RAM 3500 Power Train Problems
Owners have filed 327 complaints with NHTSA about power train problems on the RAM 3500 across 15 model years. The 2022 model year has the most (114). The words owners use most often: “snap ring” (7% of reports).
- 327power train complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 11mention a crash
- 4mention an injury
- 7related recalls
- 34%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.
- Snap ring: mentioned in 23 of 327 complaints (7%)
- Aisin transmission: mentioned in 18 of 327 complaints (6%)
- Dead pedal: mentioned in 18 of 327 complaints (6%)
- Chrysler dodge jeep: mentioned in 17 of 327 complaints (5%)
At what mileage do power train problems happen?
Based on 120 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 327 complaints, 11 mention a crash, 4 a fire, 4 an injury.
RAM 3500 power train complaints by model year
| Model year | Power Train complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 3500 | 4 | 15% | 458 |
| 2025 3500 | 8 | 19% | 9,000 |
| 2024 3500 | 6 | 13% | — |
| 2023 3500 | 1 | 6% | — |
| 2022 3500 | 114 | 60% | 16,000 |
| 2021 3500 | 11 | 18% | 62,000 |
| 2020 3500 | 12 | 10% | 112,500 |
| 2019 3500 | 18 | 13% | 13,150 |
| 2018 3500 | 23 | 3% | 1,000 |
| 2017 3500 | 27 | 9% | 15,300 |
| 2016 3500 | 19 | 14% | 15,400 |
| 2015 3500 | 32 | 23% | 25,750 |
| 2014 3500 | 39 | 19% | 30,000 |
| 2013 3500 | 12 | 10% | 13,500 |
| 2009 3500 | 1 | 33% | 8,000 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (7)
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
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.
Power train:transfer case (4-wheel drive)
Model years: 2016
Problem: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2016 Ram 3500 trucks manufactured July 24, 2015, through January 7, 2016, and 2016 Ram 4500/5500 trucks manufactured July 24, 2015, through October 8, 2015. The transfer case may have been manufactured with a misshapen main output shaft, creating voids that may cause a shaft fracture.
Risk: If the main output shaft fractures, the vehicle may lose motive power, increasing the risk of a crash. Additionally, the driver may be unable to place the vehicle in PARK, increasing the risk of a vehicle rollaway.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the transfer case, free of charge. The recall began on August 11, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S48.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
The contact owns a 2013 Ram 3500. The contact stated that the vehicle became uncontrollable and was difficult to maneuver while driving on the road. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where the contact was informed that the part was to repair the vehicle was on back order. While driving…
All of my dash board light lit up. I stop the truck turn it off. when I get back in to drive it would not engage the transmission. No reverse No drive and the engine would not shut off. Happened about two weeks ago. the first time what in December, Same problem! they say it just needed a software…
Trucks ignition system does not work properly; manufacturer has no way to diagnose the problem. possible fire hazard? drive system, was not built to factory standards, dealer advised to not to drive out of fear of blowing up while driving down the road.
We were pulling camper to Nashville TN. We pulled off I24 toward I65 North. I noticed the engine was raving and it felt like I was missing gears on the transmission. I was roughly 4 miles from my destination when I noticed smoke coming from under the hood on passenger side and flames coming from…
The 2025 and 2026 dually 3500 Ram trucks with the 12" AAM rear axle are having issues with the rear wheel speed sensors (different sensor for each side). They apparently fail or are not able to properly communicate to the computer. When this happens, the following are disabled: -ABS -Auto Emergency…
Frequently asked questions
Do all RAM 3500s have power train problems?
No. NHTSA has 327 owner complaints about power train for the RAM 3500. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the RAM 3500 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 3500?
The most frequent phrase is “snap ring”, in 23 of 327 complaints, followed by “aisin transmission” (18).
Other RAM 3500 problems
- Service Brakes problems (767)
- Electrical System problems (374)
- Engine problems (246)
- Steering problems (214)
- Vehicle Speed Control problems (204)
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic problems (198)
- Fuel/propulsion System problems (136)
- Wheels problems (132)
See all RAM 3500 problems.