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2010 Dodge RAM 1500 transmission problems

229 complaints (47% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 60,000. 12 crashes reported.

owner complaints
229
of this car's complaints
47%
typical mileage
60,000
crashes
12
recalls
3

Which part fails

  • Driveline: driveshaft
    5
  • Driveline: differential unit
    3
  • Driveline
    2
  • Automatic transmission
    2
  • Transfer case (4-wheel drive)
    1

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

Dodge RAM 1500 transmission problems in other years

19931995200020052012

Specific symptoms reported on the 2010 Dodge RAM 1500 transmission

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

Whining noise 14Jerking 5

Related recalls

Power train: automatic transmission: lever and linkage: column shiftReported December 20, 2017 · 1,482,874 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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. 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 stick in the open position. With the pin in the open position, the transmission can be shifted out of PARK into any gear without pushing the brake pedal or having the key in the ignition.
Risk
Being able to shift the transmission without pushing the brake pedal and/or without a key in the ignition can increase the risk of an unintended vehicle rollaway that may result in personal injury or a crash.
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. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T79.

Recall number 17V821000 · Recall details

Power train: driveline: differential unitReported February 6, 2013 · 278,674 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2009-2012 Ram 1500 trucks manufactured from February 27, 2008, through June 30, 2009, and from December 1, 2009, through October 20, 2011; model year 2009-2011 Dodge Dakota trucks manufactured from February 27, 2007, through June 30, 2009, and from December 1, 2009, through September 30, 2011; model year 2009 Chrysler Aspen trucks manufactured from January 3, 2008, through December 18, 2008; and model year 2009 Dodge Durango trucks manufactured from January 3, 2008, through December 18, 2008. The rear axle pinion nut may loosen due to an undersized pinion spline that can allow relative motion between the nut and companion flange.
Risk
If the rear axle pinion nut loosens, the axle can lock up and cause a loss of vehicle control and/or a vehicle crash with little warning.
Remedy
On November 7, 2013 Chrysler notified owners that dealers would install a pinion nut retainer, free of charge. In July 2015, and under a consent order with the federal safety agency, the company agreed to offer owners three options for remedying their vehicles: perform the original remedy, offer to repurchase the vehicle at the fair market value plus 10%, or offer an additional incentive offer towards the purchase of a new Dodge, Jeep, Chrysler, or Fiat vehicle. Chrysler will notify owners of the new recall options in a letter expected to be mailed on August 31, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1‑800‑247‑9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N08.

Recall number 13V038000 · Recall details

Power train: driveline: differential unitReported October 2, 2012 · 44,300 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2009-2010, Ram 1500 and Dodge Dakota trucks, manufactured from July 1, 2009, through November 30, 2009, because the rear axle pinion nut may loosen due to a lack of adhesive.
Risk
If the rear axle pinion nut loosens, the axle can lock up and cause a loss of vehicle control and/or a vehicle crash with little warning.
Remedy
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will install a pinion nut retainer, free of charge. The recall began on June 17, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1‑800‑247‑9753.

Recall number 12V474000 · Recall details

What 2010 Dodge RAM 1500 owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Aug 28, 2026 · Transmission · 262,420 miles · OH

The contact owns a 2010 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the driveshaft detached. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact received notification for the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 13V038000 (Power Train) however, the part to complete the recall repair was not yet available. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, where it was diagnosed that the rear axle pinion nut needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 262,420.Â

Filed Nov 18, 2025 · Transmission · WA

During unrelated work, a mechanic discovered the retaining ring for recall N08 (rear axle pinion nut) was not installed and the pinion nut was loose enough to turn by hand. He stated the recall had either been performed incorrectly or not at all, and that the vehicle was unsafe to drive. The recall shows “completed” in 2013, but the defect is still present. I contacted Stellantis Customer Care, submitted photos, and they confirmed in writing that if the defect still exists, the recall must be performed free of charge regardless of age, mileage, or ownership. I sent the photos of the missing ring, screenshots showing the recall marked completed, and Stellantis’ confirmation to the dealership before having the vehicle towed to verify coverage. The truck was towed to Time Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Portland. My initial contact was [XXX] at that location. However, all recall decisions and communication later came from [XXX] , who works at a different dealership. Over the next month, the dealership repeatedly stalled the recall, saying they were waiting on approval from the district manager and then from the recall department, but no action was ever taken. Despite having Stellantis’ written confirmation and clear photographic evidence of the unresolved defect, the dealership refused to perform the recall. They insisted on treating it as a “warranty” issue and cited reasons such as mileage, age, and not being the original owner—none of which apply to safety recalls. They then stated that teardown and diagnosis “would run $1000,” even though the defect has already been documented by both the mechanic and Stellantis. All communication, including photos, the mechanic’s findings, Stellantis’ confirmation of coverage, and the dealership’s refusal, is available upon request. The truck has now been sitting at the dealership for over a month with an unresolved safety defect. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Sep 15, 2025 · Transmission · OH

2010 Dodge Ram 1500 truck purchased used late May 2025 with 57000 miles. Late August 2025 with 60000 miles rear axle fell off when driving on Freeway at 60 miles per hour. Very serious accident was narrowly avoided as could not steer vehicle.Truck was serviced at dealership for recall of a pinion nut coming loose at 36107 miles in September 2013. Per this recall, the loose pinion nut can cause the axle to fail. The recall maintenance done in September 2013 at 36107 miles only lasted 24000 miles and serious safety issues reoccurred. In my opinion, on my vehicle the recall did not fix the problem. Now I am stuck with a $5000 repair on a vehicle with known recalls and safety issues that was supposedly fixed.Perhaps a second recall should be considered regarding this issue.

Filed Aug 29, 2025 · Suspension, Transmission · OK

Me and my husband were driving down the road to go see a friend and all of a sudden the wheel hub assembly broke in half causing us to have to slam on our brakes and keep from crashing. The wheel almost ended up under our truck making the truck look like it was kachowing like Lightening McQueen from the movie Cars

Filed May 28, 2025 · Transmission · NY · crash

I was driving to work on [XXX] when my rear end locked up and I slid sideways down [XXX]. I was going slower than normal due to slippery road conditions. The mechanic told me it was the pinion nut that froze up and locked up the gears and snapped the drive shaft. If it had been clear roads the truck probably would have flipped over. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Apr 24, 2025 · Transmission · 160,704 miles · TX

The contact owns a 2010 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormally loud sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the rear axle differential pin retaining bolt had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,704.

Filed Oct 4, 2022 · Engine, Transmission · 240,000 miles · DE

The contact owns a 2010 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an unknown speed, the vehicle was jerking as the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where the contact was informed that the oxygen sensors and transmission fluid needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired, however, the contact attempted to replace the oxygen sensors himself. The failure reoccurred and the vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired and the proper oxygen sensors were replaced; however, the contact stated that when he drove over 45 MPH, all warning lights would illuminate on the instrument panel and that an abnormal noise was heard coming from the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was then taken back to the independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. Additionally, during the repair the contact was informed that the rear differential had loose bolts and would also need to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure however the VIN was not available at the time of the call therefore a case could not be opened. The VIN was not available. The approximate failure mileage was 240,000.

Filed Sep 13, 2022 · Electrical, Engine · TN

Charging system failure at pcm causing low voltage and battery will not charge causing the vehicle to become disabled. I was on the interstate battery light came Om with system Low voltage code for engine light. The truck shut off and I was left without power steering or brakes. doing 75mph. Voltage regulator is in pcm and pcm needs replaced. Vehicle is still out of commission

Filed Jun 15, 2022 · Fuel system, Transmission · 183,000 miles · TX

The contact owns a 2010 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Numbers: 13V038000 (Power Train), 18V160000 (Fuel System, Gasoline), and 17V821000 (Power Train). The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the rear axle pinion holding the rear drive shaft loosened. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the dealer declined to honor the recall repairs due to the age of the vehicle and possible liability issues. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 183,000.

Filed Apr 19, 2022 · Transmission · IA

The vehicle was repaired under recall, but was not correctly fixed. Now the rear differential is totally shot with no warning. My dealer says it will not be covered under recall warranty since I was not the owner at the time of the recall repair.

Questions about the 2010 Dodge RAM 1500 transmission

Does the 2010 Dodge RAM 1500 have transmission problems?

Owners have filed 229 complaints about the transmission of the 2010 Dodge RAM 1500, 47% of all its complaints, more than any other problem.

At what mileage do 2010 Dodge RAM 1500 transmission problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 60,000 miles.

Was there a recall on the 2010 Dodge RAM 1500 transmission?

Yes, 3 recalls: 17V821000, 13V038000, 12V474000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Dodge RAM 1500 have bad transmission?

The Dodge RAM 1500 model years with the most transmission complaints are 2005 (595 complaints), 2009 (231 complaints) and 2010 (229 complaints).

Other 2010 Dodge RAM 1500 problems

Engine 75Electrical 71Steering 41Fuel system 39Suspension 29Body 26Brakes 16Airbags 14Visibility 13Wheels 11Lights 10Acceleration 9Driver assistance 8Seat belts 4Tires 4Locks 1

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