Plate - Planetary
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2007 Dodge Ram 3500 powertrain problems
severe 11 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
11
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
1crash
1injury
When does it fail?
Of the 11 powertrain complaints filed for the 2007 Dodge Ram 3500, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 100,000-125,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Among the 6 model years of Dodge Ram 3500 in our records for powertrain problems, this one ranks #3 by owner-complaint volume.
No new NHTSA powertrain complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 12 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Transmission Kit with Torque Converter 1. All Promaster (VF) 3.6L/62TE equipped vehicles. If the transmission bracket to the transmission case fasteners are removed during servicing, the fasteners (Part Number 06511385A$) are one-time usage. Vehicles built prior to 10/23/2015 requires Service Kit PN 68461214AA; includes Transmission Isolator PN 68264483AA, and Adaptation Bracket 68264479AA and Fastener Service Kit PN 68329056AA Vehicles built after on or after 10/23/2015 will require only the Fastener Service Kit PN 68329056AA. 2. All 3.6L/62TE equipped vehicles. If the vehicle you are repairing has a crack in the flex plate or failed pump bushing inspect and confirm that both (2) dowel pins
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2007 Ram 3500 powertrain shows a pattern of critical failures affecting engine control and drivetrain electronics. Two owners report engines starting on their own and accelerating uncontrollably while parked or after the ignition key was removed—requiring battery disconnection to stop the engine. Both incidents resulted in collision damage.
Transmission and transfer case electronics malfunction repeatedly. Three owners report the transmission or transfer case electronically shifts into Low range at highway speeds (40–75 mph) without operator input, causing sudden deceleration, loss of control, and in one case destroyed the transmission, transfer case, and loosened the drive shaft. A fourth owner reports the gear shifter locks up or fails to engage at all.
Clutch assembly durability is severely compromised. One owner had three clutch failures within 6 weeks and under 3,000 miles—the first a flywheel failure, the second caused by a pressure plate left unreplaced on first service. Another experienced clutch slippage at 83,000 miles using an aftermarket pressure plate. Multiple transmission/transfer case structural failures are reported: one transmission front housing shattered at highway speed with only two bolts holding it to the engine; another owner's axle broke, destroying the transfer case and steering linkage.
Additional single-point failures include a TIPM (power module) that failed at highway speed, eliminating power steering and brakes, and a transmission that won't hold Park, resulting in the vehicle rolling backward into a person.
Same Dodge Ram 3500 powertrain reports on nearby years: 2005 · 2006
Failure modes owners describe
Unintended engine start and runaway
Engine starts on its own while vehicle is parked or after being powered down, then accelerates without operator input. Key partially hanging from ignition switch and disconnection from ignition does not stop engine; battery disconnection required.
When: At 117,000 miles; also reported as spontaneous startup while parked
Symptoms owners cite: Engine starts independently with key partially in or removed from ignition; Engine accelerates without operator input; Engine continues running after key is removed completely; Ignition switch malfunction; Horn blares and smoke from engine compartment
Repairs/costs cited: Central computer replaced at dealer
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer informed; computer replacement performed by dealer
Repeated clutch and pressure plate failures
Clutch assembly fails multiple times in short succession, with flywheel damage and pressure plate degradation. Occurs despite normal driving habits confirmed by dealer personnel.
When: Three failures within 6 weeks and under 3,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Clutch goes out; Flywheel damage (came apart and flew into clutch); Pressure plate wear or failure; Loss of clutch engagement
Repairs/costs cited: Clutch replaced three times; pressure plate not replaced on first service, identified as cause of second failure
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Warranty claim denied on third failure; owner refused further coverage after being told he was riding the clutch
Highway vibration from rear of vehicle
Persistent vibration originating from rear suspension or drivetrain at highway speeds. Not resolved by tire service or replacement. Owner reports same issue documented across multiple Dodge Ram forums and Cummins forums.
When: Occurs at highway speeds above 65 mph
Symptoms owners cite: Vibration at highway speed above 65 mph; Vibration lightens at 75 mph but does not disappear; Vibration appears to originate from rear of vehicle
Repairs/costs cited: Tires rebalanced, rotated, and replaced with new tires, rotated and rebalanced twice—all without resolution
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dodge denies knowledge of problem; no recall or TSB mentioned
TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module) failure
Power distribution module fails, causing sudden loss of engine power and complete electrical diagnostics shutdown. Engine stalls at highway speed with loss of power steering and power brakes.
When: At 75 mph on freeway
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls at 75 mph on freeway; No-start condition after stall; Loss of power steering; Loss of power brakes; Onboard diagnostic computer loses power
Repairs/costs cited: Aftermarket TIPM replacement available at approximately $600, special order with several days lead time
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler refuses to accept responsibility; component identified as prone to failure
Transmission computer failure with shift refusal
Transmission control module fails, causing gear shifter to lock or fail to engage gears. Vehicle intermittently refuses to drive, then operates normally without warning lights.
When: At 176,000 miles; transmission already failing at purchase (172,000 miles)
Symptoms owners cite: Gear shifter fails to engage; Vehicle fails to drive despite shifter operation; Intermittent shift refusal; No warning indicators illuminated; Vehicle eventually takes off without operator intervention
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission computer replaced at independent mechanic
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified and did not assist with repair or warranty
Clutch pressure plate slippage and vibration
Clutch pressure plate slips during acceleration, causing shaking and loss of power delivery. Aftermarket component installed at manufacturing.
When: At 83,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Clutch pressure plate slip felt during 60 mph driving; Vehicle shaking; Loss of clutch engagement
Repairs/costs cited: Clutch assembly failed; aftermarket pressure plate and throw-out bearing identified as defective
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer did not take responsibility for repairs; aftermarket component installed at manufacture
Electronic transfer case spontaneous downshift into 4WD Low
Transfer case electronically shifts into Low range without operator input while driving at highway speed. Electronic motor reads wrong signal and commands shift, causing catastrophic transmission and drivetrain damage.
When: While driving 75 mph on interstate
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle spontaneously shifts into 4WD Low at highway speed (75 mph); Transmission destroyed; Transfer case destroyed; Drive shaft comes loose; Potential vehicle rollover risk
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission and transfer case destroyed; drive shaft came loose
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owner reports others have experienced same defect; no manufacturer response mentioned
Gear shifter malfunction causing erroneous Low range shift
Gear shifter malfunctions, causing spontaneous shift into Low range at highway speed. Results in sudden deceleration and loss of vehicle control.
When: At 17,000 miles; occurred on multiple occasions
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission erroneously shifts into Low range; Shift occurs while driving downhill at 40 mph; Sudden deceleration; Loss of vehicle control; Failure recurs multiple times
Repairs/costs cited: Gear shifter replaced at dealer
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer not notified
Transmission front housing structural failure
Front housing of transmission cracks or shatters while driving at highway speeds. Only 2 bolts remain holding transmission to engine, creating imminent risk of complete transmission detachment and vehicle rollover.
When: While driving at highway speeds
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission front housing shatters; Only 2 bolts remain holding transmission to engine; Transmission near detachment
Repairs/costs cited: Long bed trailer in use; transmission housing structural failure requiring replacement
Axle and transfer case failure
Axle breaks during normal freeway driving, causing collateral damage to transfer case and steering linkage.
When: While driving normally on freeway
Symptoms owners cite: Axle breaks; Transfer case damaged; Steering linkage damaged
Park gear engagement failure
Transmission will not hold vehicle in Park position. Vehicle rolls backward when parked, resulting in collision with person.
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission does not hold in Park; Vehicle rolls backward when parked
Synthesized from 11 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Dodge Ram 3500. The contacted stated that he powered down the vehicle and shifted into manual transmission when he noticed that the key was partially hanging from the ignition switch. The engine then independently restarted and erroneously accelerated, crashing into another vehicle. There were no injuries. The contact re-entered the vehicle and removed the key…
Had powertrain trouble with your 2007 Dodge Ram 3500?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the powertrain problem on the 2007 Dodge Ram 3500?
It's a meaningful issue. 11 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?
Across the 11 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 17,000 and 176,000 miles, with the median around 83,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 17,000; a quarter make it past 176,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
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.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2007/Dodge/Ram 3500.
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. Some links on this page are affiliate links.