2004 Dodge Ram 2500UNDER FEDERAL INVESTIGATION

582 federal complaints (760 component records) · 6 recall campaigns on file · 8 federal investigations · 35 service bulletins · 13 Canadian recalls
See all 22 model years of the Dodge Ram 2500 →
Engine
3.7L 6-cyl
Fuel
Gasoline Or E85, Premium, Regular
Drive
RWD
EPA economy
14 city / 19 hwy
Federal complaints
582
Recall campaigns
6
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.

Steering
143
Power train
115
Suspension
114
Air bags
90
Electrical system
49
Engine & cooling
40
Body & structure
37
Glass & wipers
32
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: 58 complaints01 years old: 45 complaints2 years old: 50 complaints3 years old: 31 complaints4 years old: 34 complaints5 years old: 27 complaints56 years old: 34 complaints7 years old: 42 complaints8 years old: 24 complaints9 years old: 35 complaints10 years old: 50 complaints1011 years old: 69 complaints12 years old: 39 complaints13 years old: 17 complaints14 years old: 6 complaints15 years old: 5 complaints1516 years old: 2 complaints17 years old: 1 complaints18 years old: 3 complaints19 years old: 0 complaints20+ years old: 4 complaints20+
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 576 of 582 complaints with a usable failure date.

Odometer when the failure occurred

0,000 - 20,000 miles: 54 complaints020,000 - 40,000 miles: 51 complaints40,000 - 60,000 miles: 49 complaints40k60,000 - 80,000 miles: 62 complaints80,000 - 100,000 miles: 44 complaints80k100,000 - 120,000 miles: 36 complaints120,000 - 140,000 miles: 35 complaints120k140,000 - 160,000 miles: 18 complaints160,000 - 180,000 miles: 15 complaints160k180,000 - 200,000 miles: 11 complaints200,000+ miles: 13 complaints200k+
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 388 of 582 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.

Steering

143 complaint records4 crash reports
"DODGE DEATH WOBBLE THIS REALLY SHOULD BE UNDER RECALL BEFORE SOMEONE GETS HURT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! *TR..."- 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 steering parts in the directory →

Power train

115 complaint records41 crash reports
"IT WILL NOT SHIFT OUT OF PARK AND THEN AFTER MANY TRIES IT WORKS FINE. IT DOES NOT HAPPEN EVERYTIME I START THE TRUCK. *TR..."- 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 →

Suspension

114 complaint records1 crash report
"DODGE DEATH WOBBLE THIS REALLY SHOULD BE UNDER RECALL BEFORE SOMEONE GETS HURT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! *TR..."- 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 suspension 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
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...
AQ14003
opened Oct 2014
closed May 2016SteeringChrysler's execution of 13V-528 & 529
RMD opened this audit query (AQ) investigation in order to better understand and evaluate Chrysler's process(es) for timely and efficient execution of its safety recall campaigns, including its oversight and management of its parts division Mopar.Prior to...
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...
PE14013
opened May 2014
closed Dec 2014Power TrainClutch Interlock Switch Malfunction - led to recall 14V795000
On December 16, 2104, Chrysler Group LLC submitted a Safety Recall Report to NHTSA describing a defect in the clutch ignition interlock switches in approximately 66,819 model year (MY) 2006 through early-2007 Dodge Ram Trucks, Dodge Dakota, and Mitsubishi...
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...
Show 3 more closed investigations
InvestigationStatusComponentSubject
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...
EA04025
opened Aug 2004
closed Dec 2005Power TrainFALSE PARK - led to recall 05V462000
THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE HEAVY DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS WITH DIESEL ENGINES AND AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS COMMONLY USED FOR COMMERCIAL AND WORK PURPOSES.A COLUMN MOUNTED SHIFT LEVER IS USED FOR GEAR SELECTION AND AN ELECTRONIC PRNDL ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL PROVIDES...
PE04039
opened Apr 2004
closed Aug 2004Power TrainFALSE PARK
THERE HAVE BEEN 50 COMPLAINTS TO ODI AND DAIMLERCHRYSLER ALLEGING INCIDENTS OF REVERSE POWERED ROLLAWAY IN SUBJECT VEHICLES THAT WERE PARKED WITH THE ENGINE RUNNING AND THE PARKING BRAKE DISENGAGED.THE INCIDENTS ARE ALLEGED TO HAVE RESULTED IN 42 CRASHES AND...

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
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
13V528000SteeringChrysler 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...Normally free
11V350000SteeringCHRYSLER 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...Normally free
05V462000Power TrainON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH DIESEL ENGINES AND AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS, IN AN ATTEMPT TO EXIT THE VEHICLE QUICKLY WITHOUT SHUTTING OFF THE ENGINE AND REMOVING THE KEY, THE DRIVER MAY INADVERTENTLY LEAVE THE...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
S1203000003 REV.A
Jun 2026
Service BrakesTrac-Rite Operation Diagnosis, Chatter, Shudder, Moving From A Stop And Turning
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)
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 30 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
StructureRepair 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
StructurePart 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.
9002054
Jun 2013
SteeringIf 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.
9002872
Mar 2013
Electrical System56045489A$ - Neutral Safety Switch - Trans Assy 06036369AA Screw and Washer is now available as a service part , 2 required to attach Neutral Start Switch
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
Engine And Engine Cooling68069384A$, R8069384A$, 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...
14-005-12
Nov 2012
Fuel SystemHeavy Duty Filtration MOPAR Retrofit or Add On Parts Available
SB19-001-11 REVA
Aug 2011
SteeringDODGE: BULLETIN PROVIDING ALIGNMENT PROCEDURES FOR TIE ROD BALL STUD HOUSING FOR THE RIGHT AND LEFT. MODEL YRS FOR CAB CHASSIS (REG AND MEGA PICKUPS AND 4X4) 2003-2011. *PE
18-011-11
Feb 2011
Fuel SystemCHRYSLER GROUP: THERE ARE DIAGNOSTIC ENHANCEMENTS FOR THE FUEL SYSTEM. *RM
2100907
May 2007
Power Train1-2 SHIFT HUNT AT LIGHT THROTTLE. *KB
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
1804104
Oct 2004
Power TrainIMPROVED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SHIFTING IN TOW/HAUL MODE. *EH
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. Drive one straight highway stretch and one slow parking lot.Wander or a shimmy over bumps at speed, and heavy or dropped assist at low speed, are the two faces of this vehicle's steering cluster. A clunk on turn-in points at the linkage.
  2. 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.
  3. Find the roughest road nearby.Clunks over bumps, a droning hum that changes when the car leans, or a corner that sits low are this vehicle's suspension complaints. Wheel bearings and control arm bushings lead the parts list.
  4. Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 6 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. 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 2500 →