2013 Ram 2500 transmission problems

Filed Nov 27, 2025 · Engine, Transmission · CA

Over time the transmission cooling line to the radiator was rubbing against another part in the engine compartment resulting in a hole in the line and eventually catastrophic failure of the line. This caused transmission fluid to be sprayed around the engine compartment and the roadway creating an environmental issue. This could cause loss of power, fire and damage to the environment. Online other users of same make model and year have reported the same issue.

Filed Sep 27, 2024 · Transmission · 116,000 miles · OR

The contact owns a 2013 Ram 2500. The contact stated while the vehicle was turned off and in park(P), the vehicle shifted into reverse after the contact’s son bumped into the column shifter. As a result, the vehicle rolled down hill coming to a complete stop after striking a fence post. The air bags did not deploy. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 17V821000 (Power Train); the VIN was included, but the vehicle had already been repaired. A Police report was not filed. No injury was reported. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance but informed the contact that the vehicle had previously been repaired under recall in 2019. The failure mileage was 116,000.

Filed Feb 19, 2021 · Transmission · 80,600 miles · WI

When pulling my key out after parking my vehicle and turning off the engine I am still able to shift gears with the key out of the ignition and my foot off the brakes

Filed Jan 14, 2020 · Transmission · 65,896 miles · WI

Truck goes into limp mode, changed transmission solenoid and it fixed it for about 11 months but now back in limp mode, ( stuck in 4 th) changed transmission solenoid approximately 11 months ago for same issue, now back in limp mode. ( won't shift past 4 th)

Filed Dec 23, 2019 · Transmission · 62,732 miles · DC · fire · 1 injury

Driver performed a pre-use walk around inspection on vehicle and observed no damage. Driver proceeded on to destination. Driver merged on to hwy 70 east and accelerated to the posted speed limit of 75mph and set the cruise control. With no other vehicles around the driver, on or around mile marker 184, the vehicle started to make a loud grinding sound and violently vibrated. The driver pressed the break to disengage the cruise control and looked at the center floorboard to investigate the problem when all at once the floorboard exploded sending shrapnel and debris upward. Flames were coming up from the floorboard immediately filled the cab with smoke. At the same time as the explosion occurred, both the driver side and passenger airbags deployed. With the airbags deployed and smoke filling the cab, the driver had zero visibility while the vehicle was still in motion. Using the remaining vehicle momentum, they steered to the right to get the vehicle off the road and was able to get the vehicle 90% off the road. They were unable to put the vehicle in park or remove the keys from the ignition. They turned on the hazard lights and evacuated the vehicle to a safe distance. From afar, the driver observed flames dripping from the bottom of the vehicle and with no extinguisher they contacted the police at 678-1234 and informed them of my name and the incident?in turn they instructed the driver to dial 911. After approximately 10 minutes, the white sands missile range fire rescue arrived and secured the scene rendering the vehicle fire safe and pushing it off the road. Vehicle towed to dealership.*dt*dt*dt

Filed Aug 9, 2019 · Acceleration, Engine · 91,000 miles · CO

My 2013 ram 2500 turbo diesel has experienced a failure of the turbo unit. Upon researching this, I found that this has been a documented problem with the cummins holset turbo. From 2007 - current this part has been failing causing the vehicle to limp home at 15mph without warning. Fortunately I was just leaving a parking lot and merging into traffic at 40mph when my vehicle began to stall, and I was able to pull of the road without incident. Why hasn't this been reported as a safety issue. I live in colorado where the speed is 75mph. What if this happened while I was on my way home via the interstate? I regularly take my vehicle in for oil & fluid changes along with the dealers 20 point inspection. No problem was ever presented to me. Apparently, the turbo gets a soot build up and the dealers don't address this known failure. I contacted chrysler about this problem and they know it's an issue. The fix for consumers is $5000.00. This is an unacceptable safety risk for ram truck owners.

Filed Jul 15, 2019 · Transmission · 139,000 miles · AR

While driving on the highway, the truck jerked, look and see it went into towing mode 4. Pulled over and tried to put it back into drive. I would not stay. I shut off the car and let it cycle then put it into drive. Stayed for 2 seconds and went right back into towing. Called the dealership to see if anything happened when they did 2 recalls the day before. They said it would not have anything to do with what happened. I was out of the area and asked if it would damage as I drove. I was told no, but it would use more gas. As I was driving back home the check engine light came on. The next day brought the truck in and was told it was the electri colenoid in the transmission.

Filed Apr 9, 2019 · Transmission · 130,000 miles · CA · fire

I was driving in the fast lane with no unusual noises or vibrations. All of my gauges were normal. All of a sudden, my pickup truck started shaking violently, and there was a clanging banging noise or sensation. I immediately put my blinker on and headed for the right side of the freeway. As I attempted to brake to slow down, it felt like I was losing power, , the truck was still shaking so I tightly grasped the wheel and cranked it over to the right side of the roadway, off of the pavement altogether. As soon as I was able to stop, I turned the key off. There was already smoke rising from the right front corner of the truck, then flames appeared. I grabbed what valuables I could and escaped the vehicle and called 911. By the time the fire department arrived, my pickup truck, a 2013 dodge ram 2500 diesel with barely 130,000 miles on it was totally gutted by the fire. My front drive line, drive shaft had broken off of the axle of the pickup hitting the brake line while it was bouncing around, causing ignition of the brake fluid. The drive line was found in the center of the freeway. The leaking brake fluid or transfer case fluid was burning on the ground. The fire gradually spread through the engine compartment then through the front and back of the crew cab pickup, destroying it.

Filed Jan 22, 2019 · Brakes, Transmission · 65,000 miles · OR

The e-brake keeps losing it adjustment and will not hold the truck when parked. It has a 6 speed manual transmission when driving will pot out of gear on rough roads and at time will not shift into reverse. I hand to dodge several times on this issue to no avail.

Filed Aug 15, 2018 · Transmission · 25,485 miles · CO · crash · 1 injury

On april 21, 2018, I pulled my 2013 ram 2500 4x4 out of my barn to go shopping. There was about 3 to 4 inches of snow on the ground. I put the truck into park and got out to close the barn door. After about 2 steps away from the driver's door, the truck started to roll. I turned around a tried to get to the controls to stop the truck. I was knocked down by the truck and run over by the drivers side tire and wheel. I sustained injuries to my left leg. I have found the shifter can indicate the vehicle is in park when in fact the shifter is sitting on the detent between park and reverse. I reported this issue to fiat chrysler automobiles (fca). Fca issued a recall over unintended rolling of their trucks. Fca knows there is an issue yet they want to sweep it under the carpet. I would not feel right if this safety issue is not address as the next person may not be as lucky as I was if their truck experiences unintended rolling. I believe this issue has the potential for loss of life and extensive property damage. A video of this can be found on youtube @ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e_nugo1ema4 I have still pictures if needed.