Dodge RAM 2500 Power Train Problems
Owners have filed 613 complaints with NHTSA about power train problems on the Dodge RAM 2500 across 18 model years. The 2004 model year has the most (110). The words owners use most often: “automatic transmission” (9% of reports).
- 613power train complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 85mention a crash
- 24mention an injury
- 3related recalls
- $3,200typical repair cost reported by owners
- 50%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Automatic transmission: mentioned in 54 of 613 complaints (9%)
- Transfer case: mentioned in 34 of 613 complaints (6%)
How much does it cost to fix?
Owners who wrote down what they paid or were quoted put the typical power train repair on the Dodge RAM 2500 at $3,200, and half of them between $1,200 and $5,750.
Based on 20 NHTSA complaints about this problem alone that state a repair bill or quote (1999–2019), converted to 2026 dollars with the U.S. consumer price index. These are owners' own figures, not a quote: they include dealer quotes, and owners who file complaints often faced larger repairs, so they can run higher than typical shop prices. Prices vary by shop, region and warranty coverage. How we calculate this.
At what mileage do power train problems happen?
Based on 373 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 613 complaints, 85 mention a crash, 11 a fire, 24 an injury.
Dodge RAM 2500 power train complaints by model year
| Model year | Power Train complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 RAM 2500 | 35 | 12% | 48,250 |
| 2011 RAM 2500 | 16 | 5% | 44,761 |
| 2010 RAM 2500 | 13 | 6% | 118,000 |
| 2009 RAM 2500 | 6 | 3% | 37,500 |
| 2008 RAM 2500 | 20 | 6% | 79,000 |
| 2007 RAM 2500 | 17 | 5% | 64,621 |
| 2006 RAM 2500 | 37 | 6% | 80,000 |
| 2005 RAM 2500 | 63 | 15% | 25,000 |
| 2004 RAM 2500 | 110 | 19% | 26,200 |
| 2003 RAM 2500 | 55 | 8% | 12,000 |
| 2002 RAM 2500 | 19 | 12% | 65,000 |
| 2001 RAM 2500 | 28 | 6% | 44,929 |
| 2000 RAM 2500 | 15 | 7% | 50,520 |
| 1999 RAM 2500 | 35 | 11% | 56,880 |
| 1998 RAM 2500 | 29 | 13% | 95,105 |
| 1997 RAM 2500 | 32 | 15% | 97,420 |
| 1996 RAM 2500 | 44 | 15% | 105,500 |
| 1995 RAM 2500 | 39 | 15% | 160,000 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (3)
Power train:automatic transmission:lever and linkage:column shift
Model years: 2010, 2011, 2012
Problem: 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.
Fix: 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.
Power train:automatic transmission:lever and linkage:column shift
Model years: 2003, 2004, 2005
Problem: On certain pickup trucks equipped with diesel engines and automatic transmissions, in an attempt to exit the vehicle quickly without shutting off the engine and removing the key, the driver may inadvertently leave the automatic transmission shift control in indicated reverse.
Risk: This error is an unintended action that may result in a lack of transmission park pawl engagement and possibly delayed rearward movement of the vehicle.
Fix: Dealers will perform a software modification to equip these vehicles with an out-of-park alarm. Owners may contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Power train:automatic transmission
Model years: 2004
Problem: On certain pickup trucks, the transfer case to transmission attaching fasteners may not be tightened correctly. This could cause the transmission adapter or transfer case housing to crack and leak fluid.
Risk: Continued operation can result in propeller shaft separation and damage to fuel system components, which could lead to a fuel leak. Fluid and/or fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source can cause an underbody fire.
Fix: Dealers will retighten the transfer case to transmission fasteners. Owner notification began on december 22, 2003. Owners should contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-992-1997.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
The contact owns a 2007 Dodge Ram 2500. The contact stated that it was difficult to shift the gear shifter out of park(P). The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was discovered that the vehicle could be shifted out of park(P) without depressing the brake pedal. The contact was informed that…
The pickup has had issue with being very difficult to come out of park. Upon searching internet is seems this is very common and expensive to fix being one of two (or both) things. The shift cable linkage and bushings premature wear, or the valve body release allowing the shifter to be removed from…
Warped head / blown head gasket
Recall T79 or 17V-821 or break transmission shift pin stuck in open position. This is the 2nd time this has happened and serious damage has occurred to the vehicle. Dodge won't do anything about it. Vehicle was parked, turned off, no key. I came out of building and it shifted into gear on its own…
The contact owns a 2012 Ram 2500. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the vehicle rolled away. The contact was standing near the vehicle with the key fob. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The…
Frequently asked questions
Do all Dodge RAM 2500s have power train problems?
No. NHTSA has 613 owner complaints about power train for the Dodge RAM 2500. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the Dodge RAM 2500 power train?
Yes: 3 safety recalls list power train. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
How much does it cost to fix power train problems on the Dodge RAM 2500?
Owners report a typical cost of $3,200 (half paid between $1,200 and $5,750), from 20 complaints that state a repair bill or quote, in 2026 dollars.
What do owners say about power train problems on the Dodge RAM 2500?
The most frequent phrase is “automatic transmission”, in 54 of 613 complaints, followed by “transfer case” (34).
Other Dodge RAM 2500 problems
- Steering problems (1,914)
- Suspension problems (840)
- Structure problems (623)
- Air Bags problems (584)
- Electrical System problems (518)
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic problems (372)
- Engine and Engine Cooling problems (265)
- Exterior Lighting problems (263)
See all Dodge RAM 2500 problems.