Diagsheet

2022 Ram 3500 · symptom sheet

Transmission shudders, slips or shifts hard

  • 27owner reports
  • 9,300median miles
  • 1involved a crash

Newest report Oct 6, 2024 · checked Sep 9, 2026

114 of the 188 complaints on this car are about the transmission and drivetrain. 27 of those describe transmission shudder. Only transmission failure is reported more often on this car.

Tick what matches of 27 reports

16
19
3
1
1

What got replaced

Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the clutch (6 reports).

Recalls and investigations

One recall on the transmission and drivetrain covers the 2022 model year. A recall on the same system isn't always the same failure, so read the defect text.

22V-835Nov 10, 2022
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.

Risk and remedy
Risk: 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.

NHTSA investigations into the transmission and drivetrain on the 3500

RQ25-003opened Jul 3, 2025
Transmission and drivetrain · model years 2013 to 2018

Post recall remedy brake transmission shift interlock (btsi) failure. Open.

NHTSA summary
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received 14 Vehicle Owner Questionnaire (VOQ) reports and 6 EWR Death & Injury (D&I) reports describing post recall remedy failures of the brake transmission shift interlock (BTSI) system in certain Model Year (MY) 2013-2018 RAM pickup trucks.The subject vehicle models include 1500, 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500 trucks equipped with a column mounted shift lever.The failures of the BTSI described in the VOQs occurred on vehicles that had all previously been repaired under recall 17V-821 or 18V-100.Both recalls address a potential condition which can cause the BTSI locking pin to become stuck allowing the transmission to be shifted out of Park without depressing the brake pedal and/or without having a key in the ignition.Shifting the transmission out of Park when not having the brake pedal depressed can result in a vehicle rollaway. ODI is opening this Recall Query (RQ) to review the effectiveness of the 17V-821 and 18V-100 recall remedies, understand the root cause of additional vehicle rollaway incidents, and identify any other possible root cause that may affect the performance of the BTSI system. To review the ODI reports cited in the Opening Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.
PE24-009opened Mar 27, 2024
Transmission and drivetrain · model years 2022

2022 ram transmission snap ring failure. Open.

NHTSA summary
The Office of Defect Investigations (ODI) has received 82 complaints alleging loss of motive power due to an internal transmission failure of the K1 snap ring in model year 2022 Ram 3500, 4500, and 5500 vehicles. Of these complaints, 16 describe a complete loss of motive power at speeds greater than 25 miles per hour, without the ability for the vehicle to resume normal operation. The subject vehicles can be up-fit as an ambulance and other emergency response vehicle or may be heavily loaded when used for towing. During the failure event, the snap ring becomes dislodged and forward gears 1-4 are no longer functional, potentially leaving the vehicle disabled in or near the roadway and/or negatively affect the emergency mission. ODI contacted the manufacturer, FCA US, LLC d/b/a Stellantis North America (FCA), and learned that technical service bulletin (TSB) TSB-21-002-23 is related to the alleged defect condition. Additionally, FCA has conducted dynamometer and field testing and has explained to ODI that during the event a warning message will display to the operator, and gear 5 and reverse will remain available. ODI is opening this Preliminary Evaluation (PE) to evaluate the severity of the potential problem and to fully assess the potential safety-related problems. To review the ODI reports cited in the Opening Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

When it happens

The middle half of failures fell between 2,300 and 17,000 miles, from the 15 reports that gave a mileage.

122
1723
924

What owners wrote

“Transmission had 2 loud clunk, while stopped, and shifting into drive, lost all forward gears. Reverse works. Truck has 17000 miles.”

Filed Jul 11, 2024 · 17,000 miles

“Driving vehicle and lost power went into limp mode had no gears forward Truck would not go over 1500 rpm Check engine light came on Kept saying 4 wheel drive not available but was in 2 wheel drive Hear clunk when shifting but no gears respond! Occurred when driving definitely a safety issue”

Filed Oct 11, 2023

“Truck fails to properly accelerate when pulling out into traffic. There is a massive delay from pedal push to the truck moving. It is such a common issue there are devices that go between the pedal and computer to solve it. It voids the warranty though. I have almost been hit 4 times due the acceleration hesitation.”

Filed Jun 9, 2023

“Brand new 2022 ram 3500 dually, 2300 miles 330 into towing trailer 18k trailer transmission blew. Loud clunk will only move in reverse. Left me and family stranded on side of busy freeway. No tow truck could handle truck and trailer.”

Filed May 24, 2023 · 2,300 miles

Should you keep driving it?

This page can't tell you that. 1 of 27 reports involved a crash and 1 people were hurt. Owners who file are the ones who had a bad experience, and nobody checks their reports. If the problem affects steering, braking, power or a fire risk, treat it as a safety fault and have it inspected before a long or high-speed drive.

File your own report with NHTSA. Complaint counts are how a problem gets an investigation.

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