449 of the
7,435 complaints filed about the RAM 2500
are about the transmission —
6% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2018.
449
Complaints
6%
Share of all complaints
26
Crashes
9
Fires
Transmission & Drivetrain complaints by model year
My family and I tow a 45 foot RV Toy Howler Fifth Wheel with the truck and the ABS and Traction control lights keep coming on. The RAM Dealer (Aventura) has been telling me for over a year that the parts are on back-order. I've tried to trade it in but the trade in offers have been very low since they know there's no repair parts. I'm very concerned about our safety since we take long trips into the mountains and this is constantly going on.
NHTSA complaint #11758292 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Premature lifter and cam failures on the 6.7 engines. Yes it can be inspected. Yes it was heard and confirmed by multiple dealers and sources. It can be an issue if the engine locks up when driving
NHTSA complaint #11756887 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 2500. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to shift into 4WD Low. The traction control and ABS warning lights were illuminated. The contact was concerned about the safety while driving the vehicle. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The local dealer was contacted and informed the contact that the part for the recall repair was on back order. The dealer added the contact to a waiting list. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.
NHTSA complaint #11756650 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Our 2025 Ram Rebel stalled on a 55-mph curve on a busy freeway. Fearful, I deliberately drifted the vehicle to the right side of the road looking for an emergency lane. The truck regained momentum and I drove it another 10 miles. Coming to a stop, I heard mechanical griding and felt the truck shudder. I drove it home. My husband took the truck, and the same griding and shuddering happened to him twice over a 15-minute period while driving on surface streets less than 20 mph. The truck did not stall on him. -We have been told by the dealership that the transfer case failed. The dealership is working to fix it. -My safety and those riding in my vehicle were put at significant risk due to the stall on the freeway and a transfer case failure. -The problem was confirmed by an official Ram dealer where we purchased the vehicle. -The transfer case failure has been inspected but the reason for the stalling has not been identified. -A warning light "Service 4WD" turned on each time we heard the grinding sound but then turned off. We bought the vehicle new, have owned it 11 months and it has $15,000 miles. All services have been conducted according to the maintenance schedule.
NHTSA complaint #11755809 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ABS, Traction controle and 4 wheel drive system shut down. the truck is sending code- C0031-1D directly related to C4B recall. The dealerships have no fix and offered no support or guidance but did agree that the truck is unsafe to drive as is.
NHTSA complaint #11754147 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2022 Ram 2500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle intermittently went into LIMP Mode and failed to accelerate as needed. The contact pulled over and turned off the vehicle. The failure failed to be self-corrected after the vehicle was restarted. The vehicle was taken to a transmission specialist, who was unable to duplicate the failure. The contact was informed that the failure was electrical, and an unknown sensor was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who discovered a leak in the transmission pump. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and directed the contact to the dealer to have the transmission replaced. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
NHTSA complaint #11750317 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The vehicle has experienced repeated failures of the variable geometry turbocharger (VGT) electronic actuator. The actuator intermittently fails to move the turbo vanes to their commanded position, resulting in fault codes related to turbocharger performance and actuator position. The failed actuator is currently installed on the vehicle and is available for inspection upon request. This failure creates a significant safety concern because the engine can suddenly lose turbocharger performance and enter a reduced-power or "limp mode" condition without warning. During these events, the vehicle experiences a substantial loss of acceleration and power, making it difficult to safely merge onto highways, pass slower traffic, or maintain speed while towing or traveling on grades. This unexpected reduction in power increases the risk of a rear-end collision or other traffic incident, particularly when operating in normal highway traffic. The condition has been reproduced multiple times and confirmed through diagnostic trouble codes. The issue is consistent with a malfunctioning VGT electronic actuator. Numerous other owners of 2013-2018 Ram 2500 and 3500 trucks equipped with the 6.7L Cummins engine have reported similar failures involving the electronic actuator, suggesting this is not an isolated incident. Prior to complete failure, the vehicle displayed intermittent warning symptoms including a Check Engine Light, reduced exhaust brake performance, and occasional turbocharger-related diagnostic trouble codes. The symptoms became progressively more frequent before the actuator ultimately failed to operate reliably. In some cases, cycling the exhaust brake temporarily restored operation, but the problem continued to return and worsened over time. The vehicle has been diagnosed using standard diagnostic equipment, and the fault has been confirmed through the presence of turbocharger actuator-related diagnostic codes.
NHTSA complaint #11749516 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Vehicle has not has cruise control, abs, traction/stability control for over 2 years. No traction control or stability in the winter is horrible. Not being able to control speed when traveling is inconvenient. The warning lamps illuminated and went away for weeks. Then randomly just stayed illuminated. Abs hydraulic pump has failed. The recall has been open for over a year and a half and no parts or remedy to fix it.
NHTSA complaint #11749276 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The ABS/HCU module failed. There is recall but no fix. There are no aftermarket parts available. This has been 2 years . I cannot use 4 wheel drive or cruise control. I cannot trade the truck in. Help I am stuck with no recourse. This is a safety Issue!
NHTSA complaint #11746762 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The Variable Geometry Turbo (VGT) actuator stuck and failed causing also the turbo fan to heat degradation that needed also to be replace. Cost of damage was $4680.00.
NHTSA complaint #11744926 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
This complaint notes two separate safety problems for the 2023 Ram 2500 Tradesman. 1) Transmission leak. "Heavy transmission leak" noted by dealer during normal service. Apparently so common that the seals are on back order. Was caught at 35453 miles so covered by warranty, but any issues related to the leak I am told will not be covered once they fix the leak. I have read this common leak has been known to cause pressure issues and fires. 2) Electrical issue related to key fob. Since the truck was brand new, an error message would light up the dash indicating "Key Fob not detected" This would happen when trying to start the truck and while driving. This has left me stranded several times from not starting the truck and having to wait an hour to get truck to recognize key fob. While driving, truck will go into limp mode until you park, turn off the truck, and restart with the same key fob. Have brought to the dealer many times. they state low battery. I pay for them to put in new battery. before I leave the dealership the problem still shows up. They have replaced the key fob twice now. The last time at 35453 miles. Dealer says Problem out of their control after 500 more miles at 36000 when warranty is up. If the truck stops working while driving because of key fob I am out of a truck? Both issues are safety concerns.
NHTSA complaint #11738397 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I parked in a lot for about 30 minutes while taking a short hike. When I returned and started the truck the dash was black, no gauges, no PRND indication, nothing and the warning lights in the mirrors stayed illuminated continuously. We were in a National monument and decided to try and get back to the visitor center for someplace safe. When I placed the vehicle in what should have been reverse the vehicle rolled back but only because it was on a slope. When I shifted to where drive should be nothing happened. I tried several times as we were now in the traffic lane on a curve. I went completely back to park then cycled to drive and it worked. On the drive to the visitor center I noticed that the blinkers did not work either. Also, what I thought were manual gauges like the speedometer and fuel gauge did not work. When we got to the visitor center the vehicle would not shift into reverse from drive. I had to go back to park and then to reverse. I was able to get the vehicle working by disconnecting the negative battery cable for about 5 minutes. This just happened today and we are 1500 miles from home so the vehicle has not been inspected. If another car would have come around the corner while we were disabled they would have hit us as it is a one way loop so only one traffic lane that we were in.
NHTSA complaint #11736206 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The transmission failed. Prior to the failure, the vehicle had an undiagnosed fluid leak believed to be coming from transmission-related hoses/lines. These hoses were replaced; however, the issue persisted and ultimately resulted in transmission failure. The failure occurred while the vehicle was in operation, which caused a sudden loss of power/drive capability. This created a hazardous situation, especially in traffic, as the vehicle was unable to accelerate or maintain speed, increasing the risk of a collision. The fluid leak and subsequent transmission failure were inspected by a service center. The leaking hoses were identified and replaced; however, this repair did not resolve the underlying issue, and the transmission ultimately failed. No indication of symptoms of failure prior.
NHTSA complaint #11735675 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The 68RFE automatic transmission in this 2021 Ram 2500 6.7L Cummins fails to engage reverse when the transmission reaches operating temperature. When the gear selector is placed in reverse and the accelerator is applied, the engine revs but the truck does not move. The defect is intermittent and temperature-dependent, which means it cannot be predicted or avoided by the driver. The vehicle is used to tow an enclosed cargo trailer weighing approximately 7,000 pounds.The safety risk: inability to engage reverse on demand creates a hazard in any situation requiring reverse motion, including backing away from a stopped vehicle, reversing out of a fuel station, backing a loaded trailer at a campground or boat ramp, or executing an evasive reverse maneuver. With a trailer attached, loss of reverse function can leave the truck and trailer stranded in active traffic lanes or at intersections.The defect was first reported to a dealer in August 2023 with diagnostic trouble code P2701 stored (Friction Element B implausible pressure, internal transmission fault). The code was logged but not addressed at that visit. Over the following 32 months the same defect was reported to the same dealer four additional times. On the fourth visit the dealer replaced the complete transmission and torque converter under warranty and certified the repair complete after a documented 77 mile dealer test drive. The same defect returned approximately 4 customer miles after the truck was returned to me. The truck is currently at the dealer for the fifth repair attempt, with the dealer's own write-up confirming that the vehicle will not move while in reverse at operating temperature.The defect has been confirmed by the dealer service department through their own diagnostic process, has been documented across five repair orders, and has resulted in a complete factory transmission and torque converter replacement that failed to resolve the issue.Warning indicators: a P2701 diagnostic trouble code was s
NHTSA complaint #11734218 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Per mopar recall ZA3 transmission tube and dipstick recall. When completed at Orange Coast Ram [XXX] , dealership completed recall, removed original dipstick, and provided a 15" locking dipstick the does NOT provide needed transmission fluid level. Inquired in Orange Coast Ram service department, stated they will not provide needed 44"dipstick to monitor trans fluid. I cannot order, purchase the needed dipstick, creating a dangerous situation if fluid is low, and will result in transmission damage and possible dangerous condition if transmission fails while driving/.towing. I was told I will have to go to dealership and have the level checked, which is a routine needed owner maintenance job CORRECTIVE MEASURE: PROVIDE NEEDED 44" DIPSTICK TO MONITOR TRANSMISSION FLUID LEVEL INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11734279 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2017 Ram 2500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was not available. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the ABS and check engine warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was initially taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The diagnostic test determined that there was a failure with the ECM. The ECM was replaced; however, soon after the repair, the warning lights returned with the vehicle going into LIMP Mode. The vehicle was taken back to dealer, where the vehicle remained for months while attempting to determine the cause of the failure. The contact was then informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The contact was provided an estimate for the repair, and the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where a diagnostic test indicated a failure with the hydraulic control unit (HCU). Several repairs were performed, but failed to correct the failure. The mechanic replaced the transmission twice; however, the failure returned after each repair. The manufacturer was notified about the failure, and the contact was provided with two case numbers. The vehicle was not repaired and remained with the independent mechanic. The failure mileage was 82,792.
NHTSA complaint #11731664 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Component or system that failed or malfunctioned The issue involves a safety recall‑related system on my Ram truck that remains open with no available remedy for over one year. The vehicle is now experiencing traction loss while pulling and during normal driving, along with multiple failure/warning lights activating on the dashboard. How my safety or the safety of others was put at risk While driving and when pulling/accelerating, the vehicle unexpectedly loses traction, which creates a risk of loss of control, especially during traffic, turns, or acceleration from a stop. The appearance of failure lights combined with traction loss presents a serious safety risk to myself, my passengers, and other motorists, increasing the likelihood of a crash. Whether the problem has been reproduced or confirmed The safety defect is confirmed by the open NHTSA recall associated with my VIN. The traction loss and failure lights have occurred during normal vehicle operation and continue to reappear. The issue has not been repaired due to the manufacturer stating that no recall remedy is currently available. Inspections by dealer, manufacturer, or others Authorized Ram/Dodge dealers have confirmed that the recall remains open with no repair solution available from the manufacturer. The vehicle has not yet been inspected by police or insurance representatives, but it remains available for inspection. Warning lamps, messages, or prior symptoms Failure and warning indicator lights have appeared on the dashboard and remain present. These symptoms began while the recall was still unresolved and now occur in conjunction with traction loss during driving and pulling, indicating the defect may be actively affecting vehicle safety.
NHTSA complaint #11731489 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 2500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the messages "Check ABS" and "ABS not Engaging" were displayed. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the transmission shifted hard and made abnormal sounds. The contact stated that upon coming to a stop, the vehicle unintendedly shifted to 4th gear. The contact stated that upon parking the vehicle on an inclined driveway, the vehicle rolled backwards. The contact was able to successfully park the vehicle upon shifting in and out of park(P) several times. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was confirmed that the part for the recall repair was not yet available. Additionally, the dealer diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the transmission needed to be rebuilt. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failures, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
NHTSA complaint #11731511 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.