While driving transmission failed to go from second to thid gear. Mechanic stated that the third gear lip seal failed. This was a common failure with these vehicles.
1996 Dodge Ram: complete transmission failure
14 of the 622 complaints about the 1996 Dodge Ram describe complete transmission failure.
- owner complaints
- 14
- of this car's complaints
- 2%
- recalls
- 2
Is there a fix? There are 2 recalls and 12 service bulletins for this area of the car. See below
Complete transmission failure by model year
What owners say
Coolant system inside of transmission was melting gear, transmission was replaced. Consumer states that the transmission was replaced 01-nov-2001 and she had nothing but problems with it until now.
The original transmission was replaced under warranty, the vehicle has not been used for any towing or other power train stressing jobs. The second transmission has failed, under similar "no stress" condition less than 20k miles later. A widely accepted industry standard for transmission life expectancy is 7yrs/100,000 miles.
While driving gas pedal may be down to the floor, but vehicle won't go anywhere. Took vehicle to dealer, and they found pieces of rubber o-ring, metal slitherings, clutch materials in transmission pan. Consumer took vehicle to dealer, and they said consumer needed a new transmission/front pump, consumers felt this car was 4 years old, and should not be having transmission problems.
The transmission failed at 31, 700 mi. It required a major overhaul to return it to operation. Labor costs were $1100 dollars and parts $800. After discussions with the dealer the labor charges were paid by the dealer. Investigation into continuing problems with dodge ram transmissions prompted owner to call chrysler 800 number to complain about $800 payment. Owner was told that since the $800 was paid, no refund could be provided. Owner was told that this determination was final and no appeal to higher authority was possible. Owner personally knows three other individuals with dodge ram pickups that had the same problem at the same mileage. Chrysler refuses to acknowledge this defect preferring instead to defer the expense to the vehicle owner.
We experienced a complete transmission failure and had to be towed. The dealer had to replace the transmission with a factory rebuilt unit because this transmission is no longer manufactured. We can only assume this is because the transmission was under designed and not suitable for use in this truck. We feel that the entire cost of the repair and replacement should be borne by the vehicle manufacturer.
The automatic transmission failed the first time when it was under warranty at about 20,000 miles. The dealer said that a forward seal had been "rolled" when it was installed at the factory. The transmission was taken out and the seal replaced. The exact same problem occurred again at about 70,000 miles. Symptoms: when starting out with the engine cold, the transmission will not upshift past second gear. The engine speed will not affect the change, only warming the engine by driving approximately two miles will cause the transmission to operate normally. However, even during warmed driving, the problem returns intermittently, which causes the vehicle to slow down considerably and has caused problems with traffic on freeway systems where higher speed is required. Top speed during this problem is 35 MPH.
Initial transmission problem started @ 38000 just out of warranty. Dealer said they couldn't help. I never thought of contacting manufacturer. Trans. Diagnosis complete at 72500 mis, dealer say rebuild, r+r at 89300mis. Brake mastercylinder lid was leaking causing insufficiet fluid level lead to pad and shoe failure. Transmission failure LED to lifter failure in the engine. Trans would long shift putiing strain on engine causing a higher rev. Ultimately weakening 2 lifters. I am now hearing a noise and feeling jolts on the steering wheel turning left . Problem is unknown at this time.
Consumer experiencing ongoing problems with vehicle on varouis parts. 1. Transmission failed to operate at 58,000 mile of wear 2. Intake manifold gasket broke, and 3. Fuel pump failed to operate. Dealer notified and refused to repair because the consumer did not have extended warranty.
Transmission failed after recall repair.
Transmission failed.
Transmission failure resulted in fire prior to recall.
Service bulletins that may apply
- Automatic transmission fluid usage ATF+4
- Vehicles exhibiting buzz, whining, or moaning like noise from cold transmission when reverse gear is selected
- Driveline induced vehicle surge / vibration diagnosis
- Conditions with loss of fifth gear
- Transmission opertes normally through all ranges except fifth gear
- Subject on manual transmission gear rattle at operating temperatures
- This bulletin involves overdrive unavailable in extreme cold temperatures, bypass kit installation,...
- Concerns with manual transmission gear rattle at operating temperatures
Related recalls
Power train: clutch assembly
- What is wrong
- Vehicle description: pickup trucks equipped with manual transmission, v10 engines and four-wheel-drive transfer cases. Under sustained maximum rated vehicle load, while driving up a steep grade in four-wheel-drive low range in hot ambient conditions, the local exhaust temperature proximate to the hydraulic clutch line can generate line temperatures that exceed the temperature limit of the clutch line material. If this condition occurs and the clutch is depressed, the line could rupture.
- Risk
- The fluid could ignite on the hot exhaust possibly resulting in a vehicle fire.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the hydraulic clutch assembly.
Recall number 99V115000 · Recall details
Power train: automatic transmission: cooling unit and lines
- What is wrong
- Under certain high load operating conditions, the transmission fluid temperature can exceed the melting point of the material used in the connector to retain the fluid line to the transmission.
- Risk
- When these temperatures occur, the fluid line will not stay connected with the transmission and fluid can spray onto the exhaust manifold, resulting in smoke or fire.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the high temperature side of the transmission fluid cooler line connector fittings with connectors that incorporate a stainless steel retainer.
Recall number 97V084000 · Recall details
Questions about the 1996 Dodge Ram transmission failure
Is complete transmission failure a common problem on the 1996 Dodge Ram?
14 of 622 owner complaints about the 1996 Dodge Ram (2%) mention complete transmission failure. The model year with the most reports is 1995.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 1996 Dodge Ram?
There are 2 recalls and 12 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 1996 Dodge Ram
ABS 70Brake failure 34No deployment 27Pulling 21Tire blowout 18Fire or smoke 15Headlights 15Stalling 12Won't shift 12Fuel pump 10Slipping 10Overheating 9Ball joint 8Fuel gauge 8Loss of power 7Power steering loss 7Premature wear 6Sudden acceleration 6Adaptive cruise 5Grinding brakes 5Harsh shifting 5
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