What year did the transmission go bad in the Dodge Ram?
There isn’t a single year when the Dodge Ram’s transmission universally goes bad. Across Ram’s generations, reports of transmission trouble appear in multiple model years, with particular trouble notes in older, high-mileage trucks and certain heavy‑duty configurations.
This article surveys the generations that have drawn attention for transmission reliability, explains common symptoms, and offers practical steps for owners who suspect a problem. The goal is to help readers understand where failures have been reported and what to check before expensive repairs are considered.
Generational snapshots: which Ram transmissions have drawn complaints?
Below is a high-level look at generations and transmission families that have historically shown reliability concerns, rather than a universal failure pattern across all vehicles in those years.
- 1990s Ram trucks equipped with the 46RE/47RE/48RE automatic transmission families: these units are frequently cited for wear-related problems, including delayed engagements, slipping gears, harsh shifts, and valve-body issues as mileage increases.
- Early 2000s Ram models with the 545RFE (gas engines) and older heavy‑duty automatics: owners reported valve‑body/solenoid failures, harsh or delayed shifting, and torque‑converter concerns that could lead to slipping or failure under heavy use.
- Late 2000s to early 2010s Ram heavy‑duty trucks using the 66RFE/68RFE transmissions: the 5- and 6‑speed automatics for the Ram/Cummins lineup experienced heat-related wear, shifting irregularities, and, at higher mileages, failures in valve bodies or torque converters.
- 2013–2020+ Ram 1500/2500/3500 models with modern 8‑speed automatics (ZF-based 8HP family): early production runs saw teething issues such as shifting quirks and calibration glitches, but later updates generally improved reliability.
In practice, transmission problems in Ram trucks have tended to be tied to specific generations and configurations rather than a single calendar year. Maintenance history, driving conditions, and software updates all play a significant role in whether a particular truck experiences issues.
What this means for owners is that if you’re evaluating a used Ram or troubleshooting a current one, you should focus on the transmission family and the vehicle’s service history rather than a single model-year snapshot.
What to do if you suspect a transmission problem in your Ram
If you’re experiencing symptoms of transmission trouble, here are practical steps to diagnose and address the issue before it worsens.
Note: Before taking action, gather documentation such as maintenance records, recall status, and any existing warranty coverage to inform repairs.
- Check recalls and service bulletins using your VIN at the NHTSA website and Ram’s recall portal to see if a known issue applies to your truck.
- Note symptoms such as slipping, harsh or delayed shifting, shuddering, limp-home mode, or a transmission warning light, and document when they occur (engine load, speed, temperature).
- Inspect the transmission fluid: for most older Ram automatics, fluid should be bright red and not have a burnt smell; dark, gritty, or burnt-smelling fluid can indicate wear or overheating.
- Review maintenance history: regular fluid changes (as recommended for the specific transmission type) and proper cooling system upkeep help prevent overheating and contamination that accelerate wear.
- Have a qualified mechanic diagnose with the vehicle on a lift: check fluid pressure, test valve bodies, solenoids, and, if needed, torque converter and clutches; discuss warranty options if applicable.
Early professional diagnosis and appropriate repairs can significantly reduce the risk of a catastrophic failure and help determine whether a rebuild or replacement is necessary.
Summary
In short, there isn’t a single year when the Dodge Ram’s transmission goes bad across the entire lineup. Transmission reliability has varied by generation and configuration, with more frequent reports tied to older automatic families and certain heavy‑duty setups. If you own a Ram and notice transmission symptoms, timely diagnosis and professional inspection are the best path to decide between repair, rebuild, or replacement.
What years did Dodge Ram have transmission problems?
Transmission Failure
Severe transmission failures have been documented in the 2012, 2013, and 2015 Ram 1500 models, showcasing critical reliability concerns. Complete transmission failure can render the vehicle undrivable and necessitate costly repairs or replacements.
What year did the Ram 1500 get 8 speed transmission?
The Ram 1500 received its 8-speed transmission starting with the 2013 model year. It was first introduced with the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 and 5.7-liter HEMI V8 engines, replacing the previous 6-speed automatic transmission.
- First introduction: 2013 model year
- Engines: Initially available with the 3.6L V6 Pentastar and 5.7L V8 HEMI engines
- Transmission origin: The initial versions were the ZF-produced 8-speed transmissions.
- Changes over time: While the 2013 models had the ZF-produced transmission, later years saw the introduction of Chrysler's version, known as the TorqueFlite.
Does the Dodge Ram 1500 have transmission problems?
The Dodge Ram 1500 combines versatility with power, making it popular among everyday drivers and professionals alike. Yet, transmission troubles persist, often presenting through erratic shifting, rough transitions between gears, and sudden disengagement. Symptoms and Problems: Erratic or inconsistent shifting.
What year Ram 1500 trucks to avoid?
5 RAM 1500 Years To Avoid
If you're looking for reliable trucks, steer clear of the 2003 Dodge RAM 1500, as well as the 2014, 2015, 2016, and 2019 RAM 1500. These models are plagued by problems in critical components, like engines, steering, braking, airbags, electrical systems, and fuel systems.
