The vehicle will exhibit a service transmission/check engine warning indicator for the following transmission models: 845RE, 8HP45, 850RE, 8HP50, 8HP70, 8HP75, 8HP75-PHEV, 8HP75-LCV, 8HP90, 8HP95. Transmissions may exhibit the following diagnostic codes: P07E4, P1DB2, P0716, P1B14, P0733, P1D90, P1DB7, P1B13.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2014 RAM 1500 powertrain problems
severe Owners of the 2014 RAM 1500 have filed 172 NHTSA complaints about the powertrain, typically surfacing around 46,600 miles at roughly $2,500 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
172
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2013 1500 | 80 |
| 2014 1500 (this page) | 172 |
| 2015 1500 | 209 |
| 2016 1500 | 188 |
| 2017 1500 | 81 |
| 2018 1500 | 50 |
22crashes
7injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 172 powertrain complaints filed for the 2014 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
Owners have filed 172 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.
Plate - Planetary
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Outside Power Fold Rearview Mirror Noise Or Loose At Pivot. Mirror Contacts Door Window Glass In The Folded Position.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Transmission Shift Enhancements - Adaptation Drive Learn Procedure
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗No Start Intermittently, Vehicle Requires Multiple Keyless Push To Start Attempts To Start Vehicle, Intermittent Key Not Detected Message
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2014 RAM 1500 powertrain generates a consistent stream of serious failures. Transmission malfunctions dominate: hard upshifts and downshifts with jarring jolts, hesitation during acceleration, and erratic shifting. One owner reported the truck stuck in low gear at highway speed; another experienced the transmission shifting itself out of Drive into Neutral mid-freeway at 45 mph. Several owners say dealers acknowledge the problems but claim no fix exists.
The rotary dial shifter poses its own hazard—owners report the vehicle rolling backward or forward even when the dial reads Park, sometimes with the truck rolling across streets, striking power poles, and injuring occupants. One owner's truck rolled with the parking brake engaged. Chrysler blames driver error rather than design defect.
The EPA-mandated AEM emissions recall (V08) dramatically worsens driveability: owners describe 3-5 second delays before acceleration kicks in, turbo flutter, and a vehicle that feels unsafe to merge or cross intersections. FCA promised no performance change but delivered the opposite. Tone wheel magnetic delamination causes engine stalls at highway speeds without warning—multiple owners have experienced this after the recall 66A software patch was supposed to prevent it. Once the recall period expires, dealers refuse warranty coverage on the now-obvious tone wheel replacement, charging $1600-$2635 out of pocket. Multiple other failure modes reported include electronic throttle control malfunctions, temperature-dependent transmission failure (won't move in cold below 40 degrees), and transmission unable to engage from Park position.
Same RAM 1500 powertrain reports on nearby years: 2013 · 2015 · 2016 · 2017
Failure modes owners describe
Transmission hard shifts and erratic behavior
Transmission exhibits hard downshifts/upshifts with loud popping noises and jolts, especially during highway driving. Vehicle also experiences delayed or sluggish acceleration after recall updates, excessive shifting between gears, and a loss of power around 45 mph where vehicle becomes stuck in low gear. Owners report hesitation during gear changes and harsh transitions.
When: Symptoms appear from 1 year after purchase onward; one owner noted issues started around 97,000 miles. Some incidents occur when engine cold or not fully warmed up.
Symptoms owners cite: Hard upshifts and downshifts with loud popping noises; Hesitation when accelerating from stop; Excessive shifting up and down; Vehicle stuck in low gear at highway speeds; Delayed acceleration response; Loss of 10-15% fuel economy; Sluggish performance after AEM recall update
Codes mentioned: CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, SERVICE ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONTROL, TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE CODES
Repairs/costs cited: Dealerships have attempted transmission reset (similar to cell phone reset); TSB mentioned for some issues; parts have been on back order for recall repairs. One owner quoted $1600 for crankshaft position sensor replacement out of warranty.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall U07 (transmission update) performed at some dealers; Recall 66A (crankshaft position sensor/tone wheel) with PCM software update; owners report dealers claiming 'no fix available' or that vehicle 'performs as designed' despite documented complaints
AEM emissions recall causing severe drivability degradation
EPA-mandated AEM (Advanced Engine Management) software reflash of ECM/TCM (Recall V08) results in significant acceleration delays and turbo lag, particularly when engine is cold or below 150 degrees. Owners report 3-5 second delays before acceleration response, followed by sudden surge when turbo engages. Also causes turbo flutter and significant fuel economy loss (10%+ drop). FCA stated update would not affect performance, driveability, or fuel economy—claims contradicted by owner experience.
When: Immediately following AEM recall service (V08); effects persist on cold starts and during gradual acceleration. Symptoms lessen as engine reaches operating temperature above 150 degrees.
Symptoms owners cite: Severe acceleration delay/lag (3-5 seconds); Turbo lag feeling, especially from stop; Turbo flutter during normal conservative driving; Unpredictable acceleration response; Loss of 10%+ fuel economy; Higher DEF (diesel exhaust fluid) consumption; Vehicle nearly inoperable due to safety concerns per owner; Downshifting causing sudden acceleration; Unsafe for merging or crossing intersections
Codes mentioned: CHECK ENGINE LIGHT (post-recall)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealerships have tested vehicles and reported 'performing as designed' with no abnormal findings after 12-mile test drive. No parts replacement offered; issue documented only as software-related.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall V08 (AEM emissions update) completed; FCA claims software intended to produce lag; FCA closed owner complaints without remedy; dealerships state vehicle performing as designed
Tone wheel (reluctor wheel) delamination and crankshaft sensor failure
Magnetic strip on tone wheel (reluctor wheel) delaminates and breaks apart, causing loss of crankshaft position signal. Results in engine stall without warning, loss of power brakes and steering, and vehicle being stuck in limp mode at reduced speed (around 45 mph). One owner's magnetic strip had multiple cracks and delaminated segments. Known issue on 2014-2016 Ram EcoDiesel trucks; some trucks not covered by recall 66A despite having the defect.
When: Occurs during normal driving without prior warning; one incident at 30 mph in traffic, another at highway speeds. One truck stalled at 79,000 miles after recall 66A software update; another at 22,000 miles (May 2014 manufacture date).
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stall without warning; Loss of power steering and power brakes; Loss of acceleration/power; Vehicle stuck in limp mode; Hard to start or failure to start; Service Electronic Throttle Control light; Multiple warning lights on dash; Crankshaft position sensor fault codes
Codes mentioned: CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR FAULT, SERVICE ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONTROL, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT
Repairs/costs cited: Repair involves replacing tone wheel and crankshaft position sensor; costs cited: $1600-$2635 out of pocket for owners; one owner noted magnetic strip 'delaminated and broken off' with 'multiple cracks'. Dealership diagnosis initially blamed oil pump failure in one case.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 66A (W58/NHTSA 20V-475, NHTSA 23V-411) issued with PCM software update to maintain engine operation if signal material lost—TSB mentioned as known issue; recall does NOT address replacement of failed tone wheel; Ram refusing warranty coverage once recall period expires or if repair not done at RAM dealership; manufacturer advising recall is 'half measure at best'
Rotary (dial) shifter failures—vehicle rolling in Park
Rotary dial shifter does not reliably hold Park position. Vehicle rolls backward or forward even with shifter knob in Park position. Owner sees shifter dial showing Park on display but vehicle continues rolling. Occurs on both flat surfaces and inclines. Multiple incidents reported where owners exited vehicle thinking it was parked, only to have truck roll away, strike objects, or cause injury. One truck continued rolling with parking brake engaged.
When: Occurs intermittently after placing vehicle in Park; can happen immediately or after hours parked. Events reported from new truck purchase onward through multiple years of ownership.
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle rolling when shifter shows Park; Vehicle will not stay in Park on incline; Vehicle rolls even with parking brake engaged; Shifter knob does not hold Park position reliably; Display shows Park but transmission in Reverse or Neutral; Vehicle continues rolling after owner exits
Repairs/costs cited: No manufacturer parts solution identified in narratives; owners using parking brake as workaround; insurance estimates range $6,000-$8,900+ for collision damage; one owner's truck struck power pole after rolling across street.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: FCA investigator visited one accident site but could not reproduce issue; RAM dealer stated 'incident could not be reproduced, issue did not exist' and blamed parking brake not being utilized; no recall issued for shifter reliability despite multiple similar incidents
Electronic throttle control system malfunction
Service Electronic Throttle Control light comes on intermittently during start or while driving, causing loss of power and limiting vehicle to 15-30 mph depending on gear. When light comes on while driving, vehicle may downshift abruptly (throwing driver forward, revving engine over 3000 RPM), or RPMs climb without foot on accelerator. Owner can accelerate forward up to 15-30 mph without touching accelerator pedal when this occurs. Multiple warning lights also illuminate (traction control, ABS, service 4WD, check brake).
When: Light comes on during vehicle start and intermittently while driving; some instances occur after cold engine starts.
Symptoms owners cite: Service Electronic Throttle Control light on start; Service Electronic Throttle Control light on while driving; Vehicle speed limited to 15-30 mph; Unable to shift out of current gear; Abrupt downshift throwing occupant forward; Engine revving to 3000+ RPM without accelerator input; Vehicle accelerating forward without pedal input; Multiple warning lights: traction control, ABS, service 4WD, check brake, check engine
Codes mentioned: SERVICE ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONTROL, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT, ABS LIGHT, SERVICE 4WD LIGHT
Repairs/costs cited: One owner took truck to two different RAM dealers six times total with repairs including: flash updates, accelerator pedal sensor replacement, brake sensor replacement, accelerator pedal sensor connector repair, and throttle body replacement (twice). Problem persists after all attempts.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer-issued TSB or recall identified in narratives for this specific failure mode; dealerships unable to identify root cause or provide lasting solution
Transmission unable to engage from Park or transmission shifting out of gear
Transmission will not shift out of Park position even with brake pedal depressed and shifter moved multiple times. Vehicle becomes stuck and unable to move. On other occasions, transmission shifts out of Drive into Neutral spontaneously while driving, causing engine to rev but vehicle not to accelerate, forcing driver to put vehicle in Park and restart. Shifter knob display shows Drive but transmission is in Neutral. Requires shifting back to Park and restarting to regain drive function.
When: Can occur at any time; one owner reported 7+ incidents starting June 2019; another reports 16 incidents with transmission not shifting into correct gear; incidents happening as frequently as monthly.
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission will not shift out of Park; Transmission stuck in Park despite multiple shift attempts; Transmission shifts to Neutral while driving at highway speeds; Engine revs but transmission not engaged; Shifter display shows Drive but vehicle in Neutral; Vehicle coasts to stop when transmission in Neutral; Shifter knob unresponsive; Transmission unable to re-engage without restart
Codes mentioned: CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, SERVICE SHIFTER KNOB MESSAGE, SERVICE TRAILER BRAKE SYSTEM MESSAGE (spurious), TRANSMISSION CONTROL FAULT
Repairs/costs cited: Dealerships unable to replicate; electronic shifter module replaced on one vehicle but problem recurred within hours; one owner replaced shifter controller with no resolution; parts for recall 17V821000 (software) were on back order and unavailable.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 17V821000 (transmission shift control software) parts unavailable; manufacturer unable to confirm when parts would be available; dealers state vehicle 'performs as designed'; no alternative remedy provided
Transmission temperature-dependent failure
Transmission will not operate properly when ambient temperature is below 40 degrees. Vehicle can move in Reverse but not in Drive; when in Drive, engine revs but vehicle will not pick up speed. Dealership acknowledges Chrysler is aware of issue but has no fix. Workaround suggested is to warm up truck for 15 minutes before driving.
When: Occurs when outside temperature is below 40 degrees; symptoms worsen as temperature drops further into the 40s range. Shifts properly after traveling several blocks as transmission warms up.
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission non-responsive in Drive when cold; Reverse works but Drive does not; Engine revs without vehicle movement; No pickup speed in Drive; Transmission functions normally after warm-up
Repairs/costs cited: No repair available; dealer recommends 15-minute warm-up period before driving.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer confirmed Chrysler aware of issue but no fix available
Exhaust manifold bolt warping and breakage
Exhaust manifold bolts/studs warp and snap. Occurred first on driver side (covered under warranty) and then on passenger side outside warranty. Dealership states they see this issue frequently and that FCA has resolved it in newer model years by using stronger bolt material, indicating FCA knew of design defect but did not address in 2014 model. First failure before 60,000 miles, second at 76,000 miles.
When: First failure before 60,000 miles; second failure at 76,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Exhaust manifold bolts/studs warped; Exhaust manifold bolts broken/snapped; Exhaust manifold warped
Repairs/costs cited: Repair involves replacing warped bolts and manifold; dealership confirmed FCA used stronger material in newer years, indicating known design issue.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No warranty coverage for second occurrence outside 60,000 miles; FCA improved material in newer model years suggesting known defect
Engine stall and sudden power loss
Engine stalls suddenly without warning during normal driving at highway speeds or in parking lot. Vehicle loses power, brakes, and steering. Multiple warning lights appear on dashboard. Vehicle will not restart or requires extended wait time before starting. One incident involved voltage overload; another involved crankshaft sensor/tone wheel failure (see separate failure mode).
When: Occurs during normal driving or while parked; one incident at 50 mph on highway; another in parking lot.
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls without warning; Loss of power and acceleration; Loss of power steering and brakes; Multiple warning lights: Service 4WD, Check Engine, others; Vehicle will not restart or restarts after extended wait; Loss of forward motion on highway
Codes mentioned: CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, SERVICE 4WD LIGHT, VOLTAGE OVERLOAD INDICATION
Repairs/costs cited: One dealership found 'voltage overload' indication but could not further define cause; engine long block replaced under MOPAR warranty at 172,000 miles on one truck due to lifter and camshaft damage.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Voltage overload found but not addressed; engine replaced under warranty in one case
Transmission slipping and vibration issues
Transmission shudders and shifts unnecessarily, especially between 2nd and 3rd gear around 30 mph. Vehicle also exhibits violent shaking and vibration in seats and center console at highway speeds (55+ mph). Shaking does not occur in steering wheel. Some owners report hard slamming between gears.
When: Shaking and vibration occurs at 55+ mph highway speeds; harsh shifts occur around 30 mph.
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission shudders; Unnecessary shifting; Hard slamming between 2nd and 3rd gear; Violent shaking in seats and center console; Vibration from center console; No vibration in steering wheel; Issue worsens during highway driving
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership attempted fixes including: tire balance, tire replacement, road force balance, and driveshaft replacement. Issue partially improved but not fully resolved after 2+ weeks in shop with multiple senior technicians unable to diagnose.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recalls identified; dealership attempted multiple diagnostic and repair attempts without resolution
Rotary shifter confusion and unintended gear selection
Rotary dial shifter design is confusing and not intuitive, leading drivers to select wrong gear position. Owners report thinking they selected Park when they actually selected Reverse, or vice versa. Some drivers mistake the knob for windshield wipers or cruise control. Design causes frequent driver error and safety incidents. Chrysler blames 'driver error' despite systemic reports.
When: Occurs throughout ownership; reported as recurring issue after 20+ months of ownership despite attempts to become accustomed to control.
Symptoms owners cite: Driver selects wrong gear position; Confusion about which position is Park vs. Reverse; Vehicle moves when driver thinks it is parked; Mistaking shifter knob for other controls; Difficulty locating correct gear without looking; Knob not intuitive after extended ownership
Repairs/costs cited: No repair offered; Chrysler attributes incidents to driver error.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler claims driver error; no design change or safety recall issued despite multiple similar incidents reported
Digital instrument cluster malfunction
Digital instrument cluster flashes on and off and is frequently inoperable, occurring throughout the day. Cluster provides critical data on engine management, safety features (ABS systems), and other safety items. Dealership initially stated behavior was 'normal,' which owner disputes. Issue has persisted for approximately one year without resolution.
When: Occurs intermittently over approximately one-year period.
Symptoms owners cite: Digital cluster flashes on and off; Cluster completely inoperable for extended periods; Multiple instances throughout single day; Loss of critical engine and safety system readouts
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership stated issue was normal operation; no repair performed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Cluster failure related to past recall on vehicle; dealership falsely signed off on recall repair despite vehicle not receiving it; no re-repair offered
Unexpected acceleration with rotary shifter system
When driver places rotary shifter knob into Park position and exits vehicle, unexpected acceleration occurs without driver pressing accelerator pedal. Vehicle accelerates forward even with driver outside vehicle and door open. Indicates shifter did not properly engage Park detent or transmission is not holding.
When: Occurs upon shifter placement in Park and driver exit; one incident after waiting 8 hours parked on driveway incline.
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle accelerates without pedal input; Significant acceleration force without driver action; Vehicle continues to move after Park selected; Vehicle rolls down incline despite Park engaged
Repairs/costs cited: No repair noted; owner used split firewood and parking brake to prevent rolling.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented
Cruise control malfunction causing unintended acceleration
Cruise control disengaged by brake pedal press as normal, but subsequently when driver took foot off brake in stop-and-go traffic, vehicle suddenly accelerated without driver input, causing collision with vehicle in front. Occurred after using cruise control on interstate and then stop-and-go drive-through traffic.
When: Occurred in drive-through line after using cruise control on interstate; second incident involved brake pedal becoming unresponsive in accelerating vehicle.
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden unintended acceleration; Vehicle accelerates when foot off brake; Cruise control malfunction
Repairs/costs cited: None documented; owner later found recall NHTSA #18V-332 related to cruise control and had it serviced.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 18V-332 (cruise control) available; owner had recall performed June 30, 2018 after incident
Synthesized from 172 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
The magnetic material on the tone wheel detached causing a crank position sensor error code (P0336) and subsequent misfire while accelerating into traffic. The software had been updated per recall W58 (NHSTA 20V-475). Vehicle could be restarted but lacked full power. The vehicle is out of warranty, however, Stellantis directed that a dealer make repairs, customer pays out of pocket ($3200),…
On 5/23/19 I took my truck to the dealer where I'd bought it new to fix a check engine light that was on.after the issue was found and repaired, I picked the truck up and was told a trans update(recall # u07) was also done. As soon as I pulled into light traffic,I noticed the throttle pedal was unresponsive and the truck was sluggish and slow to accelerate.it also shifted up and down a lot more…
This model vehicle continues to lunge forward/bump from the rear when coming to a stop from a 2-1 downshift. Chrysler dealers refuse to acknowledge the issue and state since other same model/year makes do it it is considered normal.
Had powertrain trouble with your 2014 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 2014 RAM 1500?
It's a meaningful issue. 172 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 122 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 20,000 and 75,000 miles, with the median around 46,600. A quarter of owners report trouble before 20,000; a quarter make it past 75,000. 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/2014/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.