Total Complaints
71 filings
DODGE RAM · model year
71 NHTSA complaints, 10 crash reports, and 7 active recalls for this specific cohort.
NHTSA overall rating
Not crash-tested
New Car Assessment Program
The 2004DODGERAM carries 71 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 10 crashes, 0 fires, 8 injuries, and 2 fatalities. No NCAP 5-star crash-test rating is available for this model year in the federal database.
Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2004 RAM is electrical system with 8 filings, followed by service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:disc:rotor (5) and power train:automatic transmission (4). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 7 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.
NHTSA currently has 20 investigation files overlapping the 2004 RAM, and 1 remain open. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.
Total Complaints
71 filings
Crashes Reported
10 reports
Source
NHTSA ODI
Federal complaints database
At or below the fleet median complaint volume.
| Component | Count |
|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 8 |
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR | 5 |
| POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION | 4 |
| TIRES | 4 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 4 |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 4 |
| EQUIPMENT | 3 |
| STRUCTURE | 3 |
| AIR BAGS | 3 |
| AIR BAGS:FRONTAL | 2 |
| SUSPENSION | 2 |
| STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM | 2 |
| LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES | 2 |
| STEERING:LINKAGES | 2 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:HOSES/LINES/PIPING/FITTINGS | 1 |
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL
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.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
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.
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER
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
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
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 EQUIPME
STEERING:LINKAGES
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 AN
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
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
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR
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 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 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.
Mileage: 70,000
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 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
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 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
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 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
The contact owns a 2004 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle was vibrating abnormally. The contact stated that the rear wheels locked up and the vehicle skidded sideways. The contact stated that the rear driveshaft had detached. The contact stated that oil was leaking from the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V796000 (Power Train). The manufacturer was contacted but provided no additional assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 137,000.
Mileage: 137,000
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 DODGE RAM. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO SAFELY MANEUVER TO THE SHOULDER. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSIS. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VALVE SPRINGS NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 57,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Mileage: 57,000
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 DODGE RAM. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR WOULD NOT UNLOCK WITH THE KEY FOB REMOTE OR MANUALLY. THE CONTACT HAD TO ENTER THE VEHICLE THROUGH THE PASSENGER SIDE DOOR OR THE REAR DRIVER SIDE DOOR. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THE DEALER STATED THAT THE DOOR ACTUATOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE DEALER VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 106,000.
Mileage: 106,000
WHILE TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY I-90 ONE OF MY PRO COMP ALL TERRAIN TIRES 33/12.5/R17 LOST ALL THE TREAD, OIT PEELED OFF LIKE A RETREAD (THEY ARE NOT RE TREADS) THEY HAD ABOUT 50% TREAD LIFE LEFT ON THE TIRES AND I HAD JUST CHECKED THE TIRE PRESSURE AS I WAS HAULING A HORSE TRAILER. AS THE TREAD CAME OFF THE TIRE IT MADE A COUPLE ROTATIONS AND COMPLETELY DESTROYED THE SIDE OF MY TRUCK BED. I WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND PULL TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE TIRE STILL HAD AIR IN IT JUST NO TREAD. THE TREAD COMPLETELY SEPARATED FROM THE TIRE. I HAVE READ A NUMBER OF POSTS ON THE INTERNET WITH OTHERS HAVING THE SAME ISSUE. *TR
WHILE TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY I-90 ONE OF MY PRO COMP ALL TERRAIN TIRES 33/12.5/R17 LOST ALL THE TREAD, OIT PEELED OFF LIKE A RETREAD (THEY ARE NOT RE TREADS) THEY HAD ABOUT 50% TREAD LIFE LEFT ON THE TIRES AND I HAD JUST CHECKED THE TIRE PRESSURE AS I WAS HAULING A HORSE TRAILER. AS THE TREAD CAME OFF THE TIRE IT MADE A COUPLE ROTATIONS AND COMPLETELY DESTROYED THE SIDE OF MY TRUCK BED. I WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND PULL TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE TIRE STILL HAD AIR IN IT JUST NO TREAD. THE TREAD COMPLETELY SEPARATED FROM THE TIRE. I HAVE READ A NUMBER OF POSTS ON THE INTERNET WITH OTHERS HAVING THE SAME ISSUE. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 DODGE RAM. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH THE ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONTROL WENT INTO LIMP MODE AND THE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED AND SHUT OFF. UPON RESTART, THE VEHICLE OPERATED AS NORMAL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS WHERE IT WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 104,857 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 105,909.
Mileage: 104,857
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 DODGE RAM. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE INSTRUMENT PANEL, BRAKE LIGHTS AND HEADLIGHTS WERE FAILING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP WHERE THE FAILURE WAS DIAGNOSED AS A DEFECTIVE FUSE BOX WHICH WOULD NEED REPLACING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 68,762.
Mileage: 68,762
2004 DODGE RAM. CONSUMER STATES PROBLEM WITH FRONT END OF TRUCK. CONSUMER DESCRIBES A SHIMMY AND SHAKY MOTION *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED WHEN SHE DROVE OVER A ROUGH SPOT IN THE ROAD OR A BUMP GOING OFF A BRIDGE IN CRUISE CONTROL MODE, THE ENTIRE TRUCK WOULD SHIMMY AND SHAKE. ONCE THE CONSUMER TAPPED THE BRAKE TO DISENGAGE THE CRUISE TO SLOW THE VEHICLE DOWN, THE SHAKE AND SHIMMY WOULD CEASE. THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER WHERE THEY PERFORMED MAINTENANCE TO THE FRONT END, BUT THE FIX ONLY LASTED FOR A FEW MONTHS. THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THE VEHICLE NEEDED U-JOINTS, A DAMPER AND THE FITTINGS NEEDED TO BE LUBRICATED. ALSO, THE DRAG LINKAGE WHICH WAS RECALLED NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AS WELL. *JB
2004 DODGE RAM. CONSUMER STATES PROBLEM WITH FRONT END OF TRUCK. CONSUMER DESCRIBES A SHIMMY AND SHAKY MOTION *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED WHEN SHE DROVE OVER A ROUGH SPOT IN THE ROAD OR A BUMP GOING OFF A BRIDGE IN CRUISE CONTROL MODE, THE ENTIRE TRUCK WOULD SHIMMY AND SHAKE. ONCE THE CONSUMER TAPPED THE BRAKE TO DISENGAGE THE CRUISE TO SLOW THE VEHICLE DOWN, THE SHAKE AND SHIMMY WOULD CEASE. THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER WHERE THEY PERFORMED MAINTENANCE TO THE FRONT END, BUT THE FIX ONLY LASTED FOR A FEW MONTHS. THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THE VEHICLE NEEDED U-JOINTS, A DAMPER AND THE FITTINGS NEEDED TO BE LUBRICATED. ALSO, THE DRAG LINKAGE WHICH WAS RECALLED NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AS WELL. *JB
2004 DODGE RAM QUAD CAB WITH HEMI ENGINE. FOR SEVERAL YEARS HAS BEEN STALLING, WHEN I FINALLY REALIZED IT WAS STALLING SHORTLY AFTER FUELING AND LETTING THE FUEL HOSE CLICK OFF. I HAVE HAD IT TO THE DEALER 3X AND THE USUAL NO PROBLEM FOUND ANSWER WAS GIVEN. JUST RECENTLY AFTER STALLING IN AN INTERSECTION AFTER GETTING GAS I TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALER. THEY REPLACED THE VAPOR CANISTER, SOLENOID AND FLASHED THE COMPUTER WITH AN UPDATE. PICKED UP THE VEHICLE AND SAME THING HAPPENED STALLED WHILE TURNING INTO A GROCERY. TOOK IT BACK DEALER SAYS NO IDEA WHAT IT IS-SO THEY SAID ALL THAT IS LEFT IS TO CHANGE THE FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY, INCLUDING FUEL PUMP. I JUST FUELED UP, LET THE GAS HOSE CLICK OFF AND NOW I DON'T SEE THE STALL, AT LEAST AS YET. THERE ARE THOUSANDS OF COMPLAINTS OUT THERE WITH THE SAME PROBLEM OCCURRING EACH DAY AND PUTS FOLKS LIVES AT DANGER WHEN THE VEHICLE IS RUNNING SLOWLY AND/OR TURNING AT INTERSECTIONS ETC. CHRYSLER SHOULD LIVE UP TO THE RECOGNITION OD THIS SERIOUS SAFETY
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 DODGE RAM 2500. AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT NONE OF THE ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS WOULD FUNCTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE WIRING HARNESS NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 84,000.
Mileage: 84,000
2004 DODGE RAM. WHEN PRESSING DOWN THE LEFT TURN SWITCH TO TURN LEFT, THE RIGHT TURN SIGNAL FLASHES...THE OPPOSITE HAPPENS WHEN YOU PRESS THE TURN SIGNAL SWITCH UP TO TURN RIGHT. ALSO, THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS RANDOMLY STOP WORKING WHILE IN OPERATION. THIS IS A VERY VERY FREQUENT PROBLEM WITH DODGES, PLEASE ADDRESS! *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 DODGE RAM. THE CONTACT STATED THE AIR CONDITIONER BLOWER MOTOR FAILED. THE CONTACT APPLIED PRESSURE TO THE IGNITION SWITCH AND THE AIR CONDITIONER BEGAN TO FUNCTION. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS HAD MALFUNCTIONED AND WAS ALSO CONNECTED TO THE IGNITION SWITCH. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THE CONTACT TO HAVE THE DEALER PERFORM A DIAGNOSTIC TEST, AT THE CONTACTS EXPENSE. THE MANUFACTURER DID NOT PROVIDE ANY FURTHER ASSISTANCE. THE CONTACT DID NOT FEEL SAFE IN THE VEHICLE AND STATED HE WAS NO LONGER DRIVING THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 73,000.
Mileage: 73,000
2004 DODGE TRUCK. CONSUMER STATES PROBLEMS WITH STEERING LINKAGE *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED WHEN THE STEERING LINKAGE FAILED IT CAUSED IN INADVERTENT TURN INTO THE PATH OF AN ONCOMING TRUCK. FORTUNATELY, THE CONSUMER WAS NOT GOING VERY FAST AND NO BODILY INJURY OCCURRED TO EITHER DRIVER, BUT THE DAMAGE TO HIS TRUCK WAS EXTENSIVE. THE CONSUMER ALSO MAILED IN A COPY OF THE RECALL LETTER FOR THE EXACT PROBLEM HE EXPERIENCED. RECALL # 09E001000.*JB
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 DODGE RAM. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 20 MILES PER HOUR, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED. THE FAILURE PREVIOUSLY OCCURRED DURING RAINY WEATHER CONDITIONS. THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS NOT THE CAUSE OF FAILURE SINCE NO PRESSURE WAS APPLIED TO THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. THE POLICE WERE CONTACTED DUE TO THE PROPERTY DAMAGE AND A REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN AN CRASH IN 2005 WHEN THE BRAKES DID NOT ENGAGE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT SPOKEN WITH THE MANUFACTURER. THE VEHICLE WAS UNDER INVESTIGATION WITH THE INSURANCE COMPANY. THE VEHICLE WILL BE TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR ASSESSMENT. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE NOT AVAILABLE.
Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.
Read our methodology — how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.