DODGE RAM 2500 · model year

2006 DODGE RAM 2500

899 NHTSA complaints, 48 crash reports, and 9 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

Not crash-tested

New Car Assessment Program

The 2006DODGERAM 2500 carries 899 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 48 crashes, 8 fires, 20 injuries, and 0 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 2006 RAM 2500 is steering with 215 filings, followed by electrical system (126) and exterior lighting (106). 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 9 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 2006 RAM 2500, 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.

899
Complaints
48
Crashes
8
Fires
20
Injuries
0
Deaths

Total Complaints

899 filings

Crashes Reported

48 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

Above median complaint volume — review patterns below.

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
STEERING215
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM126
EXTERIOR LIGHTING106
SUSPENSION76
AIR BAGS74
POWER TRAIN27
SUSPENSION:FRONT25
VISIBILITY/WIPER24
VISIBILITY22
STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY15
SERVICE BRAKES13
UNKNOWN OR OTHER12
VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM11
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM11
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL9

Recalls (9)

15V31300027/05/2015

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

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, 2005-2

16V35200024/05/2016

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

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, 2

14V79500016/12/2014

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH

Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2006-2007 Dodge Ram 1500, 2500, 3500, Dakota, and 2006 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles manufactured July 1, 2005, to July 31, 2006 with manual transmissions. The return springs in the clutch ignition interlock switch may break.

07E10400011/12/2007

VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR

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 FEDER

06V03800009/02/2006

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE

ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH FOUR-WHEEL ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEMS (ABS), THE ABS ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT (ECU) MAY CAUSE A LOSS OF FRONT TO REAR BRAKE BALANCE, AND THE REAR BRAKES COULD LOCK UP PREMATURELY DURING CERTAIN BRAKING CONDITIONS.

13V52800006/11/2013

STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY

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 assemb

11V35000006/07/2011

STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY

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,

10E01300003/05/2010

STEERING:GEAR BOX:SHAFT PITMAN

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 CON

07E00900001/02/2007

SUSPENSION

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 ATTACHMEN

Recent Complaints

20260118SERVICE BRAKES

Abs engages the truck rolls forward 10 to 20 ft. Before it stops. There was a recall that was done on the truck but the issue still continues. Nobody will help me. It's still a problem?

20250903STEERING

Truck does not want to stay in the road. It hops to the right with the steering not being turned. Cannot tell when it is going to do it.

20250903SUSPENSION

Truck does not want to stay in the road. It hops to the right with the steering not being turned. Cannot tell when it is going to do it.

20250903WHEELS

Truck does not want to stay in the road. It hops to the right with the steering not being turned. Cannot tell when it is going to do it.

20250701TIRES

Tire size was not correct. Actual was lt265/70r17 Rating 121/118S Just had two tires installed on the rear of the said truck. While pulling 5 ton bumper pull trailer, the amount of sidewall flex on these tires made it dangerous to drive. The amount of reverse track, which I don't know how to explain other than when you turn left the back of the vehicle will actually swing out (in the case of a left steering input, the back of the vehicle will go right, racing drivers also call this being lose). When other vehicles especially larger vehicles like semis past my vehicle or even the trailer behind it, it would push the back end of my vehicle and induce a turn... Talk about white knuckle driving .. I only drove about 200 mi to get home after having the cooper tires installed, I'm having them removed immediately as they are extremely dangerous to drive with. When I talked to Cooper they mention these tires were specifically made for Walmart, they are quite cheap. Also, the only reason

20250520STEERING

Steering linkage and tie rod issues. Steering not working properly. I see that my vehicle is not listed in the recalls. Although. I am having steering issues. Constant tail light replacing.

20250520EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Steering linkage and tie rod issues. Steering not working properly. I see that my vehicle is not listed in the recalls. Although. I am having steering issues. Constant tail light replacing.

20250414EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Headlights- the passenger side headlight would come on then go off whenever it wants to and now the low beam does not work. I have tested the connection and replaced the bulb several times and still does not work. When driving at night it makes it difficult to see. And is also against the law to not having working headlights. Trailer lights- the drivers side brake light/blinker on any trailer that’s hooked to my truck does not work. I have taken it the a local shop (street dynamics which is out of business now) several times over the last 5 years to see if they can fix the issue. The fix was to put a jumper wire from the truck brake light to the trailer connector. I still do not have a blinker on the driver side of the trailer. Windshield wipers- the windshield wipers will come on and off whenever they want. Some times when it is raining they will turn on with the switch then will turn off while driving or will stay on after the switch is turned off. The switch has been replaced an

20250414ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Headlights- the passenger side headlight would come on then go off whenever it wants to and now the low beam does not work. I have tested the connection and replaced the bulb several times and still does not work. When driving at night it makes it difficult to see. And is also against the law to not having working headlights. Trailer lights- the drivers side brake light/blinker on any trailer that’s hooked to my truck does not work. I have taken it the a local shop (street dynamics which is out of business now) several times over the last 5 years to see if they can fix the issue. The fix was to put a jumper wire from the truck brake light to the trailer connector. I still do not have a blinker on the driver side of the trailer. Windshield wipers- the windshield wipers will come on and off whenever they want. Some times when it is raining they will turn on with the switch then will turn off while driving or will stay on after the switch is turned off. The switch has been replaced an

20250414VISIBILITY/WIPER

Headlights- the passenger side headlight would come on then go off whenever it wants to and now the low beam does not work. I have tested the connection and replaced the bulb several times and still does not work. When driving at night it makes it difficult to see. And is also against the law to not having working headlights. Trailer lights- the drivers side brake light/blinker on any trailer that’s hooked to my truck does not work. I have taken it the a local shop (street dynamics which is out of business now) several times over the last 5 years to see if they can fix the issue. The fix was to put a jumper wire from the truck brake light to the trailer connector. I still do not have a blinker on the driver side of the trailer. Windshield wipers- the windshield wipers will come on and off whenever they want. Some times when it is raining they will turn on with the switch then will turn off while driving or will stay on after the switch is turned off. The switch has been replaced an

20250227POWER TRAIN

The pickup has had issue with being very difficult to come out of park. Upon searching internet is seems this is very common and expensive to fix being one of two (or both) things. The shift cable linkage and bushings premature wear, or the valve body release allowing the shifter to be removed from park. Either way concern is this will fail causing inability to shift safely into park and prevent an accident. Extremely unsafe. I have been advised this was already corrected by qualified dealer, but no change. Vehicle has just under 93,000 miles on it and only highway

20240823SUSPENSION

This happened on my 2006 Dodge 2500 truck. I have had this truck since brand new and have maintained vigorously. Fortunately I was only going 25mph on the back road from my house. If this had happened on the highway I may not be here to tell this story. I felt like I had a flat tire so i stopped and didn't see anything so I started again and drove about a foot and then heard this loud crunching sound. I got out to find the center of my wheel had separated for the inside of the wheel. When I bought the truck I got the premium wheel package. The chrome covers are made on the wheel. I think what happened is because the chrome covers are made on the wheel there is no way to see that the wheel is rusting from the inside out and the owner has no idea they are driving a time bomb waiting to happen. My truck is almost rust free. I always took care to wash the salt off it in the winter 3 or 4 times a week. The truck has spent the last 10 years in Florida. I have never in my life ever seen thi

20240612SUSPENSION

The contact owns a 2006 Dodge Ram 2500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle started wobbling, and the contact lost control of the vehicle and almost crashed. The contact stated the failure had been persisted for a while. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.

Mileage: 200,000

20240210VISIBILITY/WIPER

This is a safety concern I have faced on multiple occasions with this pickup. I have owned it since new and kept up on maintenance and recalls. Today it happened again. What it is, the windshield wipers will erratically wipe, sometimes not wipe, not shut off, as well as come on at random. I reside in the wet side of the state of Oregon where it can be super dangerous to loose wipers in a torrential downpour of rain or snow. This pickup get use predominately for pulling trailers, which yet again adds another layer of danger when I lose much visibility of the road ahead of me. The first time this got really bad I took it to the dealer out of warranty and they diagnosed for three hours to tell me it was 90% probable that it was the Total Ingratiated Power Control Module. I said yes I will pay the total combined $1,400 to hopefully fix the problem. At times after this it has had occasional issues. Today, [XXX], it was acting about like it did the years ago that the dealer extra

20230822POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2006 Dodge Ram 2500. The contact stated that the transfer case was making abnormal shifting sounds while the vehicle was parked. The contact stated that the transfer case was replaced; however, the failure persisted. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle was parked while he was working in the garage. The contact stated that he heard a clicking sound coming from the engine, and the vehicle started rolling backwards towards the street. The contact stated that he immediately entered the vehicle and engaged the electronic parking brake, and the vehicle stopped. The contact also stated that the vehicle hesitated to shift into the proper gear while driving. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in TSB Number: 18-091-22. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the computer was flashed; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure

Mileage: 223,800

20230522CrashPARKING BRAKE

Good Morning! On April 9, 2023 I was going to pickup my Son in his 2006 Dodge Ram 2500 at LAX. He was returning from a 3 week trip to Chile. After taking the transmission out of gear I attempted to start the truck, but the battery was dead. I got out of the cab and released what I thought was the hood release but released the emergency brake instead. The front wheel was turned at about a 40 deg. angle to the right in my driveway which is on about a 15 deg slope to the street. The truck rolled back pinning my left leg under the left front tire, while the open drivers side door pushed me towards the now moving wheel. the left front wheel continued to roll over my left hand and my right chest grazing my left side of my head. The truck continued to roll down the street and into a neighbors truck. I suffered 13 broken ribs, a collapsed right lung, a partially collapsed left lung, a broken shoulder, and a broken left eye socket bone, deep vein thrombosis in both lower legs, 2 weeks in th

20230505VISIBILITY/WIPER

November 2022-While trying to use my windshield wipers to clean my front windshield I noticed I could not turn them off plus they would move super fast then very slow. Over the next few months my windshield wipers would sometimes work normal but now they are consistently running sporadically: running fast, slowing down starting and stopping on their own. This is a very dangerous situation during a rain storm and I am going to take my truck into the dealer for repair but for safety reasons, this needs to get looked into for recall.

20230316STEERING

We were driving down the highway and it started doing the death wobble.

20230316SUSPENSION

We were driving down the highway and it started doing the death wobble.

20230202VISIBILITY/WIPER

During a recent snowstorm, the windshield wipers started acting erratically. The wiper delay function no longer works. The wipers operate at one speed, when they work, and do not turn off when I turn the switch off. They seem to time out after awhile and stop wherever they happen to be on the windshield, not the lower parked position.

Compare 2006DODGERAM 2500 to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations 1 Open

View all investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2006 DODGE RAM 2500 have?
The 2006 DODGE RAM 2500 has 899 NHTSA complaints, 48 crashes, 8 fires, 20 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
Are there any recalls for the 2006 DODGE RAM 2500?
Yes, the 2006 DODGE RAM 2500 has 9 recall(s). The most common affected component is AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2006 DODGE RAM 2500?
The most-complained component for the 2006 DODGE RAM 2500 is STEERING with 215 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include ELECTRICAL SYSTEM and EXTERIOR LIGHTING.
Is the 2006 DODGE RAM 2500 safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. No NHTSA crash test rating is available for this model year. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

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.