Plate - Planetary
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2010 Dodge Ram 1500 powertrain problems
severe 208 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
208
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
11crashes
1fire
3injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 208 powertrain complaints filed for the 2010 Dodge Ram 1500, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Powertrain accounts for 43% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 12 categories tracked.
Owners have filed 208 powertrain complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Transmission Kit with Torque Converter 1. All Promaster (VF) 3.6L/62TE equipped vehicles. If the transmission bracket to the transmission case fasteners are removed during servicing, the fasteners (Part Number 06511385A$) 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 ↗GEAR MOTOR, Transfer Case The gear motor assembly is shipped in AWD/2WD position. The transfer case needs to be positioned in AWD/2WD position to properly assemble gear motor to T-Case. Please reference Star Online publication S2121000003 for further details. Do not have the transfer case in in another position other than AWD/2WD and rotate the motor to align the bolt holes as this could result in damage to the gear motor.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Transfer Case Gear Motor/Actuator Installation Guidelines.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Transfer Case Gear Motor/Actuator Installation Guidelines.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
What owners are reporting 7 most recent
Tl* the contact owns a 2010 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH, the contact heard an abnormal noise coming from underneath the vehicle. Upon inspection, the contact noticed that the drive shaft had fractured from the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 100,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2010 Ram 1500. The contact stated that the differential was whining. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the failure was undetermined. The failure persisted. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 63,000.
On december 26 I was driving on the highway at about 55 MPG when I heard a loud noise and just after that my back wheels locked up leaving me stick in the middle of the highway at this time I also was pulling a car trailer witch made it a lot more dangerous as a man driving a truck stopped to help us get out of the road a man driving a Honda ran in to the back of the trailer wile I was under the…
Tl* the contact owns a 2010 Ram 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign numbers: 12v474000 (power train) and 17v821000 (power train). The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. Tri-lakes motors (180 state hwy f, branson, mo 65616, (417) 334-7543) was contacted and confirmed that the parts were not available for the recall…
Vehicle was traveling at 70 MPH. Vibration and howling/whining noise started coming from the rearend,owner slowed down to exit the highway,as the vehicle was braking to a stop loud clunking and grinding noise coming from the rear end.the drive shaft separated from the rear end of the vehicle,right rear wheel locked and slid about 8 feet.. Driver exited the vehicle,took picture of drive shaft…
The rear differential went out at approximately 65 MPH. I had it inspected and supposedly fixed in april of 2013 but it did not fix it. The complete rear pinion and wheel bearing gears went out. The service people at lithia Dodge in santa fe said that because it had been inspected in april it was ok. Not the case. All of these models need to be recalled for a complete new rear end. Lives will be…
Tl* the contact owns a 2010 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact was driving approximately 75 MPH and heard a loud noise outside the vehicle. Suddenly, the vehicle spun out of control 360 degrees. The vehicle then fish-tailed and crashed into a concrete barrier. The drive shaft fractured and completely detached onto the road. A police report was filed of the incident. There were no personal injuries. The…
Had powertrain trouble with your 2010 Dodge Ram 1500?
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 2010 Dodge Ram 1500?
It's a meaningful issue. 208 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 132 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 35,520 and 95,000 miles, with the median around 60,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 35,520; a quarter make it past 95,000. 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/2010/Dodge/Ram 1500.
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.