1996 Dodge RAM 2500 Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 44about this part
- Share
- 15%of 291 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 105,500miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 44 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1996 Dodge RAM 2500, 15% of the 291 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 105,500 miles. 1 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.
“Pulling loaded cargo trailer on a hot day in heavy traffic kin san antonio, tx. All a sudden truck started slowing down and smoke started coming out from under the truck. Stopped and looked under and transmission fluid was coming out of transmission on to hot exhaust. The hot transmission fluid melted the plastic/nylon material at the fluid line of the transmission and caused fluid to spray all over the exhaust and under side of truck and onto the payment. Transmission and lines had to be replaced. I was not aware of this recall as I had never been contacted. …”
NHTSA complaint #10371708, filed 2010-12, 155,831 miles“1996 a518 Dodge ram transmission went out. I have heard that they are awful transmissions and I believe that there needs to be a recall on the a518 transmission for 1996 Dodge ram trucks!”
NHTSA complaint #10134637, filed 2005-08, 72,000 miles“After operating vehicle under heavy load (snowplowing), the hydraulic clutch line ruptured when the clutch was depressed and the hydraulic fluid ignited on the hot exhaust system. Note: there was a recall (NHTSA campaign id number : 99v115000 ) issued for the exact same problem with this make/model/year truck with a v10 engine verses the v8. The heat from the nearby exhaust pipe exceeded the temperature rating of the hydraulic clutch line material causing it to rupture.”
NHTSA complaint #10444959, filed 2012-01, 96,998 miles“Recall 97v084000 concerning transmission cooling line. While pulling a 5th wheel trailer up a incline at 30 MPH vehicle stopped while in motion, and white smoke came from under the hood. Vehicle was towed to a repair shop. Dealer was notified. Dealer informed consumer that this vehicle was not covered under that recall.”
NHTSA complaint #10097569, filed 2004-10, 106,000 miles“Vehicle transmission will not shift without taking foot off accelerator to lower RPM. Dealer states internal seal failure and transmission needs rebuilding.”
NHTSA complaint #10107825, filed 2005-01, 99,800 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10148822Jun 11, 2018This SKU is an Automatic Transmission Oil Cooler Line. The Customer communication requested return of unsold inventory to inspect for improperly crimped hose fittings. Improperly…
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 35 | 12% |
| 2011 | 16 | 5% |
| 2010 | 13 | 6% |
| 2009 | 6 | 3% |
| 2008 | 20 | 6% |
| 2007 | 17 | 5% |
| 2006 | 37 | 6% |
| 2005 | 63 | 15% |
| 2004 | 110 | 19% |
| 2003 | 55 | 8% |
| 2002 | 19 | 12% |
| 2001 | 28 | 6% |
| 2000 | 15 | 7% |
| 1999 | 35 | 11% |
| 1998 | 29 | 13% |
| 1997 | 32 | 15% |
| 1996 | 44 | 15% |
| 1995 | 39 | 15% |
| 1994 | 24 | 14% |
| 1993 | 6 | 15% |
| 1992 | 3 | 9% |
| 1991 | 1 | 6% |
Other parts of the 1996 Dodge RAM 2500
80 complaintsElectrical system
26 complaintsTires
24 complaintsFuel system
23 complaintsSuspension
23 complaintsSteering
20 complaintsExterior lighting
16 complaintsVehicle speed control
16 complaintsEngine cooling
14 complaintsBody and structure
13 complaintsAir bags
11 complaintsEquipment
8 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1996 Dodge RAM 2500
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