Dodge Ram 1500 2002–2008 problems by year and mileage
3rd generation (DR/DH)
NHTSA data through 18 October 20266,123 complaints, 3,932 with mileageMethod
A DO NOT DRIVE recall covers part of this generation — check the VIN before driving it home.
Which year is yours? Tap it to see what breaks on it.
The 2002 Dodge Ram 1500
Close- Median failure report
- 70,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 815
- Recalls naming this year
- 5
Most reported on the 2002
- Body structure278 reports · median 75,000 mi
- Transmission and driveline99 reports · median 82,000 mi
- Electrical system93 reports · median 81,000 mi
Recall areas Service brakes, hydraulic — antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip · Tires · Steering — column
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2003 Dodge Ram 1500
Close- Median failure report
- 70,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 1,171
- Recalls naming this year
- 3
Most reported on the 2003
- Airbag system458 reports · median 112,000 mi
- Body structure237 reports · median 75,000 mi
- Transmission and driveline125 reports · median 74,000 mi
Recall areas Air bags — frontal · Service brakes, hydraulic — antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip · Vehicle speed control
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2004 Dodge Ram 1500
Close- Median failure report
- 71,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 1,099
- Recalls naming this year
- 6
Most reported on the 2004
- Airbag system368 reports · median 102,000 mi
- Transmission and driveline181 reports · median 121,000 mi
- Engine and its cooling system116 reports · median 43,000 mi
Recall areas Air bags — frontal · Air bags · Electrical system — alternator/generator/regulator
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2005 Dodge Ram 1500
Close- Median failure report
- 86,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 1,171
- Recalls naming this year
- 4
Most reported on the 2005
- Transmission and driveline593 reports · median 111,000 mi
- Airbag system375 reports · median 90,000 mi
- Suspension82 reports · median 106,000 mi
Recall areas Air bags — frontal · Power train — driveline · Air bags
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2006 Dodge Ram 1500
Close- Median failure report
- 61,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 796
- Recalls naming this year
- 9
Most reported on the 2006
- Airbag system194 reports · median 80,000 mi
- Exterior lighting140 reports · median 50,000 mi
- Electrical system128 reports · median 61,000 mi
Recall areas Air bags — frontal · Electrical system — ignition · Steering — linkages
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2007 Dodge Ram 1500
Close- Median failure report
- 69,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 517
- Recalls naming this year
- 5
Most reported on the 2007
- Airbag system169 reports · median 89,000 mi
- Suspension69 reports · median 59,000 mi
- Electrical system62 reports · median 88,000 mi
Recall areas Air bags — frontal · Electrical system — ignition · Steering — linkages
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2008 Dodge Ram 1500
Close- Median failure report
- 65,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 554
- Recalls naming this year
- 7
Most reported on the 2008
- Airbag system165 reports · median 69,000 mi
- Steering103 reports · median 57,000 mi
- Transmission and driveline73 reports · median 84,000 mi
Recall areas Air bags — frontal · Steering — linkages · Visibility — windshield wiper/washer
Check the VIN at NHTSA
Tiles: each year’s median failure mileage. Latest: the 2005; earliest: the 2006, and the 2005 is 1 year older (part of the gap is age).
The short answer
“Is the 2002–2008 Dodge Ram 1500 reliable?”
- Median of reported failures
- 70,000 mi
- 90% of reports came by
- 158,000 mi
- Reports with mileage
- 3,932
- Recalls
- 26
Most reported
- Airbag system29.0% of complaints · median 91,000 mi
- Transmission and driveline20.1% of complaints · median 99,000 mi
- Body structure10.2% of complaints · median 75,000 mi
Documented problems
- Engine (5.7L Hemi)2003–2008
- Engine (4.7L V8)2002–2008
- Steering / Front Suspension2002–2008
- Interior2002–2008
Owners filed 6,123 complaints with NHTSA about the 2002–2008 Dodge Ram 1500; the airbag system leads with 29% of them, and half of the 3,932 that record an odometer reading came by 70,000 miles — complaints, not a failure rate.
No single peak: the middle half runs 38,000 to 115,000 miles.
Before-you-buy checklist ↓At your mileage ↓Check this VIN — NHTSA ↗
How many miles does a 2002–2008 Dodge Ram 1500 last?
On the 2002–2008 Dodge Ram 1500, half of the 3,932 complaints that record an odometer reading were filed by 70,000 miles and 90% by 158,000 miles (why that is not a lifespan).
499 reports came in past 150,000 miles and 146 past 200,000 — each one proof that a Ram 1500 reached that mileage, not that it failed there.
Figure 1 · Dodge Ram 1500 2002–2008 · 3,932 reports with mileage
Mileage at failure
5,000-mile bins, 0 to 200,000 miles, linear scale; tallest bar 226 complaints
- Rest of the range
- Median
- 200,000+ — 146 complaints (3.7%), plotted separately
- 10%
- 12,000
- 25%
- 38,000
- Median
- 70,000
- 75%
- 115,000
- 90%
- 158,000
Show the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 0–5,000 | 226 | 5.7% |
| 5,000–10,000 | 108 | 2.7% |
| 10,000–15,000 | 137 | 3.5% |
| 15,000–20,000 | 100 | 2.5% |
| 20,000–25,000 | 106 | 2.7% |
| 25,000–30,000 | 101 | 2.6% |
| 30,000–35,000 | 120 | 3.1% |
| 35,000–40,000 | 139 | 3.5% |
| 40,000–45,000 | 153 | 3.9% |
| 45,000–50,000 | 118 | 3.0% |
| 50,000–55,000 | 157 | 4.0% |
| 55,000–60,000 | 129 | 3.3% |
| 60,000–65,000 | 164 | 4.2% |
| 65,000–70,000 | 156 | 4.0% |
| 70,000–75,000 | 143 | 3.6% |
| 75,000–80,000 | 142 | 3.6% |
| 80,000–85,000 | 139 | 3.5% |
| 85,000–90,000 | 103 | 2.6% |
| 90,000–95,000 | 112 | 2.8% |
| 95,000–100,000 | 105 | 2.7% |
| 100,000–105,000 | 135 | 3.4% |
| 105,000–110,000 | 60 | 1.5% |
| 110,000–115,000 | 81 | 2.1% |
| 115,000–120,000 | 73 | 1.9% |
| 120,000–125,000 | 98 | 2.5% |
| 125,000–130,000 | 75 | 1.9% |
| 130,000–135,000 | 82 | 2.1% |
| 135,000–140,000 | 56 | 1.4% |
| 140,000–145,000 | 66 | 1.7% |
| 145,000–150,000 | 49 | 1.2% |
| 150,000–155,000 | 72 | 1.8% |
| 155,000–160,000 | 44 | 1.1% |
| 160,000–165,000 | 53 | 1.3% |
| 165,000–170,000 | 32 | 0.8% |
| 170,000–175,000 | 36 | 0.9% |
| 175,000–180,000 | 29 | 0.7% |
| 180,000–185,000 | 34 | 0.9% |
| 185,000–190,000 | 17 | 0.4% |
| 190,000–195,000 | 24 | 0.6% |
| 195,000–200,000 | 12 | 0.3% |
| 200,000+ | 146 | 3.7% |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, public domain.
Common Ram 1500 problems, and when they happen
Figure 2 · Dodge Ram 1500 2002–2008
When each system fails
Bar: middle half of reports · notch: median · proportional (log) scale (how to read it)
- Engine and its cooling system349 reportsmedian 47,000middle half 15,000–72,000
- Steering480 reportsmedian 63,000middle half 39,000–99,000
- Electrical system559 reportsmedian 67,000middle half 35,000–105,000
- Suspension501 reportsmedian 70,000middle half 38,000–120,000
- Body structure627 reportsmedian 75,000middle half 54,000–100,000
- Airbag system1,775 reportsmedian 91,000middle half 54,000–140,000
- Transmission and driveline1,232 reportsmedian 99,000middle half 51,000–146,000
- Your odometer, once entered below
Ordered by median mileage, earliest first.
All systems in a table
| System | Complaints | Share | Median | 25–75% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airbag system | 1,775 | 29.0% | 91,000 | 54,000–140,000 |
| Transmission and driveline | 1,232 | 20.1% | 99,000 | 51,000–146,000 |
| Body structure | 627 | 10.2% | 75,000 | 54,000–100,000 |
| Electrical system | 559 | 9.1% | 67,000 | 35,000–105,000 |
| Suspension | 501 | 8.2% | 70,000 | 38,000–120,000 |
| Steering | 480 | 7.8% | 63,000 | 39,000–99,000 |
| Engine and its cooling system | 349 | 5.7% | 47,000 | 15,000–72,000 |
| Exterior lighting | 298 | 4.9% | 62,000 | 40,000–91,000 |
| Engine | 297 | 4.9% | 100,000 | 60,000–137,000 |
| Problems owners could not categorise | 266 | 4.3% | 86,000 | 50,000–133,000 |
Known problems with the 2002–2008 Ram 1500
Engine (5.7L Hemi) 2003–2008
Exhaust manifold bolts snap at the head, producing a cold-start 'Hemi tick' and an exhaust leak that worsens as more bolts fail; warped manifold flanges and gasket leaks follow.
Engine (4.7L V8) 2002–2008
Head gasket failure after overheating, plus sludge buildup when oil changes lapse, leading to rocker-arm wear and oil starvation. The 3.7L V6 shares the sludging tendency.
Steering / Front Suspension 2002–2008
Ball joint wear and 'death wobble' on 4WD models from worn track bar and steering linkage.
Interior 2002–2008
Dash pad cracking into sharp pieces that rattle and expose wiring — a defining complaint for this body.
Before you buy a 2002–2008 Ram 1500: the 3-minute check
Generated from 3,932 mileage-tagged complaints, 26 recall campaigns, 4 documented problem areas.
- A DO NOT DRIVE recall covers part of this generation. Run the VIN before you drive it home — the fix is free at an authorized dealer.
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 26 campaigns cover this generation.
- Check engine (5.7L hemi) on 2003–2008 cars. What each looks like: Known problems.
- Check engine (4.7L V8) on 2002–2008 cars.
- Check steering / front suspension on 2002–2008 cars.
- End with a pre-purchase inspection of this car.
Ram 1500 problems by mileage: where your car sits
Type your odometer, or read the table.
| System | Middle half of reports, mi | At 60k mi41% below | At 90k mi62% below | At 120k mi76% below | At 150k mi87% below | At 200k mi96% below |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airbag system | 54,000–140,000 | in window | in window | in window | earlier | earlier |
| Transmission and driveline | 51,000–146,000 | in window | in window | in window | earlier | earlier |
| Body structure | 54,000–100,000 | in window | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Electrical system | 35,000–105,000 | in window | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Suspension | 38,000–120,000 | in window | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Steering | 39,000–99,000 | in window | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Engine and its cooling system | 15,000–72,000 | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier |
Figure 3 · Dodge Ram 1500 2002–2008 · 3,932 reports with mileage
Share of reports below each mileage
Steps at bin edges (how to read it)
- 60,000 mi — 41% of reports below
- 90,000 mi — 62% of reports below
- 120,000 mi — 76% of reports below
- 150,000 mi — 87% of reports below
- 200,000 mi — 96% of reports below
- Median (the 50% line)
- Your odometer, once entered
Linear axis, same as Figure 1.
2002–2008 Dodge Ram 1500 recalls (26)
NHTSA records 26 recall campaigns covering vehicles in this generation (what a recall is).
3 of these carry a severe advisory — do not drive or park outside; check those first by VIN.
The campaigns cluster around the airbag system (5), the transmission and driveline (5), the steering (5) (why one area can repeat).
May 2016 · 2004–2008 · Air Bags do not driveThese vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag…
The defect. Chrysler (FCA US LLC) expanded the affected population to include 73,712 2005-2009 RAM 2500 trucks produced at the St. Louis North Assembly Plant. With this change, Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2004-2008 Ram 1500, 2005-2009 RAM 2500, 2006-2009 RAM…
What can happen. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. These inflators may…
The free fix. Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. Chrysler will notify the Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and RAM owners. Mitsubishi owners will be notified by their company.…
May 2015 · 2004–2008 · Air Bags do not driveIn the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture…
The defect. Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2005-2009 Dodge RAM 2500, 2004-2008 Dodge Ram 1500 and Durango, 2006-2009 Dodge RAM 3500, 2008-2010 Dodge RAM 4500 and 5500, 2007-2008 Chrysler Aspen, 2005-2010 Chrysler 300, 300C, 300S, and SRT8…
What can happen. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or…
The free fix. Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. Chrysler will notify the affected Chrysler and Dodge owners and Mitsubishi will notify the affected Raider owners.…
May 2015 · 2003 · Air Bags do not driveIn the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger’s frontal air bag, the inflator could…
The defect. Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2003 Dodge Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500 trucks manufactured August 29, 2002, to July 25, 2003 to address a safety defect in the passenger side frontal air bag inflator which may produce excessive internal…
What can happen. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger’s frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious…
The free fix. Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy is completed. Chrysler will notify owners, and…
Dec 2014 · 2005 · Power TrainIf the pinion nut loosens, the rear axle may seize, and/or the driveshaft may detach resulting in a loss of…
The defect. Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2005 Dodge Ram 1500 trucks manufactured January 28, 2004, to August 3, 2005. In the affected vehicles, the rear axle pinion nut may loosen due to an undersized spline on the pinion gear.
What can happen. If the pinion nut loosens, the rear axle may seize, and/or the driveshaft may detach resulting in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will install a retention feature to the pinion nut, free of charge. The recall began on June 26, 2015, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at…
Dec 2014 · 2006–2007 · Electrical SystemBroken springs can result in a no-start condition, or cause unintended movement when the ignition is cranked…
The defect. Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2006-2007 Dodge Ram 1500, 2500, 3500, Dakota, and 2006 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles manufactured July 1, 2005, to July 31, 2006 with manual transmissions. The return springs in the clutch ignition…
What can happen. Broken springs can result in a no-start condition, or cause unintended movement when the ignition is cranked, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
The free fix. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the clutch ignition interlock switch, free of charge. The recall began on March 27, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at…
Dec 2014 · 2004–2005 · Air BagsIn the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger’s frontal air bag, the inflator could…
The defect. Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2004-2005 Dodge Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500, 2004-2005 Dodge Durango, 2005 Dodge Dakota, 2005 Dodge Magnum and 2005 Chrysler 300, 300C and 300 SRT8 vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in…
What can happen. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger’s frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious…
The free fix. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. For vehicles that were sold, or are currently registered, in Florida, Puerto Rico, Hawaii…
Nov 2013 · 2008 · SteeringA failure of the tie rod assembly may result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The defect. Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2008-2012 RAM 2500 4X4 and 3500 4X4 trucks, 2008-2012 Dodge RAM 3500 4x2 Cab Chassis, and model year 2008 Dodge Ram 1500 Mega Cab 4x4. The left tie rod assembly may break.
What can happen. A failure of the tie rod assembly may result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Chrysler notified owners on January 16, 2014 that dealers would inspect vehicles and replace the steering linkage assembly, if necessary. On or about February 27, 2014, Chrysler ceased its recall…
Nov 2013 · 2006–2008 · SteeringA failure of the tie rod assembly may result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The defect. Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2003-2008 Dodge RAM 2500 4x4 and 3500 4x4, model year 2007-2008 Dodge RAM 3500 4x2 Cab Chassis and model year 2006-2008 Dodge Ram 1500 Mega Cab 4x4 trucks manufactured February 12, 2002, through…
What can happen. A failure of the tie rod assembly may result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Chrysler notified owners and launched its recall campaign in January 2014. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N62.
Jul 2011 · 2008 · SteeringThis condition could result in the potential loss of directional stability in the left hand front wheel…
The defect. Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2008-2011 Dodge RAM 2500/3500 4x4, manufactured from february 14, 2008, through march 28, 2011; model year 2008-2011 Dodge RAM 3500 cab chassis 4x2, manufactured from february 14, 2008, through march 28, 2011; and…
What can happen. This condition could result in the potential loss of directional stability in the left hand front wheel, increasing the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Dealers will inspect the tie rod ends for relative orientation and replace the left outer tie rod as required and perform a front end toe alignment as needed. This service will be performed free of…
Dec 2010 · 2008 · Steering filed under the shared nameLoss of steering control of the vehicle could increase the risk of a crash.
The defect. Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2008-2011 Dodge RAM 4500 and 5500 vehicles. These vehicles may experience a weakening and fracture of the left ball stud on the tie rod resulting in the potential loss of steering.
What can happen. Loss of steering control of the vehicle could increase the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Chrysler will notify owners and replace the left outer tie rod free of charge. The safety recall began on march 7, 2011. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Mar 2009 · 2008 · Visibility filed under the shared nameWhen the wiper system fails, the operator will have reduced visibility which could result in a crash.
The defect. Chrysler is recalling 65,896 my 2008-2009 light and heavy duty Dodge RAM pickup trucks. The windshield wiper module motor assembly may be susceptible to water intrusion that could result in partial or complete loss of windshield wiping capability.
What can happen. When the wiper system fails, the operator will have reduced visibility which could result in a crash.
The free fix. Dealers will replace the wiper module assemblies with vented wiper motor housings free of charge. The safety recall began on august 17, 2009. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Sep 2007 · 2007 · Power Train filed under the shared nameThis could result in a loss of vehicle control and cause a crash without warning.
The defect. On certain two wheel drive trucks equipped with manual transmissions, the front driveshaft yoke may break under certain driving conditions.
What can happen. This could result in a loss of vehicle control and cause a crash without warning.
The free fix. Dealers will replace the driveshaft free of charge. The recall began on october 22, 2007. Owners may contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Feb 2007 · 2006 · SuspensionThis could result in bearing degradation, and if subsequent noise and vibration are ignored, could result in…
The defect. On certain pickup trucks, the front wheel bearing may have received an insufficient quantity of grease during the manufacturing process.
What can happen. This could result in bearing degradation, and if subsequent noise and vibration are ignored, could result in hub assembly separation. This may result in a loss of vehicle control and cause a crash…
The free fix. Dealers will replace the front hub and bearing units. The recall began on february 26, 2007. Owners may contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Sep 2006 · 2006 · Seat BeltsThis can increase the risk of injury to a child seat occupant in the event of a crash.
The defect. Certain pickup trucks fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 208, "Occupant crash protection." The front passenger seat belt may not be able to tighten securely on certain model child seats.
What can happen. This can increase the risk of injury to a child seat occupant in the event of a crash.
The free fix. Dealers will replace the front passenger seat belt. The recall began on october 20, 2006. Owners may contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Sep 2006 · 2006 · Air BagsThis can increase the risk of injury to a child seat occupant during certain crash conditions.
The defect. On certain pickup trucks fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 208, 'Occupant crash protection. The passenger air bag may deploy with excessive force when certain model rear facing child seats are installed in the…
What can happen. This can increase the risk of injury to a child seat occupant during certain crash conditions.
The free fix. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag cushion and reprogram the occupant restraint controller. The recall began on october 20, 2006. Owners may contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Feb 2006 · 2006 · Service Brakes, HydraulicThis could result in a loss of vehicle control and cause a crash without warning.
The defect. On certain pickup trucks equipped with four-wheel antilock brake systems (ABS), the ABS electronic control unit (ECU) may cause a loss of front to rear brake balance, and the rear brakes could lock up prematurely during certain braking conditions.
What can happen. This could result in a loss of vehicle control and cause a crash without warning.
The free fix. Dealers will replace the ABS ECU. The recall is expected to begin during the week of july 17, 2006. Owners may contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Oct 2005 · 2006 · Power TrainIf this occurs and the parking brake is not applied, the vehicle may roll away and cause a crash without…
The defect. On certain 4-wheel drive pickup trucks, the totally integrated power module (tipm) may contain incorrect transfer case calibration set points, potentially resulting in inadvertent transfer case default to neutral.
What can happen. If this occurs and the parking brake is not applied, the vehicle may roll away and cause a crash without warning.
The free fix. Dealers will reprogram the tipm with new software that prevents the potential for this condition. The recall began on november 7, 2005. Owners may contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Aug 2004 · 2004 · Electrical System filed under the shared nameA short circuit in the generator harness can cause an under hood fire.
The defect. On certain pick-up trucks equipped with 4.7L engines, the generator wiring harness may short circuit due to contact with a valve cover stud.
What can happen. A short circuit in the generator harness can cause an under hood fire.
The free fix. Dealers will inspect the alternator wiring insulation for damage and repair and add a tie-strap clip to the valve cover stud to retain the wiring. This recall began on august 13, 2004. Owners should…
May 2004 · 2004 · EquipmentInstalling the incorrect tire/rim sizes and loading the vehicle to the weights shown on the label can cause…
The defect. The vehicle certification label on some pickup trucks lists incorrect tire, wheel, and recommended inflation pressure information which does not conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 120, 'Tire selection and rims for…
What can happen. Installing the incorrect tire/rim sizes and loading the vehicle to the weights shown on the label can cause tire failure and result in a crash without warning.
The free fix. Owners will be provided with vehicle certification label overlays containing the corrected information relative to vehicle tire and rim size, and recommended inflation pressure. This recall began on…
Apr 2004 · 2002–2003 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic filed under the shared nameThis may allow development of a short circuit in the connector, which could eventually lead to a fire.
The defect. On certain van and wagon vehicles equipped with 4-wheel antilock brake systems (ABS), aftermarket batteries may leak electrolyte onto the ABS control module connector, which can compromise sealing integrity of the connector.
What can happen. This may allow development of a short circuit in the connector, which could eventually lead to a fire.
The free fix. Dealers will inspect the ABS control module connector for electrolyte damage and replace the connector as necessary. The recall will begin on september 27, 2004. Owners should contact daimlerchrysler…
Dec 2003 · 2002 · TiresOn certain 4x4 pickup trucks equipped with the snow plow preparation package, the tires supplied on some…
On certain 4x4 pickup trucks equipped with the snow plow preparation package, the tires supplied on some vehicles may have gross axle weight ratings that slightly exceed the maximum tire load capacity as defined in federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 120, "Tire selection and rims for motor vehicles other than…
The free fix. Dealers will provide replacement p245/75r16 tires to meet the load carrying capacity specified on the vehicle certification label and accommodate the addition of a commercially available snow plow…
Dec 2003 · 2004 · Power TrainContinued operation can result in propeller shaft separation and damage to fuel system components, which…
The defect. On certain pickup trucks, the transfer case to transmission attaching fasteners may not be tightened correctly. This could cause the transmission adapter or transfer case housing to crack and leak fluid.
What can happen. Continued operation can result in propeller shaft separation and damage to fuel system components, which could lead to a fuel leak. Fluid and/or fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source can…
The free fix. Dealers will retighten the transfer case to transmission fasteners. Owner notification began on december 22, 2003. Owners should contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-992-1997.
Mar 2003 · 2002 · SteeringThis condition could cause impairment of visibility in inclement weather, increasing the risk of a crash.
The defect. On certain pickup trucks, the electrical connector at the bottom of the steering column contains an under-sized terminal for the hvac blower motor circuit. Localized heating from current flow with the blower speed set on high may cause the terminal contacts…
What can happen. This condition could cause impairment of visibility in inclement weather, increasing the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Dealers will install a wiring harness overlay to correct this condition. Owner notification began april 15, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date…
Mar 2003 · 2002 · VisibilityThis could potentially affect rearward field of vision, increasing the risk of a crash.
The defect. On certain pickup trucks, the detent system on the exterior mirror housings may lose the functionality.
What can happen. This could potentially affect rearward field of vision, increasing the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Dealers will install a mirror detent retainer kit to correct this condition. Owner notification began on april 10, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon…
Feb 2003 · 2003 · Vehicle Speed Control filed under the shared nameThis can result in unintended acceleration and a reduction in braking effectiveness, increasing the risk of a…
The defect. Certain pickup trucks, equipped with cummins diesel engines and manual transmissions, may experience an elevated idle speed after extended cruise control use.
What can happen. This can result in unintended acceleration and a reduction in braking effectiveness, increasing the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Dealers will reprogram the software in the cummins engine controller. Owner notification began on march 10, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date…
Jun 2002 · 2002 · Power Train filed under the shared nameDuring rotation, the brake line could separate from the caliper resulting in a brake fluid loss in the rear…
The defect. On certain 4x4 pickup trucks, the rear axle flange weld to the axle tube could fatigue and allow the brake caliper assembly to rotate.
What can happen. During rotation, the brake line could separate from the caliper resulting in a brake fluid loss in the rear brake hydraulic system.
The free fix. Dealers will install rear brake caliper reinforcements on the rear axle assemblies. Owner notification began december 9, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon…
Crashes, fires and injuries owners reported
Out of 6,123 complaints against this generation, owners also reported:
- Crashes
- 439 (7.2%)
- Fires
- 94
- Injury reports
- 304
- Fatality reports
- 13
Ram 1500 problems by model year
The 2003 drew the most complaints of this generation, 1,171, most of them about the airbag system, and the 2007 the fewest, 517. A typical year drew about 815.
| Year | Complaints | With mileage | Median miles | Most reported | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 815 | 581 | 70,000 | Body structure (278) | 5 |
| 2003 | 1,171 | 658 | 70,000 | Airbag system (458) | 3 |
| 2004 | 1,099 | 714 | 71,000 | Airbag system (368) | 6 |
| 2005 | 1,171 | 678 | 86,000 | Transmission and driveline (593) | 4 |
| 2006 | 796 | 571 | 61,000 | Airbag system (194) | 9 |
| 2007 | 517 | 350 | 69,000 | Airbag system (169) | 5 |
| 2008 | 554 | 380 | 65,000 | Airbag system (165) | 7 |
What Ram 1500 owners reported
The contact owns a 2004 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced transmission failure, and the brake lines were rusted. The contact was trapped in the desert for hours with his dog. The contact stated that two independent mechanics had determined that the idler pulley needed to be replaced.…
2004 · 229,000 miles · Engine
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…
2005 · 238,000 miles · Transmission and driveline
The contact owns a 2003 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that while the vehicle was being driven by a friend at 45 MPH, the rear axle detached. The driver was stranded by the roadside. The vehicle was towed to the driver's residence. There were no warning lights illuminated. An unknown local dealer was contacted…
2003 · 300,000 miles · Suspension
The contact owns a 2006 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, oil stains were found on the ground underneath the vehicle. The contact checked underneath the vehicle and became aware that the rear axle pinion nut was loose. The axle pinion nut was tightened. The contact stated that the…
2006 · 150,000 miles · Transmission and driveline
Built from 3,932 NHTSA complaints with mileage · snapshot 2026-10-20 · open data · how it is built
Other Ram 1500 generations
- Ram 1500 1994–2001 1,911 reports with mileage, most about body structure
- Ram 1500 2009–2010 911 reports with mileage, most about the transmission and driveline