Replace K1 Clutch / Input Shaft Assembly Customers must experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination and the vehicle must exhibit/set the following Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC): ● P0731-00 - Gear 1 Shift Incorrect Ratio (This DTC will set during a key cycle and shifting into Drive). Customers must also comment on the following: ● The transmission will not shift into or out of 1st - 4th gears. 5th and reverse gears are still available This bulletin involves replacing the K1 clutch and possibly the K1 input shaft drum sub-assembly. These repairs are to be performed only if the vehicle is inoperable due to K1 clutch failure
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2022 RAM 5500 powertrain problems
moderate 20 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Complaints
20
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
When does it fail?
Of the 20 powertrain complaints filed for the 2022 RAM 5500, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 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
Of the 5 model years of RAM 5500 we track for powertrain problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 20.
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.
Replace K1 Clutch / Input Shaft Assembly Customers must experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination and the vehicle must exhibit/set the following Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC): ● P0731-00 - Gear 1 Shift Incorrect Ratio (This DTC will set during a key cycle and shifting into Drive). Customers must also comment on the following: ● The transmission will not shift into or out of 1st - 4th gears. 5th and reverse gears are still available This bulletin involves replacing the K1 clutch and possibly the K1 input shaft drum sub-assembly. These repairs are to be performed only if the vehicle is inoperable due to K1 clutch failure
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Driveline Vibration. Prop Shaft Diagnostic Information.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Aisin K1 Clutch/Input Shaft Assembly Replacement XW1 Warranty Extension Customers must experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination and the vehicle must exhibit/set the following Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC): ● P0731-00 - Gear 1 Shift Incorrect Ratio. NOTE: This DTC will set during a key cycle and shifting into Drive. Customers may also comment on the following: ● The transmission will not shift into or out of 1st - 4th gears. 5th and reverse gears are still available. This bulletin involves replacing the K1 clutch and possibly the K1 input shaft drum sub-assembly.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗D-25-18 (XW1) Aisin K1 Clutch/ Input Shaft Assembly - Select 2022 RAM Trucks (D2/DD/DP)
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners of 2022 RAM 5500s report sudden, catastrophic transmission failures at extremely low mileage—some as early as 161 miles and well before 10,000 miles. The most common scenario is loss of all forward gears, leaving only reverse functional. Failures occur without warning while driving at highway speeds: the vehicle shudders, a loud clunk sounds from underneath, the check engine light comes on, and the truck loses all forward momentum. Drivers describe harrowing moments trapped in traffic or coasting uncontrollably downhill.
Dealerships diagnose K1 and K2 snap ring failure as the root cause. RAM has issued TSB 21-002-23, but owners report the bulletin requires complete transmission failure to qualify for repair—partial failures are denied. Repair involves snap ring replacement or full transmission rebuild or replacement. However, parts are consistently on backorder, leaving vehicles stranded at dealerships for weeks or months without repair dates. One owner's transmission sat for over 60 days waiting on parts.
Owners express frustration that RAM has not published which transmission serial numbers or build dates are affected, forcing them to research forums and crowdsource information. Towing reimbursement is inconsistent; some owners report being denied reimbursement if costs exceed a threshold, with out-of-pocket towing charges reaching over $5,000 in some cases. Multiple owners describe the failure as a serious safety issue, especially when it occurs on mountains, expressways, or in heavy traffic.
Failure modes owners describe
K1 and K2 snap ring failure
Snap rings in the transmission fail catastrophically, causing immediate loss of forward gears. The failure is sudden with no gradual deterioration.
When: Between 862 and 15,933 miles; some failures reported as early as 161 miles and 500 miles on new trucks
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of all forward gears, reverse only functioning; Loud clunking or thumping from underneath vehicle; Vehicle shuddering; Check engine light illumination; Loss of motive power while accelerating; Vehicle coasting uncontrollably downhill
Codes mentioned: P0731, P0734, Check engine light with Adaptive Cruise Control caution
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership repair typically involves snap ring replacement; some sources cite transmission rebuild or full transmission replacement. One owner reported snap ring repair under TSB; another was denied repair under TSB when only partial failure occurred. Parts reported on backorder at multiple dealerships, delaying repairs by weeks to months.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: RAM issued TSB 21-002-23 addressing snap ring failure. However, TSB reportedly states customer must experience complete failure to qualify for repair. RAM has not clearly identified which vehicles are affected by transmission serial number or build date. Some owners report reimbursement for towing is inconsistent; some denied if towing cost exceeds a certain threshold.
Transmission shift failure and stall
Vehicle fails to shift into correct gear or loses ability to move forward despite engine running. Distinct from snap ring failure though may have same root cause.
When: Various mileages from 1,500 to 105,000 miles; one case at 65 MPH with no warning
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle fails to shift into intended gear; Inability to move forward while engine revs; Vehicle stalling at highway speeds; No warning lights in some cases; check engine light in others; Engine revving without forward momentum gain
Codes mentioned: Check engine light (specific codes not always noted)
Repairs/costs cited: Owners report diagnosis requiring full transmission replacement. In one case, after flywheel and starter replacement followed by transmission replacement attempt, the failure recurred. One transmission was rebuilt instead of replaced; parts were on backorder.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer contacted in some cases but provided no specific assistance or timeline. One owner was referred back to local dealer by manufacturer.
Transmission failure with loss of all gears except reverse
Complete transmission failure where only reverse gear remains functional. Forward drive is completely inoperable.
When: Early in vehicle ownership; mileages from 161 miles to 6,500 miles in most cases
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden loss of all forward gears; Only reverse gear functioning; Loss of motive power; No warning before failure occurs; Check engine light may or may not illuminate; 4-WD unavailable message (in one case); ABS light illumination (in one case)
Codes mentioned: P0731, Check engine light, 4-WD unavailable message, ABS light
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission requires replacement; parts commonly on backorder. Repairs delayed weeks to months. One owner reported transmission remained at dealership over two months without repair initiated.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No specific manufacturer response reported for this mode. Cases referred to local dealers or contacted but no timeline provided.
Synthesized from 20 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 16 most recent
Truck has 6500 miles, went to put it in reverse from drive in busy intersection and transmission started to slip. Truck ultimately wouldn't drive at all. Started throwing codes (P0731-00 in particular) and found out that it needs a new K1 clutch snap ring repair. There are more than 300 people with this issue, this has not only happened with me from my research on forums about this code being…
Dealership confirmed K1 and K2 snap ring failure on a 22 Dodge Ram under warranty with 15933 miles. Transmission was manufactured in August of the truck build. On [XXX] while driving my 22 Ram 5500 the truck lost all forward gears while coming down the mountain with a loaded truck camper and pulling a trailer with an ATV. Truck was below GVWR. This truck had 15933 miles and 24 months old. All…
The contact owns a 2022 Ram 5500. The contact stated while driving at approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle was losing forward momentum. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal and the engine was revving but the vehicle was not gaining any forward momentum. The contact pulled the vehicle over and turned the vehicle off and…
The contact owns a 2022 Ram 5500. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle failed to shift properly into the correct gear. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the air filter to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH,…
The contact owns a 2022 Ram 5500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to shift into the intended gear, and started to coast while the accelerator pedal was depressed. No warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that he veered off the roadway to safety and notified a towing company. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that…
The contact owns a 2022 Ram 5500. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power, with the 4-WD unavailable message displayed. Additionally, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and the contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and a case was…
I drive a RAM 5500, 20' Jerrdan Flatbed Tow truck. We had just purchased this truck about a week and a half prior to the transmission failure. We had 2500 miles on it, and were towing two vehicles behind. We pulled off of the highway, and then felt an extremely hard clunk underneath the truck to which the rear tires locked up, and stopped us in the middle of the road. Once we were stopped, the…
The contact owns a 2022 Ram 5500. The contact stated while driving 50–55 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power due to the transmission failure. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was towed to another local dealer, Speck Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram (125 E Allen Rd., Sunnyside, WA 98944), where it was diagnosed…
Were were driving in stop and go traffic outside Durham, NC on I 147/885. After being stopped for a few seconds I depressed the accelerator to move forward. There was a bang and I thought some one had hit me from behind. Then I noticed the engine light on the dash and the truck would not move forward. I was able to get the shifter in park. All temps and pressures on the dash were normal…
Description: The Aisin transmission in my new Ram 2022 5500 unexpectedly failed in the middle of the highway, despite the vehicle having only 5,000 miles on it. This sudden breakdown posed a significant safety risk to me and other drivers on the road. Unfortunately, the truck is currently at Johnson's Auto Center in Denver, but they are unable to provide an estimated time for inspecting the…
Had powertrain trouble with your 2022 RAM 5500?
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 2022 RAM 5500?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 20 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $2,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Based on the 20 complaints filed, powertrain issues most often appear around 27,912 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
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/2022/RAM/5500.
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.