- The problem
- Sabersport is recalling 16,270 combination corner and bumper lamp assemblies of various part numbers sold for use as aftermarket equipment for various passenger vehicles. These headlamps fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "Lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." These lamps do not contain the required amber side reflectors.
- The risk
- Decreased lighting visibility may result in a vehicle crash.
- The fix
- Sabersport will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. The safety recall began on may 11, 2009. Owners may contact sabersport at 1-909-598-7589.
Vehicle safety record
2004 Dodge Ram Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 1,157 complaints about the 2004 Dodge Ram with NHTSA, most often about the airbags (373) and the engine & cooling (196). Those complaints describe 93 crashes, 29 fires, 103 injuries and 3 deaths. It is covered by 7 recalls, the latest in April 2009 for the exterior lighting. For comparison, the 2003 has 1,359 and the 2005 has 0.
NHTSA data checked
FFar more problems than a typical Ram year, for its age
#8 most complained-about 2004 vehicle
- Complaints
- 1,157
- Recalls
- 7
- Crashes
- 93
- Fires
- 29
- Injuries
- 103
- Deaths
- 3
Most common 2004 Dodge Ram problems
Share of all 1,157 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
2004 Dodge Ram recalls 7
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 is recalling 1,364 windshield wiper modules, p/n 55077098aj, sold during the 2008 and 2009 calendar year for use as aftermarket replacement equipment on my 2002-2009 dodge ram pickup trucks. These wiper module assemblies may be susceptible to water intrusion that could result in partial or complete loss of windshield wiper capability.
- The risk
- When the wiper system fails, the operator will have reduced visibility which could result in a crash.
- The fix
- Dealers will replace the wiper module assemblies with vented wiper motor housings free of charge. The safety recall began on august 28, 2009. Owners may contact chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
- The problem
- Chrysler is recalling 18,000 aftermarket steering linkages used for service on some my 2003 through 2008 dodge ram heavy duty pickup trucks. The subject linkages may experience drag link inner tie rod to pitman arm ball stud fracture, also, the steering linkage damper attaching bracket may yeild and shift on the linkage. The part numbers of the affected assemblies is 52122362aa through 52122362ad.
- The risk
- This could result in a loss of steering control and the restricted ability to turn the vehicle in one direction increasing the risk of a crash without warning.
- The fix
- Dealers will replace the steering linkage drag link inner tie rod end assembly, and inspect the steering linkage damper bracket free of charge. The recall began on june 6, 2009. Owners may contact chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
- The problem
- Certain cequent 90 degree 7-way right angle adaptors sold by distributors in tow packages for aftermarket sales to tow 5th wheel rv travel trailers. Due to incorrect wiring of the harness, the trailer lights may not operate properly.
- The risk
- If the trailer lights are not working properly, a vehicle crash can occur.
- The fix
- All of the defective tow packages are still at the distributor level and have not been sold to any consumers.
- The problem
- Certain ck motorsports combination headlights, clear corner, bumper, and side marker lights sold as replacement lamps for use on the passenger vehicles listed above. Some combination lamps that are not equipped with amber side reflectors fail to conform to federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, Lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment.
- The risk
- Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash without warning.
- The fix
- Ck motorsport will notify owners and replace the noncompliant lamps free of charge. The recall began on july 1, 2006. Owners may contact ck motorsport at 1-909-610-7211.
- The problem
- Certain anzo combination headlamp assemblies sold as replacement lamps for use on certain passenger vehicles. Some combination lamps are not equipped with amber side reflectors which fail to conform to federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "Lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment."
- The risk
- Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.
- The fix
- Anzo will notify owners and replace the headlamps free of charge. The recall began may 9, 2006. Owners may contact anzo usa at 909-468-3688.
- The problem
- On certain pick-up trucks equipped with 4.7L engines, the generator wiring harness may short circuit due to contact with a valve cover stud.
- The risk
- A short circuit in the generator harness can cause an under hood fire.
- The fix
- Dealers will inspect the alternator wiring insulation for damage and repair and add a tie-strap clip to the valve cover stud to retain the wiring. This recall began on august 13, 2004. Owners should contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
What owners say
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1,157 complaints about the 2004 Dodge Ram
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 47.
The contact owns a 2004 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V352000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available, even though the recall stated that parts were 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 made aware of the issue and stated that the part for recall repair was not available, nor was there a service center to perform the recall repair.
The contact owns a 2004 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V313000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available and were on backorder. 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.
TAKATA RECALL PARTS DELAY - MANUFACTURER REPAIR FAILURE.I am filing this complaint because Chrysler/FCA and its authorized dealer network have failed to provide the necessary remedy parts for an active, critical safety recall within a reasonable timeframe.My 2004 Ram 1500 is subject to the urgent Takata airbag recall. I contacted the manufacturer's official recall helpline and multiple local authorized dealerships to schedule the repair. I was formally informed by all parties that they are experiencing severe...
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supply issues sourcing the required replacement parts.The last communication I received from the manufacturer regarding this issue was on July 1st, 2026. Since that date, there has been a total lack of communication, updates, or a timeline for when these safety-critical parts will become available.Because of this parts shortage, I was forced to park my truck completely idle for over two consecutive months, as the vehicle could not pass its required state safety and emissions inspection without the recall being resolved. This supply chain failure has completely stripped me of the use of my vehicle, creating a severe logistical hardship while leaving an unaddressed, potentially lethal explosive airbag inflator in my vehicle. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate FCA/Chrysler's compliance with their legal obligation to supply safety recall remedy parts in a timely manner.
The contact owns a 2004 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that the vehicle failed an inspection because the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 16V352000 (Air Bags) and 15V313000 (Air Bags); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. Four dealers were contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The manufacturer was notified of the issue, but no assistance was provided. The contact had not experienced a failure.
Vehicle: 2004 Dodge Ram 1500 I was the driver and sole occupant of my 2004 Dodge Ram 1500 and was wearing my seat belt. I was traveling westbound on [[redacted]], shortly after passing [[redacted]], when I was involved in a three-vehicle collision. The first vehicle stopped abruptly, resulting in the collision. I was traveling approximately 50-55 mph before the collision, and my truck sustained a significant frontal impact. Despite the frontal impact, the driver's frontal airbag did not deploy. There were no...
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passengers in the vehicle. The component/system of concern is the driver's frontal airbag and Supplemental Restraint System (SRS). Prior to the collision, I was not aware of any airbag warning lights, warning messages, or other symptoms indicating that the system was malfunctioning. The exact reason for the airbag non-deployment is currently UNKNOWN. The vehicle has not yet been inspected or altered to determine the cause. The truck is currently secured at my residence in its post-collision condition. It has not been repaired, dismantled, modified, salvaged, or otherwise disturbed since the collision and is available for inspection upon request. I am reporting this incident because the driver's frontal airbag failed to deploy during a significant frontal collision. I am requesting that the airbag non-deployment be documented and investigated to determine whether a defect or malfunction in the airbag/SRS system contributed to the failure to deploy. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
I am the owner of a Dodge Ram truck that is currently under an active and urgent Stellantis "Stop-Drive" safety warning due to the defective Takata airbag inflator recall. I am writing to file an official complaint regarding the manufacturer's failure to provide a remedy within a reasonable timeframe, as required by federal law.I contacted an authorized dealership to schedule the recall repair. I was initially told the wait for the replacement part would be two weeks. It has now been over three months, and the...
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dealership still has not received or provided the necessary repair parts.Because of the official "Stop-Drive" order issued by the manufacturer, I cannot legally, safely, or responsibly drive my vehicle. However, I am still forced to pay ongoing auto insurance premiums for a truck that has been rendered completely unusable for a quarter of a year due to this parts shortage. The manufacturer is failing its statutory obligation to remedy this critical safety defect in a timely manner, and they have not proactively provided me with alternative transportation or a mobile repair solution to resolve this dangerous situation.
See attached document for complaint.
The contact owns a 2004 Dodge Ram. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Numbers 16V352000 (Air Bags) and 15V313000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted; however the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. 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. The contact stated that the recall notification letter for NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V352000 (Air Bags). The contact was unable to register the vehicle at the DMV. The local dealer was contacted, who informed him the part was backordered. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The contact had not experienced a failure.
Takata Recall. The contact owns a 2004 Ram 1500. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 16V352000 (Air Bags) and 15V313000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact was concerned about his safety because of the "Do Not Drive Warning," and the vehicle was unable to pass state vehicle inspection due to unrepaired recalls. The dealer and a second...
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dealer, Royal Chrysler Motors, Inc. (3961 Waverly Rd, Owego, NY 13827), were made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
The contact owns a 2004 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced transmission failure, and the brake lines were rusted. The contact was trapped in the desert for hours with his dog. The contact stated that two independent mechanics had determined that the idler pulley needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that six injectors and the ECM needed to be rebuilt. While driving, the vehicle went into the...
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death wobble, and several linkages were damaged. Additionally, the front seat belts were inoperable with the seat belt warning light illuminated. The vehicle became inoperable. The vehicle was repaired under warranty previously, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was contacted, but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 228,510.
The contact owns a 2004 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V352000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact was informed that parts were on back order for the recall repair. 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.
Louisville Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram. 5311 Dixie Hwy, Louisville, KY 40216. I took my truck into this dealership to have the airbags replaced due to a recall and to have a keyless entry remote programmed. The service tech told me it was going to take a day or two to get the airbags replaced and warned me about possibly breaking my dashboard (without replacement or reimbursement) due to the known cracking dashboards on this truck. I told them to be careful (as the dashboard was in pristine condition) and go ahead with...
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the programming and airbag recall. This was my only ride as I live an hour away, and they did not have a courtesy car for me to use, so they ended up calling an Uber to get me home. A few hours later, I got a text from the service tech saying everything was done and I could come pick up the truck. I asked if everything was done, remote programmed and airbags replaced. They said no...The next day I tried to text the tech to get a ride back to the dealership but no one responded. I called the dealership multiple times and finally got ahold of a person who had no clue what was going on. They then told me that the tech went on vacation and reassigned my truck to another tech. They couldn't get an Uber back to the dealership, so I ended up driving there with my wife. They gave me a report of the inspection that they did on the truck and it said that the battery terminals were OK even though it has a sheetrock screw holding it in place. On arrival, the truck looked like it wasn't touched. Cover screws still had dust on them and the driver airbag cover was the same. I called them out on it and they reassured me that it was indeed replaced and the driver airbag cover was reused. Many months later I got a Carfax report from this dealership and I looked at it to find out that I still have a passenger airbag recall on the truck. I got a letter also saying I should stop driving the truck because of the airbag recall.
The contact owned a 2004 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that while making a right turn into oncoming traffic, the vehicle rear-ended a semi-truck in front, where it came to a stop. No warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the air bags failed to deploy during the collision. Additionally, the seat belts became inoperable and failed to restrain the contact, causing the contact to strike the windshield. The contact sustained a 2-inch cut that required 15 stitches, an eyelid injury that required 7...
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stitches, multiple bruises, and whiplash injuries, and was transported to a local emergency room for medical treatment. A police report was filed. The vehicle was destroyed. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 200,000. The VIN was not available.
Driving on freeway , lost power Cruise control automatically shut off yellow light shape of a motor came on ; on the upper left side of the dashboard, had to pull over on side of freeway. Able to restart after a little bit. Another time sitting at traffic light shuts off , same light again . Another time had to wait from 11 pm to 3 am before it started and had called a tow truck.. THE RECALL IT FALLS UNDER IS #20V475000 CRANKSHAFT SENSOR , called and filed claim defect # is11686607 . Please Reply
The contact owns a 2004 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal and stalled. In addition, the vehicle vibrated before losing power. The vehicle stalled at an intersection. The contact was stopped for hours, and the vehicle failed to restart. After six hours, the tow truck arrived, and the contact restarted the vehicle. The check engine warning light illuminated, and the yellow warning light was...
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illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact's brother, a mechanic, inspected the vehicle and informed the contact that the crankshaft position sensor had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V475000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 312,000.
I tried to get the service done Iam a one vehicle owner the dealership told me I had to pay out of pocket for the rental car with no set day of service The dealership didn't care whether I got the recall done cause of the year of the vehicle they provided no transportation solution
I was driving to work that morning traveling about 40 into the city when all of a sudden I heard a loud noise, I barely could handle the steering wheel to coast it to the side before it came to a complete hault, I look out my window and my drive shaft broke in 2 pieces was passing me on the main road. Front end was on the side shoulder, back end was out in the road. I jumped out of the truck and grabbed up both ends of my drive shafts and put in the back of my 04 dodge ram truck, then started directing traffic on...
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this busy road of morning commuters. Fluid was everywhere on the road so I'm trying to put sand from the side of the road onto the fluid that was on the road that had leaked out my truck all while directing traffic to keep from creating an accident. An law officer came ask was I alright, I answered explained what had happened and he never took a report instead replied with "Seems like you got everything handled" and got back in his car and drove off. I called for a tow service for their assistance and requested it be took to a shop. Where it now sits unrivaled. It was inspected by the mechanic and learned that the pinyin nut had came off cause my rear end to lock up which caused my drive shaft to come out and when it hit broke it smooth into 2 pieces that caused damage to my transmission case. This could have ended very badly for me that day, I'm thankful that it didn't. But now my truck is tore up do to a faulty manufacturers pinyin nut. And I need my truck fixed so I can work and support my family. This was not my doings. I love my truck very much and desperately need it back up and running
The contact owns a 2004 Dodge Ram Quad Cab. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V352000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that the parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the recall was not completed. The manufacturer was not contacted. Parts distribution disconnect.
The contact owned a 2004 Dodge Ram. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at 30 MPH, another driver in an unknown truck ran a red light and crashed into the vehicle. The air bags did not deploy. The driver sustained injuries to his thigh; medical attention was provided, but he later succumbed to his injuries. A police report was filed. There was no reported fire. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was...
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not notified of the failure. The vehicle was deemed a total loss by the insurance company. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V313000 (Air Bags). The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
Refuse a loaner car while the recall gets done
The contact owns a 2004 Dodge Ram 1500 used to haul a 2018 Keystone Passport Ultra Lite Grand Touring. The contact stated that the thermostat in the RV failed to operate as needed. The RV was taken to the dealer, where the thermostat was replaced; however, the failure recurred. The RV was taken back to the dealer, where the thermostat was replaced a second time. Additionally, the contact stated that the RV interior structure had detached in several areas, and the RV was leaking an unknown substance. The contact...
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stated that a nearby camper repair facility inspected the RV and opened the release valve, where water had accumulated underneath the RV. The RV was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown
Got in a accident and the airbags did not deploy
The driveline driveshaft fell out there's a pinion nut that came loose and suddenly locked my rear end up without warning. Cant move it
On 3/24/2022 my mother, Helen Mallazzo was involved in an accident in Queen Creek, Arizona. Police were called and a report was filed. When this accident occurred the seatbelts failed to restrain her and her dog and the airbags did not deploy, resulting in both of their heads hitting the windshield and leaving two large cracks in the windshield.
Dodge Ram: every year compared
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 0 | 4 | B |
| 2007 | 0 | 4 | B |
| 2006 | 0 | 4 | B |
| 2005 | 0 | 5 | C |
| 2004 | 1,157 | 7 | F |
| 2003 | 1,359 | 7 | F |
| 2002 | 942 | 6 | F |
| 2001 | 1,430 | 14 | F |
| 2000 | 659 | 11 | F |
2004 Dodge Ram vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 Dodge Ram | 1,157 | 7 | F | |
| 2004 Ford F-150 | 2,036 | 16 | F | Compare |
| 2004 Nissan Titan | 1,046 | 7 | F | Compare |
| 2004 Chevrolet Silverado | 0 | 15 | D | Compare |
| 2004 GMC Sierra | 0 | 10 | F | Compare |
| 2004 GMC Sierra 1500 | 0 | 5 | C | Compare |
| 2004 Dodge Ram 1500 | 0 | 8 | D | Compare |
| 2004 Toyota Tundra | 0 | 13 | C | 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
Does the 2004 Dodge Ram have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 7 recalls for the 2004 Dodge Ram: exterior lighting (April 2009); windshield wiper / washer (March 2009); linkages (January 2009); electrical (August 2007) 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?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the airbags (373), engine & cooling (196), transmission & drivetrain (189).
How many complaints has the 2004 Dodge Ram had?
1,157 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on November 10, 2003 and the latest on September 30, 2026. Of these, 93 describe a crash and 29 a fire, and together they report 103 injuries and 3 deaths.
Is the 2004 Dodge Ram a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 0 out of 100 (grade F: far more problems than a typical Dodge Ram 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 years have the most complaints?
2001 (1,430), 2003 (1,359), 2004 (1,157). See every Dodge Ram year compared.
What should I do if my 2004 Dodge Ram 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