2004 Dodge RAM 1500 Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 181about this part
- Share
- 16%of 1,099 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 120,678miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 181 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2004 Dodge RAM 1500, 16% of the 1,099 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 120,678 miles. 12 of these say a crash was involved and 4 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The rear axle started making a whining noise that gradually got louder and then the rear axle locked up making the truck unable to be driven. I think it's the pinion nut like many other Dodge trucks but according to the information in the p77 recall my year truck is not included even though the rear axle has the exact issue described in the recall”
NHTSA complaint #10823134, filed 2016-01, 177,000 miles“Rear axel pinion nut came loose and rear drive shaft fell off. Truck manufactured feb 2004. Same problem as NHTSA campaign number: 14v796000. I was driving down the road, I started to hear a fun clanking noise, I slowed down to pull off the road and the rear axel locked up. When I was off the road I looked and found the rear drive shaft laying on the ground.”
NHTSA complaint #10851962, filed 2016-03, 125,000 miles“Truck lost all power, throttle lamp blinking. Stalled on roadway, would start but would not give throttle to move the truck. Turned key off then back on a few times and would let me apply throttle for a few seconds, then back to no power. I did this a few times just to get off the roadway. There is no throttle cable so it is a computer control problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10664073, filed 2014-12, 154,681 miles“While driving 65mph down a 3 lane highway, I heard a humming noise. I pulled over to the side of the road. I looked under the truck. The rear of my drive shaft was laying on the ground. Had it towed to a repair shop (cost $133.59). Repair shop had to make repairs to the rear axle housing/differential (cost $3,543.48). Total cost with tow bill $3677.07.”
NHTSA complaint #10668548, filed 2014-12, 59,618 miles“Was driving on the express way. Sudden loud noise from underneath the car, a lot of smoke. Pulled over immediately.my rear axle came off. No apparent reason. I believe there is a recall on theese models , the manufacturing date of my truck is not within the timeframe established. Demand further investigation”
NHTSA complaint #10881344, filed 2016-06, 234 milesRelated recalls
- 03V503000Dec 4, 2003On certain pickup trucks, the transfer case to transmission attaching fasteners may not be tightened correctly. This could cause the transmission adapter or…Covers: Dodge RAM 1500 2004, RAM 2500 2004
Related service bulletins
- 11010205Oct 30, 2024Plate - Planetary
- 10220471Feb 22, 2021Mechanical rocker arm, intake, 1.7 ratio.
- 10217728Jul 30, 2014Generic Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Procedure This bulletin involves programming a generic PCM with software.
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 2004 Dodge RAM 1500
368 complaintsEngine cooling
116 complaintsElectrical system
99 complaintsSteering
86 complaintsEngine
74 complaintsSuspension
66 complaintsFuel system
62 complaintsBrakes
53 complaintsBody and structure
50 complaintsOther or unknown
37 complaintsExterior lighting
29 complaintsVehicle speed control
26 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2004 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