Dodge RAM Power Train Problems
Owners have filed 560 complaints with NHTSA about power train problems on the Dodge RAM across 15 model years. The 1996 model year has the most (135).
- 560power train complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 27mention a crash
- 11mention an injury
- 6related recalls
- $3,750typical repair cost reported by owners
- 45%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
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 at $3,750, and half of them between $2,100 and $4,600.
Based on 13 NHTSA complaints about this problem alone that state a repair bill or quote (1999–2004), 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 79 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 560 complaints, 27 mention a crash, 14 a fire, 11 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 (6)
Power train:clutch assembly:pedal/hand lever(motorcycle)
Model years: 2009
Problem: Chrysler is recalling 504 my 2009 dodge ram 2500/3500 pickup trucks heavy duty cab chassis with manual transmission and power adjustable pedal package. The clutch pedal connecting rod to the clutch master cylinder may separate from the master cylinder. This may not allow disengagement of the clutch when the pedal is depressed, which could result in unintended vehicle movement.
Risk: Increased stopping distance and engine stalling may occur increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the clutch master cylinder hydraulic system free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during april 2009. Owners may contact chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Power train:driveline:driveshaft
Model years: 2007
Problem: On certain two wheel drive trucks equipped with manual transmissions, the front driveshaft yoke may break under certain driving conditions.
Risk: This could result in a loss of vehicle control and cause a crash without warning.
Fix: Dealers will replace the driveshaft free of charge. The recall began on october 22, 2007. Owners may contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Power train:axle assembly
Model years: 2002
Problem: On certain 4x4 pickup trucks, the rear axle flange weld to the axle tube could fatigue and allow the brake caliper assembly to rotate.
Risk: During rotation, the brake line could separate from the caliper resulting in a brake fluid loss in the rear brake hydraulic system.
Fix: Dealers will install rear brake caliper reinforcements on the rear axle assemblies. Owner notification began december 9, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Power train:clutch assembly
Model years: 1999
Problem: Vehicle description: pickup trucks equipped with gasoline engines and manual transmissions. The underbody hydraulic clutch line heat shield is too short, allowing the plastic clutch line material to be directly exposed to exhaust temperatures. It is possible to exceed the melting temperature of the clutch line material.
Risk: If the line melts, hydraulic fluid can leak onto the vehicle exhaust and cause an underbody fire.
Fix: Dealers will install the proper length heat shield.
Power train:clutch assembly
Model years: 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999
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
Model years: 1995, 1996, 1997
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.
The contact owns a 2009 Dodge Ram. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V038000 (POWER TRAIN); and the vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be inspected, and it was confirmed that the vehicle qualified for the buyback option under the recall. After contacting the dealer…
The contact owns a 2005 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that while her husband was driving 40 MPH, the vehicle abruptly came to a complete stop in the middle of the roadway. After a visual inspection, the driver observed that the draft shaft had become disconnected. No warning lights were…
The contact owns a 2005 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH the vehicle had nearly come to a stop as if the brake pedal had been depressed. The contact stated that his foot had been on the accelerator pedal and he had tried to accelerate but the vehicle was not…
The contact owns a 2010 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 MPH, there was a loud bang underneath the vehicle. The contact stated that the rear axle was completely locked in position, causing the rear wheels to start dragging while the contact was pulling to the side of…
The contact owns a 2005 Dodge Ram. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V796000 (Power Train) however, the failure recurred. Additionally, while the contact was turning at 10 MPH, the axle snapped. The vehicle lost motive power and had to be…
Frequently asked questions
Do all Dodge RAMs have power train problems?
No. NHTSA has 560 owner complaints about power train for the Dodge RAM. 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 power train?
Yes: 6 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?
Owners report a typical cost of $3,750 (half paid between $2,100 and $4,600), from 13 complaints that state a repair bill or quote, in 2026 dollars.
Other Dodge RAM problems
See all Dodge RAM problems.