If you like your Ram truck and have a 2022 model with an Aisin transmission, we have some unfortunate news about more Ram transmission issues that might interest you. In the latest report filed by the National Highway Transportation Safety Aadministration’s (NHTSA) Office of Defect Investigations (ODI), the federal organization has received 82 complaints alleging loss of vehicle mobility due to an internal transmission failure of a snap ring in 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.
During the failure, the K1 snap ring in the transmission becomes dislodged and forward gears 1 through 4 are no longer functional. This leaves the vehicle disabled in or near the road.
ODI contacted Ram Trucks and learned that Ram has issued the technical service bulletin (TSB) TSB-21-002-23 related to the defect condition which applies to Ram trucks equipped with a six-speed automatic Aisin AS69RC HD transmissions or six-speed automatic Aisin AS66RCHD transmissions. Additionally, Ram has conducted dynamometer and field testing and explained to ODI that during the event, a warning message will display on the dash, and fifth gear and reverse will remain available.
ODI opened this Preliminary Evaluation (PE) to evaluate the severity of the potential problem and to fully assess the potential safety-related problems. Although a preliminary evaluation has been opened to determine the severity of the issue and to assess its safety implications, at this time, no recall campaign has yet been launched. If one is required, it could affect an estimated 188,320 vehicles.
This bulletin involves replacing the K1 clutch drum snap ring and possibly the K1 input shaft drum sub-assembly. The bulletin says Ram customers may see warning lights, and dealerships may find diagnostic trouble code “P0731-00 – Gear 1 Shift Incorrect Ratio.” Just to be on the safe side, it is recommended that if you have a Ram truck with one of these Aisin transmissions you contact your dealer ASAP. This is just another small report about Ram transmission issues that continues to gain notoriety and put the brand’s transmission usage in question by many.
