10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
4 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
1 / 0
Average Mileage:
5,568 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

1996 Dodge Ram 2500 transmission problems

transmission problem

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1996 Dodge Ram 2500 Owner Comments (Page 1 of 5)

problem #95

Nov 302006

Ram 2500 4WD 6-cyl Diesel

  • Automatic transmission
  • 110,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

: the contact stated while placed in park with the engine idling, the vehicle went into reverse without warning. The vehicle was moving at about 5 mph. The sales/service dealer was notified but the contact was placed on hold and eventually the contact hung up. The manufacturer was not contacted. The problem occurred 3 times. There was no damage on the first incident, but an empty parked school bus was struck causing damage to the right front quarter panel, right door and the hood on the second occasion. On the third occasion, the vehicle struck the barn and feed trough, causing a broken headlight and a dented bumper.

- Six Lakes, MI, USA

problem #94

Jan 062002

Ram 2500 4WD

  • Automatic transmission
  • 72,000 miles
1996 A518 Dodge Ram transmission went out. I have heard that they are awful transmissions and I believe that there needs to be a recall on the A518 transmission for 1996 Dodge Ram trucks!

- Prattville, AL, USA

problem #93

Jan 242005

Ram 2500 4WD 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 99,800 miles
Vehicle transmission will not shift without taking foot off accelerator to lower RPM. Dealer states internal seal failure and transmission needs rebuilding.

- Peshtigo, WI, USA

problem #92

Dec 202003

Ram 2500

  • Automatic transmission
  • 65,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

While driving transmission failed to go from second to thid gear. Mechanic stated that the third gear lip seal failed. This was a common failure with these vehicles.

- Gardnerville, NV, USA

problem #91

Jan 222004

(reported on)

Ram 2500 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 77,158 miles
Manufacturer defect could have caused an accident or even harm. Problems with vehicle not shifting properly. Vehicle was taken to dealership and the high clutch drum was replaced.

- Binghamton, NY, USA

problem #90

May 252003

Ram 2500

  • miles
Vehicle same problem as mentioned in recall#97V084000 concerning transmission. Dealer will not repair because this vehicle not included in recall due to VIN.

- Godfrey, IL, USA

problem #89

Jan 242003

(reported on)

Ram 2500 4WD 8-cyl Diesel

  • Automatic transmission
  • 105,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

There was a recall issued for a transmission cooling line failure 97 V 084. The dealership nor Chrysler will honor the recall for this vehicle.

- Puyallup, WA, USA

problem #88

Aug 042002

Ram 2500 Diesel

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
While pulling a trailer up hill, transmission connector melted, vehicle lost all fluids; some of the fluids sprayed on muffler and started smoking.

- Los Vegas, NV, USA

problem #87

Jun 092002

Ram 2500 4WD

  • miles
Shifted from park to reverse. Engine idled fast, truck took off in reverse and could not be stopped by pressing on the brake. Speed probably accelerated to 20 mph before hit 3 other vehicles. Witnesses said the rear tires were spinning and the engine noise was high pitched and oscillating.

- Palm Bay, FL, USA

problem #86

Apr 151996

Ram 2500 Diesel

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Transmission will jump into low gear and/or won't down shift at times. Consumer added during cold start, transmission will not back up for short time.

- Los Angeles, CA, USA

problem #85

Feb 052002

Ram 2500 4WD Diesel

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Heat is on the module and will catch on fire. The transmission failed and was rebuilt. Consumer would like to be reimbursed for the money he paid to have the transmission rebuilt.

- Sacramento, CA, USA

problem #84

Oct 012000

Ram 2500

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Transmission has a delay when shifting from 2 nd to 3 rd gear, also there is a grinding sound when in reverse.

- Portsmouth, VA, USA

problem #83

Sep 012001

Ram 2500

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Transmission slips most times when it shifts from 2 nd to 3 rd gear, vehicle has not been examined by dealer yet.

- Virginia Beach, VA, USA

problem #82

Mar 122002

Ram 2500 4WD Diesel

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Third gear lip seal failed in transmission.

- Sacramento, CA, USA

problem #81

Mar 042002

(reported on)

Ram 2500

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
While shifting vehicle in second gear transmission would skip second gear. Dealer has been contacted.

- Ruidoso, NM, USA

problem #80

Nov 012001

Ram 2500 4WD Diesel

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Mechanic said he see this in Dodge's ranging in the yrs.1994-1999's, it is a faulty part. No safety defec tmentioned.

- Granite Bay, CA, USA

problem #79

Jan 142002

Ram 2500

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
While driving about any mph transmission worked poorly. At starting/ passing gear will make a loud noise.

- Presca Valley, AZ, USA

problem #78

Aug 152001

Ram 2500

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
His transmission started slipping in August. I contacted the Chrysler corporation who stated that it wasn't their problem to have replaced, when we had 2 dealerships tell us that Dodge has always had problems with their transmissions, and that is why now they are offering the 7 year/70,000 mi. Powertrain warranty on all of their vehicles. We feel that they should recall this and have it replaced for no charge to us. The Dodge trucks we wre told have the longest running powertrain capabilities. We were also told that the transmission should not have gone out at 70,000 mi. When they are good for at least 150,000 mi. Before any problems should ever occur. If you should need any further information, please feel free to contact me at either number listed. Thank-you. Walter butler.

- Waskom, TX, USA

problem #77

Jul 172001

Ram 2500

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
When vehicle is cold it will not go into reverse. Also, vehicle will not go into second or third gear unless consumer releases gas pedal and rpms will come down. Dealership was aware of problem.

- Clifton, IL, USA

problem #76

Nov 091998

Ram 2500

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Problem was intermittent, got progressively worse. No safety defec tlisted.

- So.Elgin, IL, USA

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