2001 Dodge RAM 1500 Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 95about this part
- Share
- 9%of 1,112 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 57,285miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 95 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2001 Dodge RAM 1500, 9% of the 1,112 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 57,285 miles. 7 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Driving down the highway at approximately 70 miles per hour, I heard a horrible rattling noise. Vehicle started to shake violently, I was able to pull over to the side of the road. Upon inspection the rear driveline pinion yoke was loose with the nut holding by one thread.. I installed a new nut and inspected for further damage.”
NHTSA complaint #10667799, filed 2014-12, 217,900 miles“My truck has 185000 miles on it and started sounding like the back brakes were grinding. On the way to the mechanic the back tires locked up and broke the drive shaft off. Lucky for me I was only going 40 miles an hour.”
NHTSA complaint #10724067, filed 2015-06, 185,000 miles“I have a Dodge 1500 v6 truck that has been a pain every since I have had it. It never ran right from day one and I would take it back to the dealership and they said nothing was wrong with it. Now at 64,000 miles the transmission is blown. They really suck this was my 3rd vehicle from Dodge and I had problems with everyone”
NHTSA complaint #10128738, filed 2005-07, 64,000 miles“Had to have the transmission rebuilt,water pump replaced, ignition problems which lead to a burnt computer box. All of this was suppose to be under my extended warranty; which they dropped when I told them that I had 2 drivers. This was always under a business contract. Never heard again from the warranty co. Except to say that I was cancelled. Dodge RAM 1500 are junk vehicles.”
NHTSA complaint #10080870, filed 2004-07, 69,713 miles“I have a 2001 Dodge 1500 w/a 5.9 v8. At around 58000 miles transmission started to go out. Took it to a shop, and they told us it was the torque converter. We replaced the transmission, and yet the problem still occurred. I am an hard core Dodge buyer, but this is starting to turn me off dodges all together.”
NHTSA complaint #10093204, filed 2004-09, 58,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10136906Jan 30, 2014Part Description: Seal - Shift Shaft on RFE transmissions Issue Description: This seal (04799346) is replaceable with Seal Kit (68235551AA), which includes a seal and retainer…
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 92 | 13% |
| 2011 | 176 | 26% |
| 2010 | 229 | 47% |
| 2009 | 231 | 34% |
| 2008 | 73 | 13% |
| 2007 | 61 | 12% |
| 2006 | 100 | 13% |
| 2005 | 594 | 51% |
| 2004 | 181 | 16% |
| 2003 | 125 | 11% |
| 2002 | 99 | 12% |
| 2001 | 95 | 9% |
| 2000 | 45 | 9% |
| 1999 | 59 | 10% |
| 1998 | 85 | 16% |
| 1997 | 56 | 16% |
| 1996 | 52 | 17% |
| 1995 | 30 | 14% |
| 1994 | 7 | 6% |
| 1993 | 1 | 17% |
Other parts of the 2001 Dodge RAM 1500
548 complaintsOther or unknown
113 complaintsAir bags
84 complaintsElectrical system
81 complaintsSuspension
69 complaintsBrakes
59 complaintsSteering
53 complaintsEngine cooling
51 complaintsTires
33 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
26 complaintsEquipment
18 complaintsVehicle speed control
18 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2001 Dodge RAM 1500
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology