10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
26 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
7 / 2
Average Mileage:
23,735 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.

2004 Dodge Ram 2500 transmission problems

transmission problem

Find something helpful? Spread the word.
Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 2004 Dodge Ram 2500:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

2004 Dodge Ram 2500 Owner Comments (Page 1 of 4)

problem #62

Jun 012010

Ram 2500

  • 98,000 miles

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

I did not have a accident, but my transmission began to fail in such a manner that the transmission did not know what gear it was supposed to be in. One day it would be fine and the next it might begin ok and then ten minutes later it would start off from a stop light in 2nd or 3rd gear and it was difficult to pull into traffic. Dodge is aware of the problem because the dealerships are stocking the internal transmission parts to fix it. My mechanic talked to a nearby Dodge dealer to obtain the parts and they said they knew of the problem and had a good supply of parts if needed. We also spoke to two different transmission shops that said this was a common problem. The necessary parts that needed to be replaced to fix this were a governor compression solenoid and pressure switch. Both of which are located in the gear box just above the pan. The parts were only available from Dodge and cost about $220 just for the parts. I would like to know if Dodge has reported this problem. I have been in contact with them inquiring why they have not done a recall since they are aware of the problem and all they have told me so far is that it is a lengthy process that involves your department.

- Hammond, IN, USA

problem #61

Aug 202008

Ram 2500 4WD

  • 162,200 miles
2004 Dodge 2500 4WD dsl has exact problem of recall 03V503000, Dodge claims my vehicle not on recall list. Cracked transmission housing adapter at transmission bolt up.

- Tomball, TX, USA

problem #60

Jun 142005

Ram 2500 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 4,000 miles
The contact owns a 2004 Dodge Ram 2500. In 2005, the contact's vehicle was repaired according to NHTSA campaign id number 05V462000 (powertrain: Automatic transmission). The repair included a software modification to equip the vehicles with an out-of-park alarm; however, it has caused significant issues with the horn assembly in the vehicle. Every time he places the vehicle into park, the horn sounds loudly and causes chaos among himself and other drivers. The only way to prevent the horn from sounding is to slowly release the brake pedal, and then slowly shift the vehicle into park. The manufacturer did not provide any assistance. The current mileage was 50,000 and failure mileage was 4,000. Updated 05/20/08.

- Clinton, WA, USA

problem #59

Nov 172007

Ram 2500 4WD 6-cyl Diesel

  • Automatic transmission
  • 90,000 miles

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

The contact owns a 2004 Dodge Ram 2500. Approximately three minutes after the contact exited the vehicle, the gear shifted into reverse. The vehicle crashed into a large truck. There were no occupants in the vehicle. The contact's leg was injured. Both vehicles sustained body damage. A complaint was filed with the manufacturer. The vehicle was inspected by a dealer, but no repairs were made. The dealer stated that there was no failure with the vehicle. The speed was unknown. The current and failure mileages were 90,000.

- St. Helens , OR, USA

problem #58

May 212006

Ram 2500 4WD 6-cyl Diesel

  • Automatic transmission
  • 80,156 miles
The contact owns a 2004 Dodge Ram 2500. The contact stated that his vehicle was included in NHTSA campaign id number 05V462000 (power train:automatic transmission) and he did not believe that the failure was corrected. The dealer stated that the only resolution was a small computer-like device that sounded when the vehicle shifted out of park. The contact believed that mechanical repairs should have been made, especially for hearing-impaired consumers who could not hear the alarm. The purchase date was unknown. The current mileage was 92,000 and failure mileage was 80,156.

- Baltimore, MD, USA

problem #57

Nov 102007

Ram 2500 6-cyl Diesel

  • Automatic transmission
  • 12,000 miles
The software change that indicates that the parking gear is not properly engaged, goes off all the time. At the most inconvenient times. Like the middle of the night, at a quiet campground, when parking the truck. It seems that there is a better solution for the problem than sounding the horn. Maybe correct the problem. Also the horn goes off when backing the truck with the door open. I know it is supposed to do that with the "band aid fix" but when hooking up to trailers, it is often nice to leave the door open when backing.

- Bellville, TX, USA

problem #56

Oct 012006

Ram 2500 6-cyl Diesel

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles

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

The contact owns a 2004 Dodge Ram 2500. The contact received a recall notice for NHTSA campaign id number 05V462000 (power train:automatic transmission). The remedy for the recall requires performing a software modification to equip the vehicles with an out-of-park alarm. He was dissatisfied with the remedy. There had been no failure to date. The current mileage was 53,000.

- Altha, FL, USA

problem #55

Dec 052006

Ram 2500 6-cyl Diesel

  • Automatic transmission
  • 48,000 miles
-the contact stated that the 2004 Dodge Ram 2500 diesel had recall 05V462000 repaired in 12/2006 for the power train: Automatic transmission. He was not satisfied with the recall repairs. When he pulled up to the gate of his home he put the vehicle in reverse with the emergency brake on, which gave him light at night, but it startled his cattle. The contact went back to the dealership and asked for the repair to be removed, and was informed that this a regulation and could not be deactivated.

- Meeker, CO, USA

problem #54

Mar 202007

Ram 2500

  • miles
Upon having the truck at dealer B for warranty servicing, the dealership installed without my knowledge or consent the E17 out-of-park alarm, similar to recall NHTSA campaign 05V462000. The recall was for a computer flash to look for several things to occur simultaneously; 1) driver's side door opened, transmission was in reverse, and foot was off of brake. When these conditions occurred the horn started blowing and the lights start flashing. This was not an acceptable recall, and I didn't want it on my truck. On numerous occasions I needed to back up by having the driver's side door open to use the ground as a reference. This typically occurred when mirror or window views were blocked, or there was an object behind that could not be seen. When trying to back up to these objects the horn started blowing and lights started flashing. This resulted in bothering neighbors, coworkers, etc. It was an annoyance and it did not result in a safer vehicle. Chrysler needed to develop an alternate method for addressing the problem, if there was truly a problem needed to be addressed. Chrysler informed me that they were not willing to reverse the recall that it was in place. Also, they claimed that they were mandated to do the recall if I brought the truck in for service, and therefore claimed they had no duty to inform me beforehand. This was tantamount to tampering with my vehicle without my knowledge or consent. Does Chrysler have the authority to perform this recall without my knowledge or consent" if so, from where do they derive this authority" updated 04/18/07.

- Baton Rouge, LA, USA

problem #53

Nov 282006

Ram 2500 4WD 12-cyl Diesel

  • Automatic transmission
  • 45,000 miles
The contact owns a 2004 Dodge Ram 2500 diesel. The contact drove into the driveway, placed the vehicle in park, walked to the back of the vehicle, and the gear moved on its own into into reverse and hit another vehicle. The weather was not a factor. The failure and the current mileage was 45,000. Updated 03/30/07.

- Bethpage, NY, USA

problem #52

Feb 172007

Ram 2500 4WD 6-cyl Diesel

  • Automatic transmission
  • 69,791 miles

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

I was driving to one of our buildings and noticed one of my diesel trucks had not been plugged in so I stopped put the truck in park and got into the other truck. I had started the other truck and was letting it warm up when I looked over at the truck I had parked it was about 25 yards away with the back up against a tree. I ran over to it the tail gate was smashed the truck was still running.

- Frazeysburg, OH, USA

problem #51

Nov 202004

Ram 2500 4WD 6-cyl Diesel

  • Automatic transmission
  • 40,000 miles
I have a 2004 Dodge Ram 2500 cummin diesel pick up, when I put into park with motor running I left the truck to check on a wreak my pick up rolled back into a tractor trailer causing damage to the rear corner panel of my truck. I know there is a recall for this reason but from all of the complaints with the alarm I don't know if I want to do it. I would like a recall to get this fixed so I wont be out another $3500 to fix my truck, it would be nice to get reimburse.

- Mesquite, TX, USA

problem #50

Jan 312007

(reported on)

Ram 2500

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
2004 Dodge Ram pickup regarding recall.* the consumer was informed that other customers were not having the alarm installed as it was not necessarily a safety issue. The dealer attached an alarm system to the horn to alert the consumer that the vehicle was not in park.

- Columbus, MT, USA

problem #49

Dec 282006

Ram 2500 4WD 6-cyl Diesel

  • Automatic transmission
  • 45,200 miles
- the contact has a 2004 Dodge Ram 2500 diesel motor automatic truck, on a dry pavement on a flat surface, he stopped, and when he put the truck into park and got out of the truck it jumped out of park into reverse and rolled down the driveway and struck a vehicle that was following it, resulting in a total of $4000 worth of damage to both vehicles. The dealership found nothing wrong with the vehicle. Updated 02/06/07.

- Steamboat Springs, CO, USA

problem #48

Nov 012006

Ram 2500 4WD 6-cyl Diesel

  • Automatic transmission
  • 33,000 miles
: the contact stated the recall work for the automatic transmission #05V462000 was performed without the contact's consent. The vehicle had an out of park alarm added to the vehicle and whenever starting the vehicle, the alarm went off. The contact wanted the alarm removed and the service dealer and manufacturer refused to disengage the alarm.

- Norco, CA, USA

problem #47

Sep 062006

Ram 2500 4WD 6-cyl Diesel

  • Automatic transmission
  • 35,679 miles
: the contact stated when the vehicle was placed into reverse or when the door needed to be opened for greater visibility while backing or connecting a trailer, the parking alarm sounded. The service dealer and manufacturer were notified and refused to remove the alarm due to federal mandate of recall # 05V462000 (E17) for the power train: Automatic transmission, park alarm.

- Pitman, NJ, USA

problem #46

Oct 262006

Ram 2500 4WD 6-cyl Diesel

  • Automatic transmission
  • 11,000 miles
: the contact stated no problem had occurred with the vehicle. There was a NHTSA recall # 05V462000 concerning the automatic transmission. The recall work was performed however the contact wanted the out of park alarm removed.

- Lovington, NM, USA

problem #45

Jan 192005

Ram 2500

  • miles
Dodge (daimler Chrysler) has a recall to install an "out-of-park alarm system" (notification code E17). This alarm will activate lights and horn until your battery runs down. What they should be having is a "fix the transmission" recall so that the vehicle goes into "park" readily and stays there. This is a very dangerous condition. Ours slipped out of park and rolled into a building.

- Cedaredge, CO, USA

problem #44

Aug 252006

(reported on)

Ram 2500 4WD

  • miles
Consumer complaint concerning 2004 Dodge Ram 2500's out of park alarm. Recall number 05V462000.

- Alexandria, VA, USA

problem #43

Aug 012006

Ram 2500 4WD 6-cyl Diesel

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Consumer received a recall concerning a 2004 Dodge Ram 2500 automatic transmission jumping into gear from park position. Mechanic determined if repair was made that the horn would honk unexpectedly.

- Lovington, NM, USA

Read the next 20 complaints »

Not what you are looking for?