Look — RAM's transmission and driveline story is well-documented in the NHTSA file, and it ain't pretty. 1,819 complaints across 43 year-model entries from 2013 to 2025. 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. 1 fatality report on file with NHTSA tied to this category on RAM vehicles. That elevates this from nuisance to safety-critical. Repair exposure averages $2,500, which is meaningful money outside warranty. Across the 800 complaints reporting odometer mileage, the median failure lands at about 38,501 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 RAM / POWERTRAIN
43 model-year entries · 2013–2025
RAM powertrain problems
1,819 owner complaints filed with NHTSA against RAM vehicles for powertrain issues. See powertrain across all makes →
Complaints
1,819
Recalls
0
Year-models
43
Avg fix
$2,500
147crashes
21fires
54injuries
1fatality
Worst-affected RAM 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
2015 RAM 1500
209 complaints · ~$2,500 severe
2016 RAM 1500
188 complaints · ~$2,500 severe
2019 RAM 1500
180 complaints · ~$2,500 moderate
2014 RAM 1500
171 complaints · ~$2,500 severe
2022 RAM 3500
111 complaints · ~$2,500 moderate
2021 RAM 1500
87 complaints · ~$2,500 moderate
2017 RAM 1500
81 complaints · ~$2,500 severe
2013 RAM 1500
78 complaints · ~$2,500 severe
2020 RAM 1500
56 complaints · ~$2,500 critical
2016 RAM 2500
56 complaints · ~$2,500 severe
2014 RAM 2500
56 complaints · ~$2,500 severe
2018 RAM 1500
47 complaints · ~$2,500 severe
2015 RAM 2500
40 complaints · ~$2,500 severe
2017 RAM 2500
33 complaints · ~$2,500 severe
2025 RAM 1500
32 complaints · ~$2,500 moderate
2014 RAM 3500
31 complaints · ~$2,500 moderate
2015 RAM 3500
30 complaints · ~$2,500 severe
2019 RAM 2500
25 complaints · ~$2,500 severe
2015 RAM Promaster City
25 complaints · ~$2,500 severe
2017 RAM 3500
23 complaints · ~$2,500 moderate
2021 RAM 2500
21 complaints · ~$2,500 moderate
2018 RAM 3500
21 complaints · ~$2,500 severe
2022 RAM 5500
20 complaints · ~$2,500 moderate
2013 RAM 2500
20 complaints · ~$2,500 severe
2020 RAM 2500
17 complaints · ~$2,500 severe
Common questions
How many RAM powertrain complaints are on file with NHTSA?
1,819 complaints across 43 model-year entries from 2013 to 2025. No active recall campaigns currently cover this category for RAM.
Which RAM model has the most powertrain complaints?
The 2015 RAM 1500 leads with 209 complaints in this category. Next: 2016 1500 (188) and 2019 1500 (180).
What does it cost to fix RAM powertrain problems?
Independent shops average $2,500 for powertrain repairs across the RAM lineup. Dealer pricing tends to run twenty to forty percent higher. Specific cost depends on the failure mode and parts availability.
Are there RAM powertrain recalls?
No active NHTSA recalls currently cover powertrain issues on RAM 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 RAM.
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.