i elected not to purchase the extended warranty because i put a lot of miles on my vehicles (50k-60k/yr). the trans started acting up at about 36k. not going into first gear, not coming out of first gear. this trans is the a518 automatic w/overdrive. at 47k the cel came on. i took it to the trans shop for an overhaul, torque converter, front planetary, and some other things. 2,300 dollars. an article at jasper engines and transmissions website began "due to the high failure rate of these transmissions from to lack of lubrication". i'm writing Chrysler next and i better get some money back. the trans shop was familiar with the problem and sold me a remedy.

To put this calmly and peacefully as possible. Dodge Rams F*&$ing suck. I have recently purchased a 2001 Dodge Ram 1500. Test drove it and everything seemed great. Real eye candy really. Very nice (looking) truck.Well about 800 miles later started hearing a god awful rattle from the transfer case. Then just like that it locked up. Still drivable I took it to the shop. Well before I got there the transmission decides to kick the bucket as well. Lost all gears but 1st. So the mechanic looked it over and decided both the trans a transfer case were gone. Both had substantially large pieces of metal in the pans. So as calmly and warranty starved as could be forked over a $2500 check. Received a warranty on trans so was happy that I would be covered in that aspect. Well today i finally picked it up and drove it home. Went down the highway great. Was thrilled at the fresh responsive trans and lack of noise that once surrounded me. While exiting the highway, I began to accelerate off the ramp and 2nd gears slips completely out and then violently jerks back into gear. Thinking that maybe it was fresh and everything needed to be broken in a little I shrugged it off. Well the next stop light same thing. So I got concerned. While traveling roughly 45mph I heard a whistle/ whopping noise from the trans. Within 3 seconds BAM!!!! My rear wheels completely lock. Panicked I hit the brakes and they release. Grinding and crunching is all I hear and trans pops out of gear. Surprised and shocked I slowly put it back into gear and everything seemed to be working besides the noise. Well about 1 minute from home BAM!!!! Real wheels lock and I loose all gears . Then they release. Then it got stuck in Overdrive and I had no power to get down the road. Suddenly something finally popped and released the gear and i was able to make it home.. I got out to the smell of burning trans fluid. I look underneath and fluid it dripping from the belt housing. This was after 30 miles on a Rebuilt Transmission. So tomorrow Im getting towed back to the shop for more than likely a new transmission. Im covered under warranty But Ive been without a truck for 2 weeks and now the wait begins again. My advice for all is not to get a Ram unless its a 5 speed. The Autos have serious problems and Im not the only one as you can see. I would rate the truck a overall D-. I love the exterior and interior. But its all eye candy. Good Luck to All.

Whining noise started, then won't go forward or backward. Of course Dodge or Chrysler can't help me, they quoted around $1500 to rebuild transmission, Remind you my truck only had 38,000 miles on it never ran hard or never any hard core 4 wheeling. Not to mention the $500 they charged me for a rear spring around 27,000 mi and a right front u joint another 136.00 just a month before the transmission went out. Never again will I own a Dodge. And I hope any one else thinking of purchasing a vehicle thinks twice before doing so