Transmission Slipping
Ram 2500 slipping problems
19 of the 5,167 owner complaints about the Ram 2500 describe transmission slipping, most of them for the 2018 model year.
- owner complaints
- 19
- worst model year
- 2018
- typical mileage
- 35,000
Is there a fix? There are 6 recalls for this area of the car. See below
By model year
- 20241
- 20231
- 20221
- 20202
- 20192
- 20185
- 20171
- 20161
- 20151
- 20143
- 20131
Often reported together
Transmission failure 4Check engine light 2Whining noise 1Steering noise 1Overheating 1Loss of power 1Jerking 1Harsh shifting 1
What owners say
The transmission is slipping and making clunking noises and I'm worried it fails while driving it could be a safety issue. I noticed other people online mention the same problem. This should be a manufacture recall to get repaired not a consumer.
We took a trip from Daleville, Alabama to Las Vegas, Nevada. Before we left, We took my 2019 RAM 2500 Bighorn diesel pickup to our local Ram dealership, Mitchel Chrysler Dodge in Enterprise, Alabama to have it inspected, to make sure there wouldn't be any problems along the way. They cleared it, and said there was nothing wrong with the vehicle. On my way, the steering wheel position started slipping to the left. after that, I received a waning on my dash that said " electronic stability control". So I took it to the closest RAM dealership, in Lawton Oklahoma, and they stated "needs a steering Gearbox replacement" and it would take two weeks to get the part, and then fix it. They told me it would be safe to drive. When I got to Las Vegas, at that point it was at the seven O'clock position. We took it to Chapman RAM dealership and they told me it was a loose jam nut and it had stripped the drag link. During the diagnosis they broke they clockspring on the air bag. They quoted that to fix the vehicle it would cost over three thousand dollars! They said it would not be covered on my mopar extended warranty. So I began researching it and found the recall- V06/the federal safety agency 19V‑021 drag link for 2017-2018 (DJ) RAM 2500 pickup. My RAM was built in June of 2019. How can this still be a problem 6 months later after the recall ended? My safety and the safety of others could have been compromised if the drag link would have completely pulled out. I could have lost control of the vehicle and it could have caused a serious crash ending in injury or death to myself, and others.
Bought the truck brand new. After 8k miles front tires started cupping. Took it in and was told it was simply due to "soft" factory tires. After 17k miles tires were gone and bought a more expensive higher mileage warranty tire. Rotated tires at 7k miles, After about 3k miles same thing happened. Had an alignment done prior to the new tires and was told it was perfect. All signs point to alignment or front end suspension, ball joint or tie rods. After 3 days sitting in the shop I was once again told nothing is wrong, alignment is perfect and it was my fault, either driving habits, not rotating tires every 2500 miles, ect. After picking the truck up and driving less than 20 miles the transmission started slipping. Call the dealership about the concern and they have ceased communication. Was advised to go online for an appointment which is more than 2 weeks out. Upon reviewing the specs for the alignment, it appears they are relying on specs for a standard ram 2500 vs a ram rebel which has a factory lift with different specs. I did question this and was told the alignment is perfect. The dealership takes no responsibility nor any urgency with catastrophic issues
While driving the truck seems to jolt when trying to get into the next gear or it seems to be slipping a gear. At times the truck will stay in a gear too long and not switch over in a timely manner or it it will switch gears too quickly. The dealership and another quote says it seems it could be the transmission valve plate and solenoid all the way up to a new transmission is needed. The truck has only 53,000 miles and maintained routine oil Changes and maintenance. I would like to see if there is a recall or one needed because I have never owned vehicle that needed a transmission at 53,000. That’s insane.
The contact owns a 2014 Ram 2500. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the vehicle started to jerk, slipped into neutral, with the RPM being raised abnormally. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and continued driving the vehicle very slowly. The vehicle was taken to a local AutoZone to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that 5th and 6th gears were in incorrect gear ratio. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 177,038.
The transmission failed and is available for inspection. The vehicle lost power at 60 mph in an instant as transmission began to slip on a busy road truck would barely move. The problem was reproduced by the dealer and confirmed. Inspection upcoming. Check engine light went on.
The truck would not go above 40 mph, then the transmission began slipping, slowing the truck down to 20 mph. This happened while pulling my camper. This put us at risk of collision. The truck is going to the dealer on Weds, Aug 14. The vehicle has yet to be inspected, but will be at the dealer on Aug 14. No warning lights.
Bought secondhand at auction with low mileage. Had checked outbytrusted mechanic, all was well. Vehicle records showed brand new transmission on truck. Transmission slipped after service. From July 2022 to today (December 2023) have had to replace transmission FOUR TIMES at great expense. Went to dealership and found no recall notice, they are offering to purchase truck for $7500 cash. Purchase price was approximately $33000 plus about $15,000 in repairs/new transmission replacements and cost of rental vehicle in the thousands as this was a truck purchased for a business. Please issue a recall for this vehicle! This has put a huge dent in our small business and we still don’t have a functional truck!
At around 16000 miles the transmission began to slip and catch aggressively. RMPs would raise up to around 3000 before it slams into the next gear. Dealership stated they ran a computerized test and found no issues.
Related recalls
Power train: automatic transmission: control module (TCM/PCM/tecm)
- What is wrong
- Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2023-2026 Ram 2500 Pick up trucks. A software error in the powertrain control module may improperly allow the vehicle speed to exceed the tire speed rating, which can result in a loss of vehicle control.
- Risk
- Loss of vehicle control increases the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will update the powertrain control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 21, 2026. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. FCA's number for this recall is 43D. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on beginning May 14, 2026.
Recall number 26V288000 · Recall details
Power train: manual transmission
- What is wrong
- Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2023 Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500 vehicles. An insufficient weld in the transmission control unit can allow transmission fluid to leak on to electrical components, resulting in a loss of drive power or loss of park function.
- Risk
- A loss of drive power or a loss of park function increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the valve body and control unit, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expecting to be mailed July 26, 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 63B.
Recall number 24V413000 · Recall details
Power train: automatic transmission
- What is wrong
- FCA US, LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Ram 2500 and 2020-2022 Ram 3500 vehicles. A build-up of pressure and heat inside the transmission may result in a transmission fluid leak from the dipstick tube.
- Risk
- Leaking transmission fluid may contact an ignition source within the engine compartment, increasing the risk of a fire.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the transmission dipstick and transmission vent assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 29, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is ZA3.
Recall number 22V835000 · Recall details
Power train: automatic transmission
- What is wrong
- Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ram 2500 and 3500 Pickup vehicles equipped with six-speed automatic (68RFE) transmissions. A build up of pressure and heat inside the transmission may result in a transmission fluid leak from the dipstick tube.
- Risk
- The leaking transmission fluid may contact the turbocharger or another ignition source within the engine compartment, increasing the risk of a fire.
- Remedy
- Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the transmission valve body separator plate and reprogram the powertrain control module. The recall began March 2, 2020. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is W03.
Recall number 20V043000 · Recall details
Power train: automatic transmission
- What is wrong
- Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2017-2018 RAM 1500, 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis, 4500 Cab Chassis, and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles, 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 Body Control Module software. Dealers will also test the BTSI operation, replacing the solenoid as necessary. The recall began February 26, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U11.
Recall number 18V100000 · Recall details
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
Questions about the Ram 2500 slipping
Which Ram 2500 years have transmission slipping problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2018 (5 complaints), 2014 (3 complaints) and 2019 (2 complaints).
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