1994 Dodge RAM Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 68about this part
- Share
- 14%of 469 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 120,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 68 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1994 Dodge RAM, 14% of the 469 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 120,000 miles. 3 of these say a crash was involved and 2 a fire, 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.
“Recall no. 97v084000: consumer noticed that on several occasions transmission fluid was leaking on the ground under the vehicle. Upon looking under the vehicle it was discovered that the cooling unit line retainer was missing, causing the fluid to leak. Dealer inspected the vehicle, and informed the consumer that the automatic cooling unit line was leaking. A recall for this problem was issued, but consumer's vehicle was not included due to VIN.”
NHTSA complaint #10049958, filed 2003-12, 120,000 miles“Consumer's vehicle experienced the same problems as mentioned in recall 97v084000 concerning transmission cooling lines. Dealership would not repair vehicle free of charge because the VIN was not included. The truck's transmission locked up while driving which caused the it to stall. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who determined that the cooling line connection came apart from the transmission which cause all the transmission fluid to leak from the vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #10099874, filed 2004-12, 125,254 miles“Transmission failed after 30000 mile warranty period. Consumer stated he owned four of the same vehicles, and the same thing happened with the transmission.”
NHTSA complaint #10083814, filed 2004-07, 30,000 miles“While driving vehicle about 40 MPH vehicle had a transmission problem. When trying to accelerate vehicle felt like it was neutral when in drive. Consumer stopped vehicle on the side of the road for a few minutes then moved pawl back to drive at that time transmission worked. * oil pump/fuel pump also malfunctioned/replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #823692, filed 1998-06“The transmission fluid exceeded the melting point of the material used in the connector to retain the fluid line to the transmission which resulted on fluid leakage. Dealer would not repair consumers connector under recall 97v084 because vehicle uses diesel fuel instead of gas. Nlm”
NHTSA complaint #550492, filed 2000-01Related recalls
- 99V115000May 6, 1999Vehicle description: pickup trucks equipped with manual transmission, v10 engines and four-wheel-drive transfer cases. Under sustained maximum rated vehicle…Covers: Dodge RAM 1994–1999
- 97V084000May 5, 1997Under certain high load operating conditions, the transmission fluid temperature can exceed the melting point of the material used in the connector to retain…Covers: Dodge RAM 1994–1997
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 7 | 26% |
| 2009 | 2 | 22% |
| 2008 | 4 | 16% |
| 2007 | 4 | 24% |
| 2005 | 11 | 28% |
| 2004 | 8 | 14% |
| 2003 | 6 | 11% |
| 2002 | 17 | 15% |
| 2001 | 50 | 16% |
| 2000 | 21 | 14% |
| 1999 | 53 | 14% |
| 1998 | 80 | 17% |
| 1997 | 71 | 18% |
| 1996 | 135 | 22% |
| 1995 | 91 | 15% |
| 1994 | 68 | 14% |
| 1993 | 9 | 17% |
| 1992 | 8 | 14% |
| 1991 | 6 | 12% |
| 1990 | 3 | 13% |
| 1989 | 3 | 11% |
| 1988 | 3 | 14% |
| 1987 | 2 | 11% |
| 1985 | 1 | 10% |
Other parts of the 1994 Dodge RAM
91 complaintsElectrical system
64 complaintsSuspension
47 complaintsFuel system
40 complaintsSteering
39 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
33 complaintsVehicle speed control
30 complaintsEngine cooling
28 complaintsAir bags
27 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
19 complaintsSeat belts
18 complaintsBody and structure
17 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1994 Dodge RAM
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 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