Check a VIN

Ram 3500 harsh shifting problems

21 of the 2,370 owner complaints about the Ram 3500 describe harsh or hard shifting, most of them for the 2022 model year.

owner complaints
21
worst model year
2022
typical mileage
3,500
Is there a fix? There are 6 recalls for this area of the car. See below

By model year

  • 2023
    1
  • 2022
    15
  • 2021
    1
  • 2020
    1
  • 2019
    2
  • 2017
    1

What owners say

Filed Mar 11, 2025 · Steering · 42,000 miles · AZ

The contact owns a 2022 Ram 3500. The contact stated that while driving on a main street at 10 MPH and attempting to make a turn, the vehicle experienced a loss of steering. The contact stated that the steering linkage had disconnected. The contact stated there was a clunking sound underneath the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. Upon inspection, the contact noticed that a bolt securing the steering rod to the steering linkage had detached. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the steering linkage had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 42,000.

Filed Feb 21, 2025 · Engine, Fuel system · ID

Codes: P2002, P242F, P2463, P1451 Failures: DPF, Charge air cooler leak, PM sensors, EGR internally cracked, Catalytic Convertor, Pink tinged oil, strong diesel odor in oil - post failures. Erratic def gauge readings, unstable idling, clunking downshift when exhaust brake decelerates, warm up stumbling. Power reduced, see dealer (over and over and over and over). Limp Mode (5 MPH). Permanent ticks/taps from front left motor, front passenger wheel well, passenger side mid-truck. Extremely loose gear shifter plus an occasional “Vehicle Not in Part” message on the dash display. Manufacturers Service Center (local and ONLY Ram dealership) has reproduced the issue. Independent Diesel Mechanic shop also reproduced. Service center and Independent shop both inspected. The safety issues of a 5 MPH limp mode and risk of sudden engine stalls while driving in traffic, especially on an interstate should be fairly self explanatory… As is a constant “Power Reduced See Dealer” problem, when your truck is used to do what it’s designed to do… Tow large loads. As is an extremely loose gear shifter that doesn’t always properly register as “in Park”. The date listed below is simply the date of the very first occurrence. It’s not a representation of every date after. The most recent date was just last week.

Filed Oct 24, 2024 · Suspension · CA

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Vehicle was manufactured from the factory with defective frame/left upper coil spring mount causing the coil spring to move off it's locking perch making the coil spring unsecured to the vehicle frame. Yes, the vehicle available for inspection. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The defective coil spring mount allows the unsecured coil spring to move during travel with the potential of becoming dislodged from the vehicle which would cause complete suspension failure and the potential of loss of control of vehicle. This is especially true when towing. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? - Yes, the issue has been confirmed by the dealership and area engineer of Ram/Stellantis. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? - Yes, this have been inspected and confirmed by the dealership, area rep and area engineer of Ram/Stellantis. (See attached work orders) Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? - There were no warning lamps or messages, the very first symptom was just a squeaky spring type noise when driven off the lot after purchasing. That squeak intermittently continued until the squeak became a clunk and a metal on metal type noise and the vehicle didn't feel like it had equal suspension from left to right side of the vehicle. The dealership and area engineer for Ram/Stellantis stated the vehicle has a defective frame/coil mount, vehicle should not be driven on the highway, the vehicle should be repurchased by automaker and parted out/destroyed. This case has been going on for seven months, Ram/Stellantis has been stalling and unwilling thus far to repurchase the vehicle and take ownership of the defective manufactured vehicle.

Filed Sep 16, 2024 · Driver assistance, Transmission · CO

While driving around 20 mph, suddenly heard a clunk, then several dashboard warning lights came on. Truck suddenly had no torque- would only move forward if the engine was revved at much more than normal amount. Nearly complete loss of ability to accelerate from a stop/low speeds. Took to an independent service center who ran the ODB codes, showing the now well-known issue of "transmission failure gears 1-4" Warning lamps include the lane sense and check engine lights, and a message on the dash that reads ACC not available, Automatic high beams not available. Prior to this, no problems with the truck at all. I am trying to arrange getting it towed to a dealership.

Filed Aug 9, 2024 · Transmission · UT

Well traveling up a hill the transmission locked up shut the truck down had to hold the brakes to keep for rolling Backwards got the truck in park was able to restart it put it back in gear The transmission started making A loud grinding noise slammed in to gear really hard when I put it back in to drive then it Was it like it went into neutral again? Then it slammed into gear again was able to get the truck off the road and it Kept making the loud grinding and locking up then going into Neutral again.

Filed Jul 11, 2024 · Transmission · VT

Transmission had 2 loud clunk, while stopped, and shifting into drive, lost all forward gears. Reverse works. Truck has 17000 miles.

Filed Jun 11, 2024 · Engine, Transmission · WA

I was driving coming to a stop for a red light and it turns green. As I go to press on the gas my dashboard lights up with error codes stating a 4WD System error of some kind. As I go to press on the gas the truck loses power and acceleration and starts making a horrible clunking noise. I took it to the dealer because it seems like a transmission issue. This is a 2022 Ram 3500 with 9300 miles at time of failure. I would hate to see what happens if I was towing a large load to lose power all of a sudden risking my life and others around me. Based on what I have researched it seems like a K1 Snap Ring issue to the T. Waiting on the "official" diagnosis from the dealer.

Filed Apr 11, 2024 · Transmission · MA

1, The Aisin AS68RC transmission failed. The dealership had to ship the defective complete back to Aisin . 2. On [XXX] with only 2,886K miles while on Interstate [XXX] in Boston Massachusetts . I just entered the highway and was getting into the middle lane getting up to high way speed. The Tachometer shot up in rpm’s and there was no more forward gear. I was doing about 50-60mph. I had to cost from the middle lane to the brake down lane with my 20’ trailer in tow in heavy traffic. Once in the brake down lane I was able to go in reverse but couldn’t go forward. Loud clunking when put into gear and trying to move forward. 3. The vehicle was towed to the dealership from [XXX] that night to Herb Chambers Millbury Ram and confirmed transmission failure. 4. Aisin sent a complete transmission assembly to the dealership for installation. So the dealership inspected it. 4. There were NO warning lights before transmission failure. I did notice the truck felt Rough over 40 mph before transmission failure since I picked it up brand new from the dealer. Absolutely NO warning light/ indicator prior to Transmission failure!!!! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Oct 11, 2023 · Transmission · NM

Driving vehicle and lost power went into limp mode had no gears forward Truck would not go over 1500 rpm Check engine light came on Kept saying 4 wheel drive not available but was in 2 wheel drive Hear clunk when shifting but no gears respond! Occurred when driving definitely a safety issue

Filed Aug 8, 2023 · Transmission · NV

On 7/22/23 we were driving out to a trail head in the Grand Staircase-Escalante on a dirt/gravel road over a washboard at the time of failure. We were about 2-3 miles in on a 14 mile journey. It was 111 degrees and we were possibly going to have no cell service soon. Suddenly the 4WD system Temporary unavailable appears on the screen. Then I was able to push the 2wd button and it made a very load clunking sound. I was able to turn the truck around and barely got the truck up to 45 mph back to where we were staying. When we came to a stop the truck would rev and barley move. The check engine light came on with P0732-00 and P0731-00. It had failure to the transmission to the K1 Clutch Snap Ring (Ram has known about this and issued a service bulletin on 1/11/23 to all their dealers) I feel our safety was put at risk due to the temperature, possible no cell phone service and Ram has known about the problem but hasn't warned their customers. The truck was finally towed on 7/24/23 around 3 pm from Page, AZ to Flagstaff, AZ to Planet Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram. They confirmed on 7/27/23 that the K1 Clutch Snap Ring had failed in the transmission. The truck was inspected by Ram. Ram roadside, Ram customer service, Planet Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, AAA and Geico were all notified. No warning lamps or messages appeared until failure. Ram has known about this problem with the 2022 - 2023 Ram 3500 4500 5500 with the Aisin transmission. I purchased this truck so we wouldn't have problems on our vacation. We were left stranded in Page, AZ with our 5th wheel trailer. No help from Ram to get my family and our trailer back to Reno, NV. The dealership and Ram never even responded to any of my calls until Wednesday 7/26/23. We had to rent a truck in Salt Lake City, UT after driving 800 miles round trip. We need to still get our truck back and the rental from Enterprise Truck, they will not allow us to have a one-way rental. As of now we have no update of when the truck will be ready

Related recalls

Power train: manual transmissionReported June 6, 2024 · 214 vehicles affected
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 transmissionReported November 10, 2022 · 250,079 vehicles affected
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 transmissionReported January 24, 2020 · 87,431 vehicles affected
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 transmissionReported February 8, 2018 · 180,462 vehicles affected
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 shiftReported December 20, 2017 · 1,482,874 vehicles affected
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

Power train: transfer case (4-wheel drive)Reported July 1, 2016 · 889 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2016 Ram 3500 trucks manufactured July 24, 2015, through January 7, 2016, and 2016 Ram 4500/5500 trucks manufactured July 24, 2015, through October 8, 2015. The transfer case may have been manufactured with a misshapen main output shaft, creating voids that may cause a shaft fracture.
Risk
If the main output shaft fractures, the vehicle may lose motive power, increasing the risk of a crash. Additionally, the driver may be unable to place the vehicle in PARK, increasing the risk of a vehicle rollaway.
Remedy
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the transfer case, free of charge. The recall began on August 11, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S48.

Recall number 16V495000 · Recall details

Questions about the Ram 3500 harsh shifting

Which Ram 3500 years have harsh or hard shifting problems?

The model years with the most reports are 2022 (15 complaints), 2019 (2 complaints) and 2017 (1 complaints).

VIN decoder

See the problems and recalls for an exact car

Buying a used Ram 3500?

Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.

Check its history