- The problem
- 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 geographic locations associated with high absolute humidity. Specifically, vehicles sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, Texas, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Saipan, Guam, and American Samoa are addressed by this recall. Upon deployment of the passenger side frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
- The risk
- In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passengers frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
- The 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, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, owners were notified and the recall began on December 5, 2014. For all other vehicles, Chrysler notified owners and the recall began on February 3, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is P40 Expanded. Note: This recall has been superseded by recall 16V-352. This recall superseded the passenger air bag portion of recall 14V-354.
Vehicle safety record
2004 Dodge Ram 2500 Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 582 complaints about the 2004 Dodge Ram 2500 with NHTSA, most often about the steering (140) and the transmission & drivetrain (110). Those complaints describe 49 crashes, 7 fires, 14 injuries and 4 deaths. It is covered by 9 recalls, the latest in December 2014 for the air bags. For comparison, the 2003 has 661 and the 2005 has 422.
NHTSA data checked
FFar more problems than a typical Ram 2500 year, for its age
#21 most complained-about 2004 vehicle
- Complaints
- 582
- Recalls
- 9
- Crashes
- 49
- Fires
- 7
- Injuries
- 14
- Deaths
- 4
Most common 2004 Dodge Ram 2500 problems
Share of all 582 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
2004 Dodge Ram 2500 recalls 9
Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do
- The problem
- 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 February 13, 2008. The left tie rod assembly may break.
- The risk
- A failure of the tie rod assembly may result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
- The 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.
- The problem
- 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 model year 2008 dodge ram 1500 mega cab 4x4, manufactured from february 14, 2008, through august 15, 2008, because the left tie rod ball stud may fracture. This condition tends to occur during low speed parking lot type maneuvers when the customer is making a tight turn. Additionally, model year 2003-2008 dodge ram 2500/3500 vehicles may have received the affected tie rod assembly as a replacement part during normal service.
- The risk
- This condition could result in the potential loss of directional stability in the left hand front wheel, increasing the risk of a crash.
- The 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 charge. The safety recall began on october 3, 2011. Owners may contact chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
- The problem
- Fabtech is recalling certain aftermarket replacement pitman arms, p/nos. Fts93001 and ft44039, installed for use on certain 2003 through 2008 dodge 2500 4wd, 3500 4wd, and 1500 4wd mega cab vehicles. The pitman arm can fracture and break away from the steering box causing total loss of steering control.
- The risk
- Steering loss could result in a vehicle crash possibly resulting in property damage, injury or death.
- The fix
- Fabtech will notify owners and authorized installers will inspect for defective pitman arm and replace if necessary free of charge. The safety recall began on may 24, 2010. Owners may contact fabtech at 1-877-432-2832.
- The problem
- Certain curved tempered replacement glass manufactured by hangzhou safety glass ltd and supplied to safelite by auto temp inc., Identified as dot-430, and sold for use on certain domestic and foreign vehicles may not break into small pieces as expected of tempered glass and fails to conform to federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 205, "Glazing materials."
- The risk
- In the event of a vehicle crash, the occupant(s) may be seriously injured by shattered glass.
- The fix
- Safelite will notify its retail customers and replace the glass free of charge. Retail customers can contact safelite toll free at 1-888-843-2906. Safelite will notify its wholesale customers and reimburse wholesale customers for current inventory and at a specified rate for replacing their customer's glass. Wholesale customers can contact safelite's wholesale division, service autoglass toll free at 1-888-246-6298. The recall began on january 15, 2008.
- The problem
- Certain lki enterprises, inc., Brand name superlift suspension, pitman arms sold as replacement equipment for 2003-2007 dodge ram 2500 and 3500 4x4 light trucks. Due to inadequate heat treatment during production, the affected pitman arms may develop cracks in the upper splined attachment attachment to the steering output shaft. Movement between the pitman arm and the output shaft may deform splines, resulting in premature wear and fatigue failure of the affected pitman arm.
- The risk
- Pitman arm wear or failure may lead to loss of vehicle control, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.
- The fix
- Lki will notify owners and replace the pitman arm, if necessary. The recall began on march 12, 2007. Owners may contact lki at 1-800-551-4955.
- The problem
- On 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 automatic transmission shift control in indicated reverse.
- The risk
- This error is an unintended action that may result in a lack of transmission park pawl engagement and possibly delayed rearward movement of the vehicle.
- The fix
- Dealers will perform a software modification to equip these vehicles with an out-of-park alarm. Owners may contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
- The problem
- 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 vehicles other than passenger cars.'
- The risk
- 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 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 may 5, 2004. Owners should contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- 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 cause an underbody fire.
- The 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.
What owners say
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582 complaints about the 2004 Dodge Ram 2500
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 24.
The contact owns a 2004 Dodge Ram 2500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V352000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact was unable to renew the registration with the unrepaired recall. The manufacturer was contacted by phone. The contact was informed that parts were unavailable. The contact had not experienced a failure.
In the past 6 months my steering and suspension components failed causing me to wreck and also somehow my engine bay deteriorated in turn having started a fire
The contact owns a 2004 Dodge Ram. The contact received notification of NTHSA Campaign Number: 16V352000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experience a failure.
The contact owns a 2004 Dodge Ram. The contact was informed that the vehicle had four notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 13V528000 (STEERING), 16V352000 (AIR BAGS), 15V313000 (AIR BAGS) and 09E001000 (STEERING). However, the parts to do the recall repairs for both air bags are not available. Two local dealers were contacted and confirmed that the recall parts were on back order and it was unknown how long it would take for them to be delivered. The recall part for the passenger side was the part that is on...
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national back order. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
The contact owns a 2004 Dodge Ram 2500. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 13V528000 (Steering) and 16V352000 (Air Bags) however, the parts to do the recall repairs were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
My vehicle had wat is known as the 3rd gen steering assembly. Which is known and reported by multiple consumers to cause wat everyone calls a death wobble " Death wobble happens in Jeeps, 4x4s, and trucks when rapidly rotating steering wheel components cause your steering wheel to move rapidly from side to side. This causes your vehicle to feel like it's about to fall apart and you want to hold onto the steering wheel for dear life." Which cause me to nearly crash multiple times and the only way to get it to stop...
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is to slow to speeds below 30. So I did research on how to correct this problem I found the only true fix would be to redo the whole assembly with the 4th gen assembly. Now that my issue is fixed I'm now worried about other drivers of the same vehicles safety. And wonder why no recall was made even though the dealer know of the issue thus coming up with the 4th gen assembly.
When driving over some overpasses on highways the "bump" causes the whole front end to shake and makes steering very hard to maintain. I have heard this called "the Dodge death wobble" and has been reported by many other Dodge Ram owners. I have had all of the ball joints and tie rod replaced. This is a highly disturbing occurrence when traveling at a speed of 65-70 mpr on a highway. This has happened to me more than once and is a very scary feeling, thinking my front tires are coming off. Is there a recall to correct this?
dodge death wobble. this death wobble started prior to my 100000mile warranty expired, but by the time i drove the truck home, it was over the milage. After a lot of bs and a fee, Dodge "fixed" my problem. ( for a while) They have refused to re-repair their bad design since. .I've spent many hours and money temporarily repairing their front end design. If i hit a bump in the road while exceeding 55 mph the truck violently shakes and i cannot control the direction. I went off the freeway in Salt Lake this last weekend after putting new tie rods (again) on the front end. You know what this is ! Dodge has never remedied this situation. !
While the NHTSA is looking at the later Dodge diesel pickups, the 5.9 engines commonly fail at low mileage (mine was at 100,000 miles) by the intank pump failing. Mine shut off at 45mph in traffic on State 33 in Idaho without warning.. My truck was towed to repair facility and waited 4 weeks for a substitute pump to be installed. The Turbo Diesel Register magazine commonly has articles of the hundreds of Doidge Ram owners who have been stranded and sometimes lives endangered by the pump failure. Dealers are aware...
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of the problem, give a wink and a nod and as the part is not available, I paid nearly $1400 for a r & r fuel tank, labor, and a FASS brand pump/filter to get back on the road. This happened in August 2020 and didn't run till Sept 2020. Work order available. Truck has had 3,000 mile service it's existance, at Dodge 5 Star Dealer
The frame on my truck is rusting out from underneath of its self, which is leading to crack in spots. The date provided below is an about date. I took my truck in for tire work and asked the guys if he could look over my truck to see if there is something that I might have missed, I do it quarterly. They told me that my frame was cracked and rotting out from underneath of its self. I can't find anyone that will fix it,
Vehicle was inspected on 3/2/2020. At the bottom of inspection statement was a recall advisory notice. I submitted info. On website, but I've received no response. Today the airbag light has come on the dash and it remains on. What do you want me to do at no charge to me. Is this a recall??
While driving at night both headlights went out. Replaced bulbs headlights would not come back on. Was told that the front control module was bad. Replaced front control module with a new one. 13 Months later now the horn will stop working a couple times a week a mouth very intermittent. Turn signals are intermittent also. Engine will not start all the time just cranks tell you cycle the key. Was told this is all related to another front control module going bad. New module is not under warranty anymore. I fill this is a safety issue . I have heard lots of complaints from other dodge ram owners about the same issues
This the the second attempt by me to report this problem. It is knwn as the dodge death wobble and this is a dangerous problem not only for the driver of the vehicle as well as anyone else on the highway when this occurs.Https://www.Youtube.Com/watch?V=wa8fjfmh1pa this the second dodge 200 that I have experienced this with. The vehicle totally loses control and you have to get off the road to stop it. There are countless videos on youtube of it.
The ball joints were replaced when I purchased the truck, the complete front tie rods as a kit were replaced this week now to get a wheel alignment I have to replace the lower intermediate shaft on the steering column? I went to dodge and was told the steering shaft is available but would not work as I needed to replace the upper as well as it is no longer available that dodge upgraded the item? The total cost would be $600+ for both? If the steering components for driving have been upgraded and the original is no...
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longer made available why is this not a recall? If the u-joint fails the truck is going to be unsteer able? Why was an upgrade done and no one informed? Why does the cost go to me when I should be able to buy the oem section that was made in 2004? It is discontinued every where on line for purchase. There fore there is a defect or issue that has been identified and not shared with the public!
At highway speeds of 70mph after hitting the slightest of bumps or bridge joints the front end of the truck would violently shake so bad that I couldn't control it and sent the truck sideways almost flipping it and hitting a tractor trailer but thank god I didnt. My wife and kids were driving it and at 60 hit a bump and she also almost wrecked it with our kids in the truck! Its been in the shop and at this point im paying someone else to own it. Im a ford guy and stepped out to try something different and am now wasting my hard earned money and im pissed. I want my f250 back.
Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2004 dodge ram 2500. The contact stated that lithia chrysler jeep dodge ram of corpus christi (4313 staples st, corpus christi, tx 78411) failed to repair the vehicle effectively per nhtsa campaign number: 16v352000 (air bags). The air bag failure impacted the dashboard. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer for a dashboard replacement. The contact received another notification for the same recall, but the dealer failed to comply. The vehicle was taken more than 100 miles...
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away to an unknown dealer in allen, tx who had not scheduled the recall repair within a reasonable timeframe and indicated that the dashboard may need to be taken apart. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified. The failure mileage was not available. Parts distribution disconnect.
I hit a bump going down the road at 65 mph the whole front end started shaking so bad I couldn't see the road I finally got it to stop when I got slowed down to 40 mph I have been replacing front end parts but no luck what is going on
DEATH WOBBLE AT HIGHWAY SPEED.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 dodge ram 2500. The contact stated that the air bag warning indicator illuminated. The contact received a notification for an unknown recall regarding the air bags. The contact did not have the nhtsa campaign number available. Woodhouse chrysler dodge jeep ram fiat (2101 6th st, sioux city, ia 51101, (712) 277-3221) performed the recall repair, but the failure recurred. The contact stated that the dealer wanted to charge him to have the vehicle repaired again. The manufacturer had not been contacted. The failure mileage was 230,000. *Tt*jb
My truck is only used for towing a fifth wheel, thus the low mileage. On a trip, the truck stalled with no warning on the freeway, lost power, power brakes and power steering in the 2nd from right lane. I was barely able to pull it over and stop, in an unsafe area. 4 Hrs later a tow for truck and 5th wheel was arranged. The tacoma dodge dealer replaced the lift fuel pump with an in tank lift fuel pump. Apparently the block mounted pump "always fails around 70k miles", which is what my truck has logged. The heat...
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kills the pump. I paid $2106.47 For the repair. The new pump failed in less than 6 months or 2k miles. The everett dwayne lane dealer has the truck now for two weeks, and cannot get the warranted pump replaced for another 2 weeks due to back order from mopar. I believe the pump to be a defect causing extreme safety hazard, as no warning loss of power steering and brakes are affected. Seniors often drive rv's, many would not be able physically to handle the rig with this failure. Eventually a death will occur, and probably many already have that I am unware of. Recall should be immediate. Sincerely, [[redacted]] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.S.C. 552(B)(6). *Cw *tr
Steel brake line behind gas tank which connect to rubber hose line completely rusted out almost get killed by slamming onto a tree to stop
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 dodge ram 2500. The contact stated that the front driver's side door would not unlock for the driver to enter the vehicle. The electronic remote lock was not functioning. The contact attempted to manually open the door with the key, but the key failed to turn and unlock the door. In order to enter the vehicle, the driver had to enter through the rear door and climb over to reach the front driver's seat. The dealer and manufacturer had not been contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vin was not available. The failure mileage was 160,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 dodge ram 2500. While driving approximately 10 mph, the power steering gear box side bolt sheared in half. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and repaired. The mechanic informed the contact of a possible recall, but the contact did not have the recall information available. The contact called lithia chrysler jeep dodge of grants pass (1421 ne 6th st, grants pass, or 97526) and was informed that the vin was not included in a recall for the failure. The manufacturer had not been contacted. The failure mileage was 152,073.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 dodge ram 2500. While attempting to hold onto the roof handle, the handle detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer and manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 230,000.
Truck dies while driving and makes it extremely hard to steer ! Seems to be some sort of fuel problem ! This has been ongoing for several years and I don't trust it to attempt to drive in traffic to a dealer for repairs ! The truck currently has approx. 87,000 Original miles on it ! Problem seem to start shortly after last dealer visit in 2008 for replacement of a/c ducting under dash ! Dealer shut down right after our president took office, as did many of the local dodge dealers ! To me, it acts as if the fuel...
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just shuts off. Hard to restart or steer - definitely a safety hazard ! While surfing the internet for like complaints, most all complaints of the same nature, say that dodge is aware of the problem and will do nothing ! I'm a 100 % service connected double amputee, and need this vehicle for transportation and travel to the va hospital 45 miles away from where I live ! I can't afford another vehicle at this time.
Dodge Ram 2500: every year compared
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 342 | 9 | F |
| 2007 | 361 | 11 | F |
| 2006 | 670 | 9 | F |
| 2005 | 422 | 9 | F |
| 2004 | 582 | 9 | F |
| 2003 | 661 | 9 | F |
| 2002 | 155 | 2 | C |
| 2001 | 0 | 2 | A |
| 2000 | 210 | 2 | C |
2004 Dodge Ram 2500 vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 Dodge Ram 2500 | 582 | 9 | F | |
| 2004 Dodge Ram 3500 | 214 | 7 | F | Compare |
| 2004 Ford F-250 | 0 | 7 | C | Compare |
| 2004 Ford F-350 | 0 | 3 | C | Compare |
| 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 | 0 | 2 | B | Compare |
| 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 | 0 | 1 | A | Compare |
| 2004 GMC Sierra 2500 | 0 | 4 | C | Compare |
| 2004 Dodge Ram | 1,157 | 7 | F | Compare |
| 2004 Dodge Durango | 1,115 | 9 | F | Compare |
More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.
Questions about the 2004 Dodge Ram 2500
Does the 2004 Dodge Ram 2500 have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 9 recalls for the 2004 Dodge Ram 2500: air bags (December 2014); tie rod assembly (November 2013); tie rod assembly (July 2011); shaft pitman (May 2010) and more. Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.
What are the most common problems with the 2004 Dodge Ram 2500?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the steering (140), transmission & drivetrain (110), suspension (106).
How many complaints has the 2004 Dodge Ram 2500 had?
582 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on January 16, 2004 and the latest on September 11, 2026. Of these, 49 describe a crash and 7 a fire, and together they report 14 injuries and 4 deaths.
Is the 2004 Dodge Ram 2500 a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 12 out of 100 (grade F: far more problems than a typical Dodge Ram 2500 year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.
Which Dodge Ram 2500 years have the most complaints?
2006 (670), 2003 (661), 2004 (582). See every Dodge Ram 2500 year compared.
What should I do if my 2004 Dodge Ram 2500 has a problem?
If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data