The contact owns a 2004 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced transmission failure, and the brake lines were rusted. The contact was trapped in the desert for hours with his dog. The contact stated that two independent mechanics had determined that the idler pulley needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that six injectors and the ECM needed to be rebuilt. While driving, the vehicle went into the death wobble, and several linkages were damaged. Additionally, the front seat belts were inoperable with the seat belt warning light illuminated. The vehicle became inoperable. The vehicle was repaired under warranty previously, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was contacted, but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 228,510.
Dodge RAM 1500 transmission failure problems
101 of the 12,420 owner complaints about the Dodge RAM 1500 describe complete transmission failure, most of them for the 2001 model year.
- owner complaints
- 101
- worst model year
- 2001
- typical repair cost reported
- $3,000
- typical mileage
- 58,000
By model year
Often reported together
Slipping 5Overheating 5Hesitation 3Check engine light 3Grinding brakes 3Won't shift 2Premature wear 2Jerking 2
What owners say
Truck started rumbling that sounded like when you go over rumble strips on the freeway if I replace the rear end and it's still doing it. The second thing is the transfer case has some kind of short in it that no one can figure out driving down the road it locks in lights out periodically so I had to disengage it so it wouldn't do that so I can drive it would also go into neutral just randomly I was driving uphill when it happened and I had to replace the transmission that cost me $4,200 which I thought would fix the problem but it did not.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 dodge ram 1500. The contact stated that the heater, defroster, and air conditioner malfunctioned. In addition, the transmission failed while the vehicle was turning into a driveway. The vehicle was towed to butte's mile high chrysler jeep dodge ram (3883 harrison ave, butte, mt 59701,(406) 565-4410) and repaired under warranty. The contact had to pay for a loaner vehicle because they exceeded the mileage limitation due to the distance from their home to the dealer. The contact also stated that the headlight switch did not activate the headlights; therefore, the contact had to use the high beams. The contact repaired the headlights themselves. The heater and air conditioner were not under warranty and were repaired by the contact, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer stated that there were no recalls on the vehicle. The failure mileage was 76,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 dodge ram 1500. While driving, the contact heard a loud noise coming from the clutch when all of a sudden the clutch sensor bearing failed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the clutch fan and throwout bearing needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and provided case number: [xxx]. The approximate failure mileage was 189,000. *tt the consumer stated 3weeks after new clutch and fan, the transmission went out. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).
The truck needed a total transmission replacement while it was fairly new. The vehicle stopped with no ability to reverse or drive. I have read on forums how others had similar problems. While so many other defects have been uncovered would you please investigate the trans problems on this model.
Transmission failed. Paid $2500.00 to have repair . And is still having transmission issues...
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 dodge ram 1500. The contact stated that while trying to shift the vehicle out of park, it failed to shift. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with an unspecified internal transmission failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 120,000. The VIN was not available.
Transmission failure at 38000 miles, dealer unwilling to repair, the problem was reported at 20k miles imminent bearing failure in the transmission, now truck is barely operable.
The steel cooler lines from the transmission to the factory installed transmission cooler started leaking at the crimped area between the steel and rubber joints. Chrysler knows there is a problem because there is a long delay for getting replacement parts. They will not be releasing the parts until later in february. This leak could become a major problem and cause a transmission failure. Chrysler does not want to cover this under warranty and it could impact the power train (which is under a lifetime warranty). This needs to be investigated to see if it is a systematic problem those could cause injury or loss of property.
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 dodge ram 1500. The contact stated that the transmission failed to downshift when driving approximately 20 to 60 MPH. In addition, the vehicle would often lose power or would become unresponsive to acceleration attempts. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer to have a diagnostic performed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure however, the vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 2 and the current mileage was 5,000.
Related recalls
Power train: automatic transmission: lever and linkage: column shift
- 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 unit
- What is wrong
- Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2005 Dodge Ram 1500 trucks manufactured January 28, 2004, to August 3, 2005. In the affected vehicles, the rear axle pinion nut may loosen due to an undersized spline on the pinion gear.
- Risk
- If the pinion nut loosens, the rear axle may seize, and/or the driveshaft may detach resulting in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will install a retention feature to the pinion nut, free of charge. The recall began on June 26, 2015, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is P77.
Recall number 14V796000 · Recall details
Power train: driveline: differential unit
- 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 unit
- 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
Power train: transfer case (4-wheel drive)
- What is wrong
- On certain 4-wheel drive pickup trucks, the totally integrated power module (tipm) may contain incorrect transfer case calibration set points, potentially resulting in inadvertent transfer case default to neutral.
- Risk
- If this occurs and the parking brake is not applied, the vehicle may roll away and cause a crash without warning.
- Remedy
- Dealers will reprogram the tipm with new software that prevents the potential for this condition. The recall began on november 7, 2005. Owners may contact daimlerchrysler at 1‑800‑853‑1403.
Recall number 05V461000 · Recall details
Power train: automatic transmission
- What is wrong
- On certain pickup trucks, the transfer case to transmission attaching fasteners may not be tightened correctly. This could cause the transmission adapter or transfer case housing to crack and leak fluid.
- Risk
- Continued operation can result in propeller shaft separation and damage to fuel system components, which could lead to a fuel leak. Fluid and/or fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source can cause an underbody fire.
- Remedy
- Dealers will retighten the transfer case to transmission fasteners. Owner notification began on december 22, 2003. Owners should contact daimlerchrysler at 1‑800‑992‑1997.
Recall number 03V503000 · Recall details
Questions about the Dodge RAM 1500 transmission failure
Which Dodge RAM 1500 years have complete transmission failure problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2001 (22 complaints), 1996 (13 complaints) and 1997 (12 complaints).
How much does it cost to fix complete transmission failure on the Dodge RAM 1500?
Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $3,000 (median of 20 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.
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