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 3 of 5)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #45

Sep 011999

Ram 3500

  • miles

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

We experienced a complete transmission failure and had to be towed. The dealer had to replace the transmission with a factory rebuilt unit because this transmission is no longer manufactured. We can only assume this is because the transmission was under designed and not suitable for use in this truck. We feel that the entire cost of the repair and replacement should be borne by the vehicle manufacturer.

- Minerva, OH, USA

problem #44

Oct 041999

(reported on)

Ram 3500

  • miles
No summary.

- Louisville, KY, USA

problem #43

Oct 041999

(reported on)

Ram 3500

  • miles
Trans shifts into 2nd and stays until high RPM or slips until +load or +throttle

- Franksville, WI, USA

problem #42

May 011999

Ram 3500 4WD Diesel

  • miles

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

The automatic transmission failed the first time when it was under warranty at about 20,000 miles. The dealer said that a forward seal had been "rolled" when it was installed at the factory. The transmission was taken out and the seal replaced. The exact same problem occurred again at about 70,000 miles. Symptoms: When starting out with the engine cold, the transmission will not upshift past second gear. The engine speed will not affect the change, only warming the engine by driving approximately two miles will cause the transmission to operate normally. However, even during warmed driving, the problem returns intermittently, which causes the vehicle to slow down considerably and has caused problems with traffic on freeway systems where higher speed is required. Top speed during this problem is 35 mph.

- Washougal, WA, USA

problem #41

Apr 161999

Ram 3500

  • miles
Engine completely fell apart and was replaced by northe star Dodge in san antonio. Air conditioner has relay problems. Transmission found to have clutch pieces in it by independant used car tester. All windows and doors have air leaks and rain leaks. Vehicle leaks water up throught he floor board when driving in rain. Vehicle also shudders dramatically when going over 40 mph. Carberator has choke problems and is hard to start. Most if not all of these problems were reported to Dodge within 10,000 miles of purchase but due to stalling techiches by fiesta Dodge nothing has ever been remedied.

- Pipe Creek, TX, USA

problem #40

Aug 151998

Ram 3500

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Transmission shudders at 45 mph, does not shift and shakes when going into 3rd or overdirve, and jerks and slips, dealer has replaced the valve body and reconditioned transmission and replaced convertor, transmission continues to lock up and jerk. Driver and passenger side mirrors were both replaced due to being loose. Emergency brake handle came off and was replaced. Fuel gauge read empty with 12 gallons in tank, dealer replaced fuel pump module. Wiper blades weren't cleaning windshield, dealer replaced both wiper blades, windshield washer was inoperable, dealer replaced washer motor. Vehicle has experienced many problems with the interior and dome lights failing, dome light keeps blowing fuse and dealer has replaced the strip lighting and fuse box door and repaired the open circuit to junction block. Radiator cap was replaced due to low coolant. There was a brake fluid leak, dealer replaced caps for the master cylinder, the brake and ABS light were illuminated, dealer replaced rear wheel speed sensor and wiring. Passenger side vent window would not open and leaked air. Vehicle only gets 13mph on highway, consumer states this is poor gas mileage.

- Warreen, MI, USA

problem #39

Aug 131999

Ram 3500

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles

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

When driving at any speed vehicle isn't shifting properly. Also, floorboard is getting hot, and there is some type of noise coming from the floorboard.

- New Plymouth, OH, USA

problem #38

Jul 281996

Ram 3500

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Ongoing problem with automatic transmission; transmission has no reverse, and will not shift into 3rd gear. Dealer/manufacturer notifed, and manufacturer is willing to share cost; but consumer believes manufacturer. Should be responsible for full cost. Can NHTSA provide additional information on this matter.

- Trenton, NJ, USA

problem #37

Jul 141999

(reported on)

Ram 3500 4WD

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Transmission will not shift between gears. Transmission needs an overhall. Manufacturer will be notified.

- Kewaskum, WI, USA

problem #36

Dec 271998

Ram 3500 4WD

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Initial transmission problem started @ 38000 just out of warranty. Dealer said they couldn't help. I never thought of contacting manufacturer. Trans. Diagnosis complete at 72500 mis, dealer say rebuild, R+R at 89300mis. Brake mastercylinder lid was leaking causing insufficiet fluid level lead to pad and shoe failure. Transmission failure led to lifter failure in the engine. Trans would long shift putiing strain on engine causing a higher rev. Ultimately weakening 2 lifters. I am now hearing a noise and feeling jolts on the steering wheel turning left. Problem is unknown at this time.

- Oakford, PA, USA

problem #35

Jun 241999

(reported on)

Ram 3500

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles

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

Transmission slips while driving. Dealer has rebuilt transmission.

- Baltimore, MD, USA

problem #34

Mar 151999

Ram 3500 4WD

  • miles
Transmission has premature internal dysfunction. Hangs in gears, and slips while shifting, causing a dangerous situation. This truck is apparently well known for this problem without submitting a recall. Repair is about $2000.

- Lunenburg, MA, USA

problem #33

Apr 251998

Ram 3500

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Transmission replaced last fall. Now lost reverse in transmission. Took to dealer & informed needed a kit to correct problem in transmission at owner's cost. The manufacturer knows about lost reverse gear.

- Caro, MI, USA

problem #32

Mar 051999

Ram 3500 4WD

  • miles
Vehicle placed in service 10/95 so out of warranty. Manufacturer refuses to do anything because it was not repaired by them. This is the same problem that the 95 trucks had (8/82).

- Middletown, OH, USA

problem #31

Sep 011998

Ram 3500

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
While driving 60 mph the transmission will slip from drive tino neutral without warning, causing unknown. Dealer cannot identify the problem.

- North Potomac, MD, USA

problem #30

Dec 301998

Ram 3500 4WD Diesel

  • miles
No summary provided by consumer

- Kingsford, MI, USA

problem #29

Aug 011998

Ram 3500

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Transmission goes into first gear at a stop position, and won't shift to second, moving the transmission winds. Replaced with new, same problem still exists. Provide further information.

- Kahului, HI, USA

problem #28

Oct 081997

Ram 3500

  • miles
Consumer experiencing ongoing problems with vehicle on varouis parts. 1. transmission failed to operate at 58,000 mile of wear 2. intake manifold gasket broke, and 3. fuel pump failed to operate. Dealer notified and refused to repair because the consumer did not have extended warranty.

- Rockey Hill, CT, USA

problem #27

Oct 131998

Ram 3500

  • miles
Van 250 transmissioon failure, at 48,000 mi transmission does not shift into 3rd gear. Reverse gear does not ingage until you race the engine in reverse then bangs. Dealer claims upper cluches leaking and transmission has to be rebuilt. This is a heavy duty transmission and it should not go out at only 48,000 miles

- Oconomowoc, WI, USA

problem #26

Aug 131997

(reported on)

Ram 3500

  • miles
Transmission quick cooler line connect recall work not completed due to scheduling problem.

- Gallup, NM, USA

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