2004 Dodge Ram 1500UNDER FEDERAL INVESTIGATION

1,099 federal complaints (1,372 component records) · 5 recall campaigns on file · 5 federal investigations · 37 service bulletins · 13 Canadian recalls
See all 22 model years of the Dodge Ram 1500 →
Engine
3.7L 6-cyl
Fuel
Gasoline Or E85, Premium, Regular
Drive
RWD
EPA economy
14 city / 19 hwy
Federal complaints
1,099
Recall campaigns
5
Specifications show one example EPA configuration for this model year; other engines, drivetrains, and trims exist and the records below cover all of them.
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.

Fault profile

Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.

Air bags
368
Engine & cooling
191
Power train
188
Electrical system
99
Steering
88
Suspension
68
Fuel system
62
Brakes
55
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.

When it fails

The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.

Vehicle age when the failure occurred

0 years old: 75 complaints01 years old: 71 complaints2 years old: 48 complaints3 years old: 50 complaints4 years old: 35 complaints5 years old: 50 complaints56 years old: 58 complaints7 years old: 47 complaints8 years old: 37 complaints9 years old: 38 complaints10 years old: 78 complaints1011 years old: 295 complaints12 years old: 96 complaints13 years old: 34 complaints14 years old: 26 complaints15 years old: 15 complaints1516 years old: 11 complaints17 years old: 4 complaints18 years old: 5 complaints19 years old: 4 complaints20+ years old: 17 complaints20+
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 1,094 of 1,099 complaints with a usable failure date.

Odometer when the failure occurred

0,000 - 20,000 miles: 104 complaints020,000 - 40,000 miles: 77 complaints40,000 - 60,000 miles: 93 complaints40k60,000 - 80,000 miles: 100 complaints80,000 - 100,000 miles: 66 complaints80k100,000 - 120,000 miles: 49 complaints120,000 - 140,000 miles: 61 complaints120k140,000 - 160,000 miles: 50 complaints160,000 - 180,000 miles: 38 complaints160k180,000 - 200,000 miles: 23 complaints200,000+ miles: 40 complaints200k+
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 701 of 1,099 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).

Known issues

The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.

Air bags

368 complaint records5 fire reports48 crash reports
"ABS FAILED, WHEELS LOCKED UP, VEHICLE COLLIDED WITH VEHICLE IN FRONT. AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. VEHICLE IS A WRITE OFF. *NM..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse air bags parts in the directory →

Engine & cooling

191 complaint records4 fire reports4 crash reports
"WHEN TRUCK IDLES THE ENGINE CUTS OFF. THIS HAPPENS ABOUT ONCE EVERY 20 MILE TRIP. TRUCK HAS BEEN IN FOR REPAIR WITH NOTHING FOUND...."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse engine & cooling parts in the directory →

Power train

188 complaint records4 fire reports13 crash reports
"WHILE ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A LEFT TURN MY VEHICLE IN DRIVE WOULD NOT GO FORWARD IE.TRANSMISSION SLIPPING,MOTOR REVING UP!*AK..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse power train parts in the directory →

Federal defect investigations

Formal investigations opened by the federal safety agency into this vehicle. An investigation is the step between a complaint pattern and a recall; not every one results in one.

InvestigationStatusComponentSubject
EA21002
opened Sep 2021
OPENAir BagsDesiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L.
EA15001
opened Feb 2015
OPENAir BagsAir Bag Inflator Rupture - led to recall 22V945
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE14-016 in June 2014 based on six inflator rupture incidents involving consumer owned vehicles produced by five vehicle manufacturers.All six vehicles were operated in Florida or Puerto Rico at the time of the...
PE14016
opened Jun 2014
closed Mar 2015Air BagsAir Bag Inflator Rupture - led to recall 15V226000
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE14-016 in June 2014 based on six inflator rupture incidents involving consumer owned vehicles produced by five vehicle manufacturers.All six vehicles were operated in Florida or Puerto Rico at the time of the...
EA05018
opened Nov 2005
closed Aug 2007Power TrainENGINE STALL
ANALYSIS OF THE COMPLAINT, FIELD REPORT AND WARRANTY DATA SHOWS THAT THE MAJORITY OF STALLING INCIDENTS IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES APPEAR TO BE RELATED TO THE ENGINE CALIBRATION CONCERNS THAT DAIMLERCHRYSLER ADDRESSED WITH SERVICE BULLETINS RELEASING REVISED PCM...
PE05027
opened May 2005
closed Nov 2005Power TrainENGINE STALL
ON MAY 16, 2005,ODI OPENED PRELIMINARY EVALUATION PE05-027 TO INVESTIGATE COMPLAINTS OF ENGINE STALLING IN MODEL YEAR 2004-05 DODGE DURANGO SUVS AND RAM 1500 SERIES PICKUPS EQUIPPED WITH THE 5.7L V8 ENGINE.INFORMATION PROVIDED BY DAIMLERCHRYSLER DURING...

Recall campaigns

Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.

CampaignComponentSummaryRemedy
16V352000DO NOT DRIVEAir BagsChrysler (FCA US LLC) expanded the affected population to include 73,712 2005-2009 RAM 2500 trucks produced at the St. Louis North Assembly Plant.Normally free
15V313000DO NOT DRIVEAir BagsChrysler (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...Normally free
14V770000Air BagsChrysler 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...Normally free
04V221000EquipmentTHE 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.Normally free
03V503000Power TrainON 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.Normally free

Transport Canada recalls

Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.

RecallSystemUnits (CA)Summary
2016265
2016-05-27
Airbag459,492On certain vehicles, long-term exposure to high absolute humidity and temperature, combined with high temperature cycling, could eventually degrade the propellant contained in the passenger frontal airbag.
2015228
2015-05-27
Airbag374,508On certain vehicles, the driver frontal airbag inflator could produce excessive internal pressure during airbag deployment.
2015093
2015-03-03
Airbag1,000Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) Canada is conducting a voluntary Safety Improvement Program involving Takata driver and/or passenger airbag inflators installed in certain vehicles that were originally sold or ever registered in certain...
2015094
2015-03-03
Airbag1,000Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) Canada is conducting a voluntary Safety Improvement Program involving Takata passenger airbag inflators installed in certain vehicles that were originally sold or ever registered in certain high humidity...
2015003
2015-01-06
Airbag258,600Chrysler Canada is conducting a voluntary Safety Improvement Campaign concerning the driver's airbag inflator on certain vehicles equipped with Takata airbags. Chrysler Canada will replace the driver's inflator on affected vehicles.
Show 8 more Canadian recalls
RecallSystemUnits (CA)Summary
2013395
2013-11-07
Steering11,000A safety defect may exist in aftermarket steering linkage equipment sold as service replacement parts for 2500 and 3500 4x4 pickup trucks.
2011253
2011-07-14
Steering49,800On certain 2008-2011 Ram 2500 and 3500 4x4, Ram 3500 cab chassis 4x2 and 4x4, and 2008 Ram 1500 Mega Cab 4x4 vehicles, the left outer tie rod ball stud could fracture.
2009081
2009-03-11
Electrical363Certain aftermarket replacement windshield wiper motor assemblies, sold during the '08 and '09 calendar year for use as service equipment on 2002-2009 Dodge Ram pickup trucks, may be susceptible to water intrusion that could result in...
2009019
2009-01-21
Steering4,500Defective aftermarket steering drag links many have been sold as service replacement parts for 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks.
2005307
2005-10-12
Other30,357Certain Dodge Ram 2500/3500 Heavy Duty pickup trucks equipped with a diesel engine and automatic transmission may experience inadvertent rearward movement.
2004277
2004-08-04
Electrical12On certain pickup trucks, the alternator wiring harness may interfere with a valve cover stud and short circuit, which could result in an underhood fire.
2004150
2004-05-05
Label735Certain pickup trucks do not comply with the requirements of CMVSS 120. The tire, wheel and inflation pressure information printed on the vehicle certification label does not correspond with the equipment that is available for the vehicle.
2003321
2003-12-08
Powertrain175On certain pickup trucks, the transfer case to transmission attaching fasteners may be below the specified torque. This may cause the transmission adapter or transfer case housing to crack and leak fluid.

Service bulletins and warranty extensions

Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.

BulletinTypeComponentSummary
101232
Oct 2024
Power TrainPlate - Planetary
S2208000136
Jul 2022
Electrical SystemSecurity Module Lock Out After Entering the PIN to Unlock The Wireless Control Module (WCM)
9001784
Feb 2021
EquipmentMechanical rocker arm, intake, 1.7 ratio.
9004275
Jul 2020
Electrical SystemKEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC level part number. The "AB" NIC level will not program to these platforms.
23-015-20
Apr 2020
EquipmentDisinfectant Solution Recommended for COVID-19
Show 32 more bulletins
BulletinTypeComponentSummary
08-049-20
Apr 2020
EquipmentCharging System, Battery Diagnostic Tools and Warranty This information only bulletin discusses using the correct test equipment for testing batteries and charging systems, and also warranty reimbursement when battery replacements are necessary.
31-006-19
Nov 2019
StructureRepair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
31-003-19
Nov 2019
EquipmentUse of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts.
31-005-19
Nov 2019
EquipmentUse of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.
3100619
Nov 2019
EquipmentRepair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
3100319
Nov 2019
StructureUse of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts.
3100519
Nov 2019
StructureUse of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.
1807717
Aug 2017
EquipmentConnecting to the DRB III Emulator for Cummins Engines
68332810
Sep 2016
Engine And Engine CoolingService - Four Piece Oil Pan Gasket All Cummins Equipped Vehicles ONLY - The replacement oil pan gasket can be a four piece gasket rather than a single piece gasket. This applies to Cummins 5.9L and 6.7L engines only. Installation: 1. Clean the oil pan T-joints.~ 2.
68332810A
Sep 2016
Engine And Engine CoolingCummins Equipped Vehicles ONLY - The replacement oil pan gasket can be a four piece gasket rather than a single piece gasket. This applies to Cummins 5.9L and 6.7L engines only.
R2118796A
Feb 2016
Engine And Engine CoolingValve Body. These may cause over drive cycling.
9003215
Feb 2015
Engine And Engine CoolingPart Description: 5.7L Long Block Issue Description: This 5.7L Long Block Assembly is compatible with both EGR and Non-EGR applications. An EGR Block-Off Plate (53032739AA) must be ordered when installing this Long Block Assembly in a Non-EGR application.
9002828
Sep 2014
EquipmentPart Description: Insulator in Lever Assembly - Valve Body - Trans Issue Description: The manual valve insulator, attaching rivet and an instruction sheet are now available as a kit. If the insulator requires replacement lease order 68253099AA.
9002849
Sep 2014
StructurePart Description: Insulator on Lever Assy Manual Valve - Valve Body - RWD Transmission Issue Description: The manual valve insulator, attaching rivet and instruction sheet are now available as a kit. If the insulator requires replacement please order kit 68253161AA.
18-042-14
Jul 2014
Power TrainGeneric Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Procedure This bulletin involves programming a generic PCM with software.
9002054
Jun 2013
SuspensionIf replacing the steering linkage or drag link inner tie rod assembly at the pitman arm on a vehicle built before Febuary 14 th, 2008, verify that the pitman arm part number is 68039930AA.
9002519
Mar 2013
Equipment82212076, 82203694 - Fabric Cleaner This "fabric cleaner" is not intended for sale in California, the otc states (Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Washington dc), and some ladco states (Illinois,...
9002688
Feb 2013
Equipment68069384A$, R8069384A$, 68086182A$, R8027067A$, RL002012A$ - Gasket, Cylinder Head Cover Before replacing injectors for Diagnostic Trouble Codes P0201, P0202, P0203, P0204, P0205, and/or P0206, please make sure that the wiring loom and/or connector in the valve cover gasket is...
08-004
Jun 2008
Steering2003-2008 (DR) RAM TRUCK 1500-STEERING SHUDDER DURING PARKING LOT OR LOW VEHICLE SPEED MANEUVERS. *PE
2304605
Oct 2005
StructureWATER LEAK AT ROOF MOUNTED MARKER LAMPS. *SC
2401305
Aug 2005
EquipmentAIR CONDITIONING (A/C) COOLING COIL ODOR. *TT
05002
Apr 2005
Engine And Engine CoolingNEW WATER PUMP FOR 3.7L ENGINE - NO LONGER COMMON WITH 4.7L. ADVANCED SERVICE INFORMATION #05-002. *TT
1801705
Apr 2005
Engine And Engine CoolingLONG CRANK TIMES IN AMBIENT TEMPERATURES BELOW FREEZING. *TT
1801305
Apr 2005
Engine And Engine CoolingIDLE FLUCTUATION/DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES. *TT
1801605
Apr 2005
Vehicle Speed ControlTHROTTLE BODY COKING. *TT
E09
Apr 2005
EquipmentEMISSIONS RECALL E09 - NEW VECI LABELS. *TT
0500105
Jan 2005
Service BrakesBRAKE SHUDDER OR VIBRATION. *EH
1804104
Oct 2004
Power TrainIMPROVED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SHIFTING IN TOW/HAUL MODE. *EH
42
Oct 2004
Power TrainEMISSIONS RECALL D42. REPROGRAM PCM - OBD CALIBRATION. THE POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM) WAS INADVERTENTLY PROGRAMMED WITH INCORRECT SOFTWARE. THIS CAN CAUSE THE ON-BOARD DIAGNOSTIC (OBD) SYSTEM TO MALFUNCTION. *TT
1803704
Sep 2004
Engine And Engine CoolingFUEL ECONOMY IMPROVEMENT, WHITE SMOKE ON START UP, ACCURACY OF FUEL MILEAGE IN OVERHEAD CONSOLE DISPLAY. FLASH. *TT
0311
Nov 2003
Electrical SystemRECOMMENDED 12V SWITCHED ACCESSORY SOURCES. THIS IS A FISHER SERVICE BULLETIN. *MR
03014
Aug 2003
Power TrainSERVICE ACTION 03014 - POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM) ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR SEAL INSPECTION/REPAIR PROCEDURE. *TT

Before you buy this vehicle

A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.

  1. Watch the airbag warning light through a full key cycle.It should light on start and go out within seconds. A light that stays on, or never lights at all, means the system needs attention. Run the VIN for inflator recalls specifically.
  2. Cold-start it yourself and listen for the first thirty seconds.Knocking, ticking that fades as it warms, or blue or white smoke on startup are the sounds of this vehicle's engine cluster. Check the oil level and the coolant color, and ask whether the engine or its head gaskets have ever been out.
  3. Drive it from a dead stop, twice, on a hill if you can.Shudder, hesitation, or a lurch under light throttle is how this vehicle's largest complaint cluster shows itself. Then ask for the transmission service history in writing; repeat repairs are a pattern, not a fluke.
  4. Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 5 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
  5. Do not drive it home until the do-not-drive recall is confirmed repaired.At least one campaign on this vehicle carries a federal do-not-drive advisory. Confirm the repair with the dealer, by VIN, before taking delivery.
  6. Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.

Parts search directory

The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.

Open the parts directory for this Dodge Ram 1500 →