- The problem
- 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 3500, 2007-2010 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2008-2010 RAM 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis, 2004-2009 Dodge Durango, 2007-2009 Chrysler Aspen, 2007-2012 Jeep Wrangler, 2008-2012 Dodge Challenger, 2005-2008 Dodge Magnum, 2005-2012 Chrysler 300, 2006-2012 Dodge Charger, 2005-2011 Dodge Dakota, and 2006-2009 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in AL, CA, FL, GA, HI, LA, MS, SC, TX, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, Chrysler is also recalling 2004-2008 RAM 1500, 2005-2009 RAM 2500, 2006-2009 RAM 3500, 2007-2009 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2008-2009 RAM 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis, 2004-2009 Dodge Durango, 2007-2009 Chrysler Aspen, 2007-2009 Jeep Wrangler, 2008-2009 Dodge Challenger, 2005-2008 Dodge Magnum, 2005-2009 Chrysler 300, 2006-2009 Dodge Charger, 2005-2009 Dodge Dakota and 2006-2009 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in AZ, AR, DE, Washington D.C., IL, IN, KS, KY, MD, MO, NE, NV, NJ, NM, NC, OH, OK, PA, TN, VA, and WV, or "Zone B." Lastly, unless included in "Zone A" or "Zone B" above, Chrysler is recalling certain 2005-2008 RAM 2500, 2006-2008 RAM 3500, 2007-2008 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2008 RAM 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis, 2004-2008 Dodge Durango, 2007-2008 Chrysler Aspen, 2007-2008 Jeep Wrangler, 2008 Dodge Challenger, 2005-2008 Dodge Magnum, 2005-2008 Chrysler 300, 2006-2008 Dodge Charger, 2005-2008 Dodge Dakota, and 2006-2008 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles originally sold, or registered, in AK, CO, CT, ID, IA, ME, MA, MI, MN, MT, NH, NY, ND, OR, RI, SD, UT, VT, WA, WI, and WY.
- The risk
- 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 rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling. An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- The 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. Dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on March 27, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S43. Note: This recall supersedes recall 14V-7700.
Vehicle safety record
2005 Dodge Ram 2500 Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 422 complaints about the 2005 Dodge Ram 2500 with NHTSA, most often about the steering (153) and the suspension (77). Those complaints describe 44 crashes, 8 fires, 26 injuries and 1 death. It is covered by 9 recalls, the latest in May 2016 for the inflator module. For comparison, the 2004 has 582 and the 2006 has 670.
NHTSA data checked
FFar more problems than a typical Ram 2500 year, for its age
#39 most complained-about 2005 vehicle
- Complaints
- 422
- Recalls
- 9
- Crashes
- 44
- Fires
- 8
- Injuries
- 26
- Deaths
- 1
Most common 2005 Dodge Ram 2500 problems
Share of all 422 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
2005 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 (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, 2006-2010 Dodge Charger, 2005-2008 Magnum, 2005-2011 Dodge Dakota, and 2006-2009 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with a dual-stage driver frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture.
- The risk
- 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 death.
- The 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. Dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began for Chrylser on June 8, 2015. The recall for Mitsubishi started on June 24, 2015. Chrysler and Dodge owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Mitsubishi owners may call 1-888-648-7820. Chrysler's number for this recall is R25. Note: This recall supersedes recall 14V817 in its entirety. Vehicles that have had their driver side frontal air bag replaced previously need to have their air bag replaced under this recall as well.
- 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.
- 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.
What owners say
Problems or none - your experience is exactly what the next buyer is looking for. Write it now
422 complaints about the 2005 Dodge Ram 2500
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 17.
The dealer has told me for years that the air bad can not be found...there out of stock
The contact owns a 2005 Dodge Ram 2500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel wobbled, and the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the contact was informed that parts were not available to repair the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle remained with the dealer for 45 days; however, the vehicle was not repaired. An alternate dealer was contacted. The contact was informed that the parts were ordered to repair the vehicle...
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and would be notified when the parts were delivered. The dealer had not notified the contact if the parts were delivered. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 13V528000 (Steering), 16V352000 (Air Bags), and 15V313000 (Air Bags); however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was advised to contact other local dealers for possible assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 88,000.
White paint job from the factory has totaly failed down to the bare metal in some places and has cracks all over the truck. I understand that their was a formula change in the paint for a couple years. My truck is one of them . The paint job is totaly failed. This a factory defect. Can you help me with this issue. This was my first new truck ever and have cared for it to the best ability. The cost of a paint job is scary. Thanks
Steering went out and truck rolled. Verified per mechanic failure on recalled part/s
The contact owns a 2005 Dodge Ram 2500. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving approximately 70 MPH, the vehicle drove over a bump in the roadway and the steering wheel started to shake violently. Additionally, the contact stated that while the brake pedal was depressed, the vehicle started to shake violently. The contact decelerated to slower speeds to stop the vehicle from shaking. No warning lights was illuminated. As a result, the contact stated that the last failure caused the vehicle to...
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shake off the roadway. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to safety. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 138,000.
Steering is not as good as it should be. Has 83,000 miles and steering seems very loose, seems to wander from left to right, and hard to control, on Highway or city streets.
The contact owns a Britax car seat, Model Name: Advocate ClickTight, Manufacture Date: August 26, 2016, installed in a 2005 Dodge Ram 2500. The contact stated that a crack on the right side of the headrest had formed without incident. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The car seat had yet to be repaired or replaced. The purchase date of was August 2017.
The contact owns a 2005 Dodge Ram 2500. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the gear shifter was shifted to the selected gear, but the vehicle would not move. Additionally, the vehicle made an abnormal sound. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000.
The room fcm power distribution module corrodes and causes electrical problems. Headlights can go out while driving, taillights, break lights etc. There is many complaints on the web about this issue and dodge has not fixed the problem. I was driving at night and my headlights went completely out. Luckily I was able to avoid any accident and come to a controlled stop. If I had been on a curve I would have lost sight of the road. This is a well known issue among dodge trucks. This is a safety recall as it can cause an accident and death.
Engines needing cam shafts lifters timing chains they over heat electric fans not working batteries explode transmissions stop shifting bad valve bodies bad electrical parts these trucks are driven around one location at 35 mph or less 24-7 and parked for long times at idle. No city or hwy driving 4 different trucks at dealerships since 9/16/2020 still not repaired
The heater in the truck will not throw out heat in vents on top of dash and only put heat out on drivers side in other vents for floor or panel. So there is no heat coming out of defroster vents. Will not defrost front windshield. Cannot see out of windshield cannot safely drive vehicle. This is a wide spread problem with these trucks.
The truck with attached trailer was parked on an inclined driveway. The truck was placed in park and the key was removed from the ignition. I proceeded to load a compact tractor approximately 2500 lbs. The truck started to roll down the hill and crashed thru a fence doing extensive damage to the truck. I did not try to start the truck and waited for mechanic to assess any mechanical damage. The mechanic came to my place and when he got in the truck the transmission indicated that it was still in park. Dodge...
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told me that there was no recall on this type vehicle with the transmission not holding. The representative told me that there had been similar problems with gas powered engines but not the diesel. I would like to know if this can be evaluated for recall. No one got hurt in this instance but caused extensive damage to the truck mechanically and cosmetically.
Truck experiences the "death wobble". It has had the front end redone twice, still has the problem. When I'm driving above 50mph, and hit a bump, sometimes the front end and steering wheel begin to violently shake and wobble. When it occurs, it is extremely dangerous, and very difficult to stop. It happened 4 times on a single trip.
Brake pedal moves side to side when applying the brake. The vehicle has power adjustable brake and accelerator pedals. First noticed slight movement while driving and is now about half to three quarters of an inch play. *Tr
Truck burst into flames just sitting in the driveway. Truck had been parked and not started in 5 days.
Dash is cracking in multiple area. Seems to be getting progressively worse. Defrost vents are falling apart and becoming lodged in the vents. Worried about these pieces breaking and becoming sharps projectiles in the evening of a collision. Not safe.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 dodge ram 2500. While driving at a normal rate of speed, various fuel injectors burned the pistons without warning and damaged the motor. The contact took the vehicle to ken garff west valley chrysler jeep dodge ram fiat (4175 w 3500 s, west valley city, ut 84120) and doug smith chrysler dodge jeep ram (523 w main st, american fork, ut 84003) where the injectors and engine were replaced on various occasions under warranty. The failure recurred and the entire engine blew up. The contact...
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took the vehicle to an independent mechanic and paid $15,000 to have the motor replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to nhtsa. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 60,000.
SWAY AND BODY ROLL
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 dodge ram 2500. While driving 60 mph over a bump in the road, the vehicle violently vibrated. The failures ceased once the vehicle was stopped. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic for diagnostic testing or repairs. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the failure occurred because the vehicle drove over a pothole. The failure mileage was 250,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 dodge ram 2500. While driving 65 mph, the vehicle began to vibrate uncontrollably. The contact exited the highway and the vehicle began to resume normal operation. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The contact drove to an independent mechanic and was informed that the upper and lower bushing kits needed to be replaced. The contact was also informed that the tie rod needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer and dealer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Tl* the contact owned a 2005 dodge ram 2500. While exiting the freeway at 65 mph, the contact attempted to make a left turn and the vehicle shook violently. The contact veered the vehicle to the shoulder of the road where it came to a complete stop. The vehicle resumed normal operation and was taken to orange coast chrysler jeep dodge ram fiat (2929 harbor blvd, costa mesa, ca 92626, (714) 549-8023) where it was diagnosed that the front end linkages needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 195,000.
Spare tire carrier. The cable that hoist the spare tire under the bed of the truck broke at the end of the cable causing the tire to fall to the ground. This happened while I was driving at 55 mph while towing a fifth wheel camper. The camper ran over the tire causing damage to my fifth wheel. Both axles are now bent on the camper, bent a rim, destroyed a tire, tore a jack stabilizer off of the camper. The tire just missed my wife who was driving behind me. We were traveling on a paved road. Thank god that...
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nobody was injured or killed from this free rolling tire. I called dodge about the problem, at first I was told that it was a maintenance problem, I informed them that the owners manual does not mention anything about maintenance for the spare tire carrier. I was then told that the vehicle was too old. This is a 2005 model that I bought brand new, I am the only owner of the vehicle. The truck is in almost perfect shape. I have only used the spare tire once, that was about 7 years ago. This is also the only time that the tire has been lowered.
Takara inflators april 28th 2019 we took our truck to the dodge dealership to have the recalls fixed as they requested. Mainly the airbags and they did a 28 point inspection. July 1st 2019 someone pulled out in front of my husband and they were involved in a bad accident. The airbags never went off. My husband hit the steering wheel so hard there's a bruise and mark on his chest and the shape of the steering wheel. It also messed up the steering column and the gear selector. The truck is totaled the frame is bent...
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the suspensions ripped off but we can't figure out why the airbags didn't go off. Insurance is being a pain. Dodge said they'd send out an investigator so far no one showed up. Something should be done about this.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 dodge ram 2500. When the contact purchased the vehicle, he noticed a piece of the body filler fall out from under the front driver's door. He also noticed that eight inches from the frame was corroded through. The contact called gibson auto & rv sales at (864) 467-9080 (located at 3103 n pleasantburg dr, greenville, nc 29609), which was where the vehicle was purchased. The contact was informed that they would send a check for the repair of the frame. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer and was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 210,130.
TAKAMA RECALL DEATH WOBBLE IN MOTION
Dodge Ram 2500: every year compared
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | 223 | 5 | C |
| 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 |
2005 Dodge Ram 2500 vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 Dodge Ram 2500 | 422 | 9 | F | |
| 2005 Dodge Ram 3500 | 196 | 7 | F | Compare |
| 2005 Ford F-250 | 0 | 1 | A | Compare |
| 2005 Ford F-350 | 0 | 3 | C | Compare |
| 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 | 0 | 1 | A | Compare |
| 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 | 0 | 1 | A | Compare |
| 2005 GMC Sierra 2500 | 0 | 4 | C | Compare |
| 2005 Dodge Durango | 1,567 | 9 | F | Compare |
| 2005 Dodge Ram 1500 | 1,214 | 7 | 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 2005 Dodge Ram 2500
Does the 2005 Dodge Ram 2500 have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 9 recalls for the 2005 Dodge Ram 2500: inflator module (May 2016); inflator module (May 2015); air bags (December 2014); tie rod assembly (November 2013) 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 2005 Dodge Ram 2500?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the steering (153), suspension (77), airbags (76).
How many complaints has the 2005 Dodge Ram 2500 had?
422 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on April 12, 2005 and the latest on June 23, 2026. Of these, 44 describe a crash and 8 a fire, and together they report 26 injuries and 1 death.
Is the 2005 Dodge Ram 2500 a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 16 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 2005 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