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 2006 Dodge Ram 3500 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Every time I took it to the dealer, they said there was nothing they could do about the problem. The whole front end felt like it was loose. I could hardly keep it on the road. The dealer test drove it the several times I took it there, but they never fixed anything. I tried to fix it myself because it was a hazard. Finally we got a recall on this exact problem, after I called Chrysler for some help, which they told me they would get in touch with the dealer, but the dealer told me they never got any notice. I have a lot of receipts of all the parts I bought trying to fix the problem. But it still isn't right. I have had this truck for 10 years and love it, but am really getting tired of fixing it. Also the computer has never shifted the transmission correctly, but again the dealer could not find any problem. …
A young child was able to enter the vehicle and start the ignition without the clutch depressed. The vehicle then moved forward striking another child and resulted in a fatality. The clutch interlock safety switch had not been tampered with and was in its original condition but did not function properly. The vehicle started without the clutch depressed. The switch has been tested and found to be defective...updated 01/07/15
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Dodge Ram 3500. While driving 35 MPH, the vehicle lost power. The failure recurred numerous times. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the transmission pan and cooler line were leaking fluid and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure recurred numerous times. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 80,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Dodge Ram 3500. The contact started the ignition and the vehicle lunged forward without warning. The failure recurred whenever the vehicle was operable. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the gear neutral switch was replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The failure mileage was 117,064.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Dodge Ram 3500. The contact was able to start the vehicle without depressing the safety clutch pedal. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 81,822.
Runaway acceleration first time on onramp, hit cruise resume, once the speed hit setpoint - throttle went wide open. Second time 7/5/2012 - not on cruise, doing about 65-70 on highway, passing - then throttle went wide open to 90 in next 3-4 seconds. To stop it - shifted to neutral, engine revved to 3500,pulled over and shut down the engine, waited a minute, restarted, then vehicle immediately returned to redline. Shut down, 5 minutes, on restart, got normal idle ~700rpm. Took to Dodge dealer hw hunter in lancaster california on July 9. They kept the vehicle all of the 9th, 10th and half of the 11th. Their ran diagnostics for 2 1/2 days to duplicate. They said they could do nothing else (ran all possible tests). Drove to alaska from california without incident. Now happened again. …
I was driving home started hearing what sounded like grinding and some vibration, I stopped and looked all over under the hood and under the truck and could not find anything, I continued a few miles and the noise disappeared, the next day I left and the noise started up again about 30 miles from home on the freeway, I was doing about 70 MPH,, when I pulled off to side of the highway, the noise disappeared before I stopped to look it over again, I turned around and went home and heard nothing at all, got under the truck and didn't see nothing, the next day it happened again doing about 55mph,this time it was getting load, I made it back home, looked over and between the left front wheel and noticed something wrong with the front driveshaft, when I got under the truck ,I noticed the front shaft coming out of the front differential didn't look right, I looked closer and found that the …
While starting my vehicle I pushed on the clutch and the pedal went to the floor. Upon inspection it was found that the rod connected to the hydraulic clutch diaphragm broke apart. The plastic pieces were discolored and brittle. I believe the clutch fluid started leaking past the diaphragm and came in contact with the plastic clip that connects the rod to the diaphragm. Because this plastic clip is not compatible with the brake fluid it became brittle and failed. The vehicle was taken to local Dodge dealer for inspection and quote for repair. Unit was not under warranty and I filed a complaint with a Dodge service consumer representative. Dodge covered the repairs except the first $100.00. I am thankful this part failed in the parking lot and not moments later when I would have been engulfed in rush hour traffic. …
My truck has 30,000 miles on it. The transmission had a vibration, I made an appointment at carmen Dodge in delaware as the dealer I bought this from is out of business. I started out to take it there and the clutch went straight to the floor. I called roadside assistance they came and got it . They determined it was the clutch, but the clutch looks brand new with no signs of wear. The pressure plate broke in half creating a potentially dangerous situation as it could have came through the body and killed someone. Anyway it clearly is a defect as the rivets that hold the plate together clearly sheared off, there is no wear anywhere and you can see it did not over neat or burn. They must have used inadequate soft rivets to cause it to come apart like that. I called Dodge several times they lied to me and said they came out to look at it. …
Tl*- the contact owns a 2006 Dodge Ram 3500. While driving approximately 55 MPH on normal road conditions, a loud noise was heard coming from outside of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer for inspection. The failure was related to the rear axle spring which was replaced. In addition, the upper and lower ball joint, and the tie rod were replaced. The hub bearing assembly was partially attached with three loose bolts and one bolt missing. The repairs were covered under the service warranty. The vehicle was taken to an independent tire shop on six separate occasions for the identical failures. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer on three separate occasions which there were no resolutions. The failure mileage was 30,000. The current mileage was 50,000.
Transmission complaints in other Ram 3500 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2006 Dodge Ram 3500?
NHTSA has 22 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2006 Dodge Ram 3500, 9% of the model year's 258 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (2 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2006 Dodge Ram 3500 transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 2006 Dodge Ram 3500, though it has 8 recalls for other components. 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 2006 Dodge Ram 3500 transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 81,000 miles, and 15% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 fires and 0 injuries and 2 deaths 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.