2026 Ram 1500 Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 10about this part
- Share
- 10%of 103 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 1,600miles
- Trend
- Too newThis model year is less than 4 years old, so a trend is not meaningful yet.
NHTSA recorded 10 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2026 Ram 1500, 10% of the 103 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 1,600 miles.
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.
“One day into ownership of the vehicle, A warning popped up on the digital dash cluster saying that the Warning Light Illumination Unavailable Service Required . I was able to acknowledge the error and then two days later it came back with the same message. I dont even have 200 miles on this car.”
NHTSA complaint #11694599, filed 2025-10“While driving at highway speeds, a severe transmission defect caused an electronic and mechanical failure chain on my 745-mile vehicle. The transmission experienced an immediate loss of hydraulic control, causing the engine to surge to 4,000 RPM and violently slam three separate times under load, attempting to force a gear engagement (DTC P076F-00). …”
NHTSA complaint #11764262, filed 2026-09“Vehicle experiences a severe, unpredictable 1 to 2-second acceleration delay/dead spot when pulling away from stop signs or turning from low-speed near-stops. This vehicle nearly caused an accident due to entering an intersection and losing all throttle response before cross-traffic. I do not feel safe driving this vehicle”
NHTSA complaint #11759465, filed 2026-08“Vehicle auto braking inoperative, lane detection not working, main screen goes completely black. Vehicle went into limp mode while entering the freeway . Main dash flagged yellow, and highlighted check engine, service electric stability control, airbags service, 4 x 4 unavailable, service electronic stability control.”
NHTSA complaint #11757189, filed 2026-08“At a red light, the truck flashed all lights then refused to move. I tried to put the truck in park and turn it off and back on again but it didn't ever turn on again. The truck was towed to the dealer 13 days ago now. They fixed all safety recalls but it didn't resolve the issue and the truck still will not drive. The manufacturer is refusing to repair what the dealer believes to be the issue.”
NHTSA complaint #11760150, filed 2026-08Related service bulletins
- 11038324Oct 3, 2026Customer Satisfaction Notification A0D – Electronic Shift Module - Dealer Notification The Electronic Shift Module (ESM) software on about 20,000 of the above vehicles may cause…
- 11038313Oct 3, 2026Flash: Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Updates Customers must experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination and the vehicle must SYMPTOM: exhibit/set one or more of…
- 11038329Sep 30, 2026The Customer May Complain About a Popping Noise, Grinding Noise, or an Intermittent No Reverse or Forward Transmission Engagement. The Tech May Find Damaged and/or Worn…
- 11037573Sep 25, 2026Transmission Rattle Customers may comment on the following: SYMPTOM: ● Rattle noise coming from the transmission. This bulletin involves inspecting and possibly tightening the…
- 11037155Aug 31, 2026Mil On/Check Engine Lamp (CEL) On, Engine Runs Rough
- 11036154Aug 6, 2026Flash: Electronic Shift Module (ESM) Updates Customers may comment on one or more of the following: SYMPTOM: ● Shifter is unresponsive. ● Unable to start the vehicle. ● “Service…
- 11035325Jul 24, 2026Flash: Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Updates Customers must experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination and the vehicle must SYMPTOM: exhibit/set one or more of…
- 11034315Jun 16, 2026Flash: Electronic Shift Module (ESM) Updates Customers must experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination and the vehicle must SYMPTOM: exhibit/set one or more of…
- 11033955Jun 11, 2026Shifter - transmission
- 11033954Jun 11, 2026Shifter - transmission
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 10 | 10% |
| 2025 | 49 | 13% |
| 2024 | 15 | 19% |
| 2023 | 29 | 14% |
| 2022 | 106 | 17% |
| 2021 | 99 | 14% |
| 2020 | 63 | 10% |
| 2019 | 207 | 14% |
| 2018 | 60 | 9% |
| 2017 | 98 | 11% |
| 2016 | 202 | 13% |
| 2015 | 226 | 15% |
| 2014 | 192 | 11% |
| 2013 | 86 | 7% |
| 2009 | 9 | 24% |
Other parts of the 2026 Ram 1500
50 complaintsOther or unknown
16 complaintsEngine
13 complaintsExterior lighting
10 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
10 complaintsBrakes
9 complaintsForward collision avoidance
6 complaintsAir bags
3 complaintsLane departure
3 complaintsBody and structure
3 complaintsSuspension
3 complaintsBack-over prevention (rear camera)
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2026 Ram 1500
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 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