1996 Dodge RAM Power Train Problems
Owners have filed 135 complaints with NHTSA about power train problems on the 1996 Dodge RAM, 22% of all complaints for this model year. Half of the reports with a mileage happened before 75,000 miles. The words owners use most often: “transmission failed” (7% of reports).
- 135power train complaints
- 75,000median miles at failure
- 6mention a crash
- 2mention an injury
- 2related recalls
- 40%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.
- Transmission failed: mentioned in 10 of 134 complaints (7%)
- Please provide: mentioned in 9 of 134 complaints (7%)
- Rear axle: mentioned in 7 of 134 complaints (5%)
At what mileage do power train problems happen?
Based on 5 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 135 complaints, 6 mention a crash, 5 a fire, 2 an injury.
Dodge RAM power train complaints by model year
| Model year | Power Train complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 RAM | 7 | 26% | 22,300 |
| 2009 RAM | 2 | 22% | 60,000 |
| 2008 RAM | 4 | 16% | 40,000 |
| 2007 RAM | 4 | 24% | 59,436 |
| 2005 RAM | 11 | 28% | 107,250 |
| 2004 RAM | 8 | 14% | 23,000 |
| 2003 RAM | 6 | 11% | 51,567 |
| 2002 RAM | 17 | 15% | 60,000 |
| 2001 RAM | 50 | 16% | 39,000 |
| 2000 RAM | 21 | 14% | 57,000 |
| 1999 RAM | 53 | 14% | 68,414 |
| 1998 RAM | 80 | 17% | 65,699 |
| 1997 RAM | 71 | 18% | 80,000 |
| 1996 RAM | 135 | 22% | 75,000 |
| 1995 RAM | 91 | 15% | 99,869 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (2)
Power train:clutch assembly
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 lines
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.
While driving transmission failed to go from second to thid gear. Mechanic stated that the third gear lip seal failed. This was a common failure with these vehicles. *ak
Manufacturer defect could have caused an accident or even harm. *ph problems with vehicle not shifting properly. Vehicle was taken to dealership and the high clutch drum was replaced. *mr *jb *sc
My main complaint is the transmission. The pressure seal for second gear has been replaced 3 times. It lasts for about 30,000 miles and then goes. I've had to pay for the repair 2 out of 3 times. Approx 1400.00.. The last time i had parts put in that were not chrysler products.
Frequently asked questions
Do all 1996 Dodge RAMs have power train problems?
No. NHTSA has 135 owner complaints about power train for the 1996 Dodge RAM (22% of the 625 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 1996 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 75,000 miles: half of the reports with a mileage came before that.
What do owners say about power train problems on the 1996 Dodge RAM?
The most frequent phrase is “transmission failed”, in 10 of 134 complaints, followed by “please provide” (9).
Other 1996 Dodge RAM problems
See all 1996 Dodge RAM problems or power train problems across all RAM years.