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 1996 Dodge Ram owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The tire, rim, brake drum and axle shaft separated from the axle housing. The assembly wedged under vehicle. When it popped out, it flew up and landed directly in front of another vehicle. When the assembly separated, apparently the other (remaining) drive wheel became disconnected from the engine; our exhaust brake could not slow us down. Additionally, the brakes were spongy, and apparently not working. We slid to a stop on what remained of the axle housing. When we exited the vehicle, there was a flame shooting from the end of the axle housing, where the axle shaft would normally be. This flame was approx. 1.5-2 feet from the fuel filler tube. Immediately prior to the accident, there was a very loud screetch sound. Within a minute, the wheel assembly came apart. After repairs were made, the same axle problems reappeared.
There are two recalls for this problems #828 & #838. They do not include the 1996 two wheel drive, the clutch hydraulic is the same and we had the same problems. They fixed it at 98,000 miles and the same thing happened 15,000 miles later. Their fix did not fix the problem. They installed a shield but the plastic clutch line runs next to the shield and touches. Plastic next to metal melts and the line burst causing or can cause a fire. They will not fix it again. The recall also need to be expanded..
Dealer was doing a diagnostic check on the vehicle when temperature exceeded the limit, causing transmission cooling lines to separate, resulting in fluid leaking onto the manifold which caused a fire. Also, recall 99V115000 deals with the same type of problem. However, this vehicle is not included due to VIN. Please provide any further details.
Shifted from park to reverse. Engine idled fast, truck took off in reverse and could not be stopped by pressing on the brake. Speed probably accelerated to 20 MPH before hit 3 other vehicles. Witnesses said the rear tires were spinning and the engine noise was high pitched and oscillating.
My main complaint is the transmission. The pressure seal for second gear has been replaced 3 times. It lasts for about 30,000 miles and then goes. I've had to pay for the repair 2 out of 3 times. Approx 1400.00.. The last time I had parts put in that were not Chrysler products.
Manufacturer defect could have caused an accident or even harm. Problems with vehicle not shifting properly. Vehicle was taken to dealership and the high clutch drum was replaced.
Transmission shudders at 45 MPH, does not shift and shakes when going into 3rd or overdirve, and jerks and slips, dealer has replaced the valve body and reconditioned transmission and replaced convertor, transmission continues to lock up and jerk. Driver and passenger side mirrors were both replaced due to being loose. Emergency brake handle came off and was replaced. Fuel gauge read empty with 12 gallons in tank, dealer replaced fuel pump module. Wiper blades weren't cleaning windshield, dealer replaced both wiper blades, windshield washer was inoperable, dealer replaced washer motor. Vehicle has experienced many problems with the interior and dome lights failing, dome light keeps blowing fuse and dealer has replaced the strip lighting and fuse box door and repaired the open circuit to junction block. Radiator cap was replaced due to low coolant. …
The vehicle had just been repaired by sandusky Chrysler dealership, sandusky, oh, for the previous axle failure. Traveling east on the ohio turnpike, the vehicle suddenly slowed, like someone just jammed-on my brakes. Within a minute, there were two very loud screetches. My wife, traveling in a rental vehicle behind me, even hear the screetches. Given our previous experience, I immediately stopped at the side of the road. While trying to see what happened, we were informed by construction crews that we could not stay, there, on the side of the highway. They directed us a couple miles up the road, to the next exit. Once off the highway, we stopped to find the driver's side rear wheel sticking out from the fender by a couple inches. On closer inspection, there was smoke coming from between the wheel and the backing plate. …
The automatic transmission failed the first time when it was under warranty at about 20,000 miles. The dealer said that a forward seal had been "rolled" when it was installed at the factory. The transmission was taken out and the seal replaced. The exact same problem occurred again at about 70,000 miles. Symptoms: when starting out with the engine cold, the transmission will not upshift past second gear. The engine speed will not affect the change, only warming the engine by driving approximately two miles will cause the transmission to operate normally. However, even during warmed driving, the problem returns intermittently, which causes the vehicle to slow down considerably and has caused problems with traffic on freeway systems where higher speed is required. Top speed during this problem is 35 MPH.
His transmission started slipping in August. I contacted the Chrysler corporation who stated that it wasn't their problem to have replaced, when we had 2 dealerships tell us that Dodge has always had problems with their transmissions, and that is why now they are offering the 7 year/70,000 mi. Powertrain warranty on all of their vehicles. We feel that they should recall this and have it replaced for no charge to us. The Dodge trucks we wre told have the longest running powertrain capabilities. We were also told that the transmission should not have gone out at 70,000 mi. When they are good for at least 150,000 mi. Before any problems should ever occur. If you should need any further information, please feel free to contact me at either number listed. Thank-you. Walter butler.
Related recalls
Power train › Clutch assembly
Vehicle description: pickup trucks equipped with manual transmission, v10 engines and four-wheel-drive transfer cases. Under sustained maximum rated vehicle load, while driving up a steep grade in four-wheel-drive low range in hot ambient conditions, the local exhaust temperature proximate to the hydraulic clutch line can…
Remedy: Dealers will replace the hydraulic clutch assembly.
Power train › Automatic transmission › Cooling unit and lines
Under certain high load operating conditions, the transmission fluid temperature can exceed the melting point of the material used in the connector to retain the fluid line to the transmission.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the high temperature side of the transmission fluid cooler line connector fittings with connectors that incorporate a stainless steel retainer.
NHTSA investigations
Transmission quick connectors
On April 17, 1997, the Chrysler corporation filed a defect information report concerning approximately 800,000 1994 through 1997 Dodge Ram pickups equipped with v6 or v8 engines and automatic transmissions, 1995 through 1997dodge Ram pickups equipped with the v10 engine and automatic transmission, and the 1995 and 1996 Dodge Ram van/wagon equipped with automatic transmission.odi has received eleven reports…
Ignition switch
Complainants allege fires, melting, smoke or excessive heat in the vicinity of the ignition switch
Transmission fluid fires
TRANSMISSION FLUID LEAKAGE AT COOLER TUBE DISCONNECTS IS ALLEGED TO HAVE RESULTED IN VEHICLE FIRES.(this resume was revises on 12/3/96 to include the 1996 model year truck equipped with the subject equipment)
Steering column fires
ODI has received 33 complaints alleging excessive heat in the ignition switch and related circuitry in 1994-1996 Dodge Ram trucks.The root cause is an excessive current draw through the ignition switch result in fire, smoke, melting of surrounding plastics, stalling and the illumination of air bag and anti-lock brake system (ABS) warnig lights.
Transmission complaints in other Ram years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 1996 Dodge Ram?
NHTSA has 138 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 1996 Dodge Ram, 22% of the model year's 636 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (76 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1996 Dodge Ram transmission problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 99V-115 (clutch assembly, May 6, 1999); NHTSA recall 97V-084 (cooling unit and lines, May 5, 1997). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 1996 Dodge Ram transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 75,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 6 crashes, 5 fires and 3 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.