Transmission complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 10 | 10% | 2,000 miles |
| 2025 | 49 | 13% | 5,000 miles |
| 2024 | 15 | 19% | 4,000 miles |
| 2023 | 28 | 14% | 14,000 miles |
| 2022 | 103 | 16% | 18,000 miles |
| 2021 | 99 | 14% | 28,000 miles |
| 2020 | 63 | 10% | 22,000 miles |
| 2019 | 207 | 14% | 12,000 miles |
| 2018 | 60 | 9% | 25,000 miles |
| 2017 | 98 | 11% | 21,000 miles |
| 2016 | 202 | 13% | 32,000 miles |
| 2015 | 226 | 15% | 50,000 miles |
| 2014 | 192 | 11% | 44,000 miles |
| 2013 | 86 | 7% | 26,000 miles |
| 2009 | 9 | 24% | 120,000 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 leased a 2026 Ram 1500. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle and shifting into reverse(R), the vehicle suddenly lost power and shut off. The contact made several attempts to restart the vehicle and the vehicle restarted on the 10th attempt. While driving approximately 5 MPH, the vehicle suddenly lost power and shut off another time. After approximately 10 minutes and several attempts the vehicle restarted. The vehicle was restarted, and the vehicle was able to accelerate, but lost power and shut off again. The vehicle was restarted and the contact continued driving. The following day, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the failure reoccurred. The contact became aware that the failure had occurred after reversing out of a parking space and then shifting to drive. There were no warning lights illuminated. …
Vehicle returned from warranty repair at MainStreet CDJR of Lansing with severe mechanical negligence and federal compliance breaches. The dealership left critical drivetrain components completely loose, including rear transmission mount bolts and cooler lines, creating an immediate highway safety hazard. A separate, certified Ram dealership has since inspected the truck and generated a formal work order explicitly documenting: "Loose bolts left from prior dealer." Furthermore, the initial dealership assigned an uncertified student trainee (Tech ID 1078) to perform this advanced powertrain warranty work and subsequently signed off on a critical federal occupant safety restraint recall completion. The General Manager verbally admitted to the consumer that the servicing technician was uncertified and currently still attending training classes. …
The contact owns a 2025 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure occurred six days after the vehicle was purchased. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with multi-engine misfire, DTC: P0300. The contact was informed that a software update was needed. The vehicle was repaired. In addition, the contact stated the software had been updated twice; however, the contact was informed that the software update was a temporary fix. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The dealer declined to update the software another time. Additionally, the dealer declined to buy back the vehicle. …
The emergency brake malfunctioned transmission in park malfunctioned yes its available for inspection i was almost ran over by the truck or pinned between truck door and hand rail. I have not had vehicle inspection done yet dealer had been notified and awaiting there response. When i re entered the vehicle dash displayed warning emergency brake disengaged placed vehicle into drive to move forward and then dash displayed emergency brake engaged and placed vehicle into park automatically which made it nearly impossible to move. Prior to this event truck was parked in my driveway the night before then the following morning truck was in the grass it had rolled there. When connected to any trailer the dash displays check trailer connection and the running lights on passenger sides of the trailers are off and or going dim and bright.
The contact owns a 2024 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving approximately 5 MPH, the vehicle lost power, the parking brake activated, and the transmission independently shifted into the park. The contact was able to restart the vehicle. The instrument panel showed that the battery charge had dropped to 12-Volts. The failure had occurred twice. The tow truck company was contacted and was able to recharge the battery and the contact to drove the vehicle to the residence. The contact stated that approximately 3 weeks later the failure recurred a second time at 1,800 miles. The vehicle was towed to the dealer however, the dealer was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 800.
The contact owns a 2024 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving with his family at approximately 70 MPH, several unknown warning lights were illuminated, and the vehicle lost motive power and came to a complete stop in the middle of the highway. Additionally, the hazards lights failed to engage as needed. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer to be diagnosed; however, the dealer informed the contact that the failure could not be replicated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 3,500.
The contact owns a 2023 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 6 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power, and the parking brake unexpectedly engaged. The contact manually disengaged the parking brake. The contact was able to restart the vehicle; however, a message to "Shift to Park" was displayed, and the low-battery and low-voltage warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the failure persisted after restarting the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, but was not diagnosed. The mechanic informed the contact that the battery had not failed but that the vehicle was experiencing voltage errors. The contact was informed that the battery did not need to be replaced, and no repairs were performed. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer, but was not diagnosed; however, the dealer retrieved DTC: P032F. …
The contact owns a 2023 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, several unknown warning lights illuminated, and the engine seized. Additionally, the gear shifter independently shifted into park. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The failure had occurred while the contact was driving on a busy highway. The contact's wife, who was seated in the front passenger's seat, had since declined to ride in the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed power pack module. The contact was informed that the power pack module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed that parts were ordered, and the parts were on back order. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 17,000.
Related recalls (13)
Power train › Manual transmission
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2023 Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500 vehicles. An insufficient weld in the transmission control unit can allow transmission fluid to leak on to electrical components, resulting in a loss of drive power or loss of park function.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the valve body and control unit, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expecting to be mailed July 26, 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403.
Power train › Automatic transmission › Control module (TCM/PCM/tecm)
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021 Ram 1500 vehicles equipped with 5.7L eTorque engines. The powertrain control module software may cause an incorrect fuel mixture condition in the engine, and result in an engine stall.
Remedy: Dealers will update the Powertrain Control Module calibration software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 27, 2023. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403.
Power train › Transfer case (4-wheel drive)
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019 Ram 1500 pickup trucks equipped with four-wheel drive. A gear within the transfer case may not have been installed correctly, possibly causing the vehicle to become stuck in neutral. If this occurs while driving, there could be a sudden loss of power.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the transfer case, free of charge. The recall began March 10, 2020. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403.
Power train › Driveline › Driveshaft
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Ram 1500 pickup trucks. The rear driveshaft may have an incomplete weld fusion between the tube and tube yoke, which may lead to weld cracking or the driveshaft fracturing.
Remedy: FCA US will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear driveshaft, free of charge. The recall began June 13, 2019. Owners may contact FCA US customer service at 1-800-853-1403. The FCA US recall number is V48.
Power train › Axle assembly
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018-2019 RAM 1500 trucks. The rear differential may have been insufficiently filled, possibly resulting in its failure.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rear axle oil level. Rear axles with an insufficient amount of oil will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began September 26, 2018.
Show 8 more recalls
Power train › Automatic transmission
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Dodge Charger, Durango and Challenger, Jeep Grand Cherokee and Wrangler, Chrysler 300, and RAM 1500 vehicles. An incorrect transmission park lock rod may have been installed in the transmission.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will install the correct park lock rod, free of charge. The recall began June 28, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403.
Power train › Automatic transmission
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2017-2018 RAM 1500, 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis, 4500 Cab Chassis, and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles, all equipped with a column shifter. Pushing the brake pedal for prolonged periods when the vehicle is running and in PARK may cause the Brake Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI) pin to…
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners and dealers will update the Body Control Module software. Dealers will also test the BTSI operation, replacing the solenoid as necessary. The recall began February 26, 2018.
Power train › Automatic transmission › Lever and linkage › Column shift
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Ram 3500 Cab Chassis with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of less than 10,000 lbs, 2011-2017 Ram 3500, 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles, 2009-2017 Ram 1500 and 2010-2017 Ram 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks, all equipped with a column shifter.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update the vehicle software, inspect the BTSI, and, as necessary, replace it, free of charge. The recall began February 26, 2018.
Power train › Driveline › Differential unit
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Ram 1500 trucks. The differential pin retaining screw may come loose while driving, potentially causing the differential to break or lock up.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the differential retaining pin, free of charge. The recall began April 24, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403.
Power train › Axle assembly › Axle shaft
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2016 RAM 1500 trucks manufactured February 19, 2016, to March 3, 2016. The front halfshafts may have been incorrectly manufactured causing them to fracture without warning.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace both front halfshafts, free of charge. The recall began on July 5, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403.
Power train › Axle assembly › Axle shaft
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Ram 1500 trucks manufactured June 17, 2015, to September 28, 2015. The affected vehicles may have been built with rear axles that were incorrectly heat treated.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles and replace the axle assemblies, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on November 23, 2015.
Power train › Automatic transmission
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2014 Ram 1500 4x4 vehicles manufactured January 24, 2014, through February 5, 2014. In the affected vehicles, the transmission case may have been improperly machined which can result in the park pawl not properly engaging when the transmission is in the 'Park'…
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the transmission, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on May 21, 2014. Owners may contract Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Power train › Automatic transmission
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2013 Chrysler 300 AWD, Dodge Charger AWD, and Dodge Ram 1500 4x4 vehicles equipped with ZF all wheel drive ("AWD") 8HP45 transmissions. In the affected vehicles, the transmission output shaft may fracture.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the transmissions, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on March 31, 2014. Customers may contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
NHTSA investigations
Post Recall Remedy Brake Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI) Failure
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received 14 Vehicle Owner Questionnaire (VOQ) reports and 6 EWR Death & Injury (D&I) reports describing post recall remedy failures of the brake transmission shift interlock (BTSI) system in certain Model Year (MY) 2013-2018 RAM pickup trucks.The subject vehicle models include 1500, 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500 trucks equipped with a column mounted shift lever.The failures…
Vehicle Rollaway
Basis - On December 16, 2016, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation PE16-014 to investigate 43 vehicle rollaway incidents with operators alleging they had shifted to Park and then exited the vehicle prior to the rollway incidents. These complaints involved multiple Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) model and model year vehicles that share a common electronic rotary shifter design.
Frequently asked questions
Which Ram 1500 years have transmission problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2015 (226), 2019 (207), 2016 (202), 2014 (192) and 2022 (103) model years. Transmission complaints make up 15% of all complaints for the 2015.
Is there a recall for Ram 1500 transmission problems?
Yes — 13 recalls, including 24V-413 (manual transmission, Jun 6, 2024); 23V-265 (control module (tcm/pcm/tecm), Apr 13, 2023); 20V-080 (transfer case (4-wheel drive), Feb 13, 2020). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Ram 1500 transmission problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 34,000 miles; 64% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the automatic transmission (13 mentions), followed by the automatic transmission › control module (tcm/pcm/tecm) (7).
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.