Differential Unit Problems of Dodge Ram 1500 - part 1

Rear end differential broke while I was braking down the road and was unable to get out of the way of traffic. Vehicle does not move.

See all problems of the 2006 Dodge Ram 1500 🔎.

Differential grinding noise when driving down the street when grinding noise started.

See all problems of the 2003 Dodge Ram 1500 🔎.

There was a recall around 2012-2013 for 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 pick up trucks because some pinion nuts could come loose. I had the recall performed as soon as I received the notice. The fix for this was to install a retainer that would not allow the nut to loosen. This week, 12/16/19, I went to replace my pinion seal as I noticed leaking at the shaft. I feel that the retainer that was used to hold the nut in place is defective and not a sufficient fix as the nut has definitely moved since the recall work was performed. There are most likely still trucks on the road where a dangerous condition is beginning to develop again. I noticed that the pinion nut had only one thread showing and took very little force to remove. As I did not know how to remove the retainer "holding" the nut in place, I used a hammer and a punch to try to spin it. The retainer and the nut moved with very little effort. There was only one thread on the shaft showing before I loosened it. I called a dealership and they told me to bring it in the next morning. The nuts on these are all individually adjusted until the bearing yields a certain resistance and this can only be done with the components in the rear of the differential removed. The service manager is starting to talk about "normal wear and tear" since the recall. My contention is that the original recall was not performed properly by a dealer when the recall was done. We can not know what was normal wear and tear if the nut has been coming loose for a number of years. There may be a required washer missing but that has not been determined yet. If there is a washer missing, that means that they removed the pinion nut completely before replacing it which you cannot do without removing the differential cartridge to properly set the pre-load force on the bearing. Each one of these needs to be adjusted individually.

See all problems of the 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 🔎.

I was traveling on roadway there was a loud bang, truck skidded to stop and would not move. Truck had to be towed, appears the rear differential pinion shaft has snapped off. The truck is currently parked in a snow bank until I can evaluate what needs repaired/replaced. There have haven been numerous complaints and recalls on Dodge differentials, I can assume due to the numerous complaints of the clutch pack retainer clips failing that they failed causing shock load to the ring and pinion gears and therefore snapping the pinion shaft and wedging pinion gear and ring gear. This truck only has 80,000 miles on it has never been abused, off roaded or done any heavy towing, had something like this happened at interstate speeds and or towing a trailer it would have been catastrophic.

See all problems of the 2004 Dodge Ram 1500 🔎.

Rear differential is failing. This appears to be a wide spread issue for Ram 1500 trucks. Due to severity of catastrophic failure at highway speeds, maybe a safety recall is in order.

See all problems of the 2007 Dodge Ram 1500 🔎.

The contact owns a 2006 Dodge Ram 1500. While driving 10 mph, the vehicle slowed down and the rear tires seized. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The contact engaged the 4-wheel drive in order to move the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence and later taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the rear differential needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer for diagnostic testing or repairs. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 170,000.

Tl the contact owns a 2005 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact took the vehicle to northwest Jeep Chrysler Dodge ram (10600 sw canyon rd, beaverton, or 97005, (503) 646-5111) to be repaired per NHTSA campaign number: 14v796000 (power train), but the repair did not remedy the failure. After the repair, while driving at low speeds, there was a loud abnormal noise coming from the rear of the vehicle. The contact also mentioned that fluid was leaking from the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the contact was informed that the rear differential needed to be replaced and that silicone was placed inside it to stop the leak. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 233,538.

See all problems of the 2005 Dodge Ram 1500 🔎.

The contact owns a 2008 Dodge Ram 1500. While driving 50 mph, the rear driver and passenger side wheels locked and the vehicle stalled. The contact pulled the vehicle over to the side of the road by shifting the gear into all wheel drive. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the rear wheel differential needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The manufacturer stated that the VIN was not included in a recall. The approximate failure mileage was 50,000.

See all problems of the 2008 Dodge Ram 1500 🔎.

Tl the contact owns a 2003 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving 55 mph, the rear differentials gears seized and caused the vehicle to swerve and come to an abrupt stop. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. (michiciana Chrysler Dodge Jeep ram fiat of mishawaka, indiana) was made aware of the failure and requested that the vehicle be brought in for a rear differential assessment. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 122,000.

Rear differential is noisy after being repaired several times. Vehicle has 73,000 miles.

Pinion nut came off causing rear differential to lock up and almost cause an accident.

Takata recall. The contact owns a 2006 Dodge Ram 1500. While driving approximately 40 mph, the vehicle shook and the rear differential blew out and caused the vehicle to "jump". There were no warning indicators illuminated. The dealer was contacted (burdick Chrysler, Dodge Jeep, 5885 cir, drive e. #335, cicero, NY, 315- 699-3846) and stated that the vehicle was not included in a recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and also stated that there was no recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 16v352000 (air bags). The failure mileage was 36,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

Pinion nut on rear differential came off and pinion fell into differential causing rear wheels to lock up at interstate speeds.

This vehicle rear differential locked up unexpectedly while driving on 8/29/17 breaking the rear differential and driveline. Our shop pulled the cover off to inspect the damage to determine the repairs that would be needed. At that time we discovered that the vehicle had been under a recall or buyback since 2/2013. We were never notified of the recall and neither was the prior owner. The vehicle had been to a Dodge dealer for service in 9/2013 and was not notified of a recall. It was also transferred at CA dmv over 1 year after the recall without any recall notification coming up. I have taken to Dodge dealership who is refusing to fix the vehicle without charging me for the work. They state that they dont know if the recalled item caused the problem. Its very obvious to anyone that the problem of the pinion nut backing off caused this problem.

Takata recall & rear differential pinion nut I have received two recall notices for this vehicle. The reality is that I live on an island (kodiak, alaska) on which there is no Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep/ram dealership. To get the vehicle to such a dealership would require a ferry ride of over 10 hours (each way) and the expenditure of over $500. I called the fca recall assistance center, explained the situation, and asked them to authorize a local non-Dodge dealer or repair shop to do the work. They refused, saying I would have to pay for the repair myself and then seek reimbursement.

While driving there was an extremely loud grinding noise coming from the rear end. I went to an auto shop and after assessing the issue, it was determined that the pinion was bad and there was a chunk of metal broke off in the rear differential. Repairs cost over 1600$.

Vehicle suddenly began making a loud droning sound while going around a corner on residential streets, reminiscent of an airplane flying overheard or a semi truck's "jake brake. " the sound stopped after the vehicle straightened out. On the next two corners, the droning sound repeated, and vibration was also felt coming through the floorboards, but the sound went away after straightening the vehicle out. After the second corner, the vehicle accelerated to about 20 mph. There was a sudden loud bang. Both back wheels locked up immediately, as evidenced by the skid marks on the road. The driveline also disconnected from the rear differential at that time, leaving a trail of oil on the road. The mechanic who inspected and repaired the vehicle indicated that the nut securing the pinion gear had come loose, allowing the pinion to move out of its correct location. The result was that the axles to both rear tires locked up. It appears that similar issues related to pinion nuts loosening have been found on many other vehicles of this make and model. Recalls were issued for over 250,000 Dodge Ram 1500 vehicles from the 2005 model year to correct an issue with the nut on the pinion. Over 250,000 additional Dodge/Chrysler vehicles from the 2009 to 2012 model years were also recalled for a pinion nut issue.

The contact owns a 2004 Dodge Ram 1500. While driving on a highway at approximately 65 mph, the vehicle stopped suddenly. The vehicle was coasted to the side of the road. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed as differential failure. The manufacturer was notified. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 149,000.

Rear differential seized up while driving at 30 mph nearly went off road.

The contact owns a 2009 Dodge Ram 1500. While driving various speeds, the rear differential locked up on the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the rear differential failed, but was previously repaired per NHTSA campaign number: 13v038000 (power train). The remedy failed to repair the vehicle. The manufacturer stated that the vehicle was previously repaired out of state, but the contact had no recollection of the repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 119,000.

I was driving in the far left lane at 65mph on the freeway and all of a sudden without warning, I heard a loud banging noise at the back end of the truck. The back end of my truck was being thrown around causing me to almost lose ntrol of the vehicle nearly causing a bad accident. I pulled over on the left shoulder and the truck came to a screeching stop. I was pretty shaken up. I got out and at first thought I blew a tire. Then looked and the tires were fine ,so then I looked underneath my truck and saw the drives haft came out of the rear differential. I was not in a safe place on the left shoulder, as its in the middle of the freeway. I immediately called for a tow truck. The tow truck couldn't tow as the rear end was completely locked up. The California highway patrol tow truck showed up, and an officer had to shut down a crowded freeway to get me and my truck off the freeway safely. Later in the day I researched and found out about a recall on the 2005 Ram 1500. I contacted the previous owner who was the original owner, and he was never notified of this particular recall. I am in the process of contacting Dodge to see what they are going to do about it. They are responsible for putting safe vehicles on the road. I could have been killed and possibly hurt others. These trucks are not safe unless this issue is fixed. It happens without warning, so if you own one, get it taken care of right away!!!.

The contact owns a 2007 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that the rear differential failed, while he drove at approximately 30 mph. The contact heard a rattling noise at the rear end and the vehicle seized. The vehicle was towed to the contacts residence. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer advised that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 14v796000 (power train). The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 89,000.

Rear differential pinion snapped off causing back wheels to lock up.

I was pulling my 19ft. Boat, and I was stopped at a red light. The light turned green, and I hit the gas. There was a knock in the rear end and a loud pop. I looked under the rear end, and I noticed that the rear end was leaking at the rear differential. When the tow truck arrived the rear wheels would not roll. The rear end locked up. This will be the second time my rear differential has went out. The first time was at 34,000 miles. The first time the rear end was making grounding sounds before I took it in. The Dodge dealership replaced it under the original service warranty. When they took the rear end apart, they found metal shavings in the oil. This time the truck now has 94,000 miles. Both differentials are currently averaging 45,000 miles each.

Tl-the contact owns a 2006 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the vehicle was not moving. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or diagnosed. The contact is a authorized mechanic where he determined the rear differential was out and the gear was shredded. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 99,175. Ak.

Tl- the contact owns a 2009 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at 65 mph, a loud humming noised was heard. The failure occurred constantly. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the rear differential had failed and needed replacement. The VIN was not included in the NHTSA campaign number: 12v474000(power train). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 80,105. Jo.

Tl- the contact owns a 2005 Chrysler Dodge ram. The contact stated that the differential pinion seal had leaked upon inspection. The vehicle was taken to the dealer or mechanic where it was confirmed that the differntail pionion seal leaked. Prior to this the vehicle was repaired under recall 14v796000 (power train). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 77,000. Kh.

Tl- the contact owns a 2004 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at 45 mph, the vehicle came to a complete stop and failed to accelerate when the accelerator pedal was depressed. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic when it was diagnosed that the rear differential was defective and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was not included in the NHTSA campaign number: 12v474000 (powertrain). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 168,256. Jo.

Vehicle was part of the pinion recall and was repaired 11/15/2013. Recently the driving of the truck caused noise and obvious differential issue. The entire gear kit and differntial need to be replaced due to it being stripped. Out of pocked $3000. Recall stated since the pinion was replaced it is up to us to fix. The differential recall "did not impact" this vehicle yet I suspect it should. The Dodge hotline states that at this time there is no recall on this specific VIN number thus it is nothing they will act on. I suspect the are linked thus expect there will be another recall for these within this lot number. Too coincidential that only some and not all are part of this recall.

When exiting off the freeway in mesa az on a short comute from work at a speed of <40mph, the truck made a werring noise coasting and a heavy vibration comming from the rear end. We stopped immediatly to investigate and there was gear oil dripping from the rear differential. After a tow and inspection from sunland auto in mesa, they said something came loose inside the rear differential housing causing damage to the ring & pinion as well as the housing. After an exhausting search for a replacement, they said Dodge had discontinued the assembly and they had to find a used one. This cost us $3000 in parts and labor on a beautiful truck that never even pulled a trailer . Unfortunatly it had just rolled over 1000000 miles so Dodge would not warranty the failure.

The truck started to make scraping noise and intensified in about 2 miles of driving a loud grinding noise with vibration sounding like a eco inside the cabin faster you go louder it gets then while in motion the truck made a louder sound and felt like the truck move back for 2 seconds and keep then moving foward still the loud noise I toke it to a mechanic shop to be check and the owner told me that the differential oil has metal on it like a metal was loose inside I told him to stop so I can check for recalls and call the dealer online they show that this kind of issues happen before and that the tires can lock and cause an accident or put someone in danger pedestrian passenger or driver is a recall from Chrysler about this issue but I will contact the dealer for more information I been inside the forums online and is a lot of people with this same problem I hope this recall come thru to all those Dodge Ram 1500 buyers like me.

The vehicle in question is a 2008 Dodge Ram 1500 quad cab 4x2 with approx 81450 miles. While servicing rear differential, found metal pieces stuck to the magnet at the bottom of the housing. No noticable indications of failure prior to service. Vehicle delivered to dealership service department who's service advisor expressed they don't see many of these failures. It was discovered during inspection of the damage that the "c" clips which hold the lsd in place had failed. When the vehicle was picked up after repair the service ticket stated "this happens all the time". Service advisor also stated that the mechanic that performed the repair has over 30 years experience in the repair of rear differentials however, I should expect to see this happen again. The repairs were covered under the "limited lifetime powertrain warranty".

When backing the vehicle out of the garage, I noticed an oily substance in the center of the vehicle directly below the rear differential. Inspecting the vehicle, I could see there is a leak emanating from the drive-shaft and differential where the pinion seal is located. There is a recall on the pinion seal for the 2009 and 2010 model years that does not cover my 2008 Dodge Ram 1500. I believe the recall needs to extend to the 2008 model year also.

See all problems of the 1998 Dodge Ram 1500 🔎.

At approximately 155k miles, differential started howling when traveling from florida to virginia. Took vehicle for service. Limited slip differential clips had fallen out and broken up in the gears damaging the bearings. Had the differential rebuilt with all new bearings and clips. At 160k miles, same issue occurred damaging the pinion bearing. The vehicle is now on jack stands in my yard as I save to purchase a rebuilt unit at over $2k.

There have been 5 recalls on my Dodge ram. The airbags may rupture in 2015, the rear axle pinion nut may loosen at the differential (powertrain) in 2014, again the airbags inflator may rupture in 2014, the wheel hub assembly (wheels) in 2010, also a recall for the after market replacement pitman arms (steering) in 2010. I have gone to my Chrysler dealer in las cruces, new mexico; the Dodge dealer has been closed for a few years now. I have been told I have to have a notification from Chrysler/Dodge to have them just to take a look at it, much less fix the problems. Now there is a huge recall; this is now really gotten serious. Please help me as much as you can to take care of the malfunctions on my Dodge ram as soon as possible. I have not taken the Dodge on long distance road trips for the past couple of years now. The failed components listed below do not show all the malfunctions I have listed above.