Transmission complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2 | 7% | — |
| 2025 | 7 | 11% | 15,000 miles |
| 2024 | 7 | 12% | — |
| 2023 | 6 | 12% | — |
| 2022 | 50 | 28% | 10,000 miles |
| 2021 | 25 | 23% | — |
| 2020 | 20 | 12% | 8,000 miles |
| 2019 | 29 | 15% | 7,000 miles |
| 2018 | 75 | 3% | 30,000 miles |
| 2017 | 42 | 6% | 55,000 miles |
| 2016 | 64 | 25% | 26,000 miles |
| 2015 | 44 | 20% | 40,000 miles |
| 2014 | 62 | 18% | 48,000 miles |
| 2013 | 22 | 12% | 64,000 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
Our 2025 Ram Rebel stalled on a 55-mph curve on a busy freeway. Fearful, I deliberately drifted the vehicle to the right side of the road looking for an emergency lane. The truck regained momentum and I drove it another 10 miles. Coming to a stop, I heard mechanical griding and felt the truck shudder. I drove it home. My husband took the truck, and the same griding and shuddering happened to him twice over a 15-minute period while driving on surface streets less than 20 mph. The truck did not stall on him. -We have been told by the dealership that the transfer case failed. The dealership is working to fix it. -My safety and those riding in my vehicle were put at significant risk due to the stall on the freeway and a transfer case failure. -The problem was confirmed by an official Ram dealer where we purchased the vehicle. …
I parked in a lot for about 30 minutes while taking a short hike. When I returned and started the truck the dash was black, no gauges, no PRND indication, nothing and the warning lights in the mirrors stayed illuminated continuously. We were in a National monument and decided to try and get back to the visitor center for someplace safe. When I placed the vehicle in what should have been reverse the vehicle rolled back but only because it was on a slope. When I shifted to where drive should be nothing happened. I tried several times as we were now in the traffic lane on a curve. I went completely back to park then cycled to drive and it worked. On the drive to the visitor center I noticed that the blinkers did not work either. Also, what I thought were manual gauges like the speedometer and fuel gauge did not work. …
Lifters are failing with 31,000 miles. There are thousands of these trucks with less than 30,000 miles on there second or third set of lifters. I took the truck to Allen Samuels Dodge in Aransas pass Texas for a loud rattling kept the truck several days couldn't figure it out. I recorded a video of the banging inside the engine they kept the truck 5 days or so gave me a letter saying it's under investigation and I should call Ram about the lifters. Called Ram they said call the dealer or take it to another dealer. Service guy was like yeah the lifters are failing left n right and locking up the engine. The grid heater bolt is burning off and falling into the number 6 piston on these trucks locking up the engine. I have numerous screen shots from several Ram 2500 groups where people are getting new engines just for it to fail in 3000 miles. …
At approximately 1750 miles the truck transmission began to shift in lower gears extremely violently. Every time that truck would shift in this manner, it would cause a startle effect and divert my attention away from driving to trying to determine what was going on. I immediately took the truck to my local Ram repair shop where they found metal shavings in the transmission oil pan. They told me I would need a completely new transmission. This is unacceptable with a truck with only 1750 miles on it. The dealership said they would need authorization to replace the transmission and not sure if one would be readily available. This is the fourth time this vehicle will have been at this repair facility. The first three times were for a fault code called Turbo under boost. Way too much downtime for a truck with only 1750 miles. …
This complaint notes two separate safety problems for the 2023 Ram 2500 Tradesman. 1) Transmission leak. "Heavy transmission leak" noted by dealer during normal service. Apparently so common that the seals are on back order. Was caught at 35453 miles so covered by warranty, but any issues related to the leak I am told will not be covered once they fix the leak. I have read this common leak has been known to cause pressure issues and fires. 2) Electrical issue related to key fob. Since the truck was brand new, an error message would light up the dash indicating "Key Fob not detected" This would happen when trying to start the truck and while driving. This has left me stranded several times from not starting the truck and having to wait an hour to get truck to recognize key fob. …
Bought the truck brand new. After 8k miles front tires started cupping. Took it in and was told it was simply due to "soft" factory tires. After 17k miles tires were gone and bought a more expensive higher mileage warranty tire. Rotated tires at 7k miles, After about 3k miles same thing happened. Had an alignment done prior to the new tires and was told it was perfect. All signs point to alignment or front end suspension, ball joint or tie rods. After 3 days sitting in the shop I was once again told nothing is wrong, alignment is perfect and it was my fault, either driving habits, not rotating tires every 2500 miles, ect. After picking the truck up and driving less than 20 miles the transmission started slipping. Call the dealership about the concern and they have ceased communication. Was advised to go online for an appointment which is more than 2 weeks out. …
The contact owns a 2022 Dodge Ram. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that on some occasions, the message "Regenerate the Vehicle" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed that the powertrain software module needed to be updated. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was then taken to another dealer, where it was diagnosed, and the dealer determined that the urea pump needed to be replaced. The part was replaced; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the same dealer, where it was determined that the air filter, the catalytic converter, the nitrous oxide sensor, the temperature sensor, and the particulate matter sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. …
The contact owns a 2022 Ram 2500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle intermittently went into LIMP Mode and failed to accelerate as needed. The contact pulled over and turned off the vehicle. The failure failed to be self-corrected after the vehicle was restarted. The vehicle was taken to a transmission specialist, who was unable to duplicate the failure. The contact was informed that the failure was electrical, and an unknown sensor was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who discovered a leak in the transmission pump. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and directed the contact to the dealer to have the transmission replaced. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
Related recalls (6)
Power train › Automatic transmission › Control module (TCM/PCM/tecm)
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2023-2026 Ram 2500 Pick up trucks. A software error in the powertrain control module may improperly allow the vehicle speed to exceed the tire speed rating, which can result in a loss of vehicle control.
Remedy: Dealers will update the powertrain control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 21, 2026. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403.
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
FCA US, LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Ram 2500 and 2020-2022 Ram 3500 vehicles. A build-up of pressure and heat inside the transmission may result in a transmission fluid leak from the dipstick tube.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the transmission dipstick and transmission vent assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 29, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403.
Power train › Automatic transmission
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ram 2500 and 3500 Pickup vehicles equipped with six-speed automatic (68RFE) transmissions. A build up of pressure and heat inside the transmission may result in a transmission fluid leak from the dipstick tube.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the transmission valve body separator plate and reprogram the powertrain control module. The recall began March 2, 2020.
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.
Show 1 more recall
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.
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…
Frequently asked questions
Which Ram 2500 years have transmission problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2018 (75), 2016 (64), 2014 (62), 2022 (50) and 2015 (44) model years. Transmission complaints make up 3% of all complaints for the 2018.
Is there a recall for Ram 2500 transmission problems?
Yes — 6 recalls, including 26V-288 (control module (tcm/pcm/tecm), May 7, 2026); 24V-413 (manual transmission, Jun 6, 2024); 22V-835 (automatic transmission, Nov 10, 2022). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Ram 2500 transmission problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 38,000 miles; 63% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the automatic transmission › control module (tcm/pcm/tecm) (3 mentions), followed by the automatic transmission (2).
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.