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 2001 Dodge Ram owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The check engine light related to the transmission in my 2001 Dodge Ram pickup lit up at around 45,000 miles. I had the light checked out and found out there was a problem. I was told that the transmission would need to be rebuilt including the torque converter. Since the mileage was over 36,000 the dealership made it clear that the warranty was over and that fixing the truck would be my problem. I ran the vehicle until the transmission completely failed, which was at 54,000 miles. I had to put in a replacement transmission. I wrote to the president of Dodge (dr zitske) telling him of my dissatisfaction with the failure of the transmission and that Dodge would not stand behind their product. I didn't even receive the courtesy of a reply. Nothing. I am now the proud owner of a real truck (Toyota tundra). …
2001 Ram 1500 extd. Cab 4wd sport. I don't use it off-road and only use 4x4 in the snow. 32000 miles needed new tires. Shop wouldn't align wheels because they said I needed new ball joints. Brought truck to dealer, they said it was within specs. 35700 miles, same dealer replaces upper and lower universal joints on warranty. I went back to tire dealer for alignment, they said the ball joints were still bad and needed to be replaced. 36010 miles, dealer replaces upper and lower, left and right ball joints on warranty. 65600 miles, check engine light came on, same dealer replaces purge solenoid, stabilizer links and shift rod link to quiet rattling noise.
Transmission problems started in sept. Of 2002 - upshift and downshift w/o reason, check engine light comes on - o/d light comes on, trans downshifts and stays there - can't take it off unless you pull to side of road and actually shut off ignition and recycle it. Complete overhaul of trans in late dec. 2002 / jan. 2003. End of jan. 2003 - more of the same. Jul 2003, both front universals went out while vacationing in Canada. Dealer most accomodating in smiths falls, ontario - but still cost $300.00 plus. Trans. Problems again (nov. 2003) dealer has it for 3 days so far and have no answers....what to do???
When the clutch is pressed it does not disengage from the transmission, vehicle maintains a constant speed and the brakes do not adequately stop the vehicle. Vehicle has to stop on its own. This incident has occurred twice and the mechanic informed the consumer that the clutch master cylinder has worn out. The danger in parking and stopping. There was a lost of the drive train. The danger occurred when the consumer was unable to get vehicle out of gear, the computer fed the engine when the brakes were applied, when the vehicle nearly surged forward.
My boyfriend bought a 2001 Dodge Ram in November of last year. After having the truck only four months the transmission had to be completly replaced. Two days ago we noticed a problem with the shocks. He brought it to the dealership and they told him all of the shocks need replacing, as well as other things such as the axel and what not. This is only seven months after buying the thing. The people at the dealership are rude and very unhelpful. They honestly could care less about the inconvenience they have caused us.
Transmission oil on the ground. Found the transmission pan on my 2001 doge truck was rotted away.I feel this premature failure for this truck millage on the truck is 34,000 miles and the dealer say nothing can be done about this.I feel the quality is in poor shape for Dodge if this the case.this is not my only Dodge I just bought another Dodge and also so had a 95.I would think that a trans pan would last more than three years. Thank you. I would like to now who too contact at Dodge .
In 2000 I bought a Dodge quad cab 1500 pick-up truck, as of 2-23-05 I was experiencing a clanking noise coming from the middle of truck, it would come and go. I asked around and found out that Dodge has a problem with their transmitting this truck has only 36,320 miles on it. Called Dodge and they would not do nothing about it. This is going to cost about +- 2,000 dollars to repair. I guess I will buy a Chevy or Ford next time.
Tl contact owns a 2001 Dodge Ram. The contact received a recall notice for NHTSA campaign id number 07V555000 (power train:automatic transmission:lever and linkage:column shift) and immediately called the dealer. A technician stated that he would have to pay a diagnostic fee prior to the repair and the parts were unavailable. The vehicle has not been repaired. The failure and current mileages were 90,000.
The rear differential makes a clunk noise when taking off from a stop at medium acceleration. I had it in to the dealership four times for this problem. Three of the times they greased the slip yoke and sent me home. The fourth time they replaced the pinion shaft and three weeks later it does the same thing. It is not right for a truck with only 28,000 miles on it to have these problems.
Transmission was defective. Consumer picked up the vehicle from the dealership after they repaired it. While driving 65 MPH consumer heard a loud clanking noise and the rpms shot up from 2000 to 7000 rpms. Consumer almost lost control of the vehicle. Consumer eventually pulled over to the side of the road. The transmission only had 1st and 2nd gears, and had to drive in second gear only. Pr
Transmission complaints in other Ram years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2001 Dodge Ram?
NHTSA has 61 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2001 Dodge Ram, 13% of the model year's 459 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (33 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2001 Dodge Ram transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 2001 Dodge Ram, though it has 9 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 2001 Dodge Ram transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 39,000 miles, and 11% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 0 fires 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.