Ram 1500 harsh shifting problems

Filed Sep 11, 2026 · Engine · TX

My 2019 ram 1500 had the hemi tick sound. Took it in to the dealership to check and verified it was a failed lifter and had metal shavings inside the motor. Dealership said I needed a whole new engine costing around 18,000 dollars. They also refused to warranty it even though there was a bulletin on this specific issue. It had 113k when I brought it in. My certified pre owned warranty lasted until 100k but still didn’t want to warranty it. I went ahead and rebuilt the engine myself costing around 10k. Now I’m hearing clunking noise when I’m in a low gear taking off again around 20mph possibly my transmission now. Has 130k miles now.

Filed Aug 19, 2026 · Steering · NY

Clunky noise in front end, too much play in steering. Truck only had 103 Mile's on it. Took to dealer found both tie rod jam nuts were loose and could have caused loss of stearing. Dealer corrected and performed alignment.

Filed May 7, 2026 · Brakes, Wheels · CO

Initially while taking a corner at low speed the truck made a clunk and grinding noise which resolved and then while going about 50 mph the grinding noise recurred which prompted stopping the vehicle on the side of the road and when almost to a stop, the wheels locked up causing a slight skid; the vehicle was in 4-wheel auto at the time and with change between 4wd and 2wd serveral times the front tires unlocked and i was able to drive it again. About 4 days later, while driving 70 mph, the vehicle started to make a grinding noise on the interstate, and I started to slow down, but unfortunately, I was on the left side of the highway on a narrow shoulder, and upon getting to a lower speed while in 2WD, my front axle locked up. I placed the vehicle in park, but due to safety concerns, I put the truck back in drive and tried to switch from 2WD to 4WD to unlock the axle, but unfortunately, the truck would not change gears. I then had to quickly get the vehicle to the other side during a time with fewer vehicles, while the left front tire was locked, and I had to drag it across the highway to ensure my safety. The left front tire remained locked, and after multiple attempts, the brake partially unlocked but continued to make a grinding and clunking noise. After some diagnostics, we determined the left front wheel hub was the issue, overheating and locking up. I reached out to mechanics for quotes on repair of said part, and upon reaching out to the dealer that I have used in the past for recalls and oil changes, I was informed there was a recall on said part/software that I was not aware of; the service rep used the last 8 of my VIN to look up my vehicle for the quote and provided the details about the recall. I use the RAM Guardian App which provides updates about recalls and upon checking it does not show a recall nor does it show a recall when i search my VIN and License Plate on the website. This seems to be a common issue based on customer reviews.

Filed Mar 30, 2026 · Steering, Suspension · 45,000 miles · WI

The contact owns a 2022 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while making a left turn out of the driveway, there was a clunking sound coming from the front passenger’s side of the vehicle, and the vehicle failed to steer or turn properly. The vehicle was towed to a dealer but was not yet diagnosed; however, the tow truck driver stated that the ball joint of the upper control arm on the passenger’s side had fractured completely. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 45,000.

Filed Mar 26, 2026 · Transmission · WA

Transmission won't go into reverse at times, auto shifting back to park before check engine light comes on. Vehicle initially started with hard shifts at low speeds about 25 mph. Issue progressed to the point where vehicle has to be put into reverse. Otherwise vehicle would not shift at the same point about 25 mph and would be stuck in the low gear until vehicle is shut off and restarted then put into reverse before proceeding. The issue has continued to grow where shifting into reverse causes the vehicle to noticeably lurch back with a very heavy thunk before putting it into drive. Reverse takes time engaging. However the issue will persist and it will not go into reverse before Auto shifting to park and the check engine light comes on. Vehicle would drive for a little while before the transmission would stop shifting and go into limp mode where I wouldn't be able to drive over 30 miles per hour without very high RPMs. During some of those times the vehicle would take a long time before the transmission would engage and shift which would cause the vehicle to jerk abruptly forward. And at times back tires have lost traction. Recently the vehicles transmission has disengaged entirely while driving. At times it'll be 40 mph where it will disengage or in one case about 15 mph as I was making a turn and in the intersection it disengaged. First time the vehicle went to a dealership. They were unable to replicate the problem and that was approximately 30,000 mi on the odometer. The second time it went in with the issue it was diagnosed as being a service bulletin which was then updated and issue remained. The third time it was brought in there was a code that showed that the clutch gear ratio was incorrect. Mechanics have said the vehicle needs a new transmission and this has been a known issue with the 8-speed 8 HP75 by ZF transmissions. Transmission has also surged and lunged while braking at various points. While completely stopped, vehicle has lurched forward.

Filed Mar 5, 2026 · Transmission · PA

while driving down the highway at 50-70 mph, when attempting to pass I give it more gas and I hear a clunk with the loss off power!, I have to allow to slow down then slowly increase speed! I have my second factory installed transmission @ 40,000 miles!

Filed Feb 3, 2026 · Suspension · TX · crash

As I was driving in the left lane of a four lane local road. I passed over a small hump in the road. The suspension lifted and as it settled. I lost control of the steering and the truck abruptly pulled left. I managed to gain control and guide the truck from collision with another vehicle and the bridge guard rail. I had no warning lights and the truck drove straight at the time. Tire wear was normal and I had an appointment in three days for new ties and alignment since I did hear a clunk a few days earlier.

Filed Dec 5, 2025 · Transmission · FL

During normal driving when coming to a stop the vehicle will hard downshift to neutral for no apparent reason. It will also hard shift to 1st like it’s lagging hard from 2nd or deciding if it wants to shift to neutral. It will happen at random times, in the middle of a turn, middle of an intersection. And is a serious concern

Filed Oct 6, 2025 · Electrical, Transmission · KY

This vehicle has less than 3,000 miles on it and has been in the shop at least three times for a recurring issue with the transmission "lunging" and "clunking hard upon down shift and upshift (automatic). The electrical system and computer are confused and cause the vehicle to literally stop and not engage in gear while driving! Today, the truck was in DRIVE awhile I was sitting at a light in heavy traffic. When I hit the gas at light change, the truck revved up but did not go! I was almost hit from behind as I had no brake lights indicated. Additionally, I kept getting a flashing gear selector indicator knob saying to put the TRUCK IN PARK AND SELECT THE DRIVE OPTION. I did but it still wouldn't go. I then got a software update light on the screen and the CHECK ENGINE LIGHT came on. I finally had to literally wave people around me in traffic as I was stalled out. I turned the truck off, restarted and it moved forward BUT at a high RPM. I have parked the truck but the dealer service is full up until late in the week and RAM CARE representatives were foreign and did not speak English well (I could not clearly understand them in my emergency call). Dealer is unwilling to act decisively to a life or death situation (opinion mine). SO we need to ensure we don't get killed or injured (God forbid) and IF there is a serious incident with this vehicle, there is documentation to attest it has been "serviced" several times for the electrical system fluctuating, the transmission dropping, and the engine not engaging the power train while driving. Attaching a PHOTO of the CURRENT Dash Lights (Warnings on the Left) and check engine light being on AFTER I got the vehicle re-running.

Filed Jul 16, 2025 · Transmission, Visibility · SC

Issues Defrosting windshield. A lot of fog and moisture on windshield when AC is running in car. Issues with rough shifting when accelerating. Will take longer to shift into next gear.