Ram 1500 transmission failure problems

Filed Oct 27, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · NJ

I am filing this complaint to formally document a potential safety concern involving the transmission in my Dodge Ram 1500. The transmission has been slipping while driving, and I am concerned that this malfunction could lead to an unexpected loss of drive power or other transmission failure while the vehicle is in operation, potentially creating a serious safety hazard for me, my passengers, and other motorists. The vehicle is currently at a Chrysler Dodge dealership in East Brunswick, New Jersey, for diagnosis and evaluation of the transmission problem. The underlying cause has not yet been confirmed, and the dealership's diagnostic findings are pending. The vehicle and its transmission are available for inspection. I have reported the transmission issue to Chrysler Customer Care and opened a case. I am also submitting this complaint to the federal safety agency so that my reported transmission problem and related safety concerns are formally documented. I am aware of the federal safety agency Recall 24V‑413, which concerns certain 2023 Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500 vehicles and identifies a potential defect that may result in a loss of drive power or the inability to place the vehicle in Park. I do not know whether my vehicle is covered by this recall or whether the transmission slipping I am experiencing is related to the defect described in the recall. I am requesting that the federal safety agency document and review this complaint to determine whether the reported transmission malfunction may represent a safety defect and whether further investigation is warranted. I am particularly concerned about the possibility of an unexpected transmission failure while driving. This complaint is being submitted while the vehicle is at the dealership for evaluation, before the cause of the problem has been established. I want to ensure that the transmission issue and my safety concerns are formally on record with the federal safety agency. The cause of the inspection results are currently unknown.

Filed Oct 7, 2026 · Engine · MA

Vehicle Information: 2014 Ram 1500 Quad Cab VIN: [XXX] Manufacturer: Stellantis N.V. / Chrysler Group LLC Selling/Servicing Dealer: First Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram (280 E. Washington St, North Attleboro, MA 02760) Primary Component: Engine / Power Train Systems (Engine Block Corrosion / Oil Leak) Description of Safety Defect & Structural Failure: In December 2025, at approximately 59,000 miles, this vehicle experienced a sudden, severe engine oil leak. The cause was severe corrosion that created a hole through the lower engine block above the oil pan, located behind new transmission lines replaced by the dealership. First Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram acknowledged the severe corrosion and corroded engine block on record. The loss of engine oil created an immediate risk of engine failure, loss of vehicle power while driving, and a severe fire hazard from pressurized engine oil contacting hot exhaust components. The vehicle became completely inoperable and was flatbed towed to First Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram. Current Status & Official Record: The structural engine defect was never repaired. Subsequent third-party state inspection and state-certified used vehicle arbitration confirmed the unrepaired defect, resulting in a binding vehicle buyback decision issued in my favor on September 15, 2026. there are x2 photos of motor. my photo prior to towing to dealership and the dealerships approximately a month later. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Oct 2, 2026 · Brakes, Transmission · 163,000 miles · NC

The contact owns a 2015 Ram 1500. While driving at an undisclosed speed, the ABS, traction control, and several other unknown warning lights illuminated. On a separate occasion, the transmission failed to shift out of park(P). The contact manually unlocked the automatic gearbox and shifted the transmission into neutral(N) before shifting out of park(P). The vehicle was taken to the dealer and DTC: C2200-49; was retrieved. The dealer determined that the ABS module needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure by phone, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 163,000.

Filed Aug 10, 2026 · Electrical, Transmission · 137,700 miles · TX

The contact owns a 2019 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated shortly afterwards. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the transmission failed to shift out of first gear. The message “Slow Down - Service Shifter” was displayed. The contact associated the failure with TSB: (23-029-22 Rev. A); and referenced an extended warranty coverage. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and produced DTC: U0645 - Lost Communication with Active Air Dam Module. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 137,700.

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 18, 2026 · Transmission · 214,000 miles · FL

The contact owns a 2017 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle unexpectedly failed to shift into gear properly, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that while the vehicle was stopped, after depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle unexpectedly reversed. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and shut off, the vehicle unexpectedly started rolling away while parked on a hill at the residence, and the parking brake was engaged. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and DTC: P0814-000; for transmission failure was retrieved. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 214,000.

Filed Jul 17, 2025 · Electrical, Transmission · 154,000 miles · TX

The contact owns a 2019 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving on the highway at 60 MPH the messages "Service Air Bag System", "Service Electric Stability Control", "Service Trailer Brake System", "Service Park Brake", "Service Anti-Lock Brake System" and "Service Power Steering" were displayed and several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that soon after, the transmission failed to shift into gears as intended, and the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The contact also stated that while driving and making turns the transmission will slip into neutral(N) upon depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact stopped the vehicle, shifted to park(P), shifted back to drive(D) and drove to the residence. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the Electric Harness and RF Hub had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage approximately 154,000.

Filed Apr 11, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · AZ

While driving down a curving mountain highway above 70 mph, the gauge cluster displayed “shift to park” or “shift to drive” I don’t recall exactly. The transmission then downshifted dramatically, perhaps into 3rd gear, then the motor shut off.Thankfully, I successfully merged through heavy traffic to the narrow shoulder but the truck would not restart. After over 30 minutes of attempts (fuel tank above half)I called a tow truck. My family climbed up the hill to get a safe distance from the road. It was cold and dark and things could have gone much worse. Ram owners on internet forums have described this exact problem many times and it’s clear that this is a wide spread safety issue. This is the second time the truck had lost power while driving in the same manner. The first time the dealer could not replicate the issue while it was under warranty and returned it to service. No I’m out of warranty, need a new transmission at largely my own expense and there are zero available in the country. The dealer has my truck for an “indefinite” time period.

Filed Apr 11, 2025 · Transmission · 28,000 miles · SC

The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 24V754000 (VISIBILITY). The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle started to lose power. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact towed the vehicle to a dealer where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The transmission and the clutch pack were replaced; however, the vehicle started leaking transmission fluid from a hole in the transfer case. The contact stated there was no way of knowing that the transfer case had a hole during regular maintenance services. The dealer informed the contact the repair was not covered under warranty. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 28,000.

Filed Mar 11, 2025 · Engine, Transmission · MI

Since purchase of the vehicle, I have experienced transmission surges and low power and fuel economy. When decelerating to a stop or U turn and the vehicle is in ECO, right before full stop, the RPMs will drop to 300-500 and surge back up to 1500-1800 causing a lunge forward. Vehicle has been in 6 times for a persistent transmission surge paired with low power and fuel economy. Dealer has replaced the valve body, transmission control module, wiring, and complete transmission replacement. I can reproduce the issue everyday near my place of employment and have video evidence of the issue. Additionally, since the transmission was replaced, when going 10+ miles on the highway, the engine cooling fan runs full out and fuel economy plumets.