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 1 of 5)

problem #85

Dec 202003

Ram 3500

  • Automatic transmission
  • 65,000 miles

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

While driving transmission failed to go from second to thid gear. Mechanic stated that the third gear lip seal failed. This was a common failure with these vehicles.

- Gardnerville, NV, USA

problem #84

Jan 222004

(reported on)

Ram 3500 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 77,158 miles
Manufacturer defect could have caused an accident or even harm. Problems with vehicle not shifting properly. Vehicle was taken to dealership and the high clutch drum was replaced.

- Binghamton, NY, USA

problem #83

May 152003

Ram 3500 4WD 6-cyl Diesel

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Brakes pull to right, calibers and pads have been replaced. Rear brakes don't seem to work well antilock allows you to roll to far. Steering column goes bad after warranty is up ( 100,000 miles ). fuel pump shut down solenoid and relay have also gone out on both of my trucks. Automatic transmission failures have occurred on both trucks at the 70000-75000 miles.

- Casa Grande, AZ, USA

problem #82

Jun 092002

Ram 3500 4WD

  • miles

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

Shifted from park to reverse. Engine idled fast, truck took off in reverse and could not be stopped by pressing on the brake. Speed probably accelerated to 20 mph before hit 3 other vehicles. Witnesses said the rear tires were spinning and the engine noise was high pitched and oscillating.

- Palm Bay, FL, USA

problem #81

Apr 151996

Ram 3500 Diesel

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Transmission will jump into low gear and/or won't down shift at times. Consumer added during cold start, transmission will not back up for short time.

- Los Angeles, CA, USA

problem #80

Oct 012000

Ram 3500

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Transmission has a delay when shifting from 2 nd to 3 rd gear, also there is a grinding sound when in reverse.

- Portsmouth, VA, USA

problem #79

Sep 012001

Ram 3500

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles

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

Transmission slips most times when it shifts from 2 nd to 3 rd gear, vehicle has not been examined by dealer yet.

- Virginia Beach, VA, USA

problem #78

Mar 042002

(reported on)

Ram 3500

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
While shifting vehicle in second gear transmission would skip second gear. Dealer has been contacted.

- Ruidoso, NM, USA

problem #77

Nov 012001

Ram 3500 4WD Diesel

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Mechanic said he see this in Dodge's ranging in the yrs.1994-1999's, it is a faulty part. No safety defec tmentioned.

- Granite Bay, CA, USA

problem #76

Jan 142002

Ram 3500

  • 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 #75

Aug 152001

Ram 3500

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles

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

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 #74

Jul 172001

Ram 3500

  • 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 #73

Nov 091998

Ram 3500

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

- So.Elgin, IL, USA

problem #72

Aug 132001

Ram 3500 4WD Diesel

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

- Cheyenne, WY, USA

problem #71

Aug 072001

Ram 3500 4WD

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

- Columbus, OH, USA

problem #70

Sep 032001

Ram 3500

  • 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 #69

Aug 012000

Ram 3500 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 #68

Feb 172000

Ram 3500

  • miles
I have replaced mirrors at my own cost.

- Oceanside, CA, USA

problem #67

May 172001

Ram 3500 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 #66

Nov 012000

Ram 3500

  • 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

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