2021 Ram 3500 Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 11about this part
- Share
- 18%of 62 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 62,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 11 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2021 Ram 3500, 18% of the 62 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 62,000 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
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.
“Vehicle died in a busy intersection coming off the freeway. Light flashed that indicated it was an issue with the electronic throttle control. The safety of myself and others was put at risk due to the posted speed of the road and multiple lanes from 4 directions. I had to remain in my vehicle to make sure I was not hit by another vehicle and due to the vehicle issue, I was impeding traffic. Lithia Dodge of Grants Pass, OR stated they could not make an appt for the vehicle to get looked at for 2 weeks out, scheduled 8/22/25. …”
NHTSA complaint #11679340, filed 2025-08“The transmission’s light came on saying that it was heated. I parked as soon as possible and that’s when the flames were coming out of the hood. I did burned my hands trying to put out the fire with 3 fire extinguishers. I did not want my truck to burn. Now, the dealer is trying to say that they can’t get a conclusion of what started the fire. The truck smells like burned transmission fluid. I sent pictures of the truck to the dealer. There is a recall in February 2020 with the same problem that I had with my 2021 Ram. Prior to this incident, the truck did not have any warnings or lights on.”
NHTSA complaint #11457648, filed 2022-03“Transmission will not go in to Park when stopped, Truck will roll away if parked on grade. Dealer reports no recall on this Transmission. Has not been inspected by anyone at this time. No warning lights ,before or after problem started. Problem start about 6 month ago, at about 18,000 miles”
NHTSA complaint #11574283, filed 2024-02“The contact owns a 2021 Ram 3500. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the accelerator pedal was depressed, but the vehicle failed to drive forward or to reverse. The RPM was raised high, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was determined that the transmission needed to be replaced; however, the parts were on backorder. The failure recurred, and the vehicle was towed to the farm. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. …”
NHTSA complaint #11644514, filed 2025-02, 64,000 miles“The contact owns a 2021 Ram 3500. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed fluid on the ground underneath the vehicle. The contact inspected the vehicle and cleaned the oil pan. The contact determined that the fluid was not coming from the oil pan. The contact inspected the transmission dip stick and determined that the leaking fluid was coming from the transmission fluid reservoir. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. …”
NHTSA complaint #11617584, filed 2024-10, 60,000 milesRelated 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 3500 2020–2022, 2500 2020–2023
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…
- 11032827May 8, 2026Replace K1 Clutch / Input Shaft Assembly Customers must experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination and the vehicle must exhibit/set the following Diagnostic…
- 11032650May 8, 2026Replace K1 Clutch / Input Shaft Assembly Customers must experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination and the vehicle must exhibit/set the following Diagnostic…
- 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…
- 11014369Feb 11, 2025"Clicking Noise While In 4WD Customers may experience the following: ● Ratcheting, click, or clicking noise in 4WD while turning. This bulletin involves replacing the front…
- 11014157Feb 7, 2025"Clicking Noise While In 4WD ustomers may experience the following: ● Ratcheting, click, or clicking noise in 4WD while turning. his bulletin involves replacing the front…
- 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…
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 5 | 18% |
| 2025 | 8 | 19% |
| 2024 | 6 | 13% |
| 2023 | 1 | 6% |
| 2022 | 114 | 60% |
| 2021 | 11 | 18% |
| 2020 | 12 | 10% |
| 2019 | 18 | 13% |
| 2018 | 23 | 3% |
| 2017 | 27 | 9% |
| 2016 | 19 | 14% |
| 2015 | 32 | 23% |
| 2014 | 39 | 19% |
| 2013 | 12 | 10% |
Other parts of the 2021 Ram 3500
17 complaintsEngine
10 complaintsOther or unknown
9 complaintsWheels
7 complaintsBrakes
6 complaintsFuel system
5 complaintsBody and structure
5 complaintsBack-over prevention (rear camera)
3 complaintsEngine cooling
3 complaintsExterior lighting
3 complaintsTires
3 complaintsSuspension
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2021 Ram 3500
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