Transmission complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 7 | 26% | 22,000 miles |
| 2009 | 2 | 22% | 60,000 miles |
| 2008 | 4 | 16% | 40,000 miles |
| 2007 | 4 | 24% | 59,000 miles |
| 2005 | 11 | 28% | 175,000 miles |
| 2004 | 8 | 14% | 23,000 miles |
| 2003 | 21 | 11% | 34,000 miles |
| 2002 | 42 | 12% | 55,000 miles |
| 2001 | 61 | 13% | 39,000 miles |
| 2000 | 23 | 14% | 80,000 miles |
| 1999 | 58 | 14% | 70,000 miles |
| 1998 | 86 | 17% | 64,000 miles |
| 1997 | 72 | 17% | 80,000 miles |
| 1996 | 138 | 22% | 75,000 miles |
| 1995 | 91 | 15% | 114,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The contact owns a 2010 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 MPH, there was a loud bang underneath the vehicle. The contact stated that the rear axle was completely locked in position, causing the rear wheels to start dragging while the contact was pulling to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to a certified mechanic who diagnosed that the drive shaft had disconnected from the rear differential. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 12V474000 (Power Train) however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000.
While traveling a local road at approximately 30 MPH, the rear differential made a short term humming noise and then a grinding sound. Rear differential locked up shearing the pinion shaft and allowing the driveshaft to drop free of the rear differential, hit the bottom of the truck several times and then drop to the ground. Vehicle was towed to the local dealership where it remains waiting on parts. According to the dealership, Chrysler has switched suppliers of the ring and pinion kits and there is currently a backorder of approximately 175 parts kits. Current release date for the parts is October 2012.
The contact owns a 2008 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving approximately 5 MPH, a loud booming noise suddenly occurred from the rear of the vehicle and the rear wheels locked up. The vehicle was towed to the residence and inspected by an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the rear differential was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 86,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Dodge Ram 3500. The vehicle was parked at the residence driveway. There were no occupants in the vehicle. The vehicle rolled away without warning into the garage door post. After reversing from the garage post, there was smoke coming from underneath of the hood. The battery cables were removed, and the smoke stopped immediately. The vehicle was towed to an authorized dealer for inspection. The vehicle will be repaired under the service warranty. However, the dealer refused to pay for the body damages sustained as a result of the failure. The failure and current mileages were 20,000. The VIN was unavailable.
Tl contact owns a 2007 Dodge Ram. While driving 65 MPH, the vehicle suddenly kicked into gear. The contact heard a loud popping sound coming from the engine compartment. He lost control of the vehicle and it spun into a wall. There were no injuries. He attempted to restart the vehicle and place it into drive, but the gear would not stick. The vehicle was towed, but has not been inspected by the dealer. The contact believes that the differentials caused the failure. He called the manufacturer, but they refused to make any repairs. The current and failure mileages were 70,000.
Tl* the contact wanted to use the following complaint that was emailed to NHTSA. Shift cable on 2007 Dodge Ram big horn edition comments: my husband and I recently had our Ram serviced the plastic yes plastic clamp holding the shift cable either broke or fell off the cable came to rest on the muffler the heat from the muffler burnt the cable and caused it to snap I feel this is a design flaw and a possible safety hazard what if this happened while my husband was driving? Also a plastic clamp could easily break again and we would be subject to another costly repair I got in touch with Dodge and they will not assist I was told that there are a lot of plastic parts on vehicles I was also informed that the plastic clamp was damaged and therefore they could not help with a reimbursement I am angry now that Dodge basically wouldn't listen to my concerns so I decided to write NHTSA all I can …
The contact owns a 2005 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH the vehicle had nearly come to a stop as if the brake pedal had been depressed. The contact stated that his foot had been on the accelerator pedal and he had tried to accelerate but the vehicle was not responding. The contact stated that the steering wheel jerked to the left as the contact heard an abnormal grinding, popping, and bang sound had come from the rear. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle had crashed into a concrete street divider with the left front wheel which had burst on contact. There was minor damage to the exterior and driver's door, however the contact said that there was damage to the driver's side rear wheel to the wheel well. The contact was unhurt and had called a tow truck. …
The contact owns a 2005 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was wobbling. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and diagnosed that there was a thumb-sized crack on the driveshaft. The two universal joints and the driveshaft assembly were replaced. The contact later was made aware that NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V796000 (Power Train) was associated with the VIN and was related to the failure. The contact requested reimbursement from the manufacturer however, the manufacturer denied the contact's request for reimbursement stating that the vehicle was outside the warranty period and had no active service contract. The contact was also informed that the case opened did not meet the criteria for reimbursement, and that the parts requested for reimbursement was not a part of the recall repair parts. …
Related recalls (7)
Power train › Clutch assembly › Pedal/hand lever(motorcycle)
Chrysler is recalling 504 my 2009 Dodge Ram 2500/3500 pickup trucks heavy duty cab chassis with manual transmission and power adjustable pedal package. The clutch pedal connecting rod to the clutch master cylinder May separate from the master cylinder.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the clutch master cylinder hydraulic system free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during April 2009. Owners May contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Power train › Automatic transmission › Lever and linkage › Column shift
On certain van and pickup trucks equipped with automatic transmissions, the ignition/park shift interlock system May become inoperative. This can allow the shifter to be moved out of the "park" position with the ignition key removed (or in the "lock" position).
Remedy: Dealers will replace the gearshift blocker and bracket assembly free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during January 2008. Owners May contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Power train › Driveline › Driveshaft
On certain two wheel drive trucks equipped with manual transmissions, the front driveshaft yoke May break under certain driving conditions.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the driveshaft free of charge. The recall began on October 22, 2007. Owners May contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Power train › Axle assembly
On certain 4x4 pickup trucks, the rear axle flange weld to the axle tube could fatigue and allow the brake caliper assembly to rotate.
Remedy: Dealers will install rear brake caliper reinforcements on the rear axle assemblies. Owner notification began December 9, 2002.
Power train › Clutch assembly
Vehicle description: pickup trucks equipped with gasoline engines and manual transmissions. The underbody hydraulic clutch line heat shield is too short, allowing the plastic clutch line material to be directly exposed to exhaust temperatures. It is possible to exceed the melting temperature of the clutch line material.
Remedy: Dealers will install the proper length heat shield.
Show 2 more 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.
Rear axle failure
See attached report.
FALSE PARK
The subject vehicles are heavy duty pickup trucks with diesel engines and automatic transmissions commonly used for commercial and work purposes.a column mounted shift lever is used for gear selection and an electronic PRNDL on the instrument panel provides gear position information to the driver.the subject vehicles are also equipped with a brake-transmission shift interlock that prevents the shift lever from being…
Frequently asked questions
Which Dodge Ram years have transmission problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 1996 (138), 1995 (91), 1998 (86), 1997 (72) and 2001 (61) model years. Transmission complaints make up 22% of all complaints for the 1996.
Is there a recall for Dodge Ram transmission problems?
Yes — 7 recalls, including 09V-078 (pedal/hand lever(motorcycle), Mar 10, 2009); 07V-555 (column shift, Dec 4, 2007); 07V-413 (driveshaft, Sep 12, 2007). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Dodge Ram transmission problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 63,000 miles; 45% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the automatic transmission (301 mentions), followed by the automatic transmission › cooling unit and lines (48).
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.