Dodge RAM Pickup Transmission Problems: Lemon Law Alert

Dodge RAM and Durango, California Lemon Law Group

If your new Dodge RAM pickup or Dodge Durango SUV is experiencing one or more of the following problems and you have taken your vehicle to an authorized Dodge dealership for repair 4 or more times for the same problem, it may be time to call in a California Lemon Law expert.

Transmission Issues with Dodge RAM pickup or Dodge Durango SUV

Common transmission problems we are hearing about from our clients include, but are not limited to:

Hard and erratic shifting
Moving into neutral from a forward gear
Transmission slippage
Activation of the Check Engine light
Transmission Control Module (TCM) failure
Overheating
Clogged or defective valve body

Transmission Recall: NTHSA 22V-835 – This recall addresses transmission fluid leaking from the dipstick tube, under the hood. This leak occurs due to a build-up of heat and pressure inside the transmission case.. The leak may go undetected for some time. This leak may lead to a fire, putting both the vehicle and its occupants at risk. At the time of this writing, there is still no fix for this defect.

RAM and Durango eTorque Hybrid System Issues

The RAM eTorque hybrid system was introduced in 2019 as an option, but is now standard equipment on both the standard 3.6 liter VVT V-6 with stop/start, and the optional 5.7-liter HEMI V8 engine with Stop/Start. The eTorque system is designed to both increase fuel economy, and reduce emissions with its regenerative braking feature, and 48 volt battery. This 48 volt battery system is very expensive to replace, and is extremely sensitive to heat. The most common issues with the eTorque system are:

Engine Shut-Off without warning
Faulty eTorque Battery Charging
eTorque System not powering down when engine is shut off

Once your vehicle is powered on, the eTorque system is responsible for turning off and on the car at stoplights, allowing the car to run off the 48 volt battery. These 48 volt If this system fails, or fails to engage quickly, your car may cut out and not power back on, putting you in an extremely dangerous system. If any eTorque system failures, noises, or warning lights occur while driving, please have the car towed to the dealership immediately for a full evaluation and repair. Most, but not all of your eTorque system components are covered under the 8 year / 80,000 mile emissions warranty from Chrysler.

Chrysler RAM 1500 3.0L EcoDiesel V-6 Issues

Oil Cooler Leaks and Failures
The 3.0L EcoDiesel V-6 is prone to having oil cooler leaks. Once the oil begins to mix with coolant, it will destroy the internal components of your engine. At the first sign of a rough idle, or oil leaking, please bring your vehicle to the dealership for warranty repairs.

Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) cooler failures
Due to excessive heat under the hood, your EGR cooler may crack, allowing coolant to leak onto hot engine parts, causing a fire. Be sure to bring your vehicle to the dealership as soon as you first notice a fluid leak.

Timing Chain Slippage leading to Engine Failure
The 3.0 Liter EcoDiesel is known for having timing chain issues. When a timing chain stretches, it can cause the valve train to be out of phase with the engine timing. Early signs of timing chain issues are misfires, and hesitation. Eventually, the valve train could make contact with the pistons, causing a catastrophic engine failure. At the first sign of hesitation or sluggishness, your EcoDiesel should be brought to the dealership for repairs.

NHTSA Recall: 23V263-000 – Fuel System, Diesel: Fuel Pump. On April 12, 2023 Chrysler issued a recall concerning all 2021-2023 Jeep Wrangler, Gladiator, and RAM 1500 pickup trucks with the 3.0 Liter diesel engine, due to a high pressure fuel pump failure. According to the NHTSA, these high pressure fuel pumps can fail without any warning, essentially cutting all power to the engine. This sudden stalling could lead to a vehicle crash. Please bring your vehicle to the dealership for warranty repairs if it ever hesitates or stalls.