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Ram 3500 won't shift problems

42 of the 2,371 owner complaints about the Ram 3500 describe stuck in gear or won't shift, most of them for the 2022 model year.

owner complaints
42
worst model year
2022
typical mileage
60,000
Is there a fix? There are 6 recalls for this area of the car. See below

By model year

  • 2026
    1
  • 2025
    2
  • 2022
    13
  • 2020
    4
  • 2019
    6
  • 2018
    2
  • 2017
    2
  • 2016
    2
  • 2015
    3
  • 2014
    4
  • 2013
    3

Often reported together

Check engine light 15Transmission failure 6Loss of power 6Harsh shifting 3Stalling 2Won't start 1Wipers 1

Trouble codes mentioned

P0871 2P2463 1P2459 1P242F 1P2002 1P1451 1P0734 1P0731 1

What owners say

Filed Oct 8, 2026 · Steering, Transmission · 155,000 miles · PA · crash

The contact owns a 2013 Ram 3500. The contact stated that the vehicle became uncontrollable and was difficult to maneuver while driving on the road. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where the contact was informed that the part was to repair the vehicle was on back order. While driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle crashed into a ditch caused by a failure with the drag link. The contact stated that the shift interlock was fractured, causing the gear shifter to detach while the vehicle was driven. The vehicle became stuck in park(P). The vehicle was towed to a mechanic and was repaired with an aftermarket part. The contact stated that the dealer had not repaired the vehicle causing the failure. The customer care department was contacted but was unable to assist with the dealer. The contact was concerned that the aftermarket part might not meet the OE standards. The approximate failure mileage was 155,000.

Filed Aug 24, 2026 · Brakes, Electrical · NE

I have been submitting reports to you for several months with no resolution. The truck yet again experienced the same problem, twice, within 1 week. It would start but then claim that it couldn't detect what gear it was in and said "can't shut off until transmission is in park". After cutting electrical power to get it to shut off, it would not start. After getting it started, it would not go into gear. Once I got the engine running and transmission to go into gear, it no longer had ABS.

Filed May 10, 2026 · Electrical · AR

The truck had about 7400 miles on it. It gave a warning that the DPF was near full and take it to dealer, about 20 minutes late it said DPF full power reduced. Two days later it cleared that code and began flashing the turn signal intermittently and giving warnings that the trailer brakes were not working, then that the tailgate was down. Shortly after that the instrument cluster went completely blank. I was driving it to the dealer when it ran out of fuel and forced me to stop on the highway. The vehicle has been at the dealer for almost 4 months now. When they replaced the dash cluster it would take too long to start. They replaced multiple modules and I believe three dash clusters before declaring it repaired. I picked it up for a test drive and the frontal collision warning came on intermittently along with a warning that automatic wipers would not work. I took it back. While at the dealership they reported to me that it developed additional issues and would not shift into gear. It is still at the dealership in Pine Bluff AR.

Filed Apr 18, 2026 · Transmission · WA

While travelling in Southern California, I came to a stop to enter I8 on ramp. When I tried to start down the on ramp the truck didn’t want to move and a check engine light came on. The truck went into limp mode so would travel slowly along. I called Mango Auto who could diagnose it the following morning. I did not make it to the shop before the transmission failed completely and the truck wouldn’t move leaving me in traffic in a dangerous spot. Eventually I was towed to the shop in Yuma AZ. They diagnosed it as a complete transmission failure requiring a $10,000 replacement. FCA has issued an extended warranty, but my mileage is 16700 miles over. FCA has a technical bulletin on the issue with the Austin transmission, but has not but should have issued a recall. This failure To issue a recall left me stuck in a dangerous situation and could have resulted in a crash.

Filed Mar 23, 2026 · Engine · TX

### **the federal safety agency Complaint Statement of Facts** **RE: Recall Y43 (the federal safety agency Campaign 22V‑406) – Failure of Recall Remedy** **Summary:** The manufacturer (Stellantis/FCA) is refusing to provide a complete and effective remedy for **Recall Y43**. My 2022 Ram 3500 was manufactured without the **Particulate Matter (PM) Sensor**, a defect officially acknowledged in Recall Y43. This factory omission has caused terminal blockage of the **Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF)**—a specific consequential failure documented in the manufacturer's own recall filing. **Technical Argument:** 1. **Causal Link:** The official Y43 recall notice states: *"The PM sensor... may not have been installed... This could increase vehicle emissions and **block the diesel particulate filter**."* My vehicle currently suffers from the exact "blocked DPF" condition described. 2. **Ineffective Remedy:** Stellantis has offered to install the missing sensor (the Y43 part) but refuses to replace the ruined DPF. Installing a sensor on a filter already terminally blocked due to the sensor's absence is not an "effective remedy" under the **National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act**. 3. **Warranty Admission:** Per **TSB 09-014-22 (X97)**, the manufacturer has issued a 1-year unlimited mile warranty extension for the DPF specifically for vehicles affected by Y43. Refusing to replace a filter that failed *before* the recall was performed is an attempt to circumvent this warranty obligation. **Safety Risk:** The vehicle is currently in "Limp Mode" with a "Filter Full - Power Reduced" message. This creates an unreasonable safety risk of **stalling or loss of power** while operating on public highways, a condition explicitly mentioned in the Y43 safety report as increasing the risk of an accident. I am seeking an order for the manufacturer to replace the DPF as part of the Y43 recall remedy at no cost to the consumer. The manufacturer’s Case Manager has denied the claim and refused further communication

Filed Mar 4, 2026 · Electrical · 50,000 miles · FL

The contact owns a 2015 Ram 3500. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 MPH in the left lane, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle simultaneously went into LIMP Mode. The contact was able to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway. The contact was able to continue driving, but the vehicle failed to exceed 5 MPH. Upon arriving to the residence, the vehicle was scanned, and it was determined that the turbo charger actuator had failed and needed to be replaced. The contact purchased an aftermarket part and repaired the vehicle. The dealer was not contacted. The contact later became aware that the failure was related to Chrysler Extended Warranty Coverage Number: X99; however, the contact had not received a notification from the manufacturer. The contact requested reimbursement from the manufacturer; however, the reimbursement was denied because the vehicle was not repaired by a dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.

Filed Feb 24, 2026 · Transmission · OH

While entering the interstate highway and accelerating to merge into traffic the transmission would not shift properly and check engine light came with code p0871. I could not fully control the speed to keep up with traffic due to the erratic shifting of the transmission and was nearly rear ended by another vehicle also merging into traffic. This could have caused a multi vehicle accident at highway speed of 65 MPH. The p0871 code is transmission fluid pressure sensor / switch c circuit range/performance. There have been previous recalls with this transmission for the same problem but my vin was not listed. Transmission would not shift properly until code is reset with scan tool.

Filed Jan 8, 2026 · Electrical · OH

Trucks DEF Gauge malfunctioning goes from full, to half, to full, to empty, and then warns about going into limp mode. Filled with DEF and still doing it. Took in for repairs, company said they fixed it, but within 3 miles gauge was doing the same thing. This is a hazard as it will put the truck in limp mode. Known issue with many complaints, needs fixed

Filed Jan 6, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · TX

***1*** The emissions system on this truck (2022 Ram 3500 with 34,435 miles) has been problematic since I acquired it 5 months ago. It continually attempts to regenerate and rid itself of ash/soot buildup. If it does not successfully regenerate, it will go into a state of reduced power, also known as limp mode. The truck is available for inspection and will be at Lithia CDJR in Corpus Christi tomorrow, 07 Jan 2026. ***2*** Today specifically, the truck flashed a message EXHAUST FILTER NEARING FULL SAFELY DRIVE AT CONSISTENT SPEED TO CLEAR. I got on the highway to achieve this and avoid lights and stop/go traffic. It typically takes around 25 minutes of consistent driving for it to clear. But today, shortly after I reached highway speeds, the truck entered limp mode, displaying EXHAUST FILTER FULL REDUCED POWER SEE DEALER. This was a very alarming incident that created a bottleneck on the highway and presumably for me to nearly be rear ended as it happened at 5:35pm. I was able to safely make it off of the highway, however this incident has put the lives of all motorists on the road around me today in danger. ***3*** The truck has been inspected numerous times by the dealership. The Diesel Particulate Filter was replaced on 01 October 2025 (this was the first time the truck went into limp mode on me). The frequent regenerations continued after the DPF replacement and a sensor was replaced on 29 October 2025. Regens continue at approximately 1 per week. ***4*** This is a known issue amongst the community of RAM truck owners. It's unfortunate that many do not report it because the safety issue could easily set off a chain reaction, especially if this heavy duty truck were to be towing a heavy load as it capable of doing.

Filed Oct 21, 2025 · Wheels · 170,000 miles · WI

The contact owns a 2017 Ram 3500. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH through a Construction Zone, the front passenger’s side tire independently detached. No warning light was illuminated. On another occasion, while the contact’s husband was driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact's husband noticed that the gear shifter was loose, and the vehicle was stuck in park. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 21V398000 (Wheels); however, it failed to prevent a failure. The local dealer was contacted, and the vehicle was diagnosed with 4 loosened lug nuts on the driver’s side rear wheel. Additionally, there were 7 stretched front driver’s side lug nuts, and 2 stretched lug nuts on the rear passenger’s side of the vehicle. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle was previously taken to the same local dealer; however, the cause of the failure was not yet identified. The vehicle was repaired partially at the consumer's expense. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000.

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 won't shift

Which Ram 3500 years have stuck in gear or won't shift problems?

The model years with the most reports are 2022 (13 complaints), 2019 (6 complaints) and 2014 (4 complaints).

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