2021 Ram 2500 transmission problems

The 2021 Ram 2500 has 23 transmission complaints filed with NHTSA — 15% of the year's total, and roughly flat versus the prior model year.

Transmission complaints

15%

Share of year

Crash-involved

Related recalls

Transmission complaints by year

2500 transmission complaints by model year. Red bars are years to avoid.

Related recalls

22V835000TransmissionNovember 10, 2022 · 250,079 units

Defect

FCA US, LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Ram 2500 and 2020-2022 Ram 3500 vehicles. A build-up of pressure and heat inside the transmission may result in a transmission fluid leak from the dipstick tube.

Consequence

Leaking transmission fluid may contact an ignition source within the engine compartment, increasing the risk of a fire.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the transmission dipstick and transmission vent assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 29, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is ZA3.

What owners report

“In June 2021, this vehicle literally drove away while in the park gear. It was running and accelerated across a state highway, down an embankment and 200 feet into a cornfield while pulling a trailer. I immediately called Ram and they did perform an investigation. They subsequently offered to buy…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · June 29, 2022 · crash

Common questions

How many transmission complaints does the 2021 Ram 2500 have?

NHTSA has 23 complaints about the 2021 Ram 2500 transmission — 15% of all complaints filed for that model year.

Are there recalls for the 2021 Ram 2500 transmission?

Yes — 1 NHTSA recall campaign for this model year is tied to the transmission: 22V835000.

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.