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 1995 Dodge Ram 2500 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
I have a long history of reporting serious major safety component problems and failures to Chrysler on both of my vehicles. My vehicles have been in three accidents resulting from failed safety components. Each time after the accident, the dealer was able to find the problem and correct it. However, this has never happened before the accident. In the case of the brake line failure it involves every 1195 br2500 hd pickup truck. Chrysler found and corrected the problem at some point because the replacement part is designed to reduce the bends which cause the line to rub against the wheel rim on turns. I have experienced thousands of dollars in damages that were caused by Chrysler. How do I get my money back?
After driving 5 or 10 minutes vehicle lost power and stalled. Consumer contacted the manufacturer, and had taken it to dealer on several occasions. But problem recurred. Vehicle was under warranty. However, the warranty did not cover the problems of the vehicle, and consumer had to pay out of pocket. The consumer had little control of the vehicle's steering while driving. Antifreeze leaked from the vehicle. The engine flooded and stall. The vehicle ran rough prior to reaching 75 MPH. Occasionally the serpentine belt ran crooked on the pulley and broke. The exhaust system leaked. The fuel tank was not properly fitted to the holders. The transmission leaked fluid.
I was driving my truck in city, normal driving conditions, and the transmission was shifting late, and I also noticed a smell of burnt fluid. I got out and noticed tranny fluid leaking all over the ground and on the exhaust. I got under the truck and noticed that the transmission fluid cooler line was leaking fluid at the connector, on the tranny side. It was shooting fluid onto the exhaust and leaking onto the ground. I checked the fluid and smoke was coming out of the tranny dipstick tube as well.
Sound pad to close to the exaust pipe header on 5.9 cum. Diesel engine. Brakes are very bad if you have to stop quick. Frount wheels lock up in normal braking on wet road and in hard stops with a load or trailer rear brakes are worthless. Trans mission lines rub together wearing holes in the in the lines
The main problem with this complaint is that with the cummins diesel ther is a lot of vibration from the engine, thus caussing the transmission line to viberate, so much as to cause the brass fitting on the pressure side to break thus causing the fluid to escape from the trans. This does not make for long life of the automatic trans. Chrysler has been told of this problem ,and has admitted this by creating an upgraded part which has a provission built in that allows flexing , therefore eliminating vibration, ( a short piece of flexible hose) no vibration ,no broken fittings, no broken fittings, no worn out transmission. You cant run automatic transmissions low on oil with-out severe outcomes. Chrysler does know about this problem that is why they have designed the new flexible hose in the transmission line , there needs to be a re-call to fix this problem
My background and training is in metallurgical & materials engineering. Upon repair of the transfer case the service technician discovered the failure was from the mainshaft retaining ring which failed. I inspected this retaining ring and noted the failure as a fatigue failure which cracked through 80% of the component material before final fracture. This snap ring was defective since installation in the vehicle at orginal manufacturing. Fortunately, I noticed sounds eminating from the transfer case before catastrophic failure occured which May result in personal injury of occupants or other drivers on the road. Please file this report and contact me for any additional information. Sincerely, eric fremd b.sc. Metallurgical & materials engineering california polytechnic state university san luis obispo california.
Transmission has always had problems. Rebuilt once 1 year before total failure. Dodge dealer admits that it should not have happened, but when they contacted Dodge corp, they would not reimburse for any part of the cost. Transmissions do not completely fail that early, especially since it had been serviced 11 months before failure. This transmission is obviously defective and in going into other web sights ( lemon-aid) we find we are not the only ones this happened to. Something needs to be done to make Dodge admit there's a problem, and reimburse us and others who had to pay $4000.00 to replace a transmission at such an early stage.
Consumer states that Dodge Ram had her stranded in the mountains for 3 days, before being rescued the plastic reainier in the transmission cooler pressure line quick connect fitting hose melted and sprayed fluid all over engine . The engine began to smoke and she thought it was going to catch on fire. She called the manufacturer for help but because it was not a recall she would not receive any help in getting it repaired.
This vehicule has had 2 transmissions put in it. The first being warranteed, the second costing more than $2600.00 dollars. When the vehicule was picked up it did not seem to shift right. Check the fluid and was 2-3quarts low,I am sorry to say that I am not satisfied with dealership to which I brought it,sansone's route 66 auto mall.
(1) transmission pan or filler base leaks fluid; dealer repaired 4 times - still leaks. (2) sun visor swivel becomes loose. Visor swings freely during turns. Dealer replaced once, new one developed same problem. (3) transmission occasionally switches out of overdrive (including illumination of o/d off lamp), usually at freeway speeds.
Transmission complaints in other Ram 2500 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 1995 Dodge Ram 2500?
NHTSA has 39 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 1995 Dodge Ram 2500, 15% of the model year's 267 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (15 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1995 Dodge Ram 2500 transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 1995 Dodge Ram 2500. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 1995 Dodge Ram 2500 transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 160,000 miles, and 33% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 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.