2004 Dodge RAM 2500 Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 110about this part
- Share
- 19%of 582 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 26,200miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 110 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2004 Dodge RAM 2500, 19% of the 582 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 26,200 miles. 39 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 2 recall campaigns on record are filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Three different occasions when I would park somewhere with the automatic transmission selector in park , the truck would take off backwards . Once at shop at home , I was close enough to catch it , without incident . Second time I was at a convenient store , had been in there5 to ten mins. It took off across busy state hiway. Thitd time in a lake. Witnesses on last 2.”
NHTSA complaint #11045784, filed 2017-11, 60,000 miles“I was driving to one of our buildings and noticed one of my diesel trucks had not been plugged in so I stopped put the truck in park and got into the other truck. I had started the other truck and was letting it warm up when I looked over at the truck I had parked it was about 25 yards away with the back up against a tree. I ran over to it the tail gate was smashed the truck was still running.”
NHTSA complaint #10182862, filed 2007-02, 69,791 miles“I have a 2004 Dodge RAM 2500 with the cummins and automatic transmission. The automatic selection indicator does not show the vehicle in park at least once a day when I drive it. I now this is a problem and have had recall #05v-462 dcc #e17 done. This is a patch and does not address the problem of why my truck does not go into park. One of these days my 7000 pound truck is going to roll backwards and damage, injure or kill someone .”
NHTSA complaint #10162739, filed 2006-07, 45 miles“I parked the truck and got out to close a gate when I turned around the truck had slipped into reverse and was coming toward me. Fortunately, I was able to get out of the way. The truck ran into a fence post damaging the driver's side mirror and denting the front drivers side fender.”
NHTSA complaint #10075011, filed 2004-06, 10,197 miles“I have a 2004 Dodge RAM 2500 cummin diesel pick up,when I put into park with motor running I left the truck to check on a wreak my pick up rolled back into a tractor trailer causing damage to the rear corner panel of my truck. I know there is a recall for this reason but from all of the complaints with the alarm I don't know if I want to do it. I would like a recall to get this fixed so I wont be out another $3500.00 to fix my truck,it would be nice to get reimburse.”
NHTSA complaint #10182119, filed 2007-02, 40,000 milesRelated recalls
- 05V462000Oct 6, 2005On certain pickup trucks equipped with diesel engines and automatic transmissions, in an attempt to exit the vehicle quickly without shutting off the engine…Covers: Dodge RAM 2500 2003–2005, RAM 3500 2003–2005
- 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 2500 2004, RAM 1500 2004
Related service bulletins
- 11010205Oct 30, 2024Plate - Planetary
- 10022003May 24, 20071-2 shift hunt at light throttle.
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 2004 Dodge RAM 2500
140 complaintsSuspension
106 complaintsAir bags
90 complaintsElectrical system
47 complaintsBody and structure
35 complaintsFuel system
33 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
30 complaintsExterior lighting
26 complaintsEngine cooling
24 complaintsBrakes
18 complaintsVehicle speed control
17 complaintsEngine
13 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2004 Dodge RAM 2500
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 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