5.3

fairly significant
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
17,681 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.

1997 Dodge Ram 2500 transmission problems

transmission problem

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1997 Dodge Ram 2500 Owner Comments

problem #14

Jul 112007

Ram 2500 4WD 8-cyl Diesel

  • Manual transmission
  • 57,000 miles

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

The contact owns a 1997 Dodge Ram 2500. While driving 60 mph, the transmission shifted into neutral on its own and nearly caused numerous crashes. The contact took the vehicle to a mechanic and was informed that a nut on the fifth gear was disengaged and caused the failure. Dodge stated that there was a remedy for the failure, but there was no recall. The current mileage was 57,400 and failure mileage was 57,000. Updated 01/02/08. Updated 12/12/07

- Waleska, GA, USA

problem #13

May 272004

Ram 2500 4WD 8-cyl Diesel

  • Manual transmission
  • 107,540 miles
When shifting from fourth to fifth gear the bolt holding 5th gear in place came off the shaft which allowed the 5th gear to move and no longer be in position to function. This problem feels as if you were shifting from forth gear to neutral instead of 5th gear. Dealer was familiar with this particular problem and indicated that it's common to these vehicles. Consumer feels that Chrysler should be responsible for a recall and should cover the cost of repairs.

- Pendleton, OR, USA

problem #12

Jul 012002

Ram 2500 Diesel

  • Manual transmission
  • 83,000 miles
While traveling on the highway, the 5th gear to the transmission went out. It was discovered the nut which held the 5th gear into place became loose.

- Grass Valley, CA, USA

problem #11

Jun 082002

Ram 2500 4WD Diesel

  • Manual transmission
  • miles

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

5th gear failed while going down a slight (~4%) grade while using the engine and the exhaust brake. Fortunately the speed was slow enough that it was possible to downshift. I consider this a safety hazard. If the speed had been higher or it was not possible to downshift an accident could have easily occurred. This is not an uncommon problem with the 5-speed transmission in the Dodge cummins diesel trucks.there is some information on the internet indicating that this is rather common.this problem appears to be a design flaw. The repair invoice indicates that a 'nut package" was required to prevent this from occuring again. This indicates that the original design is flawed. This should be a recall item, but probably isn't and won't be because of the cost to fix ($675.) I have submitted a complaint and request for repair reimbursement to Chrysler. It has been denied because of the time or mileage limitations have been exceeded. However, it is both a safety issue and a design flaw, and both should be addressed.

- Grand Junction, CO, USA

problem #10

Nov 272000

(reported on)

Ram 2500

  • miles
The transmission failed prematurely.

- Rancho Mir, CA, USA

problem #9

Nov 272000

(reported on)

Ram 2500

  • miles
The transmission failed prematurely.

- Rancho Mir, CA, USA

problem #8

Oct 202000

(reported on)

Ram 2500 Diesel

  • miles

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

Nut on transmission is slowly loosening when shifting. When the nut falls off, 5th gear is no longer working. Dealer will not authorize repairs of transmission until the bolt is completely off transmission, and 5th gear fails. This pick up is used for pulling boat and carring a camper. Eventhough the loose parts were replaced by the dealer, the customer is concerned about the defect possibly causing an accident.

- Missoula, MT, USA

problem #7

Feb 101999

Ram 2500 4WD Diesel

  • miles
While driving at freeway speed 5th gear suddenly lets go; acts like suddenly pressing clutch while at speed. Problem appears without warning, startles driver and leaves driver without power to avoid vehicles approaching in rear. Only response is to move to right without power to avoid accident. Had repaired by AZ dealer first time with "new redesigned" parts and same problem happened exactly one year later on 2/10/00 at 87615 miles. Problem fixed with same parts again by ca dealer. This is a safety issue. The truck is not capable of driving in 4th gear at freeway speeds (truck has 4:10 ring and pinion). Both transmission mechanics have repaired several vehicles with same problem.

- Escondido, CA, USA

problem #6

Dec 011997

Ram 2500

  • miles
Transmission failed 6 months after purchase. Nlm

- Putnam , CT, USA

problem #5

Dec 081999

Ram 2500

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

- Lacenter, WA, USA

problem #4

Jul 011997

Ram 2500 4WD Diesel

  • Manual transmission
  • miles

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

Transmission failed.

- Ridgecrest, CA, USA

problem #3

Apr 221998

Ram 2500 4WD

  • miles
Transmission failed.

- Brockton, MA, USA

problem #2

Aug 071998

Ram 2500

  • miles
The dealers were notified and they weren't able to fix the problem. I was told that other people have reported similar problem and that it happens on hot days. Since they were not able to repeat the problem when they test drove my vehicle they were not able to pin point the problem to attend to. They didn't think it was a safety issue. I disagree! here is the problem. After a complete stop the vehicle sometimes would hesitate to accel when I step on the gas peddle. I hear the RPM going up as I press the gas but the vehicle doesn't respond accordingly. I see the safety issue in these possible situations: When I am making a left turn after a complete stop if my vehicle doesn't get out of the intersection as I expect it to, it could turn into a dangerous situation for me and the on coming traffic. Another situation would be when I enter the freeway after a complete stop. The vehicle must accelerate adaquately in order for it to join the on coming traffic. I thank you so much for your services. I'm glad that I can turn to someone who will listen to my concerns. My encounters with the dealers were not pleasant soon after they sold me the car. Thank you again. I hope to hear from you soon.

- Riverside, CA, USA

problem #1

Jun 011997

Ram 2500 4WD

  • miles
Transmission malfunction.

- Long Valle, NJ, USA

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