10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
3 / 3
Injuries / Deaths:
1 / 0
Average Mileage:
1,672 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 3500 transmission problems

transmission problem

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1996 Dodge Ram 3500 Owner Comments (Page 2 of 5)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #65

Feb 262001

Ram 3500 4WD

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles

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

Engine would hesitate before shifting gears. 3rd gear was burning out. Dealer said nothing was wrong with it. Consumer took vehicle into an amoco, and test drove it to find problem. Dealer replaced the transducer and solenoid.

- Fairport, NY, USA

problem #64

Jun 152000

Ram 3500 4WD

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
No summary listed for above vehicle.

- Gray, TN, USA

problem #63

Jan 112001

Ram 3500

  • miles
Was driving home when vehicle started to slow down, applied more gas, but vehicle was not going anywhere. Motor would rev up. Managed to get vehicle to side of road. Placed vehicle in park and was getting out when vehicle almost ran over driver. Vehicle did not have park/drive or reverse. Vehicle was towed. Was informed, it had no rear end.

- Imperial, MO, USA

problem #62

Dec 032000

Ram 3500

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles

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

This is the second time we've had the transmission replaced. Once at 43,832 miles, now at 71,750 miles. Almost caused an accident when we pulled into traffic and the transmission slipped out of gear.

- Oviedo, FL, USA

problem #61

Nov 252000

(reported on)

Ram 3500

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
The original transmission was replaced under warranty, the vehicle has not been used for any towing or other power train stressing jobs. The second transmission has failed, under similar "no stress" condition less than 20K miles later. A widely accepted industry standard for transmission life expectancy is 7yrs/100,000 miles.

- Villa Park, IL, USA

problem #60

Nov 182000

Ram 3500 4WD

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Have had to rebuild transmission, also know of others in this same area with the same problem and they are also 1996 models

- Athens, TN, USA

problem #59

Sep 292000

(reported on)

Ram 3500

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles

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

Frame separated because of improper welding, causing the transmission bolts to separate.

- Sulfer Springs, TX, USA

problem #58

May 302000

Ram 3500 4WD Diesel

  • miles
NHTSA id 97V08400

- Chandler, AZ, USA

problem #57

Aug 042000

Ram 3500

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
While driving gas pedal may be down to the floor, but vehicle won't go anywhere. Took vehicle to dealer, and they found pieces of rubber O-ring, metal slitherings, clutch materials in transmission pan. Consumer took vehicle to dealer, and they said consumer needed a new transmission/front pump, consumers felt this car was 4 years old, and should not be having transmission problems.

- Danielson, CT, USA

problem #56

Jun 252000

Ram 3500

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
While driving vehicle experience problems with transmission which the vehicle does shift properly and may result in a crash. Also, the engine check light stayed on. But, dealer could not determine the problem.

- Modesto, CA, USA

problem #55

May 092000

Ram 3500 Diesel

  • miles

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

During failure all of the warning lights flash the transmission goes haywire and the tachometer goes haywire. This truck has been at three different shops, we have changed out the transmission relay, the headlight lamp, serviced the transmisison and still cannot find the cause. In addition, we have replace a radio which has shorted out and the fuel indicator doesn't work. Both of which failed before the truck was three years old, unfortuneately just out of warranty.

- Tomball, TX, USA

problem #54

Apr 182000

(reported on)

Ram 3500

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Vehicle will lose power when going up a hill. Dealer has rebuilt transmission, but defect has reoccurred.

- Killeen, TX, USA

problem #53

Feb 222000

Ram 3500 4WD

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
The transmission failed at 31, 700 mi. It required a major overhaul to return it to operation. Labor costs were $1100 dollars and parts $800. After discussions with the dealer the labor charges were paid by the dealer. Investigation into continuing problems with Dodge Ram transmissions prompted owner to call Chrysler 800 number to complain about $800 payment. Owner was told that since the $800 was paid, no refund could be provided. Owner was told that this determination was final and no appeal to higher authority was possible. Owner personally knows three other individuals with Dodge Ram pickups that had the same problem at the same mileage. Chrysler refuses to acknowledge this defect preferring instead to defer the expense to the vehicle owner.

- Nashua, NH, USA

problem #52

Jan 292000

Ram 3500 4WD

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Transmission goes into 2nd when going down the road and won't shift out other. People I know with same pickups have had similar problems with transmission.

- Falls Village, CT, USA

problem #51

Apr 011999

Ram 3500 Diesel

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Transmission: Found a large puddle of what I thought was transmission fluid under the truck. Checked level and found it approximately 1 to 1 1/2 quarts low. We use the truck to tow a large fifth wheel trailer periodically. Discovered NHTSA campaign id # 97V08400 which dealt with high load conditions and substandard connectors. Called Chrysler (800-853-1403) and was informed this recall was only for gas engine vehicles. Took the vehicle to a reputable local repair shop and was told they contacted Dodge dealer and was told the replacement seals are no longer offered. They then contacted the dealer rep and was told the preferred method of repair was to replace the tubes completely with an update kit ($451.05). They replaced the seals which leaked, the speed sensor which leaked, and an automatic transmission service. The cost of this transmission service was $260.28. Front brakes: At 31487 miles the front brake pads needed to be replaced. This was not discovered by the normal squeal bars but by the metal of the pad coming into contact with the rotor. The local repair shop stated the squeal bars had been bent back. The rear brake shoes still had more than 50 percent life left. The cost of replacing the pads, turning the rotors, and grease seals was $189.02.

- Seaside, CA, USA

problem #50

Dec 131999

(reported on)

Ram 3500

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Transmission will not shift to 2-3 geras normaly, also, ABS brake light comes on at idle.

- Kernersville, NC, USA

problem #49

Dec 101999

(reported on)

Ram 3500 4WD

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
The automatic transmission has not failed. It continually skipps in and out of 2nd gear. When pulling away from a stop sign in first gear, the transmission jumps to 2nd and back to 1st, then into drive. This action is random and occurs more frequently sometimes. It will jump in and out of 2nd gear when ever the vehical speed is low enough to require 2nd gear. The vehical is maintained extremely well. The transmission has had 5 full service filter and oil changes. It has a factory transmission oil cooler. The problems are not related to neglect, or to heat. This transmission drives me "nuts!" in fact it, could disrupt ones attention just enough to result in an accident.

- Eagle, ID, USA

problem #48

Feb 071996

Ram 3500

  • miles
Transmission defective causing torque converter to lock up, replacement of entire transmission necessary. Mjs

- Baker City, OR, USA

problem #47

Oct 181999

(reported on)

Ram 3500

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Transmission gears get stuck in second gear and will not come out of second. Vehicle had to be stopped, turned off and then turned back on in order for the gears to shift. Dealer couldn't do anything.

- Tuckerton, NJ, USA

problem #46

Apr 011998

Ram 3500

  • miles
Transmission slips and fails on ingrades.... excessive tire wear on the front tires and excessive fuel consumption.. and rough vibration in the front end even after a tire change and balance, and front end alignment... gas milage is 230 miles to a 26 gallon tank of gas( dot number: Tire size: P225/75R16 )

- Angleton, TX, USA

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