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  &nb