Power Train Problems of Dodge Ram 1500 - part 1

Dodge Ram 1500 owners have reported 940 problems related to power train (under the power train category). The most recently reported issues are listed below. Also please check out the statistics and reliability analysis of Dodge Ram 1500 based on all problems reported for the Ram 1500.

1 Power Train problem of the 2010 Dodge Ram 1500

Failure Date: 07/10/2025

Me and my husband were driving down the road to go see a friend and all of a sudden the wheel hub assembly broke in half causing us to have to slam on our brakes and keep from crashing. The wheel almost ended up under our truck making the truck look like it was kachowing like lightening mcqueen from the movie cars.

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2 Power Train problem of the 2010 Dodge Ram 1500

Failure Date: 04/24/2025

The contact owns a 2010 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormally loud sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the rear axle differential pin retaining bolt had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,704.

3 Power Train problem of the 2011 Dodge Ram 1500

Failure Date: 04/23/2025

The gas tank fell onto the road while driving to pick up my daughter from the bus. I immediately pulled over due to the sound. I then saw the front of the gas tank on the ground , half a mile down the road I was traveling there are alot of pit holes and that could of ended in a fire or worse with my tank dragging the ground. I have taken it to the dealership that would help repair the recall but they have yet to repair or give me information about what the manufacturer has said on what to do. They told me it is to rusty underneath to repair and contacted manufacturer. I am without a vehicle its been almost 2 weeks and I have a 6 year old child and my own health issues that inquire dr appointments. I have no money for a rental and no family or friends who can help with rides. I am unsure of what to do next I just know this is extremely frustrating considering I had purchased this vehicle only a few months ago.

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4 Power Train problem of the 2010 Dodge Ram 1500

Failure Date: 01/28/2025

I was driving to work on [xxx] when my rear end locked up and I slid sideways down [xxx]. I was going slower than normal due to slippery road conditions. The mechanic told me it was the pinion nut that froze up and locked up the gears and snapped the drive shaft. If it had been clear roads the truck probably would have flipped over. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

5 Power Train problem of the 2008 Dodge Ram 1500

Failure Date: 10/20/2024

Missing 2 bolts on drive shaft almost had a accident.

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6 Power Train problem of the 2005 Dodge Ram 1500

Failure Date: 08/18/2024

[xxx] was on my way home noticed rear differential making a noise slowed down to 20-30 mph to prepare to pull of the hwy rear differential locked up pinion nut came loose and driveshaft fell out had it towed home called had an appointment set up at steve jones in dickson tennessee to have the recall fixed. 1 1/2 month later dealership calls and advise me to call customer care because they couldn’t get the parts to fix the vehicle I called customer care they told me I would have to supply the 2 parts to fix the vehicle because they were discontinued I confirmed with the dealership they confirmed said if I supplied the parts they would fix the vehicle I ordered the parts took to dealership then was told the manager over corporate said to not fix the vehicle now dealership says corporate is going to to do a buy out and crush the vehicle I explained to them that is not acceptable it has been almost 5 months with no resolution and vehicle still setting at the dealership is there anything that could be done to get these recalls fixed information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

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7 Power Train problem of the 2005 Dodge Ram 1500

Failure Date: 07/29/2024

Rear differential locked up while driving at approximately 30 mph, causing the vehicle to come to a stop and unable to move. Luckily the failure happened on a road with little traffic so no accident occurred and other drivers were not put at risk. There were no warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms prior to failure. Inspection revealed broken gears and pins in the rear differential. There was a recall (p77) for this model year truck for what appears to be the same problem. The recall repair work was performed in 2019 and the truck has been driven approximately 20,000 miles since the repair. The fca recall line told me to have the truck towed to a dealer to get a diagnosis and repair estimate, but after the tow was complete the recall line said since more than 2 years had passed since the recall repair work, the repair warranty had expired and nothing would be covered, regardless of diagnosis. The broken parts are still available for review if needed.

8 Power Train problem of the 2012 Dodge Ram 1500

Failure Date: 07/08/2024

Warning light came on suddenly. Vehicle lost power. Smoking out of the tail pipe. Very dangerous for other drivers. Took the vehicle to a mechanic, said I have problems with the lifters, and need to replace the engine. I don’t know why Chrysler doesn’t issue a recall for this issue, it seems to happen often. Thank you very much.

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9 Power Train problem of the 2011 Dodge Ram 1500

Failure Date: 06/15/2024

The contact owns a 2011 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 45 mph, an abnormal clunk was heard coming from under the vehicle before the rear end of the drive shaft disconnected. No warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that he lost control and the vehicle had jumped the curb into a ditch before coming to a stop on a culvert. The air bags did not deploy. The contact sustained minor injuries to his neck however, no medical attention was sought. A police report was not filed. The vehicle was towed and parked at the contact's home address, where it remains until further investigation. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. In addition, the contact related to the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 14v796000 (power train) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.

10 Power Train problem of the 2009 Dodge Ram 1500

Failure Date: 05/30/2024

My trucks ignition switch just stops turing my truck on I've seen multiple complaints about the same issue leaves you stranded.

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11 Power Train problem of the 2004 Dodge Ram 1500

Failure Date: 04/25/2024

I was driving to work that morning traveling about 40 into the city when all of a sudden I heard a loud noise, I barely could handle the steering wheel to coast it to the side before it came to a complete hault, I look out my window and my drive shaft broke in 2 pieces was passing me on the main road. Front end was on the side shoulder, back end was out in the road. I jumped out of the truck and grabbed up both ends of my drive shafts and put in the back of my 04 Dodge ram truck, then started directing traffic on this busy road of morning commuters. Fluid was everywhere on the road so I'm trying to put sand from the side of the road onto the fluid that was on the road that had leaked out my truck all while directing traffic to keep from creating an accident. An law officer came ask was I alright, I answered explained what had happened and he never took a report instead replied with "seems like you got everything handled" and got back in his car and drove off. I called for a tow service for their assistance and requested it be took to a shop. Where it now sits unrivaled. It was inspected by the mechanic and learned that the pinyin nut had came off cause my rear end to lock up which caused my drive shaft to come out and when it hit broke it smooth into 2 pieces that caused damage to my transmission case. This could have ended very badly for me that day, I'm thankful that it didn't. But now my truck is tore up do to a faulty manufacturers pinyin nut. And I need my truck fixed so I can work and support my family. This was not my doings. I love my truck very much and desperately need it back up and running.

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12 Power Train problem of the 2005 Dodge Ram 1500

Failure Date: 03/18/2024

Vehicle brought in for recall repairs on March 18, 2024. Recalls r25 and n43 were completed. Recall p77 failed inspection. Dealer parts not available. Was asked by service advisor if ok to use aftermarket parts. I agreed. Service advisor needed approval from district rep before continuing. I was then told by service advisor that vehicle was safe to drive as long as I drove it easy. His comment, “its lasted this long, you will be ok. Just dont pull any trailers. ” was asked to wait a week for district rep to return from vacation. I took the truck home and did not drive it after reading the p77 recall info. The truck is not safe to drive with a loose rear axle pinion nut. I returned the truck on 4/8/2024 for repairs to be completed. The dealer will not communicate with me unless I initiate communication. There is no information on parts being ordered or work being scheduled. It is now 4/29/2024 and no action from the dealer. I have asked to speak with the service manager and no reply.

13 Power Train problem of the 2006 Dodge Ram 1500

Failure Date: 02/25/2024

Rear axle pinion nut was loosening and pinion was leaking. I had this happen on another 2006 Ram 1500 where the nut backed all the way off and the drive shaft hit the road.

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14 Power Train problem of the 2012 Dodge Ram 1500

Failure Date: 01/23/2024

The contact owns a 2012 Ram 1500. The contact stated when the vehicle was turned off and in park, he accidentally bumped the gear shit lever and the vehicle slipped out of park (p) without the brake pedal being depressed. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 17v821000 (power train). The contact stated that he had attempted to set numerous appointments with a local dealer but was unable to set an appointment for the vehicle. Additionally, while driving approximately 55 mph the contact stated that he began to smell a burning plastic odor. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact observed that smoke was being emitted from the defroster vents on the top of the dash board. The contact stated that he pulled off of the roadway and shut the vehicle off. The contact stated as he exited the vehicle he observed pieces of burning melted plastic were dripping from under the dash and onto the vehicle floor carpets. The contact stated he called the fire department. The fire department arrived and extinguished the flames with a chemical fire extinguisher. The contact stated that the dash board and the right front passenger side were burned by the flames. There was extensive damage to the dashboard. The contact stated that the police also arrived but was not sure if a report had been written. The vehicle was towed to an impound lot. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The contact stated that prior to the fire the contact had been smelling a burnt plastic smell when using the heater/defroster. The failure mileage was approximately 95,700. The VIN was not available.

15 Power Train problem of the 2012 Dodge Ram 1500

Failure Date: 01/02/2024

Catalytic converter, sensors, knocking loss of power, bogging , hot and cold engine , was on a road trip back home passing a 18 wheeler and it starts to lose power boggs down and then takes off , steering wheel was iffy, fumes are stong in and out of truck. Threw my suitcase and dog in floor . I have replaced sensors , knock sensor , coils, sparks plugs - no fix muffler shop said catalytic is not plugged up . Sent me to mechanic said ram / Dodge designed these years messed up common problem ,one mechanic telling me new engine parts might fix won’t pass inspection so now it just sits and drys up that’s not right for what it has cost my insurance said there nothing they can help with it only has 84k miles please emission and knock common problem that is mana factory defect surely loss of power in traffic scary please help with insurance and parts , gas I have no money for deep engine problems 84 k should still run like new truck the trip there drove great then I went to start to go back home 2 days later and knocking and wouldn’t drive putting scanner said sensor . This truck was running awesome I like driving . But to malfunction no reason. The codes are not right . Need my truck back on the road I live in texas has to pass emission to get inspection sticker.

16 Power Train problem of the 2005 Dodge Ram 1500

Failure Date: 09/28/2023

I visited my local Dodge dealership for airbag recalls for my 2005 Dodge ram in December 2022. In October 2023 I noticed a leak in the rear differential. When looking into the recalls for my VIN the differential pin was mentioned on there but never to me as I thought it was just the airbags. The part has been fixed by a mechanic shop (I paid for) but, did Dodge complete the inspection or just checked complete to include airbags recall (complete)?.

17 Power Train problem of the 2005 Dodge Ram 1500

Failure Date: 09/08/2023

The contact owns a 2005 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign numbers: 16v352000 (air bag), 15v313000 (air bags), and 14v796000 (power train) however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

18 Power Train problem of the 2006 Dodge Ram 1500

Failure Date: 08/13/2023

I was driving and the rear drive shaft fell out of the truck and the rear locked up making the truck undrivable. I heard this is a common problem in Dodge rams and it is definitely a safety issue and there should be a recall to address this reoccurring problem that can cause a loss of life or life threatening accident.

19 Power Train problem of the 2003 Dodge Ram 1500

Failure Date: 05/30/2023

Rear end of my Ram 1500 pickup model year 2003 locked up doing 60 mph on the interstate broke the drive shaft and the front of the rear end and yoke off. This is the third rear end I have put in this truck. This has been reported all over the internet thousands and thousands of times over about these Dodge Ram 1500 pickup truck rear ends having catastrophic failure causing injury and near fatalities yet Chrysler Dodge Jeep still has not issued a recall for the 2003 model year Ram 1500 rear end. It is the same exact rear end as the model year 2005 which has the same recall and other years that they have issued recalls for. I cannot understand how this has gone on for years with so many reports and incidences of this happening and still nothing being done of it. Again this is the third rear end I have put in my truck. My truck only has 120,000 miles on it first rear end went out well under 100,000 mi. It was also brought to the dealership to have pinion seal and nut fixed under warranty at 30,000 miles. I have paperwork proving that there was an issue starting at 30,000 miles with this truck. I really hope somebody will finally do something about this issue that has plagued hundreds of thousands of people and their trucks. A simple internet search will show thousands and thousands of people all having the same issues with their 2003 Dodge Ram 1500 pickup trucks. You can see in two of the pictures the skid marks from the rear end locking up on the road and I buy a miracle manage to keep the truck from sliding into the guardrail next to it. The vehicle is currently on a car trailer at my house and can be inspected at any time as I do not have the money to put a fourth rear end to this vehicle at this time.

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20 Power Train problem of the 2003 Dodge Ram 1500

Failure Date: 05/23/2023

The driveshaft to pinion gear at the differential comes loose during normal driving. I have replaced the bit numerous times, but it keeps coming loose. There is a recall on same truck but different years. The exact problem the other rams have is exact issue with mine. When it comes loose, the car grinds to a halt.

21 Power Train problem of the 2008 Dodge Ram 1500

Failure Date: 03/27/2023

The cv axle on the passenger side has gone out 3 times in the last 6 months. That's not just coincidence. And there is no extreme driving conditions or unnecessary turning going on.

22 Power Train problem of the 2001 Dodge Ram 1500

Failure Date: 03/26/2023

The headlights no matter what bulbs I buy are extremely dim making it unsafe to drive at night. Now truck will not start for some unknown reason. It tries to turn over but will not crank. The mileage flashes no bus. I was literally only getting at best 8 miles per gallon.

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23 Power Train problem of the 2004 Dodge Ram 1500

Failure Date: 03/20/2023

The driveline driveshaft fell out there’s a pinion nut that came loose and suddenly locked my rear end up without warning. Cant move it.

24 Power Train problem of the 2009 Dodge Ram 1500

Failure Date: 02/18/2023

The shifter began changing gears on its own. Before the recall came out my mechanic checked and there was no recall for this until 2018. I was never notified of the recall. Then on rear axle pinion nut. The nuts were installed without the proper amount of adhesive. Consequently, the nuts can loosen, and cause the rear axle to lock up, causing a loss of vehicle control. I was never notified of and the rear end came down while on the freeway. The fuel tank began leaking I repaired this before the recall came out. I submitted a reimbursement request they denied me stating my car was over 7 years old.

25 Power Train problem of the 2012 Dodge Ram 1500

Failure Date: 01/06/2023

The contact owns a 2012 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving 80 mph the vehicle shut down completely without any warning. The contact stated he had press on the brake pedal desperately and shifted the vehicle into park and restarted the vehicle and the vehicle was able operated normally. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the fuse box was replaced, but the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the dealer stated that the ignition module needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 115,000.

26 Power Train problem of the 2005 Dodge Ram 1500

Failure Date: 05/11/2022

Had taken my vehicle in for the recall they said it was fine , after wards two months later my front right break locked up. But now my rear end that was supposed to been fixed from recall vut now it is making loud noise.

27 Power Train problem of the 2006 Dodge Ram 1500

Failure Date: 03/15/2022

The contact owns a 2006 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that while attempting to accelerate after the vehicle was idling, the vehicle inadvertently stalled without warning. The failure occurred intermittently and became more frequent. The vehicle was lunging forward while idling and was shifting hard while driving. The contact stated that the coil pack relay might have malfunctioned. While inspecting the vehicle, the contact noticed that the main fuse box under the hood had exposed fuses and the box was easily accessible. The contact took the vehicle to a certified mechanic and the fuel pump was replaced. The failure persisted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 168,000.

28 Power Train problem of the 2011 Dodge Ram 1500

Failure Date: 03/01/2022

The contact owns a 2011 Ram 1500. The contact stated that on various occasions after turning off the vehicle and removing the key from the ignition, the gear shifter had shifted from park(p) to neutral(n). No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer to be serviced under NHTSA campaign number: 17v821000 (power train). The vehicle was repaired; however, the contact stated that the failure persisted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 41,000.

29 Power Train problem of the 2004 Dodge Ram 1500

Failure Date: 11/06/2021

I was driving from colorado to indiana and all the sudden I heard a noise so I pulled over to the right side of the road. When a man came across the median and got a fire extinguisher from his truck and stated for me and my 3 dogs to get out because my truck was on fire. He stated that the driver shaft was on fire with flames by my gas tank.

30 Power Train problem of the 2002 Dodge Ram 1500

Failure Date: 09/07/2021

Pinion nut became loose. It was caught before it totally fell off, however if it did fall off the rear axle could possible seize up and cause loss of control of the vehicle. This is a 2002 Dodge ram with the 9. 25" rear axle and they appear to still have issues to this day with that axle model. The recall Dodge had in 2009/10 does not even begin to cover the number of Dodge ram/dakota vehicles with this issue. The axle in this vehicle was replaced in 2009 for another issue with an axle retainer clip falling off and causing the internal assembly to grind on the boss for the axle. So as the original owner, and with only 137,140 miles on the vehicle in 19 years, it has had multiple problems fixed under warranty, including total axle replacement and now it will have rebuilt again. There should be a real safety concern for all Dodge pickups with the 9. 25" rear axle and a recall for every one of them, not just 2009/10. This has been happening for 20 years. When will NHTSA step up and hold Dodge to task for this issue. Regards, [xxx] minden, nv information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

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31 Power Train problem of the 2006 Dodge Ram 1500

Failure Date: 08/13/2021

Muy loose in diferencial damage back drive axel I diferencial.

32 Power Train problem of the 2005 Dodge Ram 1500

Failure Date: 08/06/2021

I was driving on a highway when all of a sudden I heard what I thought to be a blow out (tire) ,as I pulled over on shoulder with difficulty I looked in mirror and saw a part has fallen off, later retrieved with tow truck driver, part being a driveshaft. Rear end had seized as I maneuvered my veh. As far on shoulder as possible, I feel fortunate for outcome of incident. I had gotten a tow to my resident now not sure what my next step is to do, any advise would be helpful. Thank you.

33 Power Train problem of the 2006 Dodge Ram 1500

Failure Date: 08/06/2021

I was driving down a street heard a pop then my truck slid side to side as I was trying to get control of the truck and then it lifted off the ground. And it came to a complete stop. Parts of the vehicle were on the road with transmission fluid. The mechanic I go to says the whole back rear end needs to be replaced. Everything.

34 Power Train problem of the 2001 Dodge Ram 1500

Failure Date: 07/01/2021

There have been three times now in the last two years, six-eight months of which I never drove the vehicle due to being repaired. I was driving at about 60-70mph. At which time there were no odd or sudden noises, no warning at all when the trucks acceleration goes way up till I let of the gas pedal, go to pull over while two of the three times, my drive shaft is bouncing between the road and underneath the truck which could have bounced up into another vehicle's windshield, radiator or whatever and could have actually hurt or even killed someone. Thank god nothing like that ever happened. After inspecting the problem, in which all three cases, the transfer case has broken off part of the tailshaft of the transmission and once, even broke part of the transfer case to. After trying to look up the problem on line, the exact same problem seems to have happened to several people from several different states and even one same instance from the same small town that I'm in. All the same instances that I've seen have been from the same type of vehicle from the years of 1995-2001. It just seems like a wide spread problem to me.

35 Power Train problem of the 2005 Dodge Ram 1500

Failure Date: 05/24/2021

Rear differential failure. Right rear drive shaft gets loose and makes continual noise.



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