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Dodge Ram 1500 2002–2008 problems by year and mileage

3rd generation (DR/DH)

NHTSA data through 24 September 20266,118 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.

• 200270kmedian
• 200370kmedian
• 200471kmedian
• 200586kmedian
• 200661kmedian
• 200769kmedian
• 200865kmedian

Each tile shows the median mileage at which that model year’s failures were reported. The 2005 reports latest and the 2006 earliest, but part of that gap is age: the 2005 has had 1 more year on the road to accumulate mileage.

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

1. Airbag system28.9% of complaints · median 91,000 mi
2. Transmission and driveline20.1% of complaints · median 99,000 mi
3. Body structure10.2% of complaints · median 75,000 mi

When each system fails ↓

Documented problems

• Engine (5.7L Hemi)2003–2008
• Engine (4.7L V8)2002–2008
• Steering / Front Suspension2002–2008
• Interior2002–2008

What each one is ↓

Owners filed 6,118 complaints with NHTSA about the 2002–2008 Dodge Ram 1500; the airbag system leads with 28.9% of them, and half of the 3,932 that record an odometer reading came by 70,000 miles. A count like this can’t rate reliability on its own: NHTSA records what owners chose to report, not how many of each car were sold.

Failures are spread across the mileage range, with the middle half between 38,000 and 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?

Figure 1 · Dodge Ram 1500 2002–2008 · 3,932 reports with mileage

Mileage at failure

Complaints per 5,000-mile bin, 0 to 200,000 miles, equal bins on a linear scale. Tallest bar = 226 complaints.

226170113570

5.7% of all reports fall between 0 and 5,000 miles

25k50k75k100k125k150k175k200k

• Rest of the range
• Median
• 200,000+ — 146 complaints (3.7%), plotted separately

10%

11,700

25%

37,900

Median

70,000

75%

115,000

90%

158,000

Tallest bin: 226 complaints between 0 and 5,000 miles. Based on 3,932 complaints that record mileage. Bin width 5,000 miles.

Show the numbers

Complaints by mileage bin

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. Complaint counts reflect what owners reported and are not a measure of failure rate per vehicle sold.

What this can and cannot tell you: these are complaints owners chose to file, not a failure rate. Popular models accumulate more of them simply by being common. How this is built.

Common Ram 1500 problems, and when they happen

Figure 2 · Dodge Ram 1500 2002–2008

When each system fails

Bar spans the middle half of reports; the notch inside each bar is the median. Miles at failure on a proportional scale — equal distances are equal ratios, not equal miles.

System0–12,000 mi factory-defect window12,000 mi and beyond wear and service lifeMedian

1. Engine and its cooling system349 reports47,00015,000–72,000Engine and its cooling system: 349 reports, median 47,000 miles, middle half 15,000 to 72,000 miles.
2. Steering480 reports63,00039,000–99,000Steering: 480 reports, median 63,000 miles, middle half 39,000 to 99,000 miles.
3. Electrical system558 reports67,00035,000–105,000Electrical system: 558 reports, median 67,000 miles, middle half 35,000 to 105,000 miles.
4. Suspension501 reports70,00038,000–120,000Suspension: 501 reports, median 70,000 miles, middle half 38,000 to 120,000 miles.
5. Body structure627 reports75,00054,000–100,000Body structure: 627 reports, median 75,000 miles, middle half 54,000 to 100,000 miles.
6. Airbag system1,771 reports91,00054,000–140,000Airbag system: 1,771 reports, median 91,000 miles, middle half 54,000 to 140,000 miles.
7. Transmission and driveline1,232 reports99,00051,000–146,000Transmission and driveline: 1,232 reports, median 99,000 miles, middle half 51,000 to 146,000 miles.

5001k2k5k10k20k50k100k200k

• Your odometer — appears after you enter it in “Where your car sits”

Ordered by median mileage, earliest first. The first 12,000 miles are shaded: that is the boundary this site uses between a manufacturing defect and ordinary wear, not a property of the world.

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, public domain.

All systems in a table

Complaints by vehicle system

System	Complaints	Share	Median	25–75%
Airbag system	1,771	28.9%	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	558	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	264	4.3%	86,000	50,000–133,000

System by system, in words

Complaints about this generation are not spread evenly across the vehicle, and the systems that generate the most of them do not all fail at the same point in a car's life. The median failure across all systems here is 70,000 miles; the figures below show which parts of the car run ahead of that and which run behind.

The airbag system accounts for 28.9% of complaints (1,771 reports, 420 of them with a mileage figure), with a median of 91,000 miles, close to the vehicle's overall pattern. The middle half of these reports falls between 54,000 and 140,000 miles.

A single system taking 28.9% of all complaints is a concentration worth noting. It means that for this generation, most of what owners reported came back to one area of the car rather than being distributed across many small faults.

The transmission and driveline accounts for 20.1% of complaints (1,232 reports, 836 of them with a mileage figure), with a median of 99,000 miles, close to the vehicle's overall pattern. The middle half of these reports falls between 51,000 and 146,000 miles.

Body structure accounts for 10.2% of complaints (627 reports, 462 of them with a mileage figure), with a median of 75,000 miles, close to the vehicle's overall pattern. The middle half of these reports falls between 54,000 and 100,000 miles.

The electrical system accounts for 9.1% of complaints (558 reports, 471 of them with a mileage figure), with a median of 67,000 miles, close to the vehicle's overall pattern. The middle half of these reports falls between 35,000 and 105,000 miles.

The suspension accounts for 8.2% of complaints (501 reports, 394 of them with a mileage figure), with a median of 70,000 miles, close to the vehicle's overall pattern. The middle half of these reports falls between 38,000 and 120,000 miles.

The steering accounts for 7.8% of complaints (480 reports, 399 of them with a mileage figure), with a median of 63,000 miles, close to the vehicle's overall pattern. The middle half of these reports falls between 39,000 and 99,000 miles.

Known problems with the 2002–2008 Ram 1500

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. Print this page — the checklist survives print.

For a buyer, failures on this generation are spread rather than concentrated: the middle half falls between 38,000 and 115,000 miles, with a median of 70,000. There is no single mileage threshold to watch, which means condition and maintenance records are more informative than the odometer.

On inspection, the airbag system and the transmission and driveline are where this generation's reports concentrate, so those are the areas worth a specific look. The airbag system in particular shows a median failure mileage of 91,000, which gives a concrete number to compare against the odometer of any car you are considering.

None of this is a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on the individual car. Aggregate patterns describe a population; the example in front of you has its own history.

Ram 1500 problems by mileage: where your car sits

Type your odometer reading, or read the common mileages in the table. Your marker lands on the timing chart above and on the curve below.

Your odometer, milesGo

Figure 3 · Dodge Ram 1500 2002–2008 · 3,932 reports with mileage

Share of reports below each mileage

Share of mileage-tagged reports filed at or below each odometer reading. Steps rise only at bin edges, by exact counted shares.

100%75%50%25%0%

25k50k75k100k125k150k175k200k

• 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 staircase crosses the 50% line here
• Your odometer — appears after you enter it above

The staircase tops out at 96%: the remaining 3.7% of reports (146) came above 200,000 miles.

Nothing is smoothed or interpolated. Linear axis, same as Figure 1.

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, public domain.

2002–2008 Dodge Ram 1500 recalls (26)

NHTSA records 26 recall campaigns covering vehicles in this generation. A recall means the manufacturer or the regulator concluded there was a safety defect or a standard was not met, and that a free remedy is owed to owners — including second and later owners.

3 of these carry a severe advisory — NHTSA's do not drive or park outside warnings, which the agency applies only when it considers the risk immediate. If you own one of these vehicles, that is the first thing to check by VIN.

The campaigns cluster around the airbag system (5), the transmission and driveline (5), the steering (5). Several campaigns against one area can mean a remedy that did not hold, or separate defects in parts filed under the same heading; the summaries below name each defect.

Recall status is specific to the individual vehicle, not the model. Checking a VIN against NHTSA's lookup is free and takes under a minute, and it is the only way to know whether a particular car has had the work done.

Recall repairs are free at an authorized dealer, for any owner. Summaries below shorten NHTSA’s own wording. Some of these campaigns are filed under the shared name “RAM”, which NHTSA also uses for heavy-duty trucks; they are marked below, and the VIN decides whether one applies.

1. 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.…

   NHTSA campaign 16V-352 (2016-05-24).

2. 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.…

   NHTSA campaign 15V-313 (2015-05-26).

3. 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…

   NHTSA campaign 15V-312 (2015-05-26).

4. 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…

   NHTSA campaign 14V-796 (2014-12-16).

5. 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…

   NHTSA campaign 14V-795 (2014-12-16).

6. 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…

   NHTSA campaign 14V-770 (2014-12-03).

7. 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…

   NHTSA campaign 13V-529 (2013-11-06).

8. 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.

   NHTSA campaign 13V-528 (2013-11-06).

9. 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…

   NHTSA campaign 11V-350 (2011-07-06).

10. 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.

    NHTSA campaign 10V-657 (2010-12-24).

11. 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.

    NHTSA campaign 09V-084 (2009-03-13).

12. 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.

    NHTSA campaign 07V-413 (2007-09-12).

13. 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.

    NHTSA campaign 07V-038 (2007-02-12).

14. 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.

    NHTSA campaign 06V-354 (2006-09-14).

15. 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.

    NHTSA campaign 06V-353 (2006-09-14).

16. 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.

    NHTSA campaign 06V-038 (2006-02-09).

17. 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.

    NHTSA campaign 05V-461 (2005-10-06).

18. 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…

    NHTSA campaign 04V-385 (2004-08-03).

19. 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…

    NHTSA campaign 04V-221 (2004-05-06).

20. 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…

    NHTSA campaign 04V-185 (2004-04-12).

21. 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…

    NHTSA campaign 03V-504 (2003-12-10).

22. 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.

    NHTSA campaign 03V-503 (2003-12-04).

23. 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…

    NHTSA campaign 03V-078 (2003-03-10).

24. 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…

    NHTSA campaign 03V-077 (2003-03-10).

25. 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…

    NHTSA campaign 03V-033 (2003-02-05).

26. 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…

    NHTSA campaign 02V-159 (2002-06-13).

Crashes, fires and injuries owners reported

What owners reported alongside the failure itself, out of 6,118 complaints against this generation:

Crashes

438 (7.2%)

Fires

94

Injury reports

303

Fatality reports

13

These flags are self-reported by complainants and unverified by NHTSA; one report can carry several flags, so the counts overlap and do not sum to a total. They are not adjusted for how many of these vehicles are on the road. No chart is drawn here on purpose: overlapping counts spanning very different magnitudes cannot be honestly encoded as lengths.

Ram 1500 problems by model year

The 2003 drew the most complaints of this generation, 1,170, most of them about the airbag system, and the 2007 the fewest, 517. A typical year drew about 815.

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 2026-09-26 · 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

Other full-size pickups from the same years

• Chevrolet Silverado 1500 1999–2006
• Ford F-150 2004–2008
• GMC Sierra 1500 1999–2006
• Toyota Tundra 2000–2006