2010 Dodge Ram 1500 Transmission Problems

Which parts fail

• Driveline › Driveshaft
  5
• Driveline › Differential unit
  3
• Automatic transmission
  2
• Driveline
  2
• Transfer case (4-wheel drive)
  1

Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).

Mileage when the problem started

• Under 25k
  1711%
• 25k–50k
  4127%
• 50k–75k
  3725%
• 75k–100k
  2013%
• 100k–150k
  2114%
• 150k+
  149%

Owner reports

Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2010 Dodge Ram 1500 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).

The contact owns a 2010 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an unknown speed, the vehicle was jerking as the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where the contact was informed that the oxygen sensors and transmission fluid needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired, however, the contact attempted to replace the oxygen sensors himself. The failure reoccurred and the vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired and the proper oxygen sensors were replaced; however, the contact stated that when he drove over 45 MPH, all warning lights would illuminate on the instrument panel and that an abnormal noise was heard coming from the rear of the vehicle. …

The contact owns a 2010 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the driveshaft detached. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact received notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V038000 (Power Train) however, the part to complete the recall repair was not yet available. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, where it was diagnosed that the rear axle pinion nut needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 262,420.

The contact owns a 2010 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 13V038000 (Power Train), 18V160000 (Fuel System, Gasoline), and 17V821000 (Power Train). The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the rear axle pinion holding the rear drive shaft loosened. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the dealer declined to honor the recall repairs due to the age of the vehicle and possible liability issues. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 183,000.

The contact owns a 2010 RAM 1500. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the driveshaft detached from the sub-frame of the vehicle. The contact pulled over and the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the driveshaft needed to be replaced. There was no warning light illuminated. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 12V474000 (Power Train) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was informed of the failure but provided no further assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 97,000.

The contact owns a 2010 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormally loud sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the rear axle differential pin retaining bolt had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,704.

I was driving to work on [redacted] when my rear end locked up and I slid sideways down [redacted]. I was going slower than normal due to slippery road conditions. The mechanic told me it was the pinion nut that froze up and locked up the gears and snapped the drive shaft. If it had been clear roads the truck probably would have flipped over.

2010 Dodge Ram 1500 truck purchased used late May 2025 with 57000 miles. Late August 2025 with 60000 miles rear axle fell off when driving on Freeway at 60 miles per hour. Very serious accident was narrowly avoided as could not steer vehicle.Truck was serviced at dealership for recall of a pinion nut coming loose at 36107 miles in September 2013. Per this recall, the loose pinion nut can cause the axle to fail. The recall maintenance done in September 2013 at 36107 miles only lasted 24000 miles and serious safety issues reoccurred. In my opinion, on my vehicle the recall did not fix the problem. Now I am stuck with a $5000 repair on a vehicle with known recalls and safety issues that was supposedly fixed.Perhaps a second recall should be considered regarding this issue.

Charging system failure at pcm causing low voltage and battery will not charge causing the vehicle to become disabled. I was on the interstate battery light came Om with system Low voltage code for engine light. The truck shut off and I was left without power steering or brakes. doing 75mph. Voltage regulator is in pcm and pcm needs replaced. Vehicle is still out of commission

Me and my husband were driving down the road to go see a friend and all of a sudden the wheel hub assembly broke in half causing us to have to slam on our brakes and keep from crashing. The wheel almost ended up under our truck making the truck look like it was kachowing like Lightening McQueen from the movie Cars

The vehicle was repaired under recall, but was not correctly fixed. Now the rear differential is totally shot with no warning. My dealer says it will not be covered under recall warranty since I was not the owner at the time of the recall repair.

Related recalls

Transmission complaints in other Ram 1500 years