1996 Dodge RAM Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 135about this part
- Share
- 22%of 625 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 75,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 135 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1996 Dodge RAM, 22% of the 625 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 75,000 miles. 6 of these say a crash was involved and 5 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.
“My main complaint is the transmission. The pressure seal for second gear has been replaced 3 times. It lasts for about 30,000 miles and then goes. I've had to pay for the repair 2 out of 3 times. Approx 1400.00.. The last time I had parts put in that were not chrysler products.”
NHTSA complaint #10070694, filed 2004-01, 32,701 miles“Manufacturer defect could have caused an accident or even harm. Problems with vehicle not shifting properly. Vehicle was taken to dealership and the high clutch drum was replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #10057290, filed 2004-01, 77,158 miles“While driving transmission failed to go from second to thid gear. Mechanic stated that the third gear lip seal failed. This was a common failure with these vehicles.”
NHTSA complaint #10079585, filed 2004-06, 65,000 miles“Paint is coming off in huge spots. Starts as a small faded area then starts peeling. Transmission stalls in second gear and takes a while to shift to third.”
NHTSA complaint #10068739, filed 2004-01, 75,000 miles“3500 pickup while driving up a 7% grade the transmission cooler line came loose and I lost all transmission fluid. The tow truck dealer said there was a plastic snap fitting on this cooler line that often ruptures. When they called in the dispatcher said, another Dodge? We had just come down a severe grade. If this had failed on that slope we'd probably been killed.”
NHTSA complaint #701419, filed 1998-12Related 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 1996 Dodge RAM
173 complaintsEngine cooling
57 complaintsSuspension
49 complaintsElectrical system
47 complaintsSteering
43 complaintsAir bags
38 complaintsFuel system
37 complaintsVehicle speed control
30 complaintsTires
29 complaintsBody and structure
24 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
24 complaintsExterior lighting
18 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1996 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