1995 Dodge RAM Power Train Problems

Source: NHTSA · Updated Jun 20, 2023 · 91 complaints analyzed

Owners have filed 91 complaints with NHTSA about power train problems on the 1995 Dodge RAM, 15% of all complaints for this model year. Half of the reports with a mileage happened before 99,869 miles. The words owners use most often: “transmission cooling” (12% of reports).

What owners describe

Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.

  • Transmission cooling: mentioned in 11 of 91 complaints (12%)

At what mileage do power train problems happen?

Based on 4 complaints that reported the odometer reading.

Under 10k miles0 · 0%
10k–25k miles0 · 0%
25k–50k miles0 · 0%
50k–75k miles1 · 25%
75k–100k miles1 · 25%
100k–150k miles2 · 50%
150k+ miles0 · 0%

How serious are the reports?

Of 91 complaints, 4 mention a crash, 4 a fire, 1 an injury.

Dodge RAM power train complaints by model year

Peak: 1996, with 135 complaints
1995: 911995911996: 1351351997: 711997711998: 80801999: 531999532000: 21212001: 502001502002: 17172003: 6200362004: 882005: 112005112007: 442008: 4200842009: 222010: 720107

n = 560 complaints · Source: NHTSA

Model yearPower Train complaintsShare of that yearMedian miles
2010 RAM726%22,300
2009 RAM222%60,000
2008 RAM416%40,000
2007 RAM424%59,436
2005 RAM1128%107,250
2004 RAM814%23,000
2003 RAM611%51,567
2002 RAM1715%60,000
2001 RAM5016%39,000
2000 RAM2114%57,000
1999 RAM5314%68,414
1998 RAM8017%65,699
1997 RAM7118%80,000
1996 RAM13522%75,000
1995 RAM9115%99,869

When owners reported it

Peak: 1996, with 15 complaints
1995: 9199591996: 151996151997: 141997141998: 141998141999: 9199992000: 132000132001: 7200172002: 5200252003: 2200322004: 2200422005: 120051

n = 91 complaints · Source: NHTSA

Related recalls (2)

Power train:clutch assemblyMay 6, 1999 · NHTSA campaign 99V115000 · 8,883 vehicles

Problem: Vehicle description: pickup trucks equipped with manual transmission, v10 engines and four-wheel-drive transfer cases. Under sustained maximum rated vehicle load, while driving up a steep grade in four-wheel-drive low range in hot ambient conditions, the local exhaust temperature proximate to the hydraulic clutch line can generate line temperatures that exceed the temperature limit of the clutch line material. If this condition occurs and the clutch is depressed, the line could rupture.

Risk: The fluid could ignite on the hot exhaust possibly resulting in a vehicle fire.

Fix: Dealers will replace the hydraulic clutch assembly.

Power train:automatic transmission:cooling unit and linesMay 5, 1997 · NHTSA campaign 97V084000 · 960,000 vehicles

Problem: Under certain high load operating conditions, the transmission fluid temperature can exceed the melting point of the material used in the connector to retain the fluid line to the transmission.

Risk: When these temperatures occur, the fluid line will not stay connected with the transmission and fluid can spray onto the exhaust manifold, resulting in smoke or fire.

Fix: Dealers will replace the high temperature side of the transmission fluid cooler line connector fittings with connectors that incorporate a stainless steel retainer.

What owners report

Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.

Transmission problems - not safe when pulling out into traffic! 1995 dodge ram pickup. *ak there was a problem with the oil pump as well. *sc

Received Feb 7, 2005 · NHTSA complaint 10108271

While parked on a incline, the vehicle shifted out of park without warning. This caused a minor vehicle collision. *jb

Received Aug 12, 2004 · NHTSA complaint 10087778

While driving transmission overdrive gear failed without warning. *ak

Received Jan 20, 2004 · NHTSA complaint 10055410
Dodge RAM
1981-1993 Dodge Ram photographed in USA.. Representative photo; appearance varies by model year. Photo: IFCAR, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.

Frequently asked questions

Do all 1995 Dodge RAMs have power train problems?

No. NHTSA has 91 owner complaints about power train for the 1995 Dodge RAM (15% of the 611 complaints for this model year). Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.

Was there a recall on the 1995 Dodge RAM power train?

Yes: 2 safety recalls list power train. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.

At what mileage do power train problems start?

The median reported mileage is 99,869 miles: half of the reports with a mileage came before that.

What do owners say about power train problems on the 1995 Dodge RAM?

The most frequent phrase is “transmission cooling”, in 11 of 91 complaints.

Other 1995 Dodge RAM problems

See all 1995 Dodge RAM problems or power train problems across all RAM years.