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2021 Ram 3500 Transmission Problems

11 owner-reported transmission complaints from NHTSA data

11
Complaints
1
Recalls
1
Fires
Feb 2025Oct 2021
Date Range

Data sourced from NHTSA public database. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified mechanic.

Transmission Recalls (1)

RECALLCampaign #22V835000

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

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.

Fix: 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.

Owner Complaints (11)

criticalPOWER TRAIN,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE
Filed: Aug 2025

Your vehicle suddenly shut down and lost all power while driving through a busy intersection, with a warning light indicating an electronic throttle control problem. This left you stranded in traffic at highway speeds with vehicles approaching from multiple directions, creating a serious safety risk. The dealership acknowledged the issue but couldn't schedule service for two weeks, and doesn't seem to view this as a critical safety concern despite the vehicle losing power while in motion. The fix will likely involve diagnosing and repairing the electronic throttle control system and related engine sensors.

NHTSA #: 11679340
highPOWER TRAIN
Filed: Feb 2025

Your truck's engine revs up when you press the accelerator, but the vehicle won't move forward or backward, and the check engine light comes on. The dealer determined your transmission needs to be replaced, but the part was on backorder. This problem happened more than once, leaving your truck unable to drive.

NHTSA #: 11644514
highPOWER TRAIN
Filed: Oct 2024

You noticed fluid leaking from underneath your parked 2021 Ram 3500. After inspecting the vehicle, you determined the leak was coming from the transmission fluid reservoir, not the oil pan. You were told there's a recall related to this issue, but your vehicle's VIN wasn't included in it. A fix will likely involve inspecting and repairing the transmission fluid reservoir or its seals to stop the leak.

NHTSA #: 11617584
mediumPOWER TRAIN
Filed: Aug 2024

Well traveling up a hill the transmission locked up shut the truck down had to hold the brakes to keep for rolling Backwards got the truck in park was able to restart it put it back in gear The transmission started making A loud grinding noise slammed in to gear really hard when I put it back in to drive then it Was it like it went into neutral again? Then it slammed into gear again was able to get the truck off the road and it Kept making the loud grinding and locking up then going into Neutral again.

NHTSA #: 11607655
mediumPOWER TRAIN
Filed: Feb 2024

Transmission will not go in to Park when stopped, Truck will roll away if parked on grade. Dealer reports no recall on this Transmission. Has not been inspected by anyone at this time. No warning lights ,before or after problem started. Problem start about 6 month ago, at about 18,000 miles

NHTSA #: 11574283
mediumPOWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE
Filed: Oct 2023

The contact owns a 2021 Ram 3500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 22V835000 (Power Train), 22V904000 (Structure), and 23V060000 (Electrical System); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA #: 11550253
mediumPOWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE
Filed: Sep 2023

The contact owns a 2021 Ram 3500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V835000 (Power Train), 22V904000 (Structure) and 23V060000 (Electrical System) however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA #: 11542710
mediumPOWER TRAIN,ENGINE
Filed: May 2023

When coming to a complete stop and the brake fully pressed down, the truck will lunge forward and almost hit the car in front of me. Then the trucks idle will reduce and it will start to shake. Several people have reported this issue on this year vehicle. Many people have stated that it is due to a faulty solenoid Torque Converter Clutch (TCC). Please investigate as this could cause a serious accident if the truck lunges and hits a pedestrian in the crosswalk.

NHTSA #: 11522492
mediumPOWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: May 2023

The contact owns a 2021 Ram 3500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V835000 (Power Train) and 23V060000 (Electrical System) however, the parts to do the recall repairs were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA #: 11520035
mediumPOWER TRAIN
FireFiled: Mar 2022

The transmission’s light came on saying that it was heated. I parked as soon as possible and that’s when the flames were coming out of the hood. I did burned my hands trying to put out the fire with 3 fire extinguishers. I did not want my truck to burn. Now, the dealer is trying to say that they can’t get a conclusion of what started the fire. The truck smells like burned transmission fluid. I sent pictures of the truck to the dealer. There is a recall in February 2020 with the same problem that I had with my 2021 Ram. Prior to this incident, the truck did not have any warnings or lights on.

NHTSA #: 11457648
mediumPOWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Filed: Oct 2021

Brand new truck (226 miles) STOPPED RUNNING on Interstate 90 in Montana. Very dangerous situation, although was able to pull to side of interstate and was able to tow truck to Butte Montana and no one was injured. Nonetheless, had this occurred in rural area, snowy mountain passes, pulling livestock trailer etc (purpose for which truck is intended), could have easily been life threatening. Understand this may be the same fuel pump issue affecting many others. Should be recalled immediately. No warning, truck just went from 75 mph to zero in very rapid fashion. Please help put a stop to this asap. Extremely dangerous in winter and rural situation, and pulling livestock or other trailers, goose neck and 5th wheel. Happy to provide more info or answer questions. Thank you.

NHTSA #: 11437405

Other 2021 Ram 3500 Issues