RAM 2500 Power Train Problems
Owners have filed 456 complaints with NHTSA about power train problems on the RAM 2500 across 14 model years. The 2018 model year has the most (75). The words owners use most often: “chrysler dodge” (6% of reports).
- 456power train complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 26mention a crash
- 9mention an injury
- 7related recalls
- 42%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.
- Chrysler dodge: mentioned in 26 of 456 complaints (6%)
At what mileage do power train problems happen?
Based on 205 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 456 complaints, 26 mention a crash, 9 a fire, 9 an injury.
RAM 2500 power train complaints by model year
| Model year | Power Train complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 2500 | 3 | 11% | — |
| 2025 2500 | 7 | 11% | 15,000 |
| 2024 2500 | 7 | 12% | — |
| 2023 2500 | 6 | 12% | — |
| 2022 2500 | 50 | 28% | 9,900 |
| 2021 2500 | 25 | 23% | — |
| 2020 2500 | 20 | 12% | 7,250 |
| 2019 2500 | 29 | 15% | 6,620 |
| 2018 2500 | 75 | 3% | 30,000 |
| 2017 2500 | 42 | 6% | 47,518 |
| 2016 2500 | 64 | 25% | 25,500 |
| 2015 2500 | 44 | 20% | 40,000 |
| 2014 2500 | 62 | 18% | 43,984 |
| 2013 2500 | 22 | 12% | 64,000 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (7)
Power train:automatic transmission:control module (tcm/pcm/tecm)
Model years: 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026
Problem: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2023-2026 Ram 2500 Pick up trucks. A software error in the powertrain control module may improperly allow the vehicle speed to exceed the tire speed rating, which can result in a loss of vehicle control.
Risk: Loss of vehicle control increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will update the powertrain control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 21, 2026. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is 43D. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning May 14, 2026.
Electrical system: instrument cluster/panel; power train:automatic transmission:gear position indication (prndl)
Model years: 2025
Problem: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain Ram 2500 and Ram 3500 vehicles equipped with a 3.5" cluster and column shifter. A software error may cause the gear selection display to be inaccurate. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 101, "Control and Displays."
Risk: An inaccurate gear selection display may mislead the driver as to what gear is actually selected, leading to unexpected vehicle movement and increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will update the cluster software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 22, 2025. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is 36C.
Power train:manual transmission; power train:automatic transmission
Model years: 2023
Problem: 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.
Fix: 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.
Power train:automatic transmission
Model years: 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023
Problem: 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.
Fix: 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.
Power train:automatic transmission
Model years: 2019, 2020
Problem: 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.
Fix: 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.
Power train:automatic transmission
Model years: 2017, 2018
Problem: 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.
Fix: 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.
Power train:automatic transmission:lever and linkage:column shift
Model years: 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017
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.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
My driver side rear tire blew out on my new 26 Ram 2500, with approximately 6500 miles on it. Yes, it's available for inspection. The sidewall blew out violently throwing rubber across 3 lanes just after reaching speed limit of 65 MPH with moderate traffic I had just fueled, approx. 3/4 of a mile…
Subject: URGENT â RAM 2500 Shutdown / Near Accident / Case #XXX Hey [XXX], The truck shut down AGAIN tonight, XXX, and I nearly got into an accident. I recorded another video and called RAM to open Case #XXX. I plan to return it tomorrow morning; please coordinate safe transport. This has been…
I am writing to formally follow up regarding complaint/case number 97989810 through Dodge and to request that this matter be elevated for a complete technical review concerning my 2021 Ram 2500 6.7L Cummins, VIN [XXX]. Time - Line PRIOR FACTORY-WARRANTY REPAIR The XXX factory-warranty repair is an…
My 2018 Ram 2500 has a safety recall (C4B/NHTSA 24V - 896) for BRAKES AND TRACTION CONTROL and the remedy for this condition is "NOT CURRENTLY AVAILABLE" ??? I have contacted FCA recall assistance center and 2 different dealers and they all are "SORRY" but say there is nothing they can or will do…
There is a known issue with the Ram Power Wagon locking differential system where the electronic locking differential wiring harness will fault one of three ways. The first being that the wiring harness is two short so when the rear axle articulates there isn't enough slack therefore causing the…
Frequently asked questions
Do all RAM 2500s have power train problems?
No. NHTSA has 456 owner complaints about power train for the 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 RAM 2500 power train?
Yes: 7 safety recalls list power train. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
What do owners say about power train problems on the RAM 2500?
The most frequent phrase is “chrysler dodge”, in 26 of 456 complaints.
Other RAM 2500 problems
See all RAM 2500 problems.