Transmission Failure problems of the 1996 Dodge RAM

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.

The transmission failed at 31, 700 mi. It required a major overhaul to return it to operation. Labor costs were $1100 dollars and parts $800. After discussions with the dealer the labor charges were paid by the dealer. Investigation into continuing problems with Dodge Ram transmissions prompted owner to call Chrysler 800 number to complain about $800 payment. Owner was told that since the $800 was paid, no refund could be provided. Owner was told that this determination was final and no appeal to higher authority was possible. Owner personally knows three other individuals with Dodge Ram pickups that had the same problem at the same mileage. Chrysler refuses to acknowledge this defect preferring instead to defer the expense to the vehicle owner.

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.

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.

Transmission failed after recall repair.

Transmission failure resulted in fire prior to recall.

Transmission failed.

Transmission failure.

The original transmission was replaced under warranty, the vehicle has not been used for any towing or other power train stressing jobs. The second transmission has failed, under similar "no stress" condition less than 20k miles later. A widely accepted industry standard for transmission life expectancy is 7yrs/100,000 miles.

Transmission failed times.