RoadVitals

2005 Dodge 1500 Powertrain (other) Problems

Owner-reported complaints naming the powertrain system, filed with NHTSA

Data refreshed

Powertrain (other) reportsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
576
Latest May 21, 2026
Share of all reportsThis category as a share of every owner report on file for this model year. One report can name more than one component, so the categories overlap.
49%
of 1,166 total
Crash or fire reportedReports in this category whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. The reporter's own answer on the NHTSA form, not a verified finding.
28
Injuries or deaths reportedTotals the submitters entered on their own reports in this category. Not verified by NHTSA and not a casualty statistic.
13

What this page shows

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials. Every record below is an owner-reported complaint about the 2005 Dodge 1500 submitted to NHTSA — not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. 576 reports on file name it.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Owner reports naming powertrain

The 25 most recent of 576, in the owner's own words

AirbagsPowertrain (other)
Filed May 21, 2026

The contact owns a 2005 DODGE RAM 1500. The contact stated while getting the vehicle's state inspection done, the contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V313000 (AIR BAGS), of NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V352000 (AIR BAGS), and NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V796000 (POWER TRAIN) however, the contact stated that he had reached out to a dealer, but they decline to service the vehicle due to not having the remedy available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 216,600.

NHTSA ID
11739397
Incident
May 1, 2026
Powertrain (other)
Filed Feb 11, 2026

The contact owns a 2005 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V796000 (Power Train). The vehicle was taken to the local dealer for the recall repair. During inspection, the dealer determined that there was additional damage to the differential, and the parts for the repair were on backorder. The dealer informed the contact that the differential oil was contaminated and there was no coverage for the additional repairs. The manufacturer was contacted and was able to expedite the parts, but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 238,000.

NHTSA ID
11717343
Incident
Jan 23, 2026
Mileage
238,000 mi
Powertrain (other)
Filed Jan 30, 2026

The contact owns a 2005 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the rear wheels locked up and the vehicle abruptly stopped unintendedly. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the rear drive shaft had separated from the rear axle. The contact was aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V796000 (Power Train). The contact was advised by the dealer that the parts were no longer manufactured. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and referred the contact back to the dealer for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.

NHTSA ID
11714574
Incident
Dec 17, 2025
Mileage
200,000 mi
Powertrain (other)
Filed Dec 31, 2025

The contact owns a 2005 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 40 MPH, there were abnormal sounds coming from the rear end of the vehicle, and the driveshaft intermittently locked. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the residence. The contact was concerned that the vehicle was unsafe to drive to a dealer because there was no local dealer. A dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V796000 (Power Train). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ID
11708056
Incident
Dec 30, 2025
Powertrain (other)
Filed Dec 2, 2025

I took my vehicle in for the recall on Sept 22,2025 and on Friday my rear end went out on my way home from work. On my recall receipt it's states they replaced the pinion nut, but after dropping my driveshaft I noticed the pinion nut was never replaced. I have spoke to the service manager 1 time and now he won't return my phone calls .

NHTSA ID
11702492
Incident
Sep 22, 2025
Powertrain (other)
Filed Jan 20, 2025

[XXX] was on my way home noticed rear differential making a noise slowed down to 20-30 mph to prepare to pull of the hwy rear differential locked up pinion nut came loose and driveshaft fell out had it towed home called had an appointment set up at Steve jones in Dickson Tennessee to have the recall fixed. 1 1/2 month later dealership calls and advise me to call customer care because they couldn’t get the parts to fix the vehicle I called customer care they told me I would have to supply the 2 parts to fix the vehicle because they were discontinued I confirmed with the dealership they confirmed said if I supplied the parts they would fix the vehicle I ordered the parts took to dealership then was told the manager over corporate said to not fix the vehicle now dealership says corporate is going to to do a buy out and crush the vehicle I explained to them that is not acceptable it has been almost 5 months with no resolution and vehicle still setting at the dealership is there anything that could be done to get these recalls fixed INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID
11637198
Incident
Aug 18, 2024
Powertrain (other)
Filed Aug 7, 2024

Rear differential locked up while driving at approximately 30 mph, causing the vehicle to come to a stop and unable to move. Luckily the failure happened on a road with little traffic so no accident occurred and other drivers were not put at risk. There were no warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms prior to failure. Inspection revealed broken gears and pins in the rear differential. There was a recall (P77) for this model year truck for what appears to be the same problem. The recall repair work was performed in 2019 and the truck has been driven approximately 20,000 miles since the repair. The FCA recall line told me to have the truck towed to a dealer to get a diagnosis and repair estimate, but after the tow was complete the recall line said since more than 2 years had passed since the recall repair work, the repair warranty had expired and nothing would be covered, regardless of diagnosis. The broken parts are still available for review if needed.

NHTSA ID
11607096
Incident
Jul 29, 2024
Powertrain (other)
Filed Apr 29, 2024

Vehicle brought in for recall repairs on March 18, 2024. Recalls R25 and N43 were completed. Recall P77 failed inspection. Dealer parts not available. Was asked by service advisor if ok to use aftermarket parts. I agreed. Service advisor needed approval from district rep before continuing. I was then told by service advisor that vehicle was safe to drive as long as I drove it easy. His comment, “Its lasted this long, you will be ok. Just dont pull any trailers.” Was asked to wait a week for district rep to return from vacation. I took the truck home and did not drive it after reading the P77 recall info. The truck is not safe to drive with a loose rear axle pinion nut. I returned the truck on 4/8/2024 for repairs to be completed. The dealer will not communicate with me unless I initiate communication. There is no information on parts being ordered or work being scheduled. It is now 4/29/2024 and no action from the dealer. I have asked to speak with the Service Manager and no reply.

NHTSA ID
11585976
Incident
Mar 18, 2024
Powertrain (other)
Filed Oct 8, 2023

I visited my local Dodge dealership for airbag recalls for my 2005 Dodge Ram in December 2022. In October 2023 I noticed a leak in the rear differential. When looking into the recalls for my Vin the differential pin was mentioned on there but never to me as I thought it was just the airbags. The part has been fixed by a mechanic shop (I paid for) but, did dodge complete the inspection or just checked complete to include airbags recall (complete)?

NHTSA ID
11548922
Incident
Sep 28, 2023
AirbagsPowertrain (other)
Filed Sep 11, 2023

The contact owns a 2005 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 16V352000 (Air Bag), 15V313000 (Air Bags), and 14V796000 (Power Train) 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 ID
11543781
Incident
Sep 8, 2023
BrakesElectricalPowertrain (other)
Filed Jul 16, 2022

Had taken my vehicle in for the recall they said it was fine , after wards two months later my front right break locked up. But now my rear end that was supposed to been fixed from recall vut now it is making loud noise

NHTSA ID
11474310
Incident
May 11, 2022
Powertrain (other)Suspension
Filed Aug 7, 2021

I was driving on a highway when all of a sudden I heard what I thought to be a blow out (tire) ,as I pulled over on shoulder with difficulty I looked in mirror and saw a part has fallen off, later retrieved with tow truck driver, part being a driveshaft. Rear end had seized as I maneuvered my veh. As far on shoulder as possible, I feel fortunate for outcome of incident. I had gotten a tow to my resident now not sure what my next step is to do, any advise would be helpful. Thank you

NHTSA ID
11428147
Incident
Aug 6, 2021
Powertrain (other)
Filed May 26, 2021

Rear differential failure. Right rear drive shaft gets loose and makes continual noise.

NHTSA ID
11418563
Incident
May 25, 2021
Powertrain (other)
Filed Oct 8, 2020

WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP. IT FELT LIKE SOMEONE HAD HIT ME FROM THE BACK. WHEN I GOT OFF TO LOOK I SAW THAT NO ONE HAD CRASHED INTO ME. A BYSTANDER SAYS THAT MY DRIVE SHAFT IS ON THE FLOOR. HAD TO CALL A TOW TRUCK TO TAKE HOME. WENT TO A DODGE DEALER ABOUT THE ISSUE AND STATED THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON IT. HE SAID THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DEALERSHIP 5 YEARS AGO. THE PROBLEM WAS PREVIOUSLY FIXED. THEY CAN'T DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. I LOOKED UP SOME INFORMATION AND FOUND THAT THIS HAS HAPPENED AGAIN TO OTHER DRIVERS. ALL OWNERS STATED THAT ISSUES WERE NEVER RESOLVED. MY DAD OWNS A 1999 DODGE 1500 AND THE DRIVE SHAFT HAS NEVER FALLEN OFF.

NHTSA ID
11363430
Incident
Oct 6, 2020
Mileage
174,258 mi
Powertrain (other)
Filed Sep 22, 2020

WELL DRIVING NORTHBOUND HIGHWAY 54 AT APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH MY DODGE PICK UP SUDDENLY HAVE THE REAR AND LOCK UP, AT THIS TIME BACK REAR WHEEL STOPPED CAUSING VEHICLE TO COME TO A COMPLETE STANDSTILL AFTER ABOUT 100 YARDS. UPON INSPECTION OF THE VEHICLE IT WAS NOTED THE REAR END AT SMOKE COMING OUT IT SMELLED TO BE OIL LIKE. ALSO AT THIS TIME VEHICLES UNABLE TO BE MOVED SECONDARY TO REAR AND BEING LOCKED UP HOWEVER WHILE IN MUTUAL SHORT MOVEMENTS WERE ALLOWED TO GO FORWARD AND LOAD ONTO A FLATBED AND HOLD OFF TO MY HOME

NHTSA ID
11360421
Incident
Sep 13, 2020
Mileage
236,000 mi
Powertrain (other)
Filed Aug 27, 2020

REAR WHEELS LOCKED UP AT 55 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY CAUSING ME TO LOSE CONTROL AND ALMOST ROLL OVER, THE DRIVESHAFT SHEARED OFF AT THE REAR AND FLEW OUT FROM UNDER THE TRUCK. I WAS ABLE TO SLIDE OFF THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE ROAD AND AVOID A COLLISION.

NHTSA ID
11351509
Incident
Aug 20, 2020
Mileage
238,000 mi
Driver assistancePowertrain (other)
Filed Dec 30, 2019

A SENSOR FOR THE TRANSMISSION OR COMPUTER IS FAULTING OUT COUSIN THE TRANSMISSIONS OR GEARS TO SHIFT IN CAUSING IT TO SLOW DOWN SUDDENLY OR SHIFT DOWN AND IT'S NOT WORKING PROPERLY

NHTSA ID
11292134
Incident
Mar 10, 2010
Mileage
105,000 mi
AirbagsPowertrain (other)
Filed Dec 17, 2019

I PURCHASED MY TRUCK DECEMBER 2018 FROM A PRIVATE CITIZEN, I RECENTLY RAN A CHECK FOR RECALLS AND IT INFORMED ME THAT NONE OF THE RECALLS ASSOCIATED WITH MY 2005 RAM 1500 HAVE NEVER BEEN ADDRESSED. I WOULD LIKE INFORMATION AS TO HOW I MOVE FORWARD IN GETTING THE RECALLS FIXED.

NHTSA ID
11289544
Incident
Dec 15, 2019
Mileage
166,000 mi
Powertrain (other)
Filed Dec 2, 2019

CYLINDER #4 PUSH ROD IS BENT AND MESSED UP CAM AND VALVES AS A RESULT NEW MOTOR IS NEEDED. THIS VEHICLE WAS RECALLED FOR THIS PROBLEM AND WAS NEVER BROUGHT IN. I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE LESS THAN TWO YEARS AGO WITH NO RECOLLECTION OF THIS AND NOW I'M OUT A TRUCK WITH NO MOTOR DUE TO THIS.

NHTSA ID
11286391
Incident
Oct 31, 2019
Mileage
130,000 mi
Powertrain (other)
Filed Nov 7, 2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 DODGE RAM 1500. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE DRIVESHAFT DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DAVID STANLEY DODGE (877-853-3755, LOCATED AT 7609 SE 29TH ST, MIDWEST CITY, OK 73110) WHERE IT WAS REPAIRED TWO YEARS AGO PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V796000 (POWER TRAIN). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DEALER DID NOT PERFORM THE RECALL REPAIR ACCORDING TO THE MANUFACTURER'S SPECIFICATION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND SUPPORTED THE DEALER. THE FAILURE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000.

NHTSA ID
11278750
Incident
Nov 6, 2019
Mileage
160,000 mi
Powertrain (other)
Filed Jun 3, 2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 DODGE RAM 1500. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE VIBRATED ABNORMALLY AND DECELERATED WITHOUT WARNING. IN ADDITION, THE DRIVESHAFT DETACHED AND BECAME STUCK UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE ENGINE WAS RUNNING, BUT THE VEHICLE STOPPED MOVING. THE CONTACT CALLED ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE AND HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS LATER TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT A LOOSE PINION NUT CAUSED THE DRIVESHAFT AND THE YOKE TO DETACH. THE TECHNICIAN NOTIFIED THE CONTACT OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V796000 (POWER TRAIN). THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE DID NOT RECEIVE A RECALL NOTIFICATION. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO DON WEIR'S RENO DODGE RAM FIAT (775-786-1211, LOCATED AT 700 KIETZKE LN, RENO, NV 89502). THE DEALER STATED THAT THE CONTACT WAITED TOO LONG TO HAVE THE RECALL REPAIR PERFORMED; HOWEVER, A REPAIR APPOINTMENT WAS SCHEDULED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE RECALL WOULD NOT COVER THE EXTENSIVE DAMAGES, AND ONLY THE RECALL PART WOULD BE COVERED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE RECALL NOTICE WAS SENT TO THE CONTACT IN 2015; HOWEVER, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE NOTICE WAS NEVER RECEIVED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 143,000.

NHTSA ID
11217615
Incident
May 30, 2019
Mileage
143,000 mi
Powertrain (other)
Filed Mar 10, 2019

THE VEHICLE WILL INTERMITTENTLY STALL WHEN STOPPING OR STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT OR STOP SIGN. IT CAN BE IMMEDIATELY RESTARTED. IT WILL ALSO INTERMITTENTLY FLASH A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WITH CHIME WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. THIS HAS BEEN AN ONGOING PROBLEM SINCE PURCHASED IN 2008. IT HAPPENS WITH COLD OR WARM ENGINE. IT MAY HAPPEN ONCE A WEEK, ONCE A MONTH, OR SEVERAL TIMES IN ONE DAY. USUALLY MORE FREQUENTLY WHEN THE AIR TEMPERATURE IS BELOW 65 DEGREES. THERE ARE NO CODES STORED AND NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT DISPLAYED (OTHER THAN THE INTERMITTENT LIGHT & CHIME).. THE DEALERSHIP SAYS THERE ARE NO TSB'S COVERING MY ENGINE/TRANSMISSION. THERE ARE HUNDRED OF SIMILAR COMPLAINTS ONLINE WITH OWNERS 4.7 ENGINES IN OTHER DODGE & JEEP PRODUCTS. MANY PEOPLE HAVE SPENT WELL OVER $1,000 ON THIS PROBLEM AND NOT SOLVED IT. WE RECENTLY MOVED FROM A RURAL AREA TO A LARGE CITY. DEALING WITH THIS PROBLEM IN HEAVY TRAFFIC IS VERY STRESSFUL. WE RECENTLY STARTED TRANSPORTING A BABY IN THIS VEHICLE AND THE IMPATIENCE OF OTHER CARS WAITING FOR US TO RESTART OURS LEADS TO OTHER VEHICLES TO TAKE AGGRESSIVE ACTIONS WHICH WILL EVENTUALLY LEAD TO AN ACCIDENT.

NHTSA ID
11185684
Incident
Mar 6, 2019
Mileage
45,000 mi
Powertrain (other)
Filed Feb 15, 2019

DEALER ADVISES THAT CHRYSLER IS DECLINING TO PERFORM P77 RECALL, CITING LACK OF AVAILABILITY OF PARTS. CHRYSLER HAS MADE A VERBAL OFFER TO PURCHASE THIS VEHICLE WHICH IS LESS THAN MY ASSESSMENT OF THE VEHICLES WORTH. THEY HAVE NOW TOLD ME THAT I MUST COME AND COLLECT MY TRUCK FROM THE DEALERSHIP (AFTER THEM HAVING THE VEHICLE FROM 12/31) TODAY AND THEY ARE DECLINING TO PERFORM THE RECALL SERVICE.

NHTSA ID
11180315
Incident
Dec 31, 2018
Mileage
195,000 mi
Powertrain (other)
Filed Feb 5, 2019

WITHOUT WARNING UPON LEAVING HIGHWAY OFF RAMP AND TURNING INTO MY WORKPLACE THE DRIVESHAFT FELL OFF THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL WHICH THEN LOCKED UP REAR WHEELS. WHEN IT WAS TOWED TO DEALER THE TOW DRIVER MENTIONED THE PINION NUT WHICH HOLDS THE DRIVESHAFT ASSEMBLY TO REAR DIFFERENTIAL WAS OBVIOUSLY MISSING.

NHTSA ID
11174475
Incident
Feb 1, 2019
Mileage
140,000 mi
Powertrain (other)
Filed Jan 21, 2019
Crash reported1 injury reported

TAKARA RECALL THE 4X4 SHIFT LINKAGE GOING TO TRANSFER CASE FALLS OUT OF THE SHIFT LEVERS DUE TO THE USE OF PLASTIC GROMMETS TO SECURE AND HOLD MEDAL ROD IN PLACE. THE PLASTIC GROMMETS GET DRY ROTTED FROM THE HEAT OF THE ENGINE CAUSING THE GROMMETS TO CRACK AND BREAK THEREFORE LOSEING THE MEDAL SHIFT LINKAGE WHILE DRIVING . THE MEDAL SHIFT LINKAGE FALLING WHILE DRIVING HITTING OTHER VEHICAL CAUSING DAMAGE TO HURT THE VEHICAL AND POSABLE HURTING THE PASSENGERS OF THE VEHICAL FROM AN ACCIDENT. *DSY

NHTSA ID
11171172
Incident
Dec 29, 2018
Mileage
134,000 mi

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

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