2004 Dodge RAM Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 8about this part
- Share
- 14%of 58 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 23,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 8 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2004 Dodge RAM, 14% of the 58 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 23,000 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I put my truck into park to run in and pick up my dry-cleaning ( was inside maybe 60 seconds) came out to find my truck gone and after looking I find it across the parking lot. It had jumped the curb went through their landscaping and hit a tree damaging the rear bumper,tailgate, bed side and dually fender. After going back in the cleaners the lady that works there informed me that her new Dodge truck has done that to her before. This is the 3rd time this truck has done this to me and it is not a year old. …”
NHTSA complaint #10120703, filed 2005-05, 22,000 miles“The engine light keeps coming on. When we took it to the service center the first time we were told that the problem was with the transmission; the colinoid was then replaced. The second time we took it in to the service department because the engine light came on we were told that the computer is sending the exact same code. We were told we would need a new computer, at 56,000 miles. It was installed. The third time we took it in to the service department for the engine light being on we were told once again that the computer is indicating the same problem. …”
NHTSA complaint #10068453, filed 2004-05, 56,000 miles“Since purchased my 2004 Dodge RAM 1500, five speed standard, will not decelerate for three to four seconds. Problems also with the clutch. It has to be pressed fully to the floor. The service manager said that this was the way the truck was built .”
NHTSA complaint #10107839, filed 2005-01, 38 miles“While parked on an incline, the vehicle slipped out of park. This caused the vehicle to roll backwards, causing a minor collision. The dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10088013, filed 2004-09, 1,300 miles“The contact owns a 2004 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle was vibrating abnormally. The contact stated that the rear wheels locked up and the vehicle skidded sideways. The contact stated that the rear driveshaft had detached. The contact stated that oil was leaking from the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V796000 (Power Train). …”
NHTSA complaint #11489521, filed 2022-10, 137,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10021684Apr 26, 2007Generic powertrain control module (pcm) procedure.
- 10021239Aug 25, 2006Powertrain control module initialization.
- 10017000Sep 1, 200545rfe/545rfe trans - delayed engagement due to cooler return filter replacement.
- 10013731Mar 2, 2005Powertrain control module initialization.
- 10013996Oct 18, 2004Minimun rear rotor thickness.
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 2004 Dodge RAM
10 complaintsBrakes
6 complaintsTires
6 complaintsAir bags
5 complaintsEngine cooling
5 complaintsSteering
5 complaintsBody and structure
5 complaintsVehicle speed control
5 complaintsEquipment
3 complaintsSuspension
3 complaintsExterior lighting
2 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2004 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