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 2000 Dodge Ram owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl* the contact owns a 2000 Dodge Ram wagon. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. The contact stated that the transmission gear shift lever was not locked but, when the lever was touched, the gears shifted. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 52,000.
Truck was attached to boat sitting on pier deck on top of ramp. Vehicle was running, and consumer heard a loud popping noise. Vehicle was moving towards the water, consumer jumped in truck to stop it but fell from the truck, this is when the vehicle dragged consumer down ramp and rolled over her arm causing damage to right arm/eldow, broke middle finger and had road burn up and down body . Dealership was aware of problem.
I have a 2000 Dodge Ram 3500 van that the gear shift levers 'falls' out of park and goes into reverse on it's own. This is a known problem with these vans and the NHTSA issued a recall for these vehicles with a date of manufacture from 07/2000 to 07/2002 and is campaign number 07V555000. My van was manufactured on 05/2000 (2 months before the recall date) so Chrysler will not repair the faulty shifter linkage on my van.
Overdrive module and torque convertor both failed at 59000 miles. Had vehicle back to dealer around 34000 for a vibration in the transmission and they stated nothing was wrong, that was the beginning of the torque convertor problem. Dodge won't stand behind their products and an automatic transmission should last 150,000 miles or more without a rebuild.
After warning lights came on instrument panel the owner took to dealership on several occasions . Last time a service technician was driving when transmission fluid erupted out of the dip stick and fill tube to be ignited on the hot catalyic converter. This is presently being reviewed by Chrysler even though at this time we have no details.
Consumer stated that transmission failed at 80,000 miles. While driving to work power shut down, and the vehicle stopped. Consumer had vehicle towed to a Dodge dealer, and was told that the transmission failed. The dealer/mechanic told consumer that in order to repair vehicle it would cost her from $3000.00 to $5000.00.
Reporting a rental vehicle from express way Dodge experienced a fire underneath vehicle while driving at highway speed of 55-60 MPH. Consumer feels the fire was caused by either the fuel pump or a transmission leak.
While wheel alignment was done mechanic noticed front rotors were worn down to nothing, metal to metal. Replaced rotors and front disc pads. At this time, rotors need to be replaced again. Ball joints and tires were replaced, consumer states problems with the rear but did not specify, also did not specify types of tires. Vehicle experiencing problems with the transmission. Intake gasket replaced. New carpet in the cab was installed. New bumper and grill was installed. Consumer also states problem with the ABS along with the rotors and disc pads.
1.body jumps at different speeds unable to steere.2.odometer reading didn't move for approx- 1st 200 miles.3.engine knocks. 4. Shifting linkage and gears grind. 5. Transmission slips and front axle grinds. 6.salesman said I was approved and did qualify for any vehicle in the lot with $10,000.00 down.called finance company after purchase and was approved for the vehicle I originally wanted.7.brakes need to be replaced all the way around. Thank you, [redacted]
Had a short block placed on engine due to making a pecking noise. Also, transmission would make a whinning sound when shifting into gear. This happens anytime when either stopping or starting off. Air conditioner and heater are inoperable. Vibration is felt at 48-60 MPH. Dealer replaced engine, however problem is still present, dealer told consumer to use 30 weight oil, consumer wants dealer to buy back vehicle, he feels he has a lemon.
Transmission complaints in other Ram years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2000 Dodge Ram?
NHTSA has 23 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2000 Dodge Ram, 14% of the model year's 159 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (12 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2000 Dodge Ram transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 2000 Dodge Ram, though it has 6 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 2000 Dodge Ram transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 80,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 2 fires 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.