1996 Dodge RAM 3500 Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 19about this part
- Share
- 15%of 124 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 115,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 19 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1996 Dodge RAM 3500, 15% of the 124 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 115,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 3 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“After parking the vehicle consumer noticed that transmission fluid was leaking. Dealer examined the vehicle, and determined that cooling line clips were damaged.”
NHTSA complaint #10065437, filed 2004-04, 69,000 miles“The plastic transmission lines became hot and leaked transmission fluid. The leak caused internal damage and now it must be rebuilt. Please provide any additional information.”
NHTSA complaint #10051996, filed 2003-12, 230,000 miles“Consumer contacted manufacturer to verify if manufacturer's recall 722 repairs were done. Manufacturer insisted that repairs were performed but they had no records of it done. Vehicle was then involved in a fire which was caused by the transmission cooling unit and line quick connection melting . There were no injuries.”
NHTSA complaint #10101398, filed 2004-11“Brakes pull to right, calibers and pads have been replaced. Rear brakes don't seem to work well antilock allows you to roll to far. Steering column goes bad after warranty is up ( 100,000 miles ). Fuel pump shut down solenoid and relay have also gone out on both of my trucks. Automatic transmission failures have occurred on both trucks at the 70000-75000 miles .”
NHTSA complaint #10023089, filed 2003-06“The vehicle does not go into 5th gear. When 5th gear is applied the car jumps out of gear. Has been to dealer 4 times and problem still exists. Consumer stated the nut that holds the 5th gear is a right hand thread, the gear turns left, which loosens the nut allowing the gear to back off.”
NHTSA complaint #813592, filed 1997-06Related 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 | 28 | 8% |
| 2011 | 9 | 4% |
| 2010 | 8 | 5% |
| 2009 | 4 | 4% |
| 2008 | 10 | 6% |
| 2007 | 14 | 7% |
| 2006 | 22 | 9% |
| 2005 | 32 | 16% |
| 2004 | 64 | 30% |
| 2003 | 26 | 9% |
| 2002 | 5 | 11% |
| 2001 | 14 | 11% |
| 2000 | 8 | 14% |
| 1999 | 22 | 21% |
| 1998 | 19 | 18% |
| 1997 | 26 | 21% |
| 1996 | 19 | 15% |
| 1995 | 19 | 18% |
| 1994 | 10 | 14% |
| 1992 | 1 | 10% |
Other parts of the 1996 Dodge RAM 3500
38 complaintsSuspension
16 complaintsBody and structure
11 complaintsVehicle speed control
11 complaintsElectrical system
10 complaintsSteering
10 complaintsExterior lighting
9 complaintsFuel system
8 complaintsEngine cooling
7 complaintsOther or unknown
7 complaintsEquipment
6 complaintsTires
6 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1996 Dodge RAM 3500
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