68RFE: years, specs & known problems

By CarWhere Research · Updated

The 68RFE is Chrysler's six-speed automatic built for the 6.7 Cummins, used in Ram 2500 and 3500 pickups from mid-2007 through 2024. It carried the standard-output diesel, up to 370 hp and 850 lb-ft. Known weak points are the torque converter, valve body cross-leakage and overdrive clutches, mostly on modified trucks.

Chrysler designed the 68RFE for the 6.7 Cummins and introduced it in 2007, replacing the four-speed 48RE behind Ram's diesel. It uses three planetary gearsets, one overrunning clutch, full electronic control and an electronically controlled converter clutch, with a 3.23:1 first gear and two overdrive ratios. In 2013–2018 it carried the 370-hp, 800 lb-ft rating, and in 2019–2024 the 370-hp, 850 lb-ft standard-output engine; the Ram 3500 High Output used the Aisin instead.

The 68RFE was revised for 2019 with pump, valve body and solenoid changes. Common failure points cited by transmission specialists are the torque converter stator sprag, valve body cross-leakage, overdrive clutches and the low/reverse sprag, mostly on trucks with added power. For 2025 Ram replaced it in the 2500 and 3500 pickups with the TorqueFlite HD eight-speed.

68RFE at a glance

Chrysler 68RFE six-speed automatic (Ram heavy duty, Cummins): model years
VersionModel yearsDocumented problemsRecalls
Chrysler 68RFE six-speed automatic (Ram heavy duty, Cummins)2007.5–202412

CarWhere lists 1 documented problem and 2 NHTSA recalls for the 68RFE, each with a source.

68RFE specifications

68RFE: design facts (2007.5–2024)
SpecificationValue
Gears6 forward; 5th and 6th are overdrives[1]
Gear ratios3.23 / 1.84 / 1.41 / 1.00 / 0.82 / 0.63, reverse 4.44[1]
DesignThree planetary gearsets, one overrunning clutch, full electronic control[1]
Predecessor48RE four-speed automatic[2]
2019 updateRevised pump, valve body and solenoid pack[2]
Rated input torqueNot published by Stellantis
SuccessorTorqueFlite HD eight-speed (2025 Ram 2500/3500)[3]

Which vehicles have the 68RFE?

Models and model years offered with the 68RFE
ModelModel yearsNotes
Dodge Ram / Ram 2500 and 3500 pickups, 6.7 Cummins2007.5–2024Standard-output diesel; Ram 3500 High Output used the Aisin AS69RC from 2013

68RFE problems and what to check

Torque converter, valve body and overdrive clutch wear (2007.5–2024)

Moderate

Transmission specialists point to the stock torque converter's stator sprag, valve body cross-leakage from the separator plate, and burnt overdrive clutches as the 68RFE's most common failures, along with the low/reverse sprag on hard launches. Problems are far more common on tuned trucks that exceed factory torque.[2][4]

Symptoms

  • Slipping or flare on the upper shifts
  • Converter shudder or overheating while towing
  • Harsh or delayed engagement, transmission fault codes

Check before buying

  • Drive warm and cold through every shift, loaded if possible
  • Ask whether the engine is tuned and whether the transmission was upgraded
  • Check fluid condition and service history

68RFE recalls

NHTSA safety recalls related to the 68RFE (campaign numbers link to NHTSA)
NHTSA campaignReportedVehiclesSummary
20V0432020-012019–2020 Ram 2500/3500 with the 68RFE transmissionTransmission fluid can leak from the dipstick tube, creating a fire risk.
22V8352022-112020–2023 Ram 2500 and 2020–2022 Ram 3500 with an automatic transmissionHeat and pressure buildup inside the transmission can push fluid out of the dipstick tube, where it may ignite. Same failure mode as 20V043.

68RFE issues by model

The same transmission shows up on these known-issues pages, with model-specific details.

Related Ram, Jeep and Dodge research

Confirm a vehicle really has the 68RFE.

The transmission a Ram left the factory with is part of its build record. The CarWhere Ram build sheet reconstructs factory colors, options and packages from licensed VIN-level build data — availability is checked free, and it is $9.99 only when detailed build data is found for that VIN.

Ram build sheet by VIN

Frequently asked questions

What years used the 68RFE?

Ram 2500 and 3500 pickups with the 6.7 Cummins from mid-2007 through 2024. For 2025 Ram switched to the TorqueFlite HD eight-speed.

Is the 68RFE or Aisin better?

The Aisin AS69RC was paired with the higher-torque High Output engine in the Ram 3500; the 68RFE carried the standard-output diesel and is generally described as smoother-shifting. Both are six-speeds.

What are common 68RFE problems?

Torque converter stator sprag failure, valve body cross-leakage, burnt overdrive clutches and low/reverse sprag failures, mostly on trucks tuned beyond factory power.

Are there recalls on the 68RFE?

Yes. 20V043 covers 2019–2020 Ram 2500/3500 68RFE trucks for a dipstick-tube fluid leak, and 22V835 covers the same leak on 2020–2023 Ram 2500 and 2020–2022 Ram 3500.

Sources

Ratings are Stellantis-published figures as cited; descriptions are CarWhere’s own summaries of the sources below. Repair costs appear only where a source states them and vary by shop and region.

  1. 2013 Ram 2500 & 3500 Heavy Duty Preliminary Specifications — Chrysler Group LLC media
  2. All About The Chrysler 68RFE Transmission (June 2024) — SlashGear
  3. Ram unveils the new 2025 2500 and 3500 Heavy Duty — NTEA Work Truck Week (Ram release)
  4. Performance Roadblocks of the 6.7L Cummins (Apr. 2020) — Driving Line

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Independent reference compiled by CarWhere — not affiliated with or endorsed by Stellantis or Cummins Inc. Ram, Jeep, Dodge, HEMI, SRT, Hellcat, Hurricane and the model names are trademarks of their owners.