2021 Ram 1500 Transmission Problems

Which parts fail

• Automatic transmission › Control module (TCM/PCM/tecm)
  1
• Driveline › Driveshaft
  1
• Automatic transmission
  1
• Transfer case (4-wheel drive)
  1

Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).

Mileage when the problem started

• Under 25k
  947%
• 25k–50k
  421%
• 50k–75k
  211%
• 75k–100k
  211%
• 100k–150k
  211%
• 150k+
  00%

Owner reports

Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2021 Ram 1500 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).

The contact owns a 2021 RAM 1500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the traction contract warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the steering and the service brakes did not function as intended. The contact stated that the brake pedal was depressed, however, the vehicle failed to stop as intended. In addition, the steering was inoperable and very hard to steer. The contact stated that snow was on the ground and due to the failure, the contact's vehicle crashed into a concrete curve. The contact stated that when the vehicle crashed into the concrete curve, the service brakes and the steering were independently reset. The vehicle was damaged on the front driver's side rim, however, the vehicle was undrivable. The vehicle was being towed to the local tow yard. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. …

The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle started to hesitate. The check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the PCM software needed to be updated; however, the contact was unsure if the update was performed. The contact stated that he was informed by the dealer that a failure needed to occur before the vehicle was repaired. The contact was made aware that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V767000 (Fuel System, Gasoline, Engine) however, the part was not available for the recall repair. The contact stated that the vehicle was released and deemed safe to drive. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the issue and confirmed that parts were unavailable. …

The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact stated that upon driving from a complete stop, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power and independently shifted to park(P). After restarting the vehicle, the vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V265000 (Power Train). The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The contact was later informed that the VIN was included in the recall and the vehicle was already repaired under the recall. The failure mileage was 60,000.

The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while attempting to pull out of the driveway at 5 MPH, the transmission unexpectedly shifted into park and the parking brake independently activated, with the message "Auto-correct Shifter" displayed. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact shifted back into drive; however, moments later while driving on a neighborhood street at 25 MPH, the failure reoccurred. The contact shifted back into drive; however, the failure recurred twice more. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was advised that further diagnostic tests were needed to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 40,561.

The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH or slower, there was an abnormal whining sound coming from the engine compartment. While attempting to accelerate, the vehicle intermittently hesitated and slightly surged forward before accelerating. The failure had become more persistent over time. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact found information related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V265000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was taken to be diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the motor generator had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was in the process of replacing the motor generator unit. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.

The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V754000 (VISIBILITY). The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle started to lose power. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact towed the vehicle to a dealer where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The transmission and the clutch pack were replaced; however, the vehicle started leaking transmission fluid from a hole in the transfer case. The contact stated there was no way of knowing that the transfer case had a hole during regular maintenance services. The dealer informed the contact the repair was not covered under warranty. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 28,000.

The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway, and the vehicle was able to be restarted. After restarting the vehicle, the vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V265000 (Power Train), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 37,000.

The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to pull to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle was able to restart. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V265000 (Power Train); the VIN was included, but the vehicle had previously been repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 85,000.

The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50 MPH, while depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle began to vibrate. An independent mechanic was contacted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, and the contact was informed that the front axle half-shaft was worn and needed to be replaced. The contact also took the vehicle to a tire shop and was informed that new tires were needed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The contact was referred by the manufacturer to report the failure. The failure mileage was 115,000.

The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact stated that after stopping at a stop light, the fuel saving feature activated and engine turned off; however, after releasing the brake pedal, the engine failed to restart as designed. The failure had occurred on several occasions. The contact stated that after the failure occurred and the vehicle was restarted, the RPM would be elevated; however, the vehicle failed to exceed 29 MPH. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer on several occasions but no cause for the failure was determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 300.

Related recalls

Transmission complaints in other 1500 years