and the service engine light was on and he began losing power. He was able to pull to a large parking area away from others. He got out of the vehicle and approached the hood when he noticed flames coming from the engine. He backed away from the vehicle at that time and called 911. Our vehicle is not a total loss. Last fall we had to replace the entire fuel system $6500 when the vehicle had less than 20,000 miles on it. Now at little over 30,000 miles it's a total loss. I have contacted chrsyler and they are suppose to send inspectors to see if they can determine the cause. Insurance inspectors are also coming this week too. I've read a lot of negatives for this truck and saw there was a recall for 4X2's for wiring issues that could short and cause a fire. Our truck was a lone star 4X4 and not under this recall. I think these vehicles need to be looked at harder!! too many issues from too many owners.

- Lindale, TX, USA

problem #25

Mar 162017

1500

  • 26,000 miles
We where stopped at a red light the console display said to place the vehicle into park. The dashboard then lost power and smoke started to come out from under the hood it was a light gray at first but quickly changed to brown and the flames where coming out. I had just enough time to get out and get my 6yr old son out of his car seat and then call 911. Within a couple of minutes the engine was in flames.

- Reading, PA, USA

problem #24

Nov 152016

1500

  • 25,000 miles
The headlamps are too dim, can't see at night. All the time

- Shepherdsville, KY, USA

problem #23

Dec 282016

1500 4WD 8-cyl

  • 5,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

While both driving, accelerating, stopped, starting, slowing and parked, the electrical components specifically the lights that illuminate the dash board on the RPM and speedometer gauges, start blinking (like a strobe) which is a huge distraction. The only remedy is to turn the dashboard lights all the way up, to where they should be while driving during daytime conditions. This causes a huge distraction since the interior is fully illuminated on dark roads. Due to the horrible Ram design of the headlights which don't project anything, this is a huge problem trying to navigate roadways with either the blinking dashboard or the lights all the way up.

- Chatham, NJ, USA

problem #22

Jan 052016

1500

  • 11,673 miles
Truck had a leak behind the dash which couldn't be repaired after multiple attempts. Moisture within the cab of the truck has caused anything metal in the cab to rust and has also affected some electrical components. I noticed the leak more while the truck was stationary during heavy rains/snow. Leak was noticed in or around 11/2015 and confirmed in 1/2016 and is now assumingly repaired. Rust is a major concern along with moisture that may have an affect on electrical components of the vehicle.

- Culloden, WV, USA

problem #21

Mar 012016

1500 8-cyl

  • miles
I have a 2015 Dodge Ram 1500 express, I've had mechanical issue with the truck from the very start of owning the truck. The biggest and longest lasting issue has been with the key fob getting stuck in the truck. The issue has been that the truck isn't telling itself that the is in park so it wont release my key. This causes me to have to turn the truck on and off several times move the truck and shift back into par before it will release the key. The dealership has seen this problem happen in person but then tells me they don't know what is causing it. So they replace some random part hoping it will fix the issue. This issue has been going on since 03/2016 and has required the truck to be in and out of the shop for days and weeks. Dodge has been unable to fix this safety issue. I've contacted Dodge customer care twice opened two customer care tickets and all I hear from Dodge is take it back to shop so they can look at it. I've had close to seven different items replaced on the truck and have to spend my off days driving back and worth to the dealership over the past seven months. I've been speaking with Dodge customer care since 05/2016 trying to get this fixed but they don't seem willing or care to get the truck fixed. Their answer is they cant duplicate the issue so they cant figure out what the problem is. This is a safety issue that I've shown videos, recorded every time the key gets stuck by no one seems to care, Dodge doesn't seem to concerned with fixing my issue. When my "customer care" rep calls me from Dodge she doesn't even know where my truck is. I have detailed records of every time the key has gotten stuck, I've dropped my truck off at the dealership, or I've spoken to someone regarding Y truck. I just want my truck fixed.

- Dacula, GA, USA

problem #20

Oct 052016

1500

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

This vehicle was leased from mid country Chrysler Dodge Jeep on 12/16/2015 as part of an eight vehicle fleet. On 10/5/2016, the vehicle failed to start and jumper cables were required to start the engine. Vehicle operator is currently delivering the vehicle to the mid county dealership for repairs. The operator reports that the electrical system is erratic - the speedometer is not working, the tachometer is not working, the odometer is not working, indicator panel lights are flickering, and seat belt alert system is turning on without cause. Mechanics report will be provided as it becomes available. While this is the first malfunction on this particular vehicle, it is important to note that our fleet consists solely of Ram 1500S, with seven being 2016 models and one 2015. Battery and electrical system failure has been pervasive throughout our entire fleet.

- Forest Hills, NY, USA

problem #19

Jul 282016

1500

  • 6,240 miles
The contact owns a 2015 Ram 1500. While driving 75 mph, the engine stalled without warning and all the lights on the instrument panel illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the engine ECU sensor and transmission pcu sensor failed. In addition, the vehicle experienced numerous electrical failures with the headlights and the instrument panel electrical sensor system. The front frame also separated due to defective bolts. The manufacturer was notified. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 6,240.

- Scranton, PA, USA

problem #18

Aug 082016

1500

  • 16,000 miles
Similar to the 2012-2013 Dodge durangos recal that involved the tipm and fuel pump relay. My 2015 Ram 1500 began to not start as if it wasn't getting enough fuel with long crank times that have only gotten worse over the past few weeks. The last week, I noticed a gasoline smell after each occurence. Today (2016-08-08) is has gotten to point that I never know if the truck will start. I have brought into my dealer today and the service tech mention that this sounded like the "durango" recall issue. I am asking that you extend the 2012-2013 Jeep/durango to 2015 Ram 1500's. I know the petition was denied but I'm asking that you re-evaluate customer complaints. NHTSA recall no. : 15V-115 - doesn't start on first try. Heavy smell of fuel.

- Glenmoore, PA, USA

problem #17

Apr 022016

1500

  • 3,500 miles
I left the truck running while in a store, I came out to see it rolled forward into a building while I was in the store and truck was in park ( or at least I thought) this caused $1800 in damages less then a month later while the truck was running and in park it completely died and had to towed back to dealer. They said they found a loose connection in the dash

- Negaunee, MI, USA

problem #16

Feb 242016

1500

  • 14,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

On 2-24-16, an accident with the vehicle happened during which the driver had no control of the vehicle. Per the police report, vehicle was parked in a parking space facing southwest. Unoccupied vehicle backed up from its parking position in the northeast direction colliding with a building column. The rear bumper of the vehicle collided with a block column causing cement blocks to be knocked out of position. There were no injuries on the scene. Driver left the vehicle in park, turned off the ignition to the vehicle, exited the vehicle and lcoked it with the keys in his pocket. He then entered a store.and approx. 15 minutes later, security located him and informed him that the vehicle had backed into their building jumping a curb and accelerating. Driver advised that he had the key fob in his pocket teh whole time. He stated the vehicle could not be cranked and would automatically shut off if he was a certain distance away from the vehicle. He advised he did not know how the vehicle cranked, traveled in reverse and then collided with the building. He advised that someone told him the vehicle's reverse lights were activated when they observed the crash. Security video was obtained and a police report was filed. Later he learned that there had been similar incidents for similar vehicles and contacted Chrysler. On March 17, 2016 owner of the vehicle received a letter from Fiat Chrysler automobiles (fca us llc) stating that the company does not believe that it was due to a manufacturing responsibility. However, upon further research, information shows that a recall was issued for what may have caused the problem. On August 14, 2015 chryselr issued a recall for radio software security vulnerabilites. Owner does not know if the dealership had serviced the vehicle for the issue.

- Conover, NC, USA

problem #15

Feb 102016

1500

  • miles
The contact owns a 2015 Ram 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 15V799000 (electrical system). The contact called more than two dealers and they were not able to supply the part within a reasonable time frame to receive the repair. The manufacturer was unable to provide a date that the parts may be provided to the dealer. The contact was unable to determine when the vehicle would be repaired for months. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

- San Antonio, TX, USA

problem #14

Mar 252016

1500

  • 8,000 miles
The contact owns a 2015 Ram 1500. While driving approximately 70 mph, there was a drastic reduction in speed and various warning indicators flashed on the instrument panel. The contact had to coast the vehicle over to the side of the road from the middle lane of a major highway. The contact restarted the vehicle and took it to the dealer for diagnostic testing. In addition, the vent controls failed to work for the air conditioner and heating without warning. The manufacturer was notified of the failures. The approximate failure mileage was 8,000.

- San Jose, CA, USA

problem #13

Feb 142016

1500 4WD 6-cyl Diesel

  • 8,145 miles
Original complaint for the first time this happened was filed with the nhtsc on 9/10/2015. This is the second identical incident. On 2/14/16 my knee hit the ignition key and the ignition turned off while traveling at 55 mph. I lost all engine, brake and steering power and coasted off road without an accident. The location and operation of the ignition key and ignition switch will eventually cause a crash and fatality like what happened with the similar GM / Chevy ignition problem. I reported this to my dealer, Ram hq customer care and you (nhtsc) in Sept 2015 and got no response from any of you and no one seemed to care. I also contacted lieff cabraser law firm in san francisco the first time it happened on 9/10/2015 and gave them a heads up that this defect will eventually result in a crash and/or fatality and they are on notice and prepared to sue as soon as this issue kills someone. Lieff cabraser law firm specializes in these types of defects and has successfully sued several automobile manufacturers for negligence.

- Florence, MT, USA

problem #12

Feb 082016

1500 Diesel

  • miles
The contact owns a 2015 Ram 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 15V799000 (electrical system) however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. The VIN was not available. Updated 04/07/16 the consumer stated the transmission and engine light illuminated. Updated 04/14/16.

- Davie, FL, USA

problem #11

Feb 142016

1500

  • 1,590 miles
Follow-up to complaint numbers: 10809870 & 10818694, 2015 Ram 1500 laramie limited 4X4 component part or system that caused the safety risk - unknown I took delivery of my truck from the service center on 01/20/2016. The body control module was replaced. On 02/14/2016, my wife and I were headed out for valentines dinner and I started my truck in the garage. The truck suddenly went dead electronically and engine-wise again, in the garage. Again, the truck could not be restarted and again nothing worked. Thankfully, we never got a chance to drive out of the garage and there was no safety concern. My truck will be towed back to the dealership again tomorrow.

- Shreveport, LA, USA

problem #10

Dec 262015

1500

  • 900 miles
Follow-up to complaint number: 10809870 2015 Ram 1500 laramie limited 4X4 component part or system that caused the safety risk - unknown I took delivery of my truck from the service center on 12/18/2015. The ignition switch and the receiver hub were replaced. On 12/26/2015, my wife and I were on date-night headed to a local bowling alley when my truck went dead electronically and engine-wise again. Again, the truck could not be restarted and again nothing worked. Thankfully, we were just driving in the parking lot near the bowling alley and there was no safety concerns. My truck is now at the dealership again.

- Shreveport, LA, USA

problem #9

Oct 312015

1500

  • 36,000 miles
The contact owns a 2015 Ram 1500. While driving 40 mph, the accelerator pedal was depressed, but the vehicle failed to accelerate. The check engine warning light illuminated. The failure recurred on numerous occasions. The vehicle was taken to a dealer on multiple occasions where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be cleaned and the computer needed to be reset. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not notified of the failures. The failure mileage was 36,000.

- Garland, TX, USA

problem #8

Dec 112015

1500

  • 700 miles
2015 Ram 1500 laramie limited 4X4 component part or system that caused the safety risk - unknown my truck was purchased new with 115 miles on the odometer on 10/13/2015 at hebert's Town & Country. On 10/16/2015, with just over 200 miles on the odometer, my wife and I were returning home from date-night. We were traveling at 60 mph down LA3132 when the instrument cluster went black, the engine shutdown, most all electronics, to include the headlights, ceased functioning and the RPM & mph gauges constantly bounced up and down. I was able to coast safely to the shoulder of the road as the traffic was light. I could not restart the vehicle so, it had to be towed back to the dealership. Five days later, I took re-delivery of my truck with an additional 200 miles added to the odometer and a verbal explanation (no paperwork) that the power distribution center had to be replaced. Upon re-delivery with my salesman present, I attempted to start the vehicle and the instrument cluster blacked out and the gauges bounced. My salesman went to get a service tech but, while he was gone, I heard a click in the dash and everything started working again. On 12/11/2015, with just under 60 days ownership and right at 700 miles on the odometer, I was returning home from shopping, traveling down a residential street, when the exact same problems suddenly happened again. This time, I was traveling at 30 mph and approaching an S-curve with no headlights and no street lights. I lost control of the vehicle as the brakes were very hard to apply and I almost had an accident before finally getting it stopped. The vehicle had to be towed back to the dealership again because I could not restart it and the gauges were bouncing. My truck is currently at the dealership. I'm not sure I want to take re-delivery of this particular truck.

- Shreveport, LA, USA

problem #7

Sep 302015

1500

  • 1,300 miles
My Ram truck shifted from drive to park while traveling at 40 mph. When the truck shifted to park it slid to a stop after it veered right and went up on the side walk missing a pedestrian and phone poll. Chrysler, mile one, and hall Chrysler Jeep in Virginia beach are doing nothing to help me out of this truck. The truck is only 19 days old with 1000 miles on it at the time of incident. The truck was most certainly moving and I was lucky I had just left the interstate. I've asked to have the truck bought back so I can buy a different truck from another manufacturer. The truck had a damaged computer and melted transmission sensor switch once inspected by Dodge.

- Virginia Beach, VA, USA

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