10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
4 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
1 / 1
Average Mileage:
7,889 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 1500 transmission problems

transmission problem

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1996 Dodge Ram 1500 Owner Comments (Page 2 of 6)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #89

Jan 182002

Ram 1500

  • miles

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

Transmission is being replaced for third time.transmission doesn't give a diagnostic reading.

- Clyde, NY, USA

problem #88

Jan 142002

Ram 1500

  • 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 #87

Aug 152001

Ram 1500

  • 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 #86

Nov 102001

Ram 1500

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles

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

This is twice the first gear has gone out, both times after a radiator flush, I was informed by a referral from a Dodge dealership that the radiators are getting clogged and causing the tranmission to over heat and by the time the problem is figured out a new transmission in needed as well as a new radiator, approximate cost to the consumer, in the range of $3500. The recall for the clamps that were changed on the coolant lines to prevent them from melting was a good idea but they forgot one thing, a blow out valve for the tranmission so when it gets hot it can releive pressure and heat before it burns the transmission.

- Rayne, LA, USA

problem #85

Jul 172001

Ram 1500

  • 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 #84

Nov 091998

Ram 1500

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

- So.Elgin, IL, USA

problem #83

Aug 132001

Ram 1500 4WD Diesel

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles

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

No summary listed for above vehicle.

- Cheyenne, WY, USA

problem #82

Aug 072001

Ram 1500 4WD

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Transmission slips going from 2 gear to 3 gear.

- Columbus, OH, USA

problem #81

Sep 032001

Ram 1500

  • miles
Vehicle jumps from fifth gear to neutral because bolt in column shift comes out. Dealer has been notified. Please provide additional information.

- Wilder, ID, USA

problem #80

Aug 012000

Ram 1500 4WD

  • Manual transmission
  • miles
Transmission does not shift from second to third gear easily. Consumer contacted several mechanics, including Chrysler dealer, who said that it was a "manufacturing defect and should be recalled." Transmission began to fail at 57, 000, it was a heat related problem. An overdrive unit w/ torque converter heated up seals which will not allow the seals to hold pressure.

- Monclova, OH, USA

problem #79

Feb 172000

Ram 1500

  • miles

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

I have replaced mirrors at my own cost.

- Oceanside, CA, USA

problem #78

May 172001

Ram 1500 4WD Diesel

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
I was not able to enter the VIN # here it is: [xxx]. I was traveling @ 75 mph in the fast lane of interstate 95 in heavy traffic. Felt sudden loss of power & decline of speed, narrowly escaped major accident. Found that transmission lost 5th gear. Researched and found manufacturer published service bulletin (#21-10-98A) Sept. 98. I was never made aware of this known problem. Dodge does not consider this a safety concern - I wish they were in the vehicle when this happened instead of my two sons & I. information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Port Deposit, MD, USA

problem #77

Jul 012000

Ram 1500

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Fuel pump on my 1996 Dodge pickup failed to pump gas to engine in August of 2000, while parked. The cost of replacement was approx. $450 dollars. I am concerned only because I paid $25000 dollars for this truck and figured that it sholud of lasted at least 100,000 miles. It just irritates me that Chrysler will not, nor have they offered to look into this defective part, fuel pump. Also, transmission started slipping in August of 2000, after several attempts to contact Chrysler, nothing has been done to correct this problem. The transmission slips (automatic) when shifting into third. This should also be considered a safety hasazrd.

- Essexville, MI, USA

problem #76

Mar 152001

Ram 1500

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Under normal operating conditions transmission failed, causing vehicle to stop operating. A transmission specialist has examined vehicle and determined that the transmission will need to be rebuilt/replaced. Note: Specialist said that had had to rebuild/replace several Dodge truck transmissions. Please provide any additional information/attachments.

- Vienna, GA, USA

problem #75

Nov 012000

Ram 1500

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Steering has to much play, also there is a popping sound, to dealer 4 times, cannot find problem. Vehicle will not stay in overdrive.

- Mishawaka, IN, USA

problem #74

Feb 262001

Ram 1500 4WD

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
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 #73

Jan 082001

Ram 1500

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Transmission failed to go from 2nd to 3rd gear. Dealer notified. Please feel free to provide any further detail on this matter.

- Nokomis, FL, USA

problem #72

Jun 152000

Ram 1500 4WD

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

- Gray, TN, USA

problem #71

Jan 112001

Ram 1500

  • 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 #70

Dec 032000

Ram 1500

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
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

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