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 1999 Dodge Ram 3500 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl* the contact owns a 1999 Dodge Ram 3500. When the ignition was turned off, smoke engulfed the front-end of the vehicle. He noticed a small engine compartment fire occurred the second time. He was able to extinguish the flames. The vehicle was towed to a local facility, and he was advised that the repair cost approximately $1,000. No repairs were made. The failure and current mileages were 230,000. Updated 12/18/09 the hydraulic clutch line failed twice. The consumer learned of a recall. The clutch line failed a second time because a plastic pressure line was used. Updated 12/22/09 updated 02/1710 the hydraulic line from the clutch master cylinder to the clutch slave developed a hole. The vehicle caught on fire due to flammable liquid leaking onto the firewall and exhaust. The consumer learned that a steel line was now being used with a heated shield. Updated 02/19/10
Was shifting gears on I-44 on ramp to get up to speed so I could merge with the flow of traffic. When I put the truck into fifth gear it felt as if I had shifted into neutral. Was able to go to next exit driving in fourth gear so I could get the truck back home. Couldn't go over 55 MPH in fourth gear plus didn't know if driving the truck like this was going to cause more problems. Called a few people I knew that had heard others say that the nut that goes onto the fifth gear shift rod would often back off. I took the truck to a mechanic and had them take the transmission apart to see if this is what happened. Sure enough when he split the tail shaft off the nut was just hanging on the shift rod. I went to a local Dodge dealership and purchased the new and improved lock nut that Dodge came out with to fix the problem. …
My vehicle failed by shifting erratically while pulling out onto the freeway in houston, tx during heavy traffic and if not handled in a quick responsive manner, there could have been a serious accident causing injuries or deaths to many people. This is a serious problem that needs to be adressed prompt and straight forward. Naturally the warrant had just gone out on the vehicle and after researching this problem myself, this is a problem of widespread proportion and a poor design on the part of Dodge motor company knowing these vehicles were mass produced with this problem and not caring.
Continuous at speeds of 40 to 60 MPH, auto trans shifts between gears high/low, had transmission replaced that they said was the problem ie: $2,400.00, did not fix it, still have the same problem. Its well known in the transmission and dealer shops that its a electrical interference from the pumps or alternator that interrupts the shifting signal to the computer, yet they charge us to fix a design problem !
Tl contact owns a 1999 Dodge Ram 3500. While driving 45 MPH, the gear was shifted into fifth gear and the vehicle decelerated to 40 MPH. There were no warning indicators present. The mechanic at the repair shop stated that a nut on the fifth gear failed. No repairs were made. The current mileage was 182,240 and failure mileage was 182,140.
Vehicle was in the park gear with the engine running when it popped out of the park into drive by itself. When this occurred vehicle went through two streets and a ditch before stopping when it collided with a tree. This failure occurred because the gear shift lever didn't lock in the park position.
Consumer stated while traveling 60 MPH, an animal jumped into the road and consumer's vehicle swerved off the road onto sandy Land to avoid hitting the animal. Consumer inspected the vehicle, and noticed that front axle broke and the frame bent. Dealer and manufacturer were contacted.
The 5th gear in the transmission has a retaining nut that backs off and allows the 5th gear assembly to become disengaged while riding down the road. After speaking with the dealer I was told that it was from towing with the vehicle in 5th gear. There is nothing in the owner's manual about this being an issue. I also contacted several other owners of the same vehicle and they have had the exact same problem. Also the dealer wanted $1200 dollars to make the repair and I said no that was too high. They called me back later and said it would be $760 dollars. I still said no and that I was coming to inspect the bad parts. Upon arrival they showed me several parts and said that Dodge made them replace certain parts to cover any other warranty claims. The only part damaged was the retaining nut for the 5th gear and that is all that I would allow them to replace. …
While driving at any speed and without warning, applied on brakes and vehicle would pull to the left or right. Dealer has been notified. Dealer has serviced vehicle before for same problem; however has not found remedy for malfunction. Consumer adds after front pads were replaced front/rear brakes continue to lock up. While opposite end wheels roll free. Many attempts made to correct problem, but lock up still happens frequently. Steering seems very loose and is hard to keep vehicle straight. Power steering gear and steering gear box was replaced however truck continues to wander. Driver side seat cushion saggs. Seat bottom cushion replaced. Cab sqwaks on uneven ground. Black smoke from exhaust when cold or warm. Clutch slips. Dealer could not duplicate. Dimmer on dash lights burns fingers. When turning on turn signals, wipers will activate and rapid flash is heard. …
Two primary safety related issues and many less important quality issues have plagued this vehicle. The problems began to mount immediately after the warranty lapsed. The most critical issue has been the corrosion and subsequent failure of the brake line that supplies the pressure needed for the rear brakes to operate. This issue rendered the rear brakes on the vehicle useless. Dodge corporate and two local Dodge dealerships refused to address the issue, except by offering to sell a replacement brake line. The failure of the metal after only 5 years is unacceptable. The second major safety issue is that the nipples on the original fuel sending unit were made of metal and corroded through and began to spray fuel onto the exhaust system and the entire underside of the vehicle. This results is very poor mileage and a potentially fatal fuel leak. …
Transmission complaints in other Ram 3500 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 1999 Dodge Ram 3500?
NHTSA has 22 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 1999 Dodge Ram 3500, 21% of the model year's 104 complaints. The component named most often is manual transmission (11 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1999 Dodge Ram 3500 transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 1999 Dodge Ram 3500. 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 1999 Dodge Ram 3500 transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 77,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 1 fire and 0 injuries 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.