2021 Ram 2500 Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 25about this part
- Share
- 23%of 108 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 25 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2021 Ram 2500, 23% of the 108 complaints for this model year. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Multiple critical recalls - 22V-904, 23V-060, 22V-140, and 22V-835. Two of these represent fire hazards! For the last several months they either didn't have the parts or availability to service. I tried multiple dealerships in my area. Getting these serviced has become extremely difficult due to lack of responsiveness or availability by the dealer.”
NHTSA complaint #11528915, filed 2023-06“I have attempted to get 2 recalls that require parts completed at my local Ram dealer who has called me both times saying that the parts were in, and they were ready to schedule the appointment to complete the recalls. The first appointment was on September 25th, 2023, and when the vehicle was checked in, I was informed they had no parts to complete 2 of the 3 recalls that existed at that time. …”
NHTSA complaint #11559593, filed 2023-12“In June 2021, this vehicle literally drove away while in the park gear. It was running and accelerated across a state highway, down an embankment and 200 feet into a cornfield while pulling a trailer. I immediately called Ram and they did perform an investigation. They subsequently offered to buy the vehicle back, which I declined. This vehicle has been in for warranty work on the transmission several times with this being the result. They have offered to diagnose and repair it, which it is still under warranty anyway. …”
NHTSA complaint #11478386, filed 2022-08“The 68RFE automatic transmission in this 2021 Ram 2500 6.7L Cummins fails to engage reverse when the transmission reaches operating temperature. When the gear selector is placed in reverse and the accelerator is applied, the engine revs but the truck does not move. The defect is intermittent and temperature-dependent, which means it cannot be predicted or avoided by the driver. …”
NHTSA complaint #11734218, filed 2026-04“The lifters failed at 64,000 miles they where replaced under warranty. but now the lifters are making noise again with 71,000 miles since replaced. it’s a bad design that could be fixed permanently with the right parts! No warning lights just failure.”
NHTSA complaint #11708630, filed 2026-01Related recalls
- 22V835000Nov 10, 2022FCA US, LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Ram 2500 and 2020-2022 Ram 3500 vehicles. A build-up of pressure and heat inside the transmission may…Covers: Ram 2500 2020–2023, 3500 2020–2022
Related service bulletins
- 11034380Jun 25, 2026If customer concern diagnosis leads to suspect u-joint issue with the prop shaft, u-joint service kit should be utilized to fix concern. Prop shaft replacement would not be…
- 11034338Jun 17, 2026HD Front and Rear Prop Shafts Increase U-Joint Usage If customer concern diagnosis leads to suspect u-joint issue or failure with the prop shaft, u-joint service kit should be…
- 11030138Mar 9, 2026The vehicle will exhibit a service transmission/check engine warning indicator for the following transmission models: 845RE, 8HP45, 850RE, 8HP50, 8HP70, 8HP75, 8HP75-PHEV…
- 11024577Oct 24, 2025Driveline Vibration. Prop Shaft Diagnostic Information.
- 11021844Aug 7, 2025When customer complaint is related to inoperative 4 Wheel Drive shifter, loss of 4WD function and/or 4WD related MIL please reference SOL Case #S2508000062 prior to replacement…
- 11013489Jan 31, 2025TRANSFER CASE BW 44-46 If fluid leak is present between the transfer case and the rear driveshaft on a 4WD vehicle the Output Shaft Seal should be considered in lieu of entire…
- 11012318Dec 19, 2024Seal - output shaft
- 11012351Dec 17, 2024Gear - reaction sun
- 11010205Oct 30, 2024Plate - Planetary
- 11010147Oct 29, 2024Transmission kit - with torque converter
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2 | 7% |
| 2025 | 7 | 11% |
| 2024 | 7 | 12% |
| 2023 | 6 | 12% |
| 2022 | 50 | 28% |
| 2021 | 25 | 23% |
| 2020 | 20 | 12% |
| 2019 | 29 | 15% |
| 2018 | 75 | 3% |
| 2017 | 42 | 6% |
| 2016 | 64 | 25% |
| 2015 | 44 | 20% |
| 2014 | 62 | 18% |
| 2013 | 22 | 12% |
Other parts of the 2021 Ram 2500
35 complaintsEngine
26 complaintsBody and structure
12 complaintsFuel system
11 complaintsBrakes
10 complaintsOther or unknown
8 complaintsSteering
5 complaintsAir bags
4 complaintsSeat belts
4 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
4 complaintsBack-over prevention (rear camera)
2 complaintsElectronic stability control
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2021 Ram 2500
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 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