The Dodge Ram Problems Page

On the left is a link to a story about my 1996 Dodge Ram and the problems I had with the transmission. Below are other links, stories, and Email I have received with similar problems.

http://www.datatown.com/chrysler

The 518/618 transmission has been a real money-maker for transmission shops, with many, many, of these transmissions failing more than once, through the life of the manufacture's warrantee. It is not, at all, uncommon for us to see many 1997 Chrysler trucks, with very low mileage, in a given month, all getting rebuilt transmissions. Between you and me, I would not want to pay $30,000+ dollars for a truck, knowing that I would be battling transmission problems, for the lifetime of the vehicle. Transmission failures vary, with Chrysler full-sized trucks (We have one now, that failed at 4200 miles.... Not 42,000, mind you....), but typically, we see transmission failure around 40,000-60,000 miles.

Wow this sounds familiar. so far I've replaced the rotors, ball joints and shocks. All this and I just went over 100K, now I'm looking for catalytic convectors for the 3500 Dodge Ram. If I would of known Hmmm would of bought a FORD. So what kind of cats did you have to buy for your truck, Dodge wants $500 a piece ..NOT!!!!

Seems to me if dodge would fix these damned problems my pocket book would remain healthier. I jus spent $700 this weekend to fix my exhaust. since I bought the new dodge it's all I can do to pay to keep it on the road. well this sucks jus thought I'd let you know BTW those rotors run $300 a piece, I've changed them already plus every thing else that you've done.

I have a 1996 with the 360 engine. I have 92000 and at around 72K the same thing happened to my tranny. Luckily I had a 75K warrantee and only had to put out $100.00. The story continues. My problems started when I bought the truck with 32K. The shifting under load was always rough and when I took it to the dealer, they said it was normal for this to happen. I had return lines replaced twice and they still leak. Around 84K, the tranny started overheating and I was left stranded on the side of the road. The dealer told me they would help with the cost because I have had so many problems. They said the cooler was probably stopped up so I had it checked before it was taken to the dealer. It was pumping fine through the cooler but when they called me, they said it was the cooler and I was charged for a new radiator and a rebuilt tranny. I told them I wanted the old cooler and when I went to pick it up, they told me they blew a gob of stuff out of the cooler. Right!!!

I had to wait for a pump that was on National back order for that tranny and I believe that was the cause of the failure and not the radiator. I want to be part of your class action. By the way, after having the tranny rebuilt for the second time, the erratic shifting has quit.

I saw your entry in the Rick's Dodge RAM transmission web site. I own a 1997 Dodge RAM 3500 diesel that has 60k miles and I'm now on my third transmission. Dodge told me they will not pay anything on this third transmission. I don't feel any truck should go though three transmissions in 60k miles. Especially since I have followed the Dodge maintenance schedule to the letter. If you have any additional information regarding this matter I would like to see it. I am putting together information for my attorney to sue Dodge. I in turn would be happy to share the outcome of any court proceeding with you.

I also own a 1996 Dodge Ram only the1500 series. I only had 50,000 on mine when I started experiencing trouble putting it in drive and not moving. When I put it in reverse, it clunked and shook the truck. I was told this was normal by the dealership. About two weeks later on my way to work I noticed it was not shifting into 2nd gear. I put it in neutral and back into drive and it was okay. At this time I took it to the dealership and they replaced a gear in the transmission. It didn't do anything for about a week and then I was going home from work and on the expressway going 70 miles an hour it just went out of gear and I was coasting in the middle lane. Fortunately, there was not any traffic at the side and I pulled over. I put it in park, then drive, and it went forward. I continued to drive home but all the way home the transmission was slipping. Again it went to the dealership where the transmission was rebuilt. We wouldn't want them to give a new transmission. It still will clunk when I put it in reverse but again they say this is normal. I have replaced the harness wires 3 times and when you ask the question why so often you will get different answers. Some say they should never burn out, some say things happen. My ABS light has come on each time along with the check engine light so you are at their mercy because no one else is equipped to check the vehicle. As a matter of fact I just had that happen again on 3/13/01. More things have gone wrong with my truck since the first time I had to take it in to the dealership. I also have had my torque converter replaced twice. I have never heard about the drum that is a factory defect but I would like to know more about it. I understand your frustration especially when they keep doing the same things over. So far I have had the fuel injection system cleaned 3 times the last two times only four months apart. I ask the question why so often? I think they guess at what is wrong. I know you can only take legal action if you take your vehicle back for the same problem 3 times.

I do enjoy my truck and I hope to enjoy it for a few more years. I may look into this drum failure problem and I will in fact take action because I don't feel safe knowing that my transmission could go out again seeing that no one could say we have fixed the problem.

I found your website because I was looking for information about problems with the fuel injection system on the dodge. I do know for a fact that the 1995 2500 series Dodge has the transmission problem also.

I have 1995 Dodge Ram p/u which is suffering from many of the same problems you have experienced.

I'm going to try selling the son-of-a-whore this spring as soon as the snow goes.

I stumbled across this site while researching transmissions because of my dodge problems. I'm just hoping to get out of this nightmare as soon as possible. Thanks, Mike.

I am trying to locate Dodge so we can file a complaint. My husband & his family have owned Chrysler products all their lives and swear by them. We finally made a decision to purchased a tow truck and tried the new 2000 Dodge Dakota Quad Cab. With only 17,000 miles on it the ABS lights started to come on. Took it to dealer who said it was still under warranty, then said found nothing wrong & just reset it. It started again, and I started feeling pulsating in the brakes-again took it to dealer. Well I was told that there was just a faulty ABS switch, which they replaced, but that the pulsating was the front rotors. Cost $178 plus $68 labor. Told them to forget it my husband would handle. Charge $33 for looking. Took them 45 minutes, but they'd be nice and change 30 minutes. Now we will be taking this to one of our last of the back yard mechanics-cost just under $200. I understand that they are using a cheaper form of rotors and because our of our mild winters, salt got to them.

I complained to my sales person who said this was just a wear & tear Item, but if I decide to let them do the repairs, he will get me a discount on the "Dodge" original replacement. Of course I told him-"Isn't that the problem I have now?"

Dodge is trying to void my warranty on my 2000 Ram 2500 Diesel that blew up at 80K. Transmission went out a month before at 78K. What a great company. I am going back to Power Strokes!!

Hello I am the not so proud owner of a Dodge Ram 2500 Turbo Diesel 4X4. I am putting in the third transmission. I have 105,000 miles on the truck. I never tow anything. I drive my truck in Los Angeles! I am also faced with replacing the turbo on the Cummins Diesel. At 5K miles past warranty coverage. I have spent $10k on repairs in 2002. Let me know if I can prevent anyone else from buying one of these money pits.

1. Repeated breakage of serpentine belt about every eight to ten thousand miles.

I bought a 2004 Dodge 3500 Q/C Laramie in Edmonton Alberta Canada in Nov. of 2003. It currently has 63000 km on it. So far the following defects have been repaired, replaced, or have been left not rectified. - all four doors have wind noise - not rectified - included box liner floats when driving - not rectified - high beams provide insufficient illumination and are very hard on the eyes - not rectified - cup holder broke -replaced - ashtray broke -fixed it myself - instrument cluster fried - replaced - recall on tranny cooler line - replaced - windshield wiper fell off - replaced - immense amounts of rock damage and body damage due to what I believe is a poor body design and cheap, weak dual fenders with insufficient framework for mounting mudflaps - painted truck all the way around under the body line at my expense - ongoing horrible fuel consumption and lack of power - not rectified - injector problems twice, once removed and cleaned, once replaced, now problems recurring- blown tranny - replaced - power steering pump - replaced - fuel lift pump - replaced - torque converter - fixed or replaced - transfer case - fixed or replaced - front and rear brakes, calipers, bushings and sleeves replaced - u-joints replaced - leaky fuel cap - replaced but not rectified - cd player quit - fixed - speakers or wiring fried - fixed - To add to this, my after market products and service I received, was in the nature of something you would see on the comedy network. However, I do not find it funny. I have submitted a letter to the dealership I purchased it from and the dealership that I had a good amount of horrible service work done at. I am getting worked over hard and am wondering if there are any Canadian connections you can hook me up with that may help me or any suggestions would be great. I have my own delivery business in the Alberta oil patch and this truck has put me on the ropes. Or any testimonies of similar problems with the year and model would at least add some weight to my concerns. My maintenance record

I have a 1997 RAM 1500 4X4, 360, auto, towing etc, etc. The trans went @ 11,000. Plenum gasket went last year @50,000. Now it's running real rough, and is "popping" when I step on it, and almost dies. Other times, I step on it hard, and get gets up and goes. I have 70,000 miles on it. A diagnostic check says nothing is wrong, and the "check engine" light is NOT on. Any idea what's wrong with my truck?

DODGE RAM 1500 63000 MILES NOW NEW TRANS.
noticed slippage at about 53k miles. changed filter and oil. even put in synthetic oil at last fill. I was driving and noticed engine revving and not going. I could hear a rattling meshing noise. Now I am having a jasper trans put in at my expense of course. has any one else had this problem and is there any recourse from dodge/mopar. i think the only way it lasted this long was from maintenance. Will be looking for a ford soon, Matt

Your story sounds all too familiar. I have a '98 dodge ram 1500. I purchased this vehicle new and I have been the only one to drive it. The major issues I have had with the vehicle are the catalytic converter (plugged and left me on the side of the road) and the torque converter (also left me on the side of the road). Many, many other problems as well. Now it's back in the shop with both engine heads cracked and a burned valve. The cost of ownership of this vehicle has been outrageous. My question is: I'm wondering how many others have had this problem with the heads? The dealer called for parts and whoever they called are all out. I think this is also an indicator of a common problem. What is amazing to me is that both heads are cracked. A coincidence? I don't think so. Any information you can provide would be greatly appreciated. I also got the line that these issues are not covered and I have to foot the bill. One thing is for sure, I will never own another Mopar product ever again.

Great web site !!! I'm really scared about my Dodge. I thought it was just me having all these problems. Who would have guessed.

I own a 1998 Dodge Ram 1500 Van Mark III, we have put in 3 Transmissions so far, The damn thing has had 4 Transmissions !!! What can I do??? IS there someone I can call??? It has been 5 months since we put the last one in and I'm sure it will not be the last. I just happened upon this web sight, and I feel sick.

Just something I thought you might like to see, might make everyone feel a tiny bit better. Bought my 01 Dodge Ram 1500 in SC 2 months before I got orders to AK. Needless to say, it's a 2WD. Dodge refused to cover any repair expenses for my transmission even though I had brought it in for the same problem while it was under warranty due to (same as mentioned in your site, 2nd gear slippage, 2nd gear sticking at WOT, constant cruise shutoff and complete refusal by my transmission to go over 70 mph). After teardown and inspection they said I had "burned up" my transmission while hauling a 3000Lb trailer from SC to AK. Just a thought... shouldn't a truck equipped with a tow package be able to handle that? Well, it didn't and it cost me $115 for a second stall test (had it done in TX, but they had to do it again to be sure???) $600 for teardown and inspection. After quoting me $3500 for repairs (not including the prior expenses) I tactfully told them to stick their quote where the sun doesn't shine. They threw my transmission in the back of my truck and refused to reinstall it even though I had already paid for it.
So add in the price of a tow truck. Had a new (not rebuilt) transmission installed 8 months ago ($2200 for TC, Trans, and installation). Truck is now dead in the parking lot with about every transmission problem you could think of thanks to Dodge not actually diagnosing the problem. Erratic shifting, delayed shifting, odd grinding noises, power loss, you name it, it's got it. Best part of it all... in AK resale values on 2WD trucks are halved. Total cost so far $3500, purchase price of the truck, $17,000.
Can't trade it, can't sell it, can't even set it on the desk as a paperweight... worthless. Sadly, as a devout Dodge lover since I was 15 I believe I'm done with Dodge. Even if GMC or Ford have problems, they're affordable. Seriously, how can Dodge say anything about not performing scheduled maintenance if you're too broke from repairing to get any maintenance performed. As an aircraft mechanic I'd just like to tell all Dodge employee's who fly it's a good thing we actually do what we're paid to do... Planes don't get stranded on the highway, they crash. Well, that's my story so far...

My wife and I have been having TONS of problems with our Dodge Grand Caravan and I have put together a site to tell our story and to document our problems. Please take a look - http://www.donotbuydodge.ca

I have the same problem with my 96 2500 8cly. It just started doing it a few weeks ago. I also have a noise coming from the transmission, Like a transfer case sound noise. The truck goes into dodge on Monday.

Thanks for your web page. I have a 2002 4dr RAM 4wd. It has been plagued with problems, including 2 major drive train overhauls (heads and block) If I hit a pothole or other road deformity, it violently veers requiring drastic counter steering - I've almost lost it a couple of times. Today, it was violently bucking and the engine light started flashing. A year ago, I requested the Dodge regional rep evaluate the vehicle, given its history and problems. He never called and repeated attempts to get in touch with him failed. The dealer was not interested in my problems, and apparently neither is Daimler Chrysler. I filed a complaint with NHYTSA today, given the most recent developments about my plagued drive train. I would like to get rid of the truck and buy a ford, but given the history will be taking a hit on trade-in value. I have the Chrysler customer number & will call them Monday. I also have their special investigator number. I'm taking it to the mat this time, although I am prepared for the corporate run-around. I am concerned for my family's safety & these clowns could care less.

I HAVE A 1999 3/4 TO CUMMINS DIESEL 4X4. ON A RECENT TRIP TO IDAHO, THE DAMN THING WOULD NOT GO INTO OVERDRIVE. STILL WON'T. POS!!! THE TRANNY SHOP I TOOK IT TO AT 37000 MILES FOUND METAL SHAVINGS AND CLUTCH MATERIAL IN THE PAN. THEY TOLD ME IT NEEDED REBUILT. I NURSED IT ALONG TO 63000 MILES AND HAVE NEVER TOWED A DAMN THING WITH IT! DODGE SHOULD FESS UP AND ADMIT FAULT AND FIX ALL OF THEM OR REIMBURSE PEOPLE THAT HAVE HAD TO HAVE THEM FIXED.

If anyone wants to purchase magnetic signs I will have them made up. the more I order the lower the cost. My goal is to alert the public that dodge will not stand behind its product.

Email - sines40@aol.com - 11 Apr 2005

I have a 2002 Dodge Ram 1500 SLT. The clips in my rear differential broke. Dodge wants to charge me 1300.00 to fix the problem. The truck has 45k miles, I have owned it for one year. The clips are on back-order. I am in line behind 80 people waiting for this part. The estimated time of delivery is 2 months. The truck is not driveable. I am waiting to fix it or I can pay another 1000.00 to buy the whole rear differential carriage, which they conveniently have in stock. I am sure I will fix the problem, then run into some transmission problems. I would love to sell and by a ford or maybe a chevy. I will never buy Dodge again! I hope this website makes it to the public's eye.

Email - windfallfarm@charter.net - 21 Apr 2005

Doing some research on the web about my 1999, 2500 v10 dodge ram I came across your site. I had my transmission done last year at 60,000 miles also. I did not complain too much, just sucked up and spent the 2500. to have it replaced. Well, this year at 70,000 miles my engine has blown. To replace the long block the dealer wants 10,300.00!! How do they expect anyone to pay for that? I have tried without sucess to deal with Chrysler, but they are being difficult. Let me know how it is going for you, because I would be interested in a class action suit for the transmission.

Email - davidhammon@earthlink.net - 05 May 2005

I have a 1998 Dodge Ram 1500 2wd SLT. I have had the same 2nd gearing slipping transmission problems as eveyone else. It first went out at 35,000 miles, warranty repaired it, went out again at 70,000 miles, of course no hope from the dealer this time. All freeway miles, I have never towed anything except my checkbook to the repair shop. Also had brake problems, catlytic converter went out, and now it is burning oil due to a vacuum leak in the intake manifold.

Email - jveal@vcn.com - 10 May 2005

2004, Dodge 2500 Ram - 10 months old, 21,000 miles. Faulty factory wiring harness causes fire under the dash. Dodge refuses to warranty any of the problem and to "take it to my insurance company." All Dodge trucks can have the same problem.
Share your fire story with me.
Am pushing for factory recall. Send ammunition.

Email - Roykennimer@Cox-internet.com - 12 May 2005

My Dodge Cummins runs out of fuel having 3/4 of a tank. New hoses, filters, even a new fuel module in the fuel tank hasn't helped. A three gallon can of fuel in bed of truck gets it back going!

Email - wiinjack@gdinet.com - 14 May 2005

I own a 1996 dodge ram with 120,000 miles on it and all I have put into it is oil, grease, and gas. Your website is a little bias. My friend bought a brand new GMC and he had to get the tranny rebuilt after 360 miles. All I'm saying is anyone could start a website like this about any type of truck. Then you just post the e-mails you want to. I'm sure my e-mail won't get posted. One other thing I don't get is if people were having problems with their trannies one or twice or three times.....why would you take it back to the dealership after the second time. oh well.....Ben
And my response...

Ben,

I’ll bet you thought I would never respond…. But hey I want you to know I did get your email. You are correct normally I would not publish your email as the WEB page is for those that have had problems to alert others on their experience. I do get a few emails now and then such as yours informing me of a good experience with their Dodge product, but I gotta tell ya It is at least 10 to 1 against. But I will put this up as soon as I have some time.

I’m sure there are WEB pages where people just list what a great product Dodge has, but many more like mine as well.

I am now on my second New Ford. I traded in my F350 w/7.3 Diesel (39,000 miles) for a New 04 Excursion w/6.0 Diesel (15,000 miles now). Not a single problem on either of them. My Dodge Ram was nothing but problems. Dodge refused to assist a customer (me) who suffered a Transmission Failure just over the Warrantee expiration has led to my hard feelings. I do understand all makes have good and bad ones now and then. It was the attitude of Dodge that has most of the people that send me email upset. If Dodge had better customer service they would have more repeat customers.

Thanks for stopping by the WEB page I’m glad you are having a wonderful Dodge experience, I wish I had!

John

Email - Jaxhoss5403@yahoo.com - 16 May 2005

I own a 96 Dodge Ram 1500 2wd 3.9 L V6 with a 5 speed manual transmission. I took it up to Cincinnati, Ohio last February and my rear seal busted on my transmission, well i didn't know what was wrong at the time. I drove it back to Alabama where I live and 2nd and 4th gear went out in my truck. So I replaced the rear seal and put transmission fluid in it and it didn't work. I am in college so its kinda hard to fork out 2000 or more dollars to replace the tranny. Transmission places said that I could rebuild the transmission, so what do I do? If anyone has any helpful hints please feel free to email me and give me some expert advice because this is my first and last dodge, but its gotta last me til i graduate college.

Email - bsbrockbank@hotmail.com - 17 May 2005

I was just looking around on the internet, pricing a new tranny. I found your website and I was blown away. I have the exact same problems to the T. I have replaced the cats, muffler, ball joints, the hub assembly on front, brakes. And now I am getting a funny noise just driving at slow speeds, let alone when braking. Have you found any resolution to this.

Email - PICKLESFRANKIE@MSN.COM - 27 May 2005

My husband and I have a 2001 Dodge Ram 1500 4X4. At 42,000 miles while in another state we lost the torch converter. To fix that was 2500.00. Now I bet you can guess what happened next... I lost the transmission yesterday. I am having a hard time getting this covered under the warranty that was given to us when we had the truck fixed the first time. DODGE SUCKS!!!!

Email - dougs56@comcast.net - 30 May 2005

came across you site searching the web about dodge trucks this transmission thing sure has me pissed off, with just 64693 miles on my 97 1500 trans went out 5-28-05 could not shift out of 2^nd gear truck is in a repair shop now to see how much it will cost for repairs. Would not even think about going to a dealer for something like this. Have decided to fix truck and buy something else ford or chev when a few bills get paid off, hope fully truck will not have any problems in the mean time. So add another failure for dodge.

Email - fshiflett1@aol.com - 31 May 2005

I was looking over the web and came across your site. BEAUTIFUL. I thought I was the only one that has been cheated by my Dodge Truck. I have a 1999 Ram 1500 4x4 and after replacing the plugged catalytic converter ( with the Y pipe attached) for extra money for Dodge Dealer $412. The truck still ran like crap. I put it in the shop again and I had to get the intake manifold re-done because of the pressure back-up blew the gaskets out of it. $847. It has been three weeks later and now my tranny will jump out of overdrive whenever it feels like it (especially when I'm going 65 down the highway. I just took it to the shop again and they told me that the tranny needs rebuilt and a new torque converter. $1400. Oh yeah, one more thing, I can't use my 4 wheel drive because it clunks when I drive with it. I feel like a fool because my friends with Fords and Chevys don't have these problems. Thanks for letting me get this off my chest, now I can sleep at night. Yeah Right! Floyd

Email - MIKEGCOLLINS@MSN.COM - 1 June 2005

I have a 97 dodge ram laramie 1500 4x4. The trucks transmission has been rebuilt twice and the last time I had stronger clutches and parts put in it. Now it is making a clunking noise when you put it in reverse and it makes a loud meshing noise when you put it in reverse unless you let it warm up for 5 minutes prior to driving the vehicle, and falls out of low 1 now constantly?! I was told the laramie package has a transmission cooler stock, and a heavier duty tranny.Is that true? What exactly is the laramie package? The truck has also had its motor rebuilt after intense smoking after pulling an 18ft. boat. My best friend has an 02 same model dodge as I and his brakes went completely out after 30k, rotors and all. Also his truck dings up very easy like the quarter panels are made out of tin and the truck rides rough and rattles, is very underpowered considering it has the 360 (my 318 would kill it) and only gets 9 miles a gallon honestly. All at 55k miles. DODGE SHOULD BE ASHAMED!! He also owned a 95 dodge viper back in 97 and it went through 2 rearends,2 transmissions, and blew head gasket after head gasket and even cracked one of the heads! Not bad for a 60 thousand dollar car huh Dodge.

Another disappointed dodge owner

Mike

Email - tawnjad@yahoo.com - 1 June 2005

John, Thanx for having a place to complain to. Dodge doesn't want to hear it, that's for sure. We own a 2001 Dodge Ram 4x4. Purchased in September of 2001. We have replaced 2 transmissions now. One in October of 2003 and now in May of 2005. Mileage is 72,000. The most this baby has had to pull is a fiberglass bass boat 3 hours round trip. This baby doesn't even make it 2 yrs before its next transmission replacement. What crap. I told my husband to buy a chevy.

Email - wilbur0123@intergate.com - 6 June 2005

I came across your web page on Saturday and felt lucky that I have experienced the problems of some of the other owners. Even though the dealer did replace injection pump under warranty and no money out of pocket. I now have my trans not down shifting into first at a stop light. And Sunday night my lift pump failed while in a remote area south of Flagstaff.

I was lucky because I had a ride to Flag to get a new pump.

Auto parts store said I had to go dealer. The dealer charged me $425.00 for the fuel pump. First thing I did when I got home was check internet for the pump.

Found the same damn pump ( Carter part # P47213 ) that Carter makes for Dodge and Cummins for $175.00 including shipping. Plus the one on ebay included new washers for the banjo fittings.

That's B.S.

Bart

Email - cranemann@verizon.net - 7 June 2005

Website is great...we have 2003 dodge ram 2500. when towing up a slight grade when shifting down it goes into neutral and I have to ease back on the throttle before it goes back into gear. The air conditioner freezes up, anyone else out there with the same problems... Dodge dealer can not find any problem and cant fix it . have had it in the shop 5 times for same problem...help ..Bud

Email - brent666@hotmail.net - 7 June 2005

I came upon this site in search of what might be wrong with my dodge ram. Now that I read these stories my truck has had to replace the same exact things since I've had it. I have a 1994 Dodge Ram V8 magnum 4x4 regular cab short bed and it loves to be in the shop getting fixed and wasting allot of my money. the problem in it now is it waste a ridiculous amount of gas, I don't know why. When i gas it half throttle it stalls for about a second and then takes off real slow. I have duel flow master exhaust pipes on it and day by day they start to sound more and more like they aren't even there, Its like my truck has lost all its power. It takes me about 5 to 6 seconds just to get to 60 mph, when I first got it it took about 2 to 3 seconds. I just got an oil change and new catalytic converters, universal joint, tie rod, track bar, transmission filter (something like that, shop said it was clogged), engine belt, lower radiator tube, and some more things I cant remember. my truck only has 49k miles on it and I don't go off-roading for fun or race it down the street so I'm just sick of all these problems coming up. It makes me wanna slap whoever makes these trucks.

Email - charles_jennifer@sympatico.ca - 15 June 2005

Hi, I bought a 2001 Dodge Ram short box quad cab SLT. I bought it with 126,000kms when I hit 130.000kms I took the truck to a warranty service centre for front end noise I also got then to change the oil while the truck was up on the hoist. I usually do my own oil changes but warranty stipulates that I get the oil changed professionally while I was still covered 4 days later my engine blew a piston rod through the oil pan not any oil to be found I towed it back into town was at camp with the family, sent them home in a cab. Brought it back to where the oil change was done the mechanic told me the next day after looking at it that I through a rod due to bearing failure...really how does that happen? "Isay' he said the the previous owner didn't keep up with the oil changes and sludge built up in the rod bearing. its been two weeks I've been without TRUCK warranty wanted to ship a motor with over 200,000 kms I argued that the engine only had 130,000kms and did not want one with more so they got back to me saying they found a motor with 70.000kms that was a week ago. I bought the truck 6 weeks ago.
yesterday I stopped in and talked to the mechanic he examined he was having some difficulties installing the motor, and that my air conditioner will not work cause he had only 10lbs instead of the operating spec of 70 lbs... bullshit I said right before the engine blew my wife told me to turn the ac off it was to cold.
Anyways that's my story as it stands presently. My intuition tells me I'm in for more problems and that this is just the beginning of my Dodge nightmare.

Email - boatcollector@msn.com - 17 June 2005

I have just relived MY nightmare over and over again after reading all your posting about dodge problems. We own a 2000 Dodge 1500 4X4, that is beautiful to look at simply because we can't keep it mobile enough to even get it DIRTY. At 70K miles the trany failed, same story as the others, wouldn't shift from 2nd - $2000. At 72k miles the rear end went out. Front end at 85K..and just this week..are you ready 115k..both rear and front lower and upper ball joints, all four universal joints, the muffler system (the complete system) is completely rusted out and is now rigged with wiring as well as both tail pipes being GONE. Today, we noticed a puddle under our "baby", the transmission casing is cracked from top to bottom. We are at a stand still. It's been 14 months since the last trany was put in and of course time makes it "out of warranty", contrary to the fact that we have only put 35k miles on it. It has never towed ANYTHING, maybe we just washed it a little to rough. We named it the "TROUBLEMAKER". If anyone can give me any info about who to contact at Dodge or if there is a class action law suit I would greatly appreciate it.

Email - r_mags@bellsouth.net - 21 June 2005

At about 65,000 miles, my 2000 dodge ram 1500 4x4, transmission went. Not just one, but both. It cost $3300 to repair. I was out of warranty so figured what could I do. I paid. Six month later, my A/C went out and about 4 months after that the final blow. Engine seized.

Email - Larry71@GameBox.net - 24 June 2005

Hi, 1999 and 2000 Dodge Rams, 1500 and 2500, respectively; Both had cracked heads @ 60,000 mi; 25 hundred $$'s each to repair and no reimbursement from dealer or factory. They had vehicle two weeks. Guess that's pretty quick.

On one vehicle, dealer decided to be helpful and replaced burned-out third-brake-light bulbs: tried to charge $100.00 dollars for diagnosis and repairs on third-brake-light! Rip-off artists and butchers.

They are a joke, unprofessional mechanics standing around doing nothing while people are made to wait and are disrespected w/ brush-offs, rolling eyes, and gruff attitudes, This is in every Dodge dealer I've been in: California AND Arizona. I used to like Dodge. And years ago I was a dealer tech by trade.

Save GM and Ford: The LAST and DYING American auto manufacturers.

Email - hillbillyinca@verizon.net - 24 June 2005

I fully agree with you're response about dodges customer service I own 01 2500 4x4 quad cab it has 37000 on it my dash is falling apart, my trans is starting to slip, and I've already replaced front rotors I called Dodge's hotline about my dash and was told to take it to the nearest dealer. I went to Glendora dodge I was also told to call them from there. The service writer came out took my Vin and said he would not call, he had a policy he had to follow, he would call me first thing in the morning to see what he could do. Service opens 7 so at 10 I called, he said Dodge's Corp computers were down and would call me as soon he knew something. He called in 5 minuets he said they would not help, I called the hotline again they told me they would do nothing that they had go off what their rep said out here in Ca at the dealership how could he say anything if he never looked at it the shop where I took my truck for brakes told me we couldn't even turn the rotors they were already spec this is not right to spend $33,000 for a pile of junk I've owned dodges since 1984 and will never buy another, any ways I'm looking for people with the same problems for possible class action

Email - magnificat3@optonline.net - 1 July 2005

My son bought a 1995 dodge 1500 pickup used about 4 months ago. This evening it went up in flames after it had just been parked! It began with smoke out of the steering column and then flames that totaled the car! I am trying to see if anyone else has had a similar thing happen with this year and model. Thanks

Email - Marymmat1113@aol.com - 1 July 2005

My husband (a mechanic) owns a 1995 Dodge Ram. We have driven the truck for 8 years with little trouble. The brake pedal now goes to the floor. He replaced brakes, master cylinder, booster etc. and the problem still existed. He then took it to a Dodge dealer. After spending almost $1500 the brake pedal still goes to the floor. The service manager insists that the brakes are fine and said ALL DODGE TRUCK BRAKE PEDALS GO TO THE FLOOR!! For 8 years they did not. What kind of idiots are being hired as Chrysler mechanics? Is anyone else having this problem?

Email - sburn@flash.net - 4 July 2005

I find your website misleading and unhelpful for some one trying to find a answer to unresolved Dodge problems. I am looking for some ones advice, not some one who is unhappy about their vehicle, regardless of the make. Here is my problem, I suppose I am fortunate, my truck transmission went out at 140,000 miles. Just before it failed it started the down shifting from overdrive to the previous gear at 45mph. I thought the new transmission would stop this however it didn't and the dealer couldn't find any thing wrong with it except loss of .1% voltage from the battery. They charged me to clean the cables to the batteries which I had just cleaned the day before. I now have 232,000 miles on the truck (2500 diesel 4X4) and have had it checked in various shops. The only thing that stops it is to disconnect the batteries for five (5) minutes and let the CPU reset. It is then good for about 400 miles. Additionally it now has developed a second problem that the shops are having trouble with, loss of highway speed, say at 70 mph it will suddenly loose power and ratchet back to 45 mph. It can be corrected by killing the cruse control if it is activated and playing with the gas pedal. It would be nice to hear from some one who has found a way to correct this problem. For all those that purchase a new truck to avoid the problems I hope you didn't just purchase another set of problem, drive it about 100,000 miles and something has to wear out and this is where the Dealers are failing their customers, by hoarding the codes so that common people can't pick up on a reasonable way to repair their vehicles. The codes should become transparent. For instance, the radio could be equipped with a display for self analysis based up the codes accumulated so that we could avoid the cost of ruining a CPU analysis. Then the various shops and dealers should be able to communicate to help these weird and unusual problem. If you have any suggestion short of purchasing a Ford give me a call at 713-299-9424 or e mail me.

Sincerely,
________________________
Sterling B. Burnett

My Response:

Sterling,

Sorry you found the WEB page to be misleading. Many find it just what they wanted…A place to post the trouble they are having with Dodge. It’s more of a place to vent than to look for help. Anyway, I have got one idea for you.

Recently I purchased a Superchips Max MicroTuner for my 6.0 Powerstroke. It has the ability to act as a DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code) reader. The book lists thousands of codes and what they mean. The reader will show you codes in memory and can also reset the DTC’s. I have attached a sample page of the 20+ pages of codes. I do not know what they offer for the Dodge, but may be worth looking at. One side benefit, I used it to put a performance tune on my Powerstroke and picked up 2 MPG in the process.

Thanks,

John

Email - Paul Paine sfiveway@qwest.net - 6 July 2005

Well I feel very qualified to discuss this truck that I have now owned since 1999. Its now July, 2005 and here is my story.....
First thing wrong after only 12k was the brakes went bad. Not just the pads but the dealership had to replace the whole front end including the idler arms. OK, now I have gone through 7 complete sets of brakes, that includes rotors also. I have 165k on it and I have been told by Chrysler that there is nothing wrong with the brake system. Well that is so much bull that the dealership is beginning to smell like an outhouse. Fact is that Chrysler has know about this issue for years and only now, several years after the fact is willing to speak openly about its engineering failure on it's design. Next topic, My transmission went completely out at about 30k.......OK, no news here. Seems like just about everyone that has had one of these piece of sh_ ts has had similar problems and stories if not worse. So, lets recap..... Bad, really bad brake system and then the very expensive transmission is horrible for the task. Now lets talk about the electric fuel pump, fuel filter and ultimately the fuel injector pump problems. Yip, just had to replace the very expensive fuel injector pump, electric fuel pump and fuel filter. But this was just after I had to replace the number 5 fuel injector line because it mysteriously developed a small crack in it. This was a mere $160.00 item not to mention how freaking hard it was to remove and reinstall. Oh, by the way the previous fix...the injector, fuel pump and filter cost me just over $2,200.00 to fix.
And to top this off, the Cummings company spokesman told me that had I been changing my fuel filter on every third oil change these fuel related problems may never have happened. Now......let's see.... I kind of was pissed off that at NO time in the past 5 years has the dealership ever ONCE suggested or told me that the fuel filter needed to be changed on a regular basis. Seems to little ol me that Chrysler and it's dealership should be doing this. AND, it seems to me that if they did inform the customers about this issue (know issue) that they would be loosing a huge amount of service/rework in each of the hundreds of dealerships each and every year. Which we all know, is where the dealerships get the lions share of their profits. Oh, another thing, had there been a pressure indicator (psi) located either before the fuel filter and after the electric pump, or just after the fuel filter, I would have known that the electric pump was not working correctly or the fuel filter was not either or worse, they both may have been not working correctly. In any event, this would have a been an easy and must less costly event had the dealership informed me and thousands of other truck owners of A: the possible problems associated with the fuel system, B: the definite huge cost of not properly taking care of the fuel system, C: and the most obvious idiot proof fix, which is to have had a gauge or indicator light/warning the owner of low PSI output from the electric fuel pump. I really think adding a $20.00 device on a $40,000.00 truck is something that all of us owners could have afforded to live with at time of purchase. Or a transmission temperature indicator also.

Email - noname@sprintlink.net - 8 July 2005

Any one that knows anything about Transmissions should know better than to buy a Dodge automatic. There all junk and have always been. Step up to a six speed.

Email - Shirley Buckert [sbuckert@zamigo.net] - 9 July 2005

I've had my practically new Dodge truck with 15,000 miles slip out of Park into Reverse while engine was running. The first time it backed into a fence post, crushing the drivers door which I had left open while opening a gate. Dodge paid for the repairs and offered to buy back the truck if I would agree not to sue them. I've been dragging my feet, trying to decide whether to buy Dodge again or move over to Ford. It has now happened 2 other times and I must replace it. The problem is we really like the truck and hear of other satisfied Dodge owners but feel there are more problem areas than we care to deal with. We're now shopping for a Ford.

Thanks,

Arthur Buckert

Victoria, Texas

Email - barrettt@us.panasonic.com - 13 July 2005

Oh, no, My worst fears have been confirmed, now I join the Transmission troubles group, I have a 2003 Dodge Ram 1500Quas cab, and OverDrive went out this week with 38,688 miles, the truck is currently at the dealership for the past two days and just got the call today that they have to pull the Transmission to see what the issue is, currently under the $100.00 deductible for the repair still pending what they find.

Email - johnpieh@hotmail.com - 18 July 2005

Hi y'all hope I can help. I own a 1998 Dodge Ram 2500 4wd w/ the Cummins. I have to say I am lucky enough to only have had the transmission failure. Yes about $3000.00 to repair. Now this is what I have found out. Number one. Do not take to Dodge. Go to a shop that actually works on trannys. 2) When the tranny starts slipping in and out of gear, this is caused by the throttle control sensor in the transmission. The part is cheap and anyone can replace it. DO this first but it must be done immediately! At least do not drive it till replaced. Babying it will not help. This constant slipping in and out trashes the weak torque converter. (The real problem). The torque converter is built at it's limit to handle the stock detuned Cummins. ( this engine can put out easily 500 hp but truck can not handle it) 3)The torque converter overheats because of slipping causing internal damage which of course finds it way to the trany and of course ruins it. 4) When rebuild is needed. Replace the converter with an $800 dollar install a hand built converter out of Phoenix, AZ I'm sorry but can't remember the name of the company but these are made to handle any kind of power you throw at them. Also have the valves opened up and a shift kit added. These can be tuned to shift anywhere you want them to. Good Luck!

Email - Tom from Vermont - 18 July 2005

I have a dodge ram 1500 quad cab 2000. I am on transmission #5 they have replaced everything but the engine. My air conditioner did not work so they replaced that. Turned it on first time my heater core blew up. I think I could make a whole lot of lemonade with this truck. Every friend I have who bought the ram 1500 has replaced this transmission. Wonder why no recall on this truck.

Email - ddyer24@yahoo.com - 18 July 2005

I have a 1998 Ram 1500 Quad Cab and have put a new cam shaft and lifters at 50,000 miles.($1300.00) Have replaced pinion bearings($500.00), had the front end redone($1000.00), now I need more front end work done a year later for inspection, the tranny is on the way out. I HATE DODGE!! Will never buy another.

Email - joelemehaute@yahoo.com - 19 July 2005

Recently drove a '96 Cummins 2500. I hit a bridge joint and the truck became a bucking bronco and threw everything off the seat onto the floor and I nearly lost control. Sounds like what mjfortress posted on your site. Any ideas on why this happens and if there is a remedy?

Email - victoria.pinkham@us.army.mil   - 21 July 2005

Love it!! I'm trying to find other people who have had problems with 2001 Dodge Ram Brakes. I'm having to have mine done every 6 months. That is ridiculous!! I swear it's such a money pit!!

Email - jcm8006@hotmail.com    - 26 July 2005

Hello to all,
My son recently purchased a new 2005 Dodge Ram 1500. He went to the car wash and water flooded his back seat from the back slider window. Yes, the window was closed!!! Has anyone heard of this problem. Please let me know. Thanks, Jeanie e-mail jcm8006@hotmail.com

Email - justin.fox@cyfairvfd.org - 29 July 2005

I have a 1999 Dodge Ram 1500 w/103,000. Over the past several years my dashboard started to crack now I do not have one. My father in-laws truck is a 2000 it is starting to crack. The paint is bubbled and starting to flake. I contacted Chrysler and the y said nothing could be done. I also tried to get an alignment recently and over a $1000 dollars worth of work that needed to be done. Thank You let me know if you heard of any one else with these problems

Email - Pamruler@aol.com - 31 July 2005

Thank You for your web site. I hope that you can help me with my 2001 Dodge Ram 2500 4x4. I bought it with 9000 miles and when I had 23000 miles on it I had to replace the whole transmission, it was under warranty at that time. Again at 35000 miles I had to replace the transmission, At 60000 miles, Again I had to replace the transmission which was not covered under any warranty. At 74000 miles it was back in the shop with transmission problems. At 89000 miles it was back in the shop with transmission problems. At 94000 miles the transmission has went out again. It is not under warranty. I have called the Dodge dealer ship and they will not help me. They have told me that there was never a call back on the year 2001. It is hard for me to believe that. I still owe quite a bit on the truck and If I did not want to protect my credit, I would let them come and get it. I will never never buy another dodge. I had a 1999 dodge 1500 4x4 and I trade it in for my 2001 because of the transmission going out, I wished now that I had looked into the problem more at that time. For the record, Only Dodge dealerships has been the ones who has replaced my transmissions. I feel like I deserve some help from the dodge to fix my problem with no charge.. Can you help me in any way of whom I need to contact that will help me on this problem. Sincerely, Pam

Email - eric.simmons@radiancorp.com - 1 August 2005

John,
I purchased a 2004 Dodge Quad cab with the Hemi back in November 2003. At once I had minor issues, the rack-n-pinion seal went out and was replaced, the 6-disc CD changer was overheating and had to be replaced, a wad of black electrical tape got stuck in the fan and was removed which caused a great vibration in the dash, the speakers were blown when I got the truck were installed and then were hooked up with the wrong polarity.

My truck was with all the options:
Laramie package, Heated leather seats, 6-Disc CD changer, the Hemi engine, the 20" mag wheels and all the whistles and bells...........................

On June 24th, 2005 I was towing a trailer to California with all my personal items from a 1 bedroom apartment. The trailer was rated to 500lbs, the hitch and the ball were rated to the same as well as the tow package on the truck which was a dealer item. While traveling through Wyoming the left rear tire seared off at the axle causing the truck to careen out of control, and to roll 3 times totaling my truck, the trailer, and most of my personal belongings.

Safeco, my insurance company, stated that the wheel had a crack in it after investigation. Chrysler has sense sent me a letter stating that they did not find anything wrong with their product after a independent investigation......

I have been totaled screwed through this whole affair. My insurance has gone up and Chrysler has nor wanted to replace anything...much less my vehicle which I did like but was a piece of crap from day one.

My truck is totaled from back manufacturer, and I am out around $10,000 in payments and TTL over a year and a half period.

What is my recourse besides suing Chrysler which is like suing the government?

Please call or email me at eric.simmons@radiancorp.com .

My career is a safety engineer which I am currently employed with a heavy construction company, and have been in the field for 13 years now. Never have I been so left out in the cold from a product and I want to get the word out to others not to buy Chryslers 2004 Quad-Cab 1/2 ton pick-ups.



Email - jackedup_4x4@yahoo.com   - 2 August 2005

I have a 2001 dodge ram 4x4 and after replacing my transmission, transfer case, and brakes three times (in the past 2 years) i have decided that these were the least of my problems!!! While driving 35 miles an hour down a straight road, my right front tire came off my truck without warning! The amazing thing is that the lug nuts, hub, rotor, and main brake line were all still attached to the stock 1500 Ram rim! The tire managed to roll out from underneath my truck and, once I was done sliding down the road, hit the passenger door which will now not open. What a piece of shit!! The dollar amount for this recent adventure has not yet been established. Has anyone heard of any similar incidents? I would love to read about other dodge problems!!!!

Email - richardjones10@earthlink.net    - 5 August 2005

This is a great site! I have a 99 dodge ram 1500, 4X4 going to the dealer tomorrow. It has a 5.9 engine with a automatic tranny, mileage is 45.300. Three times I have hauled a trailer with (2)Quads. Every time I hit as bump in the road, and am not under heavy load the tranny goes into a neutral position, and the rpm's jump up, I can't use the cruise control because the tranny keeps jumping in and out of gear. Has anyone else had this problem? If so please let me know what kind of excuse I should be ready to defend against. I have a 86 Toyota 4X4 with 158,00 (hard) miles, and have never had any problems like this (even the A/C ) still works. I guess that's what I get for "Buying American" Please advise (anyone) Rick

Email - shannon.hounshell@bannerhealth.com - 9 August 2005

My son bought his first vehicle...2002 Dodge Ram Cummins 4X4 w/ 64,000 miles. Opted not to go to college as he now had a truck payment!! AT 71,200 miles (just out of the extended warranty, Tranny goes out. Dealership wants over $4500 to fix in parts alone. Any ideas to help a 18 year old out other than following in his dads footsteps (Ford Lover).

Email - mut87@hotmail.com - 9 August 2005

I seem to have made the mistake in buying a used 2001 ram slt quad cab 4 wheel drive. It was a beautiful truck with 47000 miles on it and it ran very strong. The first few months were great but as the weather got warmer the truck started to turn to shit. It seemed like every other day I heard new rattles, squeaks and god only knows what other sounds I was hearing. My rpms started to race up and down while at an idle and then it started to jump up every time I ran over a bounce. The rpms would also go up and down when I used the cruise control. My dealer checked it out and told me that their were not any codes and there was nothing wrong. They had no problem charging me 69.95 to tell me that. I took it to another garage and got the same story. The same week the u-joints on the left front went bad and needed to be replaced. A week later I now have oil being throw around the inside of the left front wheelhouse. Now, another week later, another new problem. Three times now the truck started to buck and shimmy and pop. It had no power and also no check engine light came on. I'm afraid to drive it. I took it to my mechanic and no codes again. I even put an aftermarket diagnostic computer in the truck to see if anything would show up while I was driving and the truck was really running bad. But nothing shows up. I am at the end of my rope with this piece of junk. The most sickening thing is the fact that when the mechanic is around the truck runs half decent and when they hook up to the computer and it gets reset, it runs like new. So I guess I have to keep on driving it till it gets even worse and leaves me stranded. If anybody has any ideas other than selling it, I would love to here from you. I'm sure that when I do trade it in and the salesman takes it for a ride, it will run like shit.

Email - AndrewDantzer@Freightliner.com   - 10 August 2005

What a great web site! I wish I would have done more searching prior to the purchase of my '99 Ram 1500. I absolutely like the truck but it only has 70K miles and is falling apart around me. My story is not unlike many of the others posted on your site. I am at a point where I need to "fish or cut bait", I'll think I'll cut bait. It is breaking the bank to keep this thing on the road. I get great comments on it all the time, yea it is sharp looking. . . setting in the drive. I should be receiving my title anytime now (yes, I wanted it so bad I spread payments over 72 grueling months) and I am going to try to keep it running long enough, and good enough to get a half way decent trade on a Chevy. I work for a DaimlerChrysler company and even wit GREAT employee discounts I will not buy another Dodge product.

Email - omlandyor@hotmail.com    - 11 August 2005

This pertains to anyone with a 5.2L (318Cubic Inch) V8 engine in a Dodge Ram, Dakota or Durango. I have a 1996 Dodge Ram. I've had 2 occurrences of the type of oil pump failure documented in many reports on the internet.

To start off, I change the oil & filter every 3000 miles. The first failure was at approx. 92k. miles. I was 200 miles from home when the oil pressure gauge went to zero psi while stopped at a red light. Pressing slightly on the gas pedal bought the pressure back to normal so I kept on driving. Another 200 miles of driving with this condition (not too smart in retrospect) and the engine seized.

$4,800 later I had a factory rebuilt engine installed and the truck ran great again. That was 2.5 years ago. 46,000 miles later (last week) I was on my way home from another business trip and noticed the oil pressure guage was low (40 is normal, it went down to 25-30psi). I stopped and checked the oil level, no problem. Upon returning onto the highway the pressure was normal for the next 20 minutes, then it went back down to 25-30psi. When I got home I changed the oil and filter, same problem. I then pulled the oil pan and replaced the oil pump ($23.99 at NAPA). Everything now appears to be back to normal. Upon inspecton there was no sludge in the oil pan, the old oil pump looked to be in good condition and did not measure out of spec.

There appears to be a design flaw with this type of oil pump. I hope this post helps others to recognize and deal with this problem. When I had the engine replaced (after the first occurrence) the Dodge service advisor told me this type of failure was uncommon. I've since discovered the internet is full of posts regarding this problem and how owners are being blamed and denied warranty coverage (due to supposed lack of maintenance, etc.).

It also appears Dodge/Chrysler lacks the good will and common sense to treat their customers with integrity. In the short term they'll save money but I suspect it will cost them plenty down the road. They'll not be getting more of my business, consumers get the final word...
Damage Resulting = $4,800 for the replacement engine (1st occurrence).
$23.99 and about 6 hours of my time to replace the oil pump (2nd occurrence).

Email - omlandyor@hotmail.com    - 11 August 2005

Hello. Great Site.. Thought I would join the growing list of Dodge owners with problems. I have a 2000 Dodge Ram 1500 4x4, purchased it (big mistake) with 55,000 miles, since then had nothing but issues with the truck, the entire front end has went out, from ball joints to universal joints, you name it it has broke...lots of money wasted. About a month ago the air conditioning stopped working, and now when driving it is making a weird rattling noise, that nobody seems to be able to fix, oh and here's a shocker I am starting to have transmission problems.. seems like everyday there is a new problem with it, today's problem something leaking from under it, cant wait to see what that is.. as soon as I can consider it sold.. never will a Dodge sit in my drive again.

Email -  Amy somenew@nctv.com - 13 August 2005
We bought a 1995 Dodge Dually and it has about 75,000 miles and we have had the transmission rebuilt two times, once with a new Suncoast Converter and then 2 brand new transmissions. Unfortunately no warranty, and still shifting problems. We have been told it's normal, it's electrical, it's sensors, it's heating and cooling, and we still don't have any answers or a good running truck.

Email -  Aaron Greer ffamgreer@aol.com - 18 August 2005
I own a 1998 Dodge Ram 2500 with a Cummins Diesel engine. I have had to replace 3 injector pumps; one covered under warranty. The electric lift pump fails without any indication or warning, then starves the main injector pump; a 2100 dollar part! Bought this truck new and overall, like it but buyers of used ones BEWARE!!! Be careful when buying a used diesel with the 24 valve cummins engine. If you need a replacement lift or injector pump, try diesel specialists in Florida at www.dieselspecialists.net. They are MUCH cheaper than Dodge and have good service.

Email -  Mike Costa concord@usfamily.net - 18 August 2005
I have a 05 diesel automatic that has a Buzz or Vibration that seems to come from the rear end or drive shaft.(similar to a bad U-joint) it starts when my speed reaches 70 mph or higher. The Buzz resonates in the cab and vibrates in the steering wheel. My dealer denies any vibration and says there are no bulletins on this. (they just dont want to deal with it!) I have checked, balanced and rotated the tires. Anyone with knowledge of this would be greatly appreciated..

Email -  Brenda Keiser [bkeiser@chorus.net] - 18 August 2005
Ha! - I just knew there had to be a site like this. I googled Dodge Ram transmission and found it!

I have a 2002 Dodge Ram 2500 purchased to drive for work and pull my goose neck horse trailer. I don't pull a lot - not a lot of weight and not a lot of distance.

And even though I am a female I tow correctly - overdrive off, etc. I have even flushed the tranny - at 44,000 but again I don't haul much.

It is going in tomorrow at 85,000 miles for a new tranny. I have replaced several u joints. The ball joints will need to be replaced soon.

A local dealer told me a reman tranny was $5000 - for the part!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am getting it done for $2800 - with a 3 year/unlimited mileage warranty.

I am employed in agriculture and work with farmers. The Dodge truck is known far and wide for this problem.

My first Dodge Ram 1500 was great - still going strong after I sold it to a farmer. That lead me to buy this one. Next truck will be something different.

Either that or I will keep this one just for a farm truck and get something with better mileage for all my kid hauling.

Has anyone had any luck getting Dodge to do anything about this?

BK

Email -  Kimjordy@sbcglobal.net - 19 August 2005
We have a 2003 Dodge Ram 3500 Diesel with and automatic transmission. While running, it spontaneously slips out of park into reverse. Yesterday, it did this at a horse show and backed itself over two posts and into a building. It did a lot of damage to both the truck and the building. Has anyone else out there seen this problem?

Email -   Eric Simmons [eric.simmons@radiancorp.com] - 19 August 2005
I bought a 2004 Quad-Cab Pick-up from Royal Gate Dodge in Manchester, MO. with only 5 miles on it. During a relocation trip to California I was towing a twin-axle trailer and traveling through Wyoming when I noticed a vibration. I slowed to 60 mph, and then my left rear wheel seared off at the axle putting my truck into a spin and throwing me into the center of the expressway. During the rolling of the truck (3 times) my truck, trailer, and all my personal things were destroyed and totaled.

After getting with dodge they performed an independent investigation and finally sent me a declination letter stating..... "they found no fault in their product and for me to get with my insurance company".

I had problems from the start. Dodge replaced the leaking rack-n-pinion, the 6-CD changer was overheating and replaced, the front two speakers were blown when I got it, and several other little issues kept the truck in and out of the dealership for several months. They tried to not provide me with a rental car, but I was irate at that point and they conceded.

The truck was under warranty with 28,000 miles and Dodge did not even bother to help me with a vehicle to get to work after being stranded in Wyoming and having to rent a uhaul truck ($650.00 + tax). Dodge not only does not stand behind their product, but also their warranty.

I just want to say:

Dodge puts a piece of crap out to the consumer and does not want to do anything about it, even when a consumer is almost killed due to their defective lug nuts.

I had to pay for everything through my insurance which has gone up.

If anyone has had this problem that we can sue Dodge for putting out defective products please email me at: eric.simmons@radiancorp.com

Regards,

Another consumer totally screwed by Dodge!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! and I will never, repeat never, buy another xxxxing product from Dodge/Daimler/Chrysler.

Email -   Edd Caruthers ecflier@yahoo.com - 24 August 2005
I feel a need to discuss this truck that I have now owned since 1998. It is a DODGE RAM 3500 4wd with Cummins engine. Its now August, 2005 and here is my story.....
First thing wrong after only 27K miles was the Bosch Fuel Injection pump went bad and had to be replaced along with the lift pump. Had there been a pressure indicator (psi) located either before the fuel filter and after the electric pump, or just after the fuel filter, I might have known that the electric pump was not working correctly or the fuel filter was not either or worse, they both may have been not working correctly. Had to replace at my cost. Five year warranty was out. Since then I have heard numerous stories of the Bosch Fuel (VP44) injector pump design problems with this cummins engine. Next item, My transmission lost 5th gear in Idaho, called Dodge dealer, Oh yes we know the problem, happens quite frequently the nut backs off the shaft. Will be around $850.00 to repair. Will this repair fix the problem? Yes improved parts (had to repace 5th gear and new nut) and different nut on the shaft.... 13K miles and less than 3 months later ... Tampa Florida lost 5th gear again???? So much for the improved parts ... Dodge would not repair under warranty. If all the dealers know of the problem why will they not fix the problem? Bought Dodge 6 speed and had it installed at my expense 5K dollars plus. Will it fix the problem???? Then the throttle position sensor went bad. $40 part NO,NO, DODGE Part cost $485.00 plus installation. Then brakes went bad. Not just the pads but calipers sticking, rotors, and hoses. Chrysler HAS to know about these issues. Dodge repairs are costing me a fortune.

Email -  angswaney@msn.com   - 24 August 2005
We bought a 1998 Dodge Ram 1500 SLT 2WD. So far we have had the truck for 8 month's.
In the first month we had it a week and had to take it to Dodge to be fixed cost @ 1,000.00 that time. The second time @ 500.00 that was only 4 month's later. And again now. We have had the catilatic converter changed, oxyegen sensors changed,throttle position control sensor,map sensor, and the speed control sensor all changed. Grant you there is @ 174,000 miles on the truck.But this is rediculas. Our Ford has @174,000 miles on and we have only had to do normal upkeep on it, And it's a 98 also!!!! If your truck feels like tranny problems check your speed control sensor before you take it to the dealership for repair.!!

Email -  bking69@sbcglobal.net - 25 August 2005
I own a 1999 Dodge Ram 1500 2WD, I just purchased it 1 Month Ago, so far I have replaced the pitman arm, idler arm, front & back shocks,upper & lower ball joints,tie rod ends, front springs, rotors, endlinks calipers,pads,the steering box is bad, and the air conditioning was jacked up. I thought maybe the truck had been abused but I guess it's just because it's a Dodge. Now that the suspension is straight I am putting a chevy 350, + a 350 turbo tranny in it, I guess I should have just kept my silverado

Email -  Nix9c1ss@aol.com   - 28 August 2005
we have 2 2001 dodge 2500 ram 4x4 diesels 5 spds,.

both are extremely bad on front pads,. and 1 truck is on its 4th fuel injector pump,.

back to gm for us next round.

tait bros.

Email -  TNTSTYKE@COMCAST.NET    - 28 August 2005
MY RAM IS A 2001, HAD IT ABOUT 18 MONTHS NOW. WELL HAD TO PUT A NEW TRANNY IN, WHATS NEW THERE. FOUND OUT MY REPAIR GUY TOLD ME THAT DODGE IS MAKING SHIT TRANNYS. GO FIGURE. SO HE REBUILT MINE WITH STRONGER PARTS HOPE IT HOLDS. NOW THE BALL JOINTS AND THE U JOINTS ARE SHOT. FOUND OUT DODGE HAS A RECALL ON BALL JOINTS FOR DAKOTAS AND DURANGOS BUT NOT RAMS!!! WELL WITH THE COST OF GAS AND REPAIRS IM GOING BROKE. THIS IS A JOKE OF A TRUCK

Email -  Sue Christensen [schristensen@heritagesafe.com] - 1 September 2005
I'm from Idaho and have a 2004 Dodge Ram Automatic 4 x 4. I'm not real well versed with the use of the internet. Could you help me?

My Dodge had only 8000 miles on it. I had about 4Ton load of hay on the back. I had to put the truck in 4L to take the load up a gravel hill. When I reached the top I put it back into 2H and drove on about another block where I parked, placing the column shifter into park and the emergency brake on. All seemed fine. The area I parked seemed fairly flat, it may have had a small very slight grade. About 20-30 minutes later it took off and rolled down the hill through an overhead door and destroyed quite a bit of someone else's property.

I had two witnesses that looked at the truck and told me the gear shift was still in park and the emergency brake was still on. I believe they told me the 4 wheel drive box was in Neutral.

When they tried to back the truck out of the arena, it was extremely difficult to get the shift back into 2H or the column shift to move. Both would make very bad grinding sounds.

Is there any place through the Web that I could find out if there have been any other occurrences like this that have happened to other people or is this something that I may have caused myself.

Hope you can lend me some ideas.

SC

Email -   Dan White lawofficedjw@aol.com - 8 September 2005
Amazing site. I was looking at a new Dodge but these stories chased me off. However, I have a friend with a 2500 4X4 and the hand grip on the driver side tore loose as he was getting in. He fell backward and broke his hand when he landed (the grip was still in his hand). He says he has now heard of this happening to a number of people and has asked me to look into it for him. Have you heard anything about this?
Dan White
PS It was not the door handle, but the grip on the window pillar that I always assumed was there to help you get in and out of the truck. Three month old truck, my friend is about 210 pounds. Not something that should just come loose.

Thanks

Email -  Keith Smith keith.smith@coors.com - 8 September 2005
I purchased a new 1997 Dodge Ram 1500, 5.2 liter V8. This has been the worst truck I have ever owned. After 30,000 miles it started falling apart. The first items were small, such as the automatic windows and locks and then it progressed into more expensive items. I have had three radiators, three water pumps, two thermostats. Then even more expensive items. The transmisison and rear end have both failed. The exhaust is also shot. Midas quoted me 625.00 for a direct fit catalytic converter and now when I step on the gas it sounds like the defrost is coming on, probably a vaccuum leak. I will never own a Dodge again.

Email -   Mick mulldogg02@aol.com 11 September 2005
I bought a Ram 1500 Quad cab 4X4 Hemi in Oct of 03. It has been a nightmare ever since. I started to get a terrible shudder on a hard acceleration after 2000 miles. That was around April 04. The dealer originally said it was a " harmonic event" and said there was nothing wrong with the driveline. I took it back to the dealer several more times but they said they couldn't duplicate the sound. Here it is Sept. 2005 and they have finally decided that there is a problem with the truck and they've thrown fix after fix but nothing has worked. My truck has been at the dealership since the last part of July 05 and it still has the same terrible vibration in the driveline. So far the dealer has replaced the bearing in the rear end, the rear axle shaft, the driveshaft and the motor mounts. Now they have decide that the problem is in the rear brakes, which are hanging up upon acceleration and they are now going to replace the rear hubs, calipers, brake pads and rotors. My truck has barely 10,000 miles on it and they refuse to buy it back under Michigan Lemon Law. Do you know of any similar circumstances???????? I don't want this piece of junk anymore. In fact the dealer called me up and told me to pick up the truck and drive it until they can come up with a fix. I said the truck is staying put until it is fixed and and safe to operate on the road. In fact, I told them I would pick up the truck and drive it if they would sign off on it and say it was safe to operate and they refused. Do you have any suggestions?

Email - JAMES URICK [omegaservices@charter.net]   - 11 September 2005

I HAVE A 2001 DODGE RAM DUALLY DIESEL 3500 PICKUP.

FUEL PUMP, INJECTOR PUMP, WENT OUT COST ME 3000.00 TO FIX. THAT WAS 4 MONTHS AGO. EVERY MONTH SINCE I HAD IT REPAIRED ONE FUEL LINE EACH MONTH HAS RUPTURED AT A COST OF 152.50 EACH PLUS A FEW HOURS EACH TIME TO FIX THE DAMN THING. THIS IS THE FIRST AND LAST DODGE VEHICLE I HAVE HAD. WAS WONDERING IF ANY ONE KNEW ABOUT THIS PROBLEM AND ALSO SOMEWHERE ELSE I CAN GET THOSE FUEL LINES BESIDES THE DODGE DEALER.

THANKS

JAMES

Email - Brian sandrailsido@sbcglobal.net    - 11 September 2005
I have a 1998 1500 360 motor it had 36000 miles on it here is a list of things that I can remember that went wrong {188,000 mi.} rebuild rear end two times, front rotors two times calipers once rear drums once, cats twice in one year {hung out to dry and towed both times } left front tire fell off {replace rotor, caliper, pads, bearings tire and rim, towed agene} replace trans. with dodge guaranteed trany @2000 mi. before warranty was up trans was slipping dodge said there was nothing wrong, 2000 mi. after warranty was up still slipping and jumps back and forth between 2nd and 3rd {another tow job? you think} 2nd window motor works when it wants to, last week brake light and abs light came on speedo quite, two days later standing road side waiting for a tow truck ? fuel pump took a dump I had the speed sensor and fuel pump replaced. two days later exhaust pipe cracks fix that and about two days later the engine won't stay running ,waiting to hear what's wrong now any one have any help for me?

Email - Dean cfchastain@charter.net    - 13 September 2005
I own a 99 ram 2500 w/cummins turbo diesel, the automatic trans has been rebuilt to factory specs and still will not shift into high gear properly, and when it does it goes into a semi stall mode and will not accelerate until you remove you foot from the pedal for a few seconds .
also my stepson has a 2002 ram 1500 4x4 that almost killed his wife, seems the nut holding the pinion gear to the yoke likes to self destruct , therefore letting the pinion gear fall back into the differential and locking the whole rear end up. as far as i am concerned, all dodge makes is crap and they aren't very interested in anyone's safety. i wish the whole damn company would go bankrupt.

Email - Curt tamorrisey@hotmail.com - 13 September 2005
2004 Dodge 2500 diesel purchased new Sept 04 before it reached 1,000 miles front end problems occurred. While driving at highway speed the smallest bump in road would throw steering out of control I would have to fight it to the side of the road to stop side to side jerking of steering wheel very dangerous. Long story short almost a year later 6 trips to dealership to fix problem and with a service manager that himself experienced the white knuckle ride while test driving problem is still there. My $40,000. 04 Ram at 9,000 miles is now a yard piece unable to drive to dangerous. Pending lawsuit with D.C.C. who has sent letters stating they will no longer warranty my front end WHAT??. $2500. so far in attorney fees Chrysler plans on holding out to the end. WARNING DAIMLER CHRYSLER WILL NOT STAND BEHIND THERE OWN PRODUCT BUY AT YOUR OWN RISK!!!

Email - Jason Farrish [jfarrish@houston.rr.com] - 16 September 2005

I just bought an '05 Ram 1500 with the HEMI. It had 137 miles on it. It started having problems on the way home! It started raining, so I turned the windshield wipers on to intermittent. They started out being intermittent, but than, every minute or so, they would change to being continually on, than back to intermittent. I thought maybe it was a fluke, until the next day, when it kept doing it. Also, the day after I got it home, I went out to my truck, started it up, put her in drive, and proceeded to drive down my driveway (about 20' long). When I came to a stop, I noticed the RPMs started revving up and down, the truck tried to lurch forward, than it died. I put it in park, started it up, and continued down to the corner of my street (about 40' from my driveway). It did the same thing again. That happened to me about a dozen times over the course of the first 2 weeks that I had it. It would only happen within the first 5 minutes of me starting my truck up after it had sat still for at least 3 or 4 hours. Than one Friday night, as I pulled up to our back gate at work to go home, my truck started to do it again. This time, I lifted my foot off the brake a little bit, and this seemed to keep it from dying. But of course, the truck was not to be outdone. Not only did the check engine light come on, but the truck would only go through 2nd and 3rd gears (I was hitting over 3K RPMs doing 70 MPH). I decided that I couldn't wait for Monday to come around (I was off on Mon), so I took it in bright and early on Sat morning to the dealership I got it from.

Just to give ya'll somewhat of a picture as to what it was doing, I'll say this. If you've ever driven a stick-shift, than you know what happens when you pop-the clutch while your foot is still on the break. This is somehow what it felt like it was doing when it died. If it wasn't for the fact of my foot being on the brake, I probably would have run into quite a few things because of the lurch forward when it died. Secondly, if you've driven a stick-shift, you've probably accidentally (or maybe purposely) tried to start driving the vehicle using 2nd gear. As you well know, the take-off is extremely slow. This is what it felt like.

Well, when I went to pick-up my truck (it had around 750 or so miles on it when I took it in), all they could tell me was that they had tightened a cable.

"786 OUT OF ADJUST 0.3 ADJUST CABLE 21950640 0.3"

When I asked them what that meant, none of them had a clue, and the technician that had worked on my truck was conveniently away at lunch. So, I drove the truck home, and didn't really have a problem with it until yesterday (picked it up on a Monday...problem starting re-occurring on Thurs). It started in the morning. I put the truck in drive, and it felt as though it was trying to move while in 2nd gear. I stopped, put it in park, than slowly put it back in drive, thinking that maybe I didn't put it all the way in Drive. When I shifted to Drive, I not only felt a thunk, but I heard it loud as day. Well, no problems with it dying on me on the way to work. Yet, 4 hours later, when I took my lunch break, it again died on me, almost causing me to run into our back gate, and it again died on me when I was leaving work to take it to the dealership, almost causing me to hit the car in front of me.

I talked to the dealership today, as I thought they would be done today. But, I was told that they are awaiting a filter, as a service notice was sent out about certain vehicles or engines needing to have this particular filter replaced. When I asked them which filter, all the woman told me was that it was the Trans Cooler Filter. I didn't even know that HEMIs HAD transmission cooler filters. Even if they did, what on Earth would that have to do with what is going on with my truck?

Jason

'05 Ram 1500 SLT

5.7L HEMI engine

Email - Sky@Selu.net - 17 September 2005

My Dodge Ram experience has been very much like everyone else's. I've experienced almost every problem that anyone here has mentioned since I purchased my first Dodge Ram pickup in 2001.   I've been a vehicle owner/driver for 30 years and I have NEVER owned a vehicle that was designed to self destruct like my Dodge Rams seem to be built to do.

Ball joints, rotors and bearings replaced.
I replace my tires every January 'no matter what' and the last time they noticed that 'something' was eating the tire on the inside- LUCKY damn thing I have the tires changed annually no matter what or I would have been facing a 'very quick' blowout on the front end - most likely at between 65 and 75 mph.

- Tranny Overhaul 110,000 miles   - began overheating at 75,000 miles and had various repairs done on it to get it limp to 110,000 miles when it 'refused' to move a foot further

- Engine Replaced   60,000 miles

- Oil changes at 1500 miles instead of the typical 3000 that the owner's manual recommends and the lines MUST be cleaned because of the 'sludge'

- Water Pump - Died at the very same time the tranny failed

- Brake drums (an ever present and ongoing problem) with the brake pads wearing out unevenly or otherwise and eating the drums - 'no matter what one does'

- The Brake system- multiple problems, multiple, multiple, multiple- the lines the sensors, the brake pads (previously mentioned), the brake lines (cut because of it's placement 'engineering defect')

It's just everything. I read this page and almost everything anyone has written about I'm sitting here nodding my head because I've been there/done that and the vehicle is still rather new by today's standards.

Like someone who posted on this page so eloquently put it:   I HATE MY DODGE RAM.

Damn thing sure looks good sitting there though..........

I do see some things that I haven't experienced yet with my Dodge Ram- I am convinced that it is only a matter of days or weeks. I MUST sell that thing ASAP and somehow avoid buying a NEW Ford or Chevy that has been sitting in floodwater.

Farm Bureau members get a $5000 discount on a new Dodge Ram- it didn't save me a dime. With everything my Dodge Ram has cost me including purchase price plus repairs over the past 5 years, I could have purchased a HUMMER!

I'm a single parent who works for a living who just wanted a dependable pickup. The only thing that I can depend on is that it's going to be towed several times a year for major work.

I will NEVER buy a Dodge again, nor will anyone in my community and our whole Farm Bureau Membership is beginning to think likewise.

Email -   Chris suncom33@yahoo.com - 20 September 2005
I feel your pain. My 1999 Dodge Ram 1500 has had 3 transmissions. My dad's 1998 Ram was on it's 3rd transmissions. His motor went out and he sold the damn thing. Me, on the other hand, I just replaced my water pump and I am trying to fix a problem with it fouling my spark plugs and misfiring. Just wanted to vent for a second and if you know any good web sites that might can help with my constant cylinder 1,3,5,and 8 misfire codes popping up.

Email -   jeromie.riley@navy.mil - 22 September 2005
I have a 99 Dodge Ram 1500 Sport 4x4. I just hit 63,000 miles this month. Within the last 3 months I have replaced the fuel pump twice, change the plenium gasket, fuel injecters cleaned, changed trans fluid twice, traction bar, right hub assembly,both drive shafts, all u-joints, and the cat. converter. I had to do all of this just to stop it from missing and loosing power. And the front vibration I've complained about since new. I am still having trans problems, and I forgot about the clear coat coming off.
Thanks for reading my heart ache. if you have any Questions, please e-mail me at jeromie.riley@navy.mil

Email -  Sayler saylerd@shaw.ca - 24 September 2005
It has been a piece of crap since we bought it in September 2004. It has been in the shop at LEAST once a month since we got it usually for the Turbos going which they have at least 4 times. But there have been many issues. Usually we take it to the same 2 dealerships one in Hanna Alberta and City in Medicine Hat Alberta. My husband works for the oilfield so he travels around and he had to take it to another dealership in HIGH RIVER ALBERTA, he told them he thought the turbo was going again, they looked it over and said no so he took the vehicle back to work and it rained 5 inches while he was there. So when he shift was over he left to go back to his trailer, well his motor blew on the way. He got it towed to the same HIGH RIVER dealership and they decided to take pictures of his air filter with water and mud in it, they sent them off to Ontario and then Ontario said they wouldn't be covering the problems under warranty. WTF??? Why do people buy 4 x 4 diesels trucks?? Was he supposed to stay at the rig until the ground dried up?? And besides he told them the turbo was going 2 days before. So he gets them to look it completely over and give him a price for repairs, they came back yesterday and said $19,000!!! That is crazy, he called Ontario AGAIN and they said sorry sir there is nothing we can do. Its a LEASED vehicle and it only has 58,000 kms. Warranty bomber to bumper runs out at 60,000 and the motor and drive train doesn't run out until 120,000!!! My husband told them in Ontario that he will be getting a lawyer and all they said was ok we will make a note of that. Any advice what we can do to fight this?? We will be getting a lawyer I guess, this is just ridiculous. If we had $19,000 we would have paid cash for a vehicle no leased one. And another thing is that every time it went into get fixed we never got a courtesy car, so we were always without a vehicle. And now we have been without one for 2 weeks and my husbands trailer is now stuck in a campground that closes at the end of September

Email -   John jsdentone@bavdsi.com   - 27 September 2005
I have a 2001 RAM 2500 AUTO 4WD 5.9 gas Currently has 79000 miles.
When I bought the truck at 30000 the previous owner had already had the transmission replaced.
At 40000 miles I had to have the radiator replaced because the Transmission cooling section was so plugged with metal chips and shavings that I couldn't get it cleaned out.
At 75000 mile I had it back in the shop because it was down shifting when ever it wanted, wouldn't shift up properly, and would suddenly shift out of OD on its own.
Once again when it was opened up the transmission was full of metal chips and shavings and what looked like chucks of gasket material. Had it cleaned up and whole filter assembly replaced.
Now at 79000 the whole thing is happening again. I am replacing the transmission with a Remanufactured unit and 3 year warranty.
I managed to keep the cost down by ordering the transmission from Rebuilt AutoMATIC Transmissions on line. 1474.00 includes new torque converter, OMA radiator and cooler.
The dealer refused to rebuild the transmission because it required more parts than it was worth. "This truck has a long history of transmission problem and you don't want to fool with it anymore"
Well no S*&# Dick Tracy. Don't you think Dodge should be paying this bill? "YES but they won't." From reading what other owners have to say this is typical. Chrysler doesn't remember that not so long ago the US tax payers bailed their ass out. God I got to stop. John Dentone , Key West, Fl

Email -  Tina Little [trixitina@comcast.net] - 29 September 2005

TOTALLY LOVE THIS SITE. I WISH I CAME ACROSS THIS BEFORE I BOUGHT MY DODGE. I HAVE A 2004 DODGE RAM 1500 QUAD CAB HEMI SPORT. NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS.... STARTED @12,000 MILES. I HAVE THE INFAMOUS STALLING PROBLEM THAT I HAVE COME TO FIND THAT OVER 500,000 OTHERS HAVE. THERE IS NO FIX FOR IT AND CHRYSLER DOES NOT WANT TO PAY TO KEEP INVESTIGATING. HOPING THAT I WOULD JUST GO AWAY OR TRADE IT IN AND HOPE THE NEXT PERSON DOESN'T DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT.

WELL, HERE'S "MY" STORY...

I HAVE HAD IT IN THE DEALERSHIP 7 TIMES FOR THIS PROBLEM ALONE. THEY SAY THEY DOWNLOADED A FIX TO IT AND IT STILL DOES IT, THEN THEY SAY THEY GOT NO GOOD READINGS OFF OF THE CO-PILOT WHICH WAS IN AND OUT OF MY TRUCK FOR OVER A MONTH PERIOD.  THEY TRIED REPLACING THE CAM SENSOR, CRANK SENSOR AND NOTHING CHANGED. SO THEN I GET THE STORY THAT CHRYSLER DOES NOT WANT TO PAY ANYMORE UNDER WARRANTY FOR THEM TO KEEP TRYING TO DIAGNOSE THIS PROBLEM. SO I CONTACTED CHRYSLER AND THEY TELL ME IT WAS THE BRANCH MNGR PUTTING THE BREAKS ON OF THE CONTINUED EVALUATION. SO AT THIS POINT, I ASKED TO MEET WITH THE CHRYSLER REP TO TRY TO GET THE TRUCK PURCHASED BACK AND I WAS TOLD I WOULD HAVE TO WAIT ANOTHER MONTH FOR THIS MEETING. SO IN FRUSTRATION, I PURSUED TO HAVE THE TRUCK TRADED IN ON ANOTHER TRUCK (DIFFERENT MANUFACTURER, MINE YOU) AND I WAS TOLD THAT MY $39,000.00 TRUCK THAT WAS JUST PURCHASED 10 MONTHS PRIOR AND HAVING ONLY 19,000 MILES WAS ONLY WORTH $19,000.00. BOY DID I FLIP OUT!!!!!!!! I JUST GRABBED MY KEYS AND WALKED OUT! THIS HAS BEEN A TOTAL NIGHTMARE IN MY BOOK. BASICALLY, I'M STUCK WITH THIS TRUCK!!!! SO I AM NOW PURSUING THE PA LEMON LAW ACT WHICH THIS WAS ACTIVATED 7/1/05 AND I HAVE TO WAIT TILL 3/06 FOR MY FIRST ARBITRATION HEARING. THIS REALLY SUCKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!! MILEAGE IS ADDING UP, VALUE IS GOING DOWN, AND I STILL HAVE THE PROBLEM! AND DURING ALL THIS GOING ON, THE REAR WENT. WHAT A TOTAL PIECE OF JUNK AND I AM SOOO SORRY I BOUGHT A DODGE. I WILL NEVER BUY ONE AGAIN, EVEN IF THEY OFFERED ME A BRAND NEW ONE FOR FREE, I WOULD NOT TAKE IT. STICK WITH GM.

I WILL WRITE AGAIN AFTER I FIND OUT THE OUTCOME OF THIS HEARING. I'M SURE THAT WILL BE A WHOLE OTHER STORY WORTH WRITING ABOUT.

THANKS FOR YOUR TIME AND I HOPE THIS MAKES YOUR POSTING, PLEASE TELL EVERYONE...DON'T BUY A DODGE......THEY SUCK-------- MY WAY OF ADVERTISING, I HAD MY HUSBAND MAKE A STICKER FOR THE TAILGATE THAT SAYS              HEMI LEMI (WITH A PICTURE OF A LEMON), DON'T BE A VICTIM (ACROSS THE LEMON).

IF ANYONE ELSE NEEDS A STICKER, HAVE THEM WRITE TO ME, I WOULD BE HAPPY TO MAIL THEM OUT TO GET THE WORD OUT ACROSS THE COUNTRY THAT DODGE SUCKS.....

THANK YOU, TINA

Email -  James SENSINGER@STX.RR.COM - 30 September 2005

JUST TO ADD TO THE LIST, I OWN A 2001 DODGE RAM 1500 4X4 W/70,000. TAKING IT IN TO HAVE THE 3RD TRANNY REBUILD IN THE PAST 2 MONTHS. THEY KEEP CHANGING THE STATOR AND CONVERTER. ALSO FRONT END IS MAKING A WEIRD NOISE WHEN I'M TURNING. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAY IT IS THE TIRES. TO ADD THE DASH IS CAVING IN FROM CRACKS. WONDERING IF THEIR IS ANYONE WHO I CAN CONTACT ABOUT IT? BUY A CHEVY, FORD BUT NOT A DODGE.

Email -  littlegraymare@sbcglobal.net - 2 October 2005
HEMI! 2005 Ram 1500, 5.7L Hemi, purchased 5/24/05. Now has 2,900 miles. Stalled 2 weeks ago (it's an automatic) while backing out of parking spot, wouldn't start today! I drove around all morning. Parked at my mom's house for 10 minutes, went to start it, it cranked about 8-10 times, but nothing. I let it sit for a few seconds, then it started. Ever heard of such problems? Fuel filter/pump problem? I wouldn't doubt it after reading some of the posts on this site. Any info would be helpful - littlegraymare@sbcglobal.net. By the way, I wish there were more websites like yours. I used to own a Ford Ranger..... now this! HELP!

Email -  mikesbornagain@aol.com   - 9 October 2005
I just purchased a 2005 Dodge Ram Quad Cab. The truck is going back to the shop for the 4th rear end and it has less than 18,000 miles on it. I want to try to file the lemon law on it. Do you have any input? Mike Penny 512-848-3746...mikesbornagain@aol.com

Email -  mikesbornagain@aol.com   - 10 October 2005

October 2005

It's only been a couple of weeks since I wrote you about the never ending saga of repairs on my Dodge Ram pickup. New Engine, new transmission, new ball joints et al, tires gouged by failing ball joints, a brake line failure, water pump- it's just been endless. Each month brings a new repair bill along with the routine maintenence.
Now, the newly rebuilt (March 2005) transmission has failed again and I'm out in rural America, MILES from the city with no way to get to town, to work, to anywhere. Way to go Dodge - Keep people at home and non-productive. I just can't hardly believe that I purchased my Dodge pickup because of the good ($5000) rebate from Farm Bureau. I went through that $5000 I saved with the first engine I had to replace and there's been many repairs and parts replacements since then.

When it comes back from the shop, I'm trading it in- Never again will I own a Dodge.

Sky

Email -  bgblktruck@hotmail.com   - 22 October 2005

First off, great site! I have been reading some of the Dodge Ram problems on here and thought I could offer some help with some of them. I have a 1996 Dodge Ram 1500 Standard cab, 5.9Litre, 360cu, 4x4 and have had many of the same problems. Nevertheless, I love my truck and have been lucky in finding parts and being able to perform most of the repairs myself. No matter what vehicle you buy, there will be problems...

With that said, I'd like to offer a few "fixes" for some of the problems I've read about and have experienced first hand.

1. Pinging, loss of power, and burning oil: This one had me and my mechanic going for about a year. That's when the program he uses updated their database and when all three symptoms were typed in together, the problem came to a bad intake manifold gasket. Upon inspection, the gasket was half sucked in and half pushed out so pressure was not regulated, oil from pistons was splashing into manifold causing the burning of oil, and pinging sound came from spark plug #8 being hit with some of that oil. Replaced gasket, all 3 problems went away.

2. Oil Pressure guage on a "spaz attack". If the oil pressure guage is acting funny, there is an oil pressure sensor on the top of the rear of the engine (a long 1.5inch socket can get to it, once you disconnect the electrical harness). Once I replaced this, the problem went away. It's not a guarantee, but for $20, it's worth a shot.

3. Tranny noise: Three types of tranny issues so far with my truck (113,000 miles at this point) - a. the 2-3 shift issue: The engine would rev up real fast when shifting from 2nd to 3rd. Common problem with a gasket in the tranny.. had tranny overhauled, problem went away.
b. clunking sound from tranny only when driving about 55mph. NO ONE could figure this one out, not even the dealership. When I brought it to my tranny mechanic for the overhaul mentioned in a., he replaced every worn or partly worn part and the problem went away afterwards. He still was not able to tell me which part inside the tranny was causing the noise...
c. The reverse gear whirring when the truck is cold. This was a common problem with a ball socket used in the tranny. The same overhaul fixed this issue as well. They replace the metal factory ball with a plastic one... This was all done 44,000 miles ago and all is still well.

As a sidenote tranny issue, well, transfer case issue, I heard a loud resonating whirring sound while driving at any speed. A friend of mine, offered to take a look at my transfer case because he had an idea. Sure enough, the ball bearings in my transfer case were rusted. This was because I used to take the truck mudding (my own fault for taking it in deep water). Once new bearings were put in, the problem disappeared.

4. truck stalling in deep snow/wet conditions: My truck would all of a sudden go crazy, with the speedometer failing to respond, the tacometer going crazy, and then finally stalling out the truck. I scratched my head for a while on this one. My mechanic and the dealership couldn't explain it either. Well, after some research of my own, I decided to try replacing the output speed control sensor ($20). This is a known "bad" part and cutting wires to put a new plug was required. Once replaced, problem solved!

5. HVAC controls going crazy sending air to all the vents except the one you want: Check under your battery.. if there's a bunch of yellow acid, take the battery, and holder out (yes, it's a pain to get the rusted bolts off from under the basket). After you do this, look for the small 1/8 inch vacuum hose that attached to the vacuum pump located under the battery. Mine was completely severed from the acid eating through it. Chrysler makes a kit to stop the acid from getting down there.. I just cleaned it and keep an eye on it (also put grease on my battery terminals). Anyway, you can get a simple connector to put the two pieces of hose back together and that fixed the problem for me. Some people have also had to install a check valve in the vacuum line at the end where it goes through the firewall. Good luck finding that checkvalve.. only the dealership has them around here.

6."knocking" sound when driving on rough roads on passenger side under feet: No one was able to figure out what was wrong... I got estimates for $400+ that involved everything from ball joints, track bar (which i replaced myself since the stock bar is 'cheap'), bushings, etc. After more investigating done by myself, I got under the truck frustrated one day and started bench pressing the truck lifting it up and down quickly just to raise and lower the suspension. I happened to be looking under the shock and noticed the bushing at the bottom of the shock was worn down to the point that it was crumbling. Upon lifting the truck again, I saw it move with the sound.. replaced shocks and $40 later, the problem was solved.

Maybe I should have been a mechanic....

I hope this helps some people out. Now my truck runs like new again and I still get compliments all the time on how great it looks! No one believes me when I tell them it's a '96. People learn from mistakes, Dodge made a few in these trucks, but the aftermarket parts make it all worthwhile again. I love my truck! :)

Email -  craigbautista@hotmail.com    - 23 October 2005
I have a 97 ram 1500 with allot of tranny problems. I am on my 4th tranny. I have talked to dodge about this problem several times and each time I have been told something different. I have 3 dodges and they run from a 1500, 2500, and a 3500. The 2500 as the 5 speed in it and there seems to be nothing wrong with it, but the rest are junk. we have found that if you run a dual trans cooler in them and not go thur the radiator then your problems seem to slow. However their is nothing you can do. Both trucks have well over 160,000 miles on them engine run very well. but the trans is junk in my book.

Email -  LHUBBA7011@SBCGLOBAL.NET    - 27 October 2005
Great website, John, but there weren't as many V-10 problems as I thought there would be. For the first eight years and 90K miles, except for numerous recalls, my 96 3500 took everything I threw at it and gave me few problems that weren't covered under warranty. I have towed a HEAVY 35' 5th wheel from CA to FL and back twice since 98 and never had a transmission problem, and I would swear by the V-10. Then one coil pack leaked & ruined a brand new set of Jacobs plug wires. It started missing again and I found the #7 plug electrode grounded out on the tip. A couple of months later, same thing. This time a pushrod on #7 broke. The tech in Ft.Walton Beach could not explain it, neither could Daimler/Chrysler. I had put out almost $1500 in one month. A couple of months later, #7 plug got bent again. This time, a Dodge tech suggested adding another crush washer on #7 plug, saying that for some reason, that plug went too far into the combustion chamber. Towed trailer back to CA and no problem since, but now I'm a little less confident about my V-10. Most will say that they're good for 150K-200K miles. I think that some of the automatic trans problems are caused by not disengaging O/D, even for in-town driving. ANY "searching" is bad. My only trans problem is a "moaning" noise when in reverse. Also had a problem with trans slipping in & out of torque converter lockup. After paying a Mississippi dealership almost $800 to remove the valve body and replacing three solenoid, I still had the problem. Drove from MS to CA and had it diagnosed in Chico, CA as a defective brake light switch. Hope some of this rambling helps somebody. At least now I think I'll start thinking about trading it on a Ford... Thanks

Email -  SOPARK24@AOL.COM - 27 October 2005
THANKS FOR THE VENUE TO SPREAD THE WORD
I PURCHASED A NEW 2000 DODGE 2500 VAN WITH 5.9L ALL GOOD FOR A WHILE, THEN THE FRONT END NEEDED ALIGNED EVERY SIX MONTHS, BACK BRAKES LOCKED UP ON DAMP DAYS. THE UPPER BALL JOINT ON THE PASSENGER SIDE WENT BAD, HAD IT REPLACED AND THEN IT WENT BAD AGAIN A FEW MONTHS LATER, THEN IMMEDIATELY STARTED RATTLING AND FOUND OUT THAT THE UPPER CONTROL ARM WAS STRIPPED OUT. THE GARAGE WELDED THE BALL JOINT IN PLACE. SIX MONTHS LATER THE BALL JOINT WENT BAD AGAIN, THIS TIME I ORDERED NEW CONTROL ARM AND BALL JOINT. THE TRANSMISSION FAILED AND WAS JUST UNDER AN EXTENDED WARRANTY THAT I HAD PURCHASED, THANK GOD , JUST BEFORE THE 70,000 MILE WARRANTY MARK. IT STILL DOESN'T SHIFT RIGHT, I'M JUST HOPING I CAN GET ANOTHER YEAR OUT OF IT. I HAVE OWNED MANY CHRYSLER VEHICLES AND LEARNED TO DRIVE ON ONE, BUT REMEMBERING BACK THERE WAS ALWAYS BRAKE PROBLEMS AND MANY OTHER TROUBLES, I JUST LIKED THE LOOKS I GUESS, BUT I HAVE BOUGHT MY LAST ONE. MY 96 DAKOTA PASSENGER DOOR HINGE JUST RIPPED OFF THE DOOR PILLAR AND I HAD A FRIEND THAT HAD ONE THAT THE BED WAS SEPARATED FOR THE TAIL GATE BY SEVERAL INCHES, WHICH HE SAID HAPPENED AFTER JUST DRIVING OVER SOME UNEVEN GROUND. THEIR MOTTO SHOULD BE " IF THEY ARE EVER BUILT CHEAPER, WE'LL BE FIRST"

Email -  Michael Timmons [sprintv864@hotmail.com] - 27 October 2005
I think it is a little unfair to blame Dodge for a lot of the stuff people are blaming them for on this site. While it is no secret that Dodge has had it's fair share of transmission problems, so have the other car makers. My dad's company leases brand new Ford F-250's and F-350's for their employees to drive every 3 years, and they always have problems with them, including a few transmissions failing recently. I currently own a 1997 Dodge Ram 1500
4x4 with 133,000 miles on it. I have a 6" lift kit with 35" tires, which we all know is not the easiest thing on drivetrains. The only problems I have had with this truck have all been inflicted by myself. I recently submerged it in water (smart, huh?) and hydrolocked the engine, bending a rod and cracking a piston in the process. But when I tore it down to rebuild it, the damn engine still had hone marks in the cylinders and absolutely no ridge at the top in 133k miles! Even the main and rod bearings were in unbelievable shape. I purchased this truck 2 years ago after I wrecked my
1996 Ram 4x4, which had 98,000 miles on it with absolutely no trouble at all, and it was lifted 3" with 33" tires on it. I am even averaging 35,000 miles between brake jobs with oversized tires and hard driving.
Furthermore, my father owned a 1989 Dodge Van, a 1991 Ram 150, a 1993 Ram 250, a 1996 Ram 1500, a 1998 Ram 1500, and a 2002 Ram 1500, all without a single problem. Between the 2 of us, we have had 8 Dodge trucks, with no problems outside of normal wear and tear items. Just to let you know how un-biased we are, we have also owned 4 Ford trucks, a Ford Van, and a GMC pickup in that time span. I know it is easy to blame the manufacturer for problems through frustration, but you would have to be fooling yourself if you think Dodge is the only manufacturer who has these problems. You are hearing from a few hundred unhappy people amongst the 3.5 million people who have purchase Dodge trucks since the New Ram came out in 1994. Just my $0.02. - Mike

Email -  rdrescher@voyager.net   - 27 October 2005
Hi John; I purchased a used 1999 Dodge Ram 2500 diesel pickup. This was my dream truck & I thought this would be a great vehicle. The power door locks failed right away. They rust up like you would not believe unless you actually saw them. I can live with this. Then, at just past 100,000 miles the fuel injector pump went out. In my opinion the Bosch VP44 is a piece of shit pump. You will find this pump on late 98 to about 2003 & it is troublesome even according to Cummins N-Power themselves. I called 2 fuel injection repair places & this pump accounts for more than it, share of trouble. A used Dodge truck customer has quite a dilemma, do you buy an early truck with a piece of shit transmission or a 98 on with a piece of shit injector pump(this reminds me of the phrase, Do You Feel LuckY). I am used to cheap Isuzu diesel pickups that can go 300,000 miles with their inexpensive Diesel Kiki pumps. The Dodge engine costs 1 1/2 times what these entire trucks did. Dodge did not warrantee my engine as you probably guessed by now. My warrantee book said the Cummins Diesel Engine limited warrantee begins at the end of the 3/36,000 mile basic warrantee period. Dodge says I am reading it wrong & it really begins when you pick up your truck. Too bad the book doesn't agree. This was my first Chrysler vehicle ever, needless to say this is my last. In my opinion this is one bad news car & truck company. I would say this company doesn't care, but they do, they care about their profit margin, & keeping money that they would have to spend on satisfying their customers. I will probably by a GM diesel next time as there is no better trans. than an Allison & GM doesn't fight to the death, on warrantee repairs. I hope this helps someone avoid expensive problems. Randy

Email -  JAMESMULLARKEY@aol.com   - 30 October 2005
Hi John,

   I own a '98 3500 quad cab cummins 4x4 with trailer tow pack. I owned it and until 1000,000 miles all was great then the dam broke. Reading the letters I now don't feel as we all know "misery loves company" After rebuilding the front end and doing the entire exhaust from engine back then the brakes and the a/c died My all but neglected transmission decided to get its piece of the action. The check engine light came on immediately brought to a mechanic I trust. Put it on diagnostics and told me it was the transmission not the engine. Why don't they have a check trans. light ? Anyhow brought it to a transmission specialist, he rebuilt the tranny for me to the tune of about $2000.00. I explained I pull a heavy camping trailer about 30 ft out in the sand once a year other than that its all paved road as basic transportation for me. He rebuilt and checked and re-checked all things before he gave it to me. I do believe he did his best and I harbor no ill will towards the repair shop so I will not give his company name. As soon as i got 10 miles down the road it started slipping in and out of o/d. I believe. The problem starts at 38 mph and goes until 52 mph. before that and after that it seems to be fine. I have had the truck to dealer mechanics, cummins shops, and back to the transmission shop who checked everything again and said all was correct. I have been at a loss as for what to do to get this problem fixed. I have a beautiful 5th wheel trailer sitting in my yard that I am paying for because I'm afraid to try pulling it anywhere with the trans. the way it is.

    I have, in reading your site found a few possible remedies to my problem so I will try them and keep you informed. Thank-you for your work on the site and helping us vent and possibly help each other.

                                                 Jim