1999 Dodge RAM 3500 Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 22about this part
- Share
- 21%of 104 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 74,035miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 22 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1999 Dodge RAM 3500, 21% of the 104 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 74,035 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.
“Was shifting gears on I-44 on ramp to get up to speed so I could merge with the flow of traffic. When I put the truck into fifth gear it felt as if I had shifted into neutral. Was able to go to next exit driving in fourth gear so I could get the truck back home. Couldn't go over 55 MPH in fourth gear plus didn't know if driving the truck like this was going to cause more problems. Called a few people I knew that had heard others say that the nut that goes onto the fifth gear shift rod would often back off. …”
NHTSA complaint #10145522, filed 2005-12, 122,153 miles“Continuous at speeds of 40 to 60 MPH, auto trans shifts between gears high/low, had transmission replaced that they said was the problem ie: $2,400.00, did not fix it, still have the same problem. Its well known in the transmission and dealer shops that its a electrical interference from the pumps or alternator that interrupts the shifting signal to the computer, yet they charge us to fix a design problem !”
NHTSA complaint #10226535, filed 2008-05, 51,000 miles“Consumer stated while traveling 60 MPH, an animal jumped into the road and consumer's vehicle swerved off the road onto sandy land to avoid hitting the animal. Consumer inspected the vehicle, and noticed that front axle broke and the frame bent. Dealer and manufacturer were contacted.”
NHTSA complaint #10079506, filed 2004-07, 63,000 miles“There was a nut in the back of the standard transmission. While driving 70 MPH the nut fell off into the transmission which caused the vehicle to free wheel in fifth gear.”
NHTSA complaint #10022764, filed 2003-07, 70,645 miles“Two primary safety related issues and many less important quality issues have plagued this vehicle. The problems began to mount immediately after the warranty lapsed. The most critical issue has been the corrosion and subsequent failure of the brake line that supplies the pressure needed for the rear brakes to operate. This issue rendered the rear brakes on the vehicle useless. Dodge corporate and two local Dodge dealerships refused to address the issue, except by offering to sell a replacement brake line. The failure of the metal after only 5 years is unacceptable. …”
NHTSA complaint #10142506, filed 2005-11, 115,000 milesTransmission 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 1999 Dodge RAM 3500
18 complaintsBrakes
15 complaintsEngine cooling
12 complaintsSteering
11 complaintsFuel system
10 complaintsOther or unknown
8 complaintsSuspension
7 complaintsAir bags
5 complaintsElectrical system
5 complaintsVehicle speed control
4 complaintsExterior lighting
3 complaintsSeat belts
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1999 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