Look — Dodge's transmission and driveline story is well-documented in the NHTSA file, and it ain't pretty. 5,446 complaints across 120 year-model entries from 2005 to 2024. Not a small number. Complaints are spread across the lineup with no single year carrying the load. That tells you it's a platform pattern, not a fluke. 3 fatality reports on file with NHTSA tied to this category on Dodge vehicles. That elevates this from nuisance to safety-critical. Repair exposure averages $2,500, which is meaningful money outside warranty. Across the 3,790 complaints reporting odometer mileage, the median failure lands at about 73,199 miles. Pull a transmission fluid sample if you can. Color and smell tell you more than mileage alone. If the fluid is dark or smells burnt, walk.
ProblemsByVin DODGE / POWERTRAIN
120 model-year entries · 2005–2024
Dodge powertrain problems
5,446 owner complaints filed with NHTSA against Dodge vehicles for powertrain issues. See powertrain across all makes →
Complaints
5,446
Recalls
0
Year-models
120
Avg fix
$2,500
232crashes
49fires
121injuries
3fatalities
Worst-affected Dodge model-years for powertrain Top 25 by complaint volume
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25
2005 Dodge Ram 1500
561 complaints · ~$2,500 severe
2013 Dodge Dart
480 complaints · ~$2,500 critical
2008 Dodge Avenger
224 complaints · ~$2,500 moderate
2009 Dodge Ram 1500
216 complaints · ~$2,500 moderate
2007 Dodge Charger
211 complaints · ~$2,500 moderate
2016 Dodge Grand Caravan
204 complaints · ~$2,500 moderate
2006 Dodge Charger
189 complaints · ~$2,500 moderate
2005 Dodge Durango
179 complaints · ~$2,500 severe
2015 Dodge Dart
147 complaints · ~$2,500 moderate
2014 Dodge Dart
114 complaints · ~$2,500 moderate
2009 Dodge Journey
111 complaints · ~$2,500 severe
2005 Dodge Magnum
97 complaints · ~$2,500 moderate
2006 Dodge Ram 1500
86 complaints · ~$2,500 severe
2007 Dodge Nitro
83 complaints · ~$2,500 severe
2016 Dodge Journey
81 complaints · ~$2,500 severe
2015 Dodge Grand Caravan
74 complaints · ~$2,500 moderate
2005 Dodge Dakota
69 complaints · ~$2,500 severe
2016 Dodge Dart
68 complaints · ~$2,500 moderate
2008 Dodge Ram 1500
68 complaints · ~$2,500 severe
2007 Dodge Caliber
68 complaints · ~$2,500 moderate
2015 Dodge Journey
67 complaints · ~$2,500 severe
2006 Dodge Magnum
60 complaints · ~$2,500 moderate
2012 Dodge Charger
57 complaints · ~$2,500 severe
2005 Dodge Ram 2500
54 complaints · ~$2,500 severe
2009 Dodge Caliber
53 complaints · ~$2,500 severe
Common questions
How many Dodge powertrain complaints are on file with NHTSA?
5,446 complaints across 120 model-year entries from 2005 to 2024. No active recall campaigns currently cover this category for Dodge.
Which Dodge model has the most powertrain complaints?
The 2005 Dodge Ram 1500 leads with 561 complaints in this category. Next: 2013 Dart (480) and 2008 Avenger (224).
What does it cost to fix Dodge powertrain problems?
Independent shops average $2,500 for powertrain repairs across the Dodge lineup. Dealer pricing tends to run twenty to forty percent higher. Specific cost depends on the failure mode and parts availability.
Are there Dodge powertrain recalls?
No active NHTSA recalls currently cover powertrain issues on Dodge vehicles. The complaints are owner-reported and have not risen to a manufacturer recall.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database.
Editorial commentary written by Tony Marino, an independent contributor to ProblemsByVin
and not affiliated with Dodge.
Severity ratings derive from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities on the NHTSA complaint and recall record.
Repair cost averages reflect independent-shop pricing and may differ in your area.