TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 DODGE RAM 3500. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE LEVER CONNECTED TO THE TRANSFER CASE DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSFER LEVER, THE TRANSFER CASE, AND DRIVESHAFT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 210,000. UPDATED 01/23/15*LJ
2005 Dodge Ram 3500 powertrain problems
severe 29 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500
Complaints
29
Recalls
0
Crashes
12
Avg fix
$2,500
What owners are reporting 4 most recent
The contact owns a 2005 Dodge Ram 3500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 05V462000 (POWER TRAIN). The vehicle was taken to a tire specialist to install larger tires on the vehicle. The contact was informed that the tires were too big and could not be installed on the vehicle. The contact stated that the employees switched the tires and added two low-drive tires on the fr…
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE NHTSA RECALL FOR THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FOR THE OUT OF PARK ALARM DID NOT RECTIFY THE ISSUE. THE VEHICLE WENT OUT OF PARK ON ITS OWN 25 TIMES AND THE ALARM DID NOT RESOLVE THE ISSUE. THE SERVICE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. THE GEAR DOESN'T INDICATE IT IS IN PARK. IT DISPLAYS THAT IT IS IN REVERSE AND IT WILL NOT START DUE TO THIS. UPDATED 12/18/06.…
MY 2005 DODGE RAM HD DIESEL W/AUTO TRANS. COME OUT OF PARK WITH MY 2 YEAR OLD SON INSIDE. HE IS NOT TALL ENOUGH TO REACH THE BRAKE, HOWEVER HE WAS ABLE TO PULL IT OUT OF PARK INTO R AND THE TRUCK ROLLED OFF THE HILL INTO THE WOOD AND CRASHED INTO SEVERAL SAPLINGS. MY SON WAS NOT SEVERELY INJURED, HE STRUCK HIS RIGHT CHEEK, CHEST AND ABDOMEN SOMEWHERE IN THE VEHICLE DURING THE CRASH. THE VEHICLE NO…
Common questions
How serious is the powertrain problem on the 2005 Dodge Ram 3500?
It's a meaningful issue. 29 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $2,500.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $2,500 for powertrain repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Other problem areas on this vehicle
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities.
Repair cost estimates are independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area.
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