2006 Dodge Ram 3500UNDER FEDERAL INVESTIGATION

257 federal complaints (349 component records) · 8 recall campaigns on file · 6 federal investigations · 41 service bulletins · 14 Canadian recalls
See all 22 model years of the Dodge Ram 3500 →
Engine
3.7L 6-cyl
Fuel
Gasoline Or E85, Premium, Regular
Drive
RWD
EPA economy
14 city / 19 hwy
Federal complaints
257
Recall campaigns
8
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
78
Electrical system
52
Lighting
45
Air bags
33
Glass & wipers
32
Power train
22
Suspension
20
Brakes
13
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: 12 complaints01 years old: 15 complaints2 years old: 20 complaints3 years old: 22 complaints4 years old: 31 complaints5 years old: 22 complaints56 years old: 26 complaints7 years old: 17 complaints8 years old: 31 complaints9 years old: 32 complaints10 years old: 15 complaints1011 years old: 5 complaints12 years old: 4 complaints13 years old: 4 complaints14 years old: 1 complaints15 years old: 0 complaints1516 years old: 0 complaints17 years old: 0 complaints18 years old: 0 complaints19 years old: 0 complaints20+ years old: 0 complaints20+
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 257 of 257 complaints with a usable failure date.

Odometer when the failure occurred

0,000 - 20,000 miles: 16 complaints020,000 - 40,000 miles: 21 complaints40,000 - 60,000 miles: 28 complaints40k60,000 - 80,000 miles: 38 complaints80,000 - 100,000 miles: 32 complaints80k100,000 - 120,000 miles: 22 complaints120,000 - 140,000 miles: 16 complaints120k140,000 - 160,000 miles: 5 complaints160,000 - 180,000 miles: 12 complaints160k180,000 - 200,000 miles: 9 complaints200,000+ miles: 5 complaints200k+
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 204 of 257 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

78 complaint records8 crash reports
"WHILE DRIVING THE RIGHT TIRE LOWER TIE ROD BALL JOINT CAME A PART. HAD TO REPLACE THE STERLING LINKAGE, TIRE ROD, ARM PITMAN. *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 →

Electrical system

52 complaint records3 fire reports
"INTERMITTEN SIGNAL/BRAKE LIGHT FAILURE ON 2006 DODGE RAM 3500. WILL BLINK RIGHT WHEN I AM MAKING A LEFT HAND TURN. *TT..."- 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 electrical system parts in the directory →

Lighting

45 complaint records1 crash report
"THE TURN SIGNAL SWITCH MALFUNCTIONS AND THE SWITCH FOR A LEFT TURN IS INITIATED, THE RIGHT TURN SIGNAL LIGHTS ACTUALLY BLINK. *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 lighting 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...
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...
Show 1 more closed investigations
InvestigationStatusComponentSubject
PE08059
opened Oct 2008
closed Apr 2009Exterior LightingTURN SIGNAL MALFUNCTION
ODI HAS CLOSED THIS INVESTIGATION BASED ON A REVIEW OF THE COMPLAINTS, OTHER FIELD DATA AND TECHNICAL DATA SUBMITTED BY CHRYSLER TO THE AGENCY.CHRYSLER REPORTS THAT THE MULTIFUNCTION SWITCH IS HARD WIRED INTO THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER (IC) AND THE CLUSTER...

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
14V795000Electrical SystemChrysler 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.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
06V380000VisibilityCERTAIN TRUCKS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 111, "REAR VIEW MIRRORS".Normally free
06V073000Exterior LightingCERTAIN TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH DUAL REAR WHEELS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO.Normally free
06V038000Service Brakes, HydraulicON 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...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...
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.
2014583
2014-12-19
Powertrain6,700On certain vehicles equipped with manual transmissions, a defect in the clutch interlock switch could allow the starter to engage without depressing the clutch pedal.
Show 9 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.
2007032
2007-02-08
Steering6,261On certain pickup trucks, the front wheel bearings may have received an insufficient quantity of grease during the manufacturing process. This may result in bearing degradation and eventual hub assembly separation.
2006216
2006-09-08
Airbag10,969On certain pickup trucks, if certain model rear facing infant child seats are installed in the right front passenger seating position with the passenger seat in a full forward position and the passenger air bag deploys, the vehicle may not...
2006215
2006-09-07
Seats And Restraints13,544On certain pickup trucks, the right front passenger seat belt assembly may not allow the owner to properly secure some child restraints. This could result in increased injury risk to the child in certain crash conditions.
2006038
2006-02-10
Brakes5,130On certain pickup trucks, the Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) electronic control unit may cause a loss of electronic brake distribution allowing the rear brakes to lock-up during certain braking conditions.
2005300
2005-10-07
Powertrain6On certain Dodge Ram 1500 4X4 vehicles equipped with NP246 transfer case, the vehicle's Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) contains an incorrect calibration that could potentially result in inadvertent transfer case default to NEUTRAL.

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
103774
May 2025
Electrical SystemLAMP - DOME
101232
Oct 2024
Power TrainPlate - Planetary
9004009
Apr 2021
Power TrainTransmission Kit with Torque Converter 1. All Promaster (VF) 3.6L/62TE equipped vehicles. If the transmission bracket to the transmission case fasteners are removed during servicing, the fasteners (Part Number 06511385A$) are one-time usage.
9004350
Mar 2021
Engine And Engine CoolingGEAR MOTOR, Transfer Case The gear motor assembly is shipped in AWD/2WD position. The transfer case needs to be positioned in AWD/2WD position to properly assemble gear motor to T-Case. Please reference Star Online publication S2121000003 for further details.
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.
Show 36 more bulletins
BulletinTypeComponentSummary
23-015-20
Apr 2020
EquipmentDisinfectant Solution Recommended for COVID-19
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
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.
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.
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.
RL108213A$
Jan 2016
Engine And Engine CoolingNAG1 (5A580) Valve Body As per Warranty Bulletin D-13-22, please use R2108213A$ valve body for all Warranty (W), Mopar (M) and Mopar Vehicle Protection (F) claims.~ Assembly also includes Filter (52108325AA) and Gasket (52108332AA).~
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.
9002887
Feb 2015
Engine And Engine CoolingPart Description: Valve Body Assembly Issue Description: Valve body design was changed between 2010MY and 2011MY applications. To prevent mix matching valve bodies and solenoid packs the connectors are color coded.~ Valve bodies with a white connector can be used on 2010, 2009,...
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.
08-069-14
Aug 2014
Electrical SystemSUMMARY TO BE PROVIDED ON A FUTURE DATE.
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
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...
14-005-12
Nov 2012
EquipmentHeavy 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
ECM K-01
May 2010
Engine And Engine CoolingDODGE: CALIFORNIA EMISSIONS RECALL REPROGRAM ECM-OBD READINESS. RECALL AFFECTS RAM TRUCKS AND CAB CHASSIS. CSC LETTER WAS REC'D. *PE
SB-08-011-09
Jul 2009
Exterior LightingDODGE/JEEP/CHRYSLER: MULTIFUNCTION SWITCH MALFUNCTION; EXTENDED WARRANTY. A TURN SIGNAL SWITCH MALFUNCTION THAT WILL CAUSE THE TURN SIGNALS TO FLASH INCORRECTLY.
08-007-08
Mar 2008
Engine And Engine CoolingNO ENGINE CRANK OR NO ENGINE START DUE TO ELECTRONIC LOCKUP OF THE WCM/SKREEM. *NJ
2304106
Aug 2007
Exterior LightingEXTERIOR LAMP - LENS FOGGING. *NJ
2100907
May 2007
Power Train1-2 SHIFT HUNT AT LIGHT THROTTLE. *KB
1802707
Apr 2007
Engine And Engine CoolingMIL ILLUMINATION DUE TO EGR POSITION SENSOR DTC - P0404, P0405, P0406. *KB
1800107
Jan 2007
Electrical SystemCHECK GAUGES LAMP ILLUMINATES FOR ALTERNATOR CHARGING WITH DTC P2502, P2503, OR P2509. *KB
1400706
Sep 2006
Fuel SystemFUEL AND FUEL FILTERING REQUIREMENTS FOR CUMMINS 5.9L AND 6.7L ENGINES. *KB
19
Jun 2006
Fuel SystemROLL-OVER VALVE MAY ALLOW WATER TO ENTER INTO THE FUEL TANK. CUSTOMER SATISFACTION NOTIFICATION F19. *TT
2100606
Mar 2006
Power TrainTRANSMISSION JUMPS OUT OF REVERSE. *TT
15
Mar 2006
Electrical SystemREPROGRAM WIRELESS CONTROL MODULE. *AK
41
Feb 2006
Structure2006 RAM TRUCK CROSSMEMBER MODIFICATION. *AK
2402104
Dec 2005
VisibilityMEGA CAB - LACK OF AIR FLOW FROM REAR SEAT HEAT DUCT. *TT
16
Oct 2005
Power TrainCUSTOMER SATISFACTION NOTIFICATION E16 - TRANSMISSION COOLER RETURN FILTER. DELAYED ENGAGEMENT WHEN THE SHIFTER IS PLACED INTO GEAR AFTER THE ENGINE HAS BEEN OFF FOR MORE THAN 12 HOURS. *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. Sit in it with the engine off and test everything that has a switch.Windows, locks, lights, the cluster, the radio. Electrical faults are this vehicle's story and the hardest to see on a drive: an intermittent no-start waits for the second week of ownership. Ask for the battery's age and whether any control module has been replaced.
  3. Do a full walk-around with every light on.Condensation inside a lens, a dim side, or a flickering tail light match this vehicle's lighting cluster.
  4. Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 8 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 3500 →