AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
2006 Dodge Ram 2500
Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data
Data refreshed
NHTSA has issued a “do not drive” advisory affecting this model year.
Campaign 16V352000. Confirm whether your specific vehicle is covered using its VIN before acting on this.
Check your VIN on NHTSA.govOverview
Our database contains 668 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2006 Dodge Ram 2500, most frequently naming the steering, electrical and exterior lighting categories. 9 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 5 NHTSA investigations name it; and 48 manufacturer communications are on file.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Complaint activity over time
When owners filed reports about this model year
View as table
| Month | Complaints filed | Cumulative |
|---|---|---|
| Jul 2016 | 1 | 552 |
| Aug 2016 | 6 | 558 |
| Sep 2016 | 3 | 561 |
| Oct 2016 | 6 | 567 |
| Nov 2016 | 4 | 571 |
| Dec 2016 | 5 | 576 |
| Jan 2017 | 8 | 584 |
| Feb 2017 | 3 | 587 |
| Mar 2017 | 2 | 589 |
| Apr 2017 | 1 | 590 |
| May 2017 | 7 | 597 |
| Jul 2017 | 2 | 599 |
| Aug 2017 | 2 | 601 |
| Sep 2017 | 3 | 604 |
| Oct 2017 | 3 | 607 |
| Dec 2017 | 2 | 609 |
| Feb 2018 | 3 | 612 |
| Mar 2018 | 1 | 613 |
| Apr 2018 | 1 | 614 |
| May 2018 | 1 | 615 |
| Jun 2018 | 1 | 616 |
| Jul 2018 | 1 | 617 |
| Aug 2018 | 1 | 618 |
| Sep 2018 | 1 | 619 |
| Oct 2018 | 2 | 621 |
| Nov 2018 | 2 | 623 |
| Dec 2018 | 2 | 625 |
| Mar 2019 | 2 | 627 |
| Apr 2019 | 2 | 629 |
| Jan 2020 | 2 | 631 |
| Jul 2020 | 1 | 632 |
| Aug 2020 | 1 | 633 |
| Oct 2020 | 2 | 635 |
| Dec 2020 | 2 | 637 |
| Jan 2021 | 1 | 638 |
| Apr 2021 | 2 | 640 |
| May 2021 | 1 | 641 |
| Jun 2021 | 1 | 642 |
| Jul 2021 | 1 | 643 |
| Aug 2021 | 1 | 644 |
| Dec 2021 | 1 | 645 |
| Feb 2022 | 2 | 647 |
| Jun 2022 | 1 | 648 |
| Sep 2022 | 1 | 649 |
| Nov 2022 | 2 | 651 |
| Feb 2023 | 1 | 652 |
| Mar 2023 | 1 | 653 |
| May 2023 | 2 | 655 |
| Aug 2023 | 1 | 656 |
| Feb 2024 | 1 | 657 |
| Jun 2024 | 1 | 658 |
| Aug 2024 | 1 | 659 |
| Feb 2025 | 1 | 660 |
| Apr 2025 | 1 | 661 |
| May 2025 | 1 | 662 |
| Jul 2025 | 1 | 663 |
| Sep 2025 | 1 | 664 |
| Jan 2026 | 1 | 665 |
| Apr 2026 | 2 | 667 |
| May 2026 | 1 | 668 |
What owners report
Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded
- Steering23126.2%
- Electrical13215.0%
- Exterior lighting12213.8%
- Suspension10612.0%
- Airbags758.5%
- Visibility627.0%
- Powertrain (other)283.2%
- Brakes232.6%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Safety recalls
9 campaigns cover this model year
Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.
Check a VIN on NHTSA.govAIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
Safety investigations
NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.
Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.
Air Bag Inflator Rupture
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE14-016 in June 2014 based on six inflator rupture incidents involving consumer owned vehicles produced by five vehicle manufacturers.All six vehicles were operated in Florida or Puerto Rico at the time of the rupture and for the majority of their service life, and were equipped with inflators produced by Takata, a tier-one supplier of automotive air bag systems.During the course of PE14-016, ODI determined that five additional vehicle manufacturers used inflators of a similar design and vintage also supplied by Takata. No evidence of field failures was found in vehicles produced by these five additional manufacturers.Nonetheless, at ODI's insistence, all 10 vehicle manufacturers initiated a regional recall within approximately two weeks of the opening of the investigation.The regions recalled initially included Florida, Puerto Rico, Hawaii, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, areas with high absolute humidity and climatic conditions believed to be a significant factor in the inflator ruptures.As part of the recall actions, inflators removed from remedied vehicles are to be returned to Takata for testing.Takata's initial test results on passenger inflators from remedied vehicles indicated a much higher than anticipated rupture frequency for inflators returned from Florida.Accordingly ODI requested all 10 manufacturers expand the regional recalls for passenger inflators to include other geographic areas where high absolute humidity conditions exist, including the Gulf States and other coastal areas.Takata's testing of the passenger inflators to date continues to indicate this geographic area as having the highest risk, with no ruptures occurring from inflators returned from outside the expanded recall regions.During PE14-016 four additional passenger inflator field events occurred, all in vehicles from the same expanded geographic region.Also during PE14-016 four additional driver inflator field events occurred including two in vehicles from regions not known for high absolute humidity, specifically California and North Carolina.Accordingly, ODI requested all five of the affected vehicle manufacturers currently using the subject Takata driver inflators expand to nationwide recalls.Significantly, neither of the affected vehicle manufacturers or Takata provided any explanation to account for these two driver air bag inflator ruptures outside the area of high absolute humidity.Takata testing of returned driver inflators indicates a lower rupture frequency as compared to passenger inflator testing.All test ruptures reported by Takata to date have occurred on inflators returned from high absolute humidity areas.The investigation now includes all manufacturers and vehicles known to be affected at this time.ODI's investigation will focus on, among other things, root cause analysis, other potential defect consequences, identification of affected vehicles scope, and adequacy of the remedy.The five ODI reports cited above can be reviewed online at http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the following identification numbers: 10537899, 10568848, 10585224, 10605877, 10651492
Chrysler's execution of 13V-528 & 529
RMD opened this audit query (AQ) investigation in order to better understand and evaluate Chrysler's process(es) for timely and efficient execution of its safety recall campaigns, including its oversight and management of its parts division Mopar.Prior to opening this investigation, RMD had raised concerns with the company related to its execution of two safety recalls, 13V-528 and 13V-529, both of which involved safety defects that could cause the involved vehicles, FCA?s heavier Dodge Ram trucks, to lose steering control suddenly and without warning.Specifically, RMD inquired about the availability of parts for recall repairs, by email and phone on January 15, 2014 and February 19, 2014, due to the volume of complaints it was receiving from owners alleging parts scarcity and parts restrictions. FCA steadfastly denied it had placed parts restrictions on its dealers to manage issues of parts scarcity.FCA shared material showing it had uncommitted stock of parts available for its dealers. Nevertheless, consumer complaints of lack of parts continued.RMD made independent inquiries tosome dealers tobetter understand the conflicting claims between owners alleging lack of ability to repair their defective vehicles due to lack of parts, and FCA?s information showing availability of parts.Dealers informed and provided documentation to RMD on February 21, 2014 and February 25, 2014 showing FCA had, in fact, put into place parts restrictions and, further, had in some instances canceled dealerships? back orders for parts.In addition, during the course of its dialogue with dealers, RMD discovered that FCA had notified their dealerships on February 27, 2014 to return the recall remedy parts over quality concerns, and had therefore effectively canceled its safety recall program without notification to NHTSA. RMD issued a request for information (IR) on October 21, 2014.The company failed to respond to a number of the questions RMD asked that required it to produce specifics surrounding the repairs and parts ordering process with the recalls, including a question about whether a dealer order for recall parts could be canceled and under what circumstances.
Air Bag Inflator Rupture
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE14-016 in June 2014 based on six inflator rupture incidents involving consumer owned vehicles produced by five vehicle manufacturers.All six vehicles were operated in Florida or Puerto Rico at the time of the rupture and for the majority of their service life, and were equipped with inflators produced by Takata, a tier-one supplier of automotive air bag systems.During the course of PE14-016, ODI determined that five additional vehicle manufacturers used inflators of a similar design and vintage also supplied by Takata. No evidence of field failures was found in vehicles produced by these five additional manufacturers.Nonetheless, at ODI's insistence, all 10 vehicle manufacturers initiated a regional recall within approximately two weeks of the opening of the investigation.The regions recalled initially included Florida, Puerto Rico, Hawaii, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, areas with consistently high absolute humidity and climatic conditions believed to be a significant factor in the inflator ruptures.As part of the recall actions, inflators removed from remedied vehicles are to be returned to Takata for testing.Takata's initial test results on passenger inflators from remedied vehicles indicated a much higher than anticipated rupture frequency for inflators returned from Florida.Accordingly, ODI requested all 10 manufacturers expand the regional recalls for passenger inflators to include other geographic areas where high absolute humidity conditions exist, including the Gulf States and other coastal areas.Takata's testing of the passenger inflators to date continues to indicate this geographic area as having the highest risk, with no ruptures occurring from inflators returned from outside the expanded recall regions.During PE14-016, four additional passenger inflator field events occurred, all in vehicles from the same expanded geographic region.Also during PE14-016, four additional driver inflator field events occurred including two in vehicles from regions not known for high absolute humidity, specifically California and North Carolina.Accordingly, ODI requested all five of the affected vehicle manufacturers currently using the subject Takata driver inflators expand to nationwide recalls.Significantly, neither of the affected vehicle manufacturers or Takata provided any explanation to account for these two driver air bag inflator ruptures outside the area of high absolute humidity.Takata testing of returned driver inflators indicates a lower rupture frequency as compared to passenger inflator testing.All test ruptures reported by Takata to date have occurred on inflators returned from high absolute humidity areas.The PE is now closed/upgraded to an Engineering Evaluation (EA15-001) to include all manufacturersand vehicles known to be affected at this time.ODI's EA investigation will focus on, among other things, root cause analysis, other potential defect consequences, identification of affected vehicles scope, and adequacy of the remedy.The recalls related to this PE are: 14V343, 14V344, 14V348, 14V351, 14V353, 14V655, 14V700, 14V701, 14V752, 14V763, 14V770, 14V773, 14V787, 14V802 and 14V817.The number of vehicles affected are an estimate since some vehicles may have both the driver and passenger side inflators recalled. The five ODI reports cited above can be reviewed online at http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the following identification numbers: 10537899, 10568848, 10585224, 10605877, 10651492
Recent owner complaints
Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words
I took my vehicle into the dealership. Almost three weeks ago for a recall on the front end, a steering component. However, they told us that the parts were back ordered several days after the vehicle had been there for three weeks. And then all of a sudden, they call and a week and a 1 after that. And send a vehicle is done. I picked up the vehicle yesterday and it is not fixed. The problem still exists. We just about crashed on the freeway coming home when it started to do the death wobble shake that dodge ram is known for we nearly wrecked the truck on the freeway. It is not safe to drive. And the problem is not fixed. We have had nothing but problems with this dealership. In the past, and I believe they said they performed the recall safety issue. However, the truck was never fixed. We have pictures and proof
- NHTSA ID
- 11739726
- Incident
- May 21, 2026
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2006 Dodge Ram 2500. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 133,000. The contact discovered that the mileage was 209,000 from an independent mechanic. The contact reported the issue to the local authorities.
- NHTSA ID
- 11733975
- Incident
- Apr 6, 2026
- Mileage
- 209,000 mi
Our first issue with the LT 265/70R17 was in 2020. We had a defective front driver ( tread came completely off the tire) of a Dodge Ram 2500. Replaced it and bought another new one, both new in front now @Sam’s Club. Drove to CA. On the way home, back left tire (drivers side) EXPLODED !! on hwy.10. Lost control of the truck and went off into the center divider, the truck rolled over and was completely destroyed. My wife had a concussion and had to have shoulder surgery due to the roll over. She almost lost her life and I got a hernia from impact. Our dog ( STD. Poodle)was catapulted from backseat about 20ft. Everyone lived. We did all the right things. Tires were inflated correctly, drove speed limit, temp. 75, 9:00am. No traffic. DPS deemed it NO FAULT because the tread that had come off the tire had 10/32nds and was fine. What went wrong????
- NHTSA ID
- 11730956
- Incident
- May 11, 2025
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?
- NHTSA ID
- 11711760
- Incident
- Aug 23, 2008
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.
- NHTSA ID
- 11684795
- Incident
- Dec 31, 2024
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 I bought them is because I was on the side of the road with another tire that had separated tread but it was due to age and needed to get home. Walmart was the only tire place that could install tires. The previous michelins I had on there were great and did not have this issue(only the rear tires were replaced) I am working with Cooper and their satisfaction guaranteed promise, where they will switch them out with different tires and I just pay the difference, but I do not believe these tires should be sold to the public with that weight rating. Sadly just a week before Walmart put on passenger tires on that same truck when it called for light truck tires. But that's a different issue all in itself It almost felt like the tires were under inflated, but they are perfectly at 70 PSI as required by Dodge. I checked this pressure the next day to confirm
- NHTSA ID
- 11670665
- Incident
- Jun 30, 2025
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.
- NHTSA ID
- 11662234
- Incident
- May 1, 2025
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 and did not change anything. It is dangerous to drive the truck during inclement weather. I am a Police officer and have been for 17 years. In the last 12 plus years I have owned the truck which is a 2006 Dodge 2500 I have been told by several dodge technicians and mechanics that the issues I’m having is being caused by the TIPM. While researching the tipm I have found out all of my trucks issues are similar to a lot of other people’s 2006 dodge 2500s. I have had issues with the trailer brake lights since I bought it.
- NHTSA ID
- 11654389
- Incident
- Jan 2, 2012
Manufacturer communications
A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.
SERVICE BRAKES
Trac-Rite Operation Diagnosis, Chatter, Shudder, Moving From A Stop And Turning
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
LAMP - DOME
POWER TRAIN
Plate - Planetary
POWER TRAIN
Transmission Kit with Torque Converter 1. All Promaster (VF) 3.6L/62TE equipped vehicles. If the transmission bracket to the transmission case fasteners are removed during servicing, the fasteners (Part Number 06511385A$) are one-time usage. Vehicles built prior to 10/23/2015 requires Service Kit PN 68461214AA; includes Transmission Isolator PN 68264483AA, and Adaptation Bracket 68264479AA and Fastener Service Kit PN 68329056AA Vehicles built after on or after 10/23/2015 will require only the Fastener Service Kit PN 68329056AA. 2. All 3.6L/62TE equipped vehicles. If the vehicle you are repairing has a crack in the flex plate or failed pump bushing inspect and confirm that both (2) dowel pins are present in the engine block, which align the transmission center line to the crank shaft centerline and visually inspect the dowel alignment holes in the transmission case. If the holes are damaged or elongated the transmission should be replaced to prevent further damage to the transmission/flexplate or pump bushing due to the inability to properly align the engine to the transmission during the repair. 3. All 62TE equipped vehicles. If pump bushing is scored or damaged and the dowel pin alignment holes are ok, replace the pump assembly as opposed to complete transmission. 4. All 62TE equipped vehicles. If vehicle is jerking/slipping with MIL code(s) P0740 or P2764, check TCC Solenoid operation. If TCC Solenoid is ok, the codes are indicative of a torque converter failure. Replace the torque converter.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING; POWER TRAIN
GEAR MOTOR, Transfer Case The gear motor assembly is shipped in AWD/2WD position. The transfer case needs to be positioned in AWD/2WD position to properly assemble gear motor to T-Case. Please reference Star Online publication S2121000003 for further details. Do not have the transfer case in in another position other than AWD/2WD and rotate the motor to align the bolt holes as this could result in damage to the gear motor.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
GEAR MOTOR, Transfer Case The gear motor assembly is shipped in AWD/2WD position. The transfer case needs to be positioned in AWD/2WD position to properly assemble gear motor to T-Case. Please reference Star Online publication S2121000003 for further details. Do not have the transfer case in in another position other than AWD/2WD and rotate the motor to align the bolt holes as this could result in damage to the gear motor.
Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.
Compare model years
Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Investigations | Issue Index |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 2014 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 2012 | 283 | 5 | 1 | 56.1 |
| 2011 | 297 | 4 | 1 | 52.8 |
| 2010 | 236 | 4 | 1 | 54.9 |
| 2009 | 214 | 5 | 3 | 58.5 |
| 2008 | 317 | 9 | 3 | 60.1 |
| 2007 | 361 | 11 | 4 | 61.5 |
| 2006Viewing | 668 | 9 | 5 | 60.5 |
| 2005 | 422 | 9 | 8 | 66.0 |
| 2004 | 581 | 9 | 8 | 65.1 |
| 2003 | 661 | 9 | 6 | 60.4 |
| 2002 | 155 | 2 | 0 | 48.2 |
| 2001 | 468 | 2 | 1 | 53.2 |
| 2000 | 211 | 2 | 1 | 52.2 |
| 1999 | 313 | 2 | 1 | 52.3 |
| 1998 | 225 | 2 | 0 | 49.9 |
| 1997 | 213 | 1 | 1 | 49.8 |
| 1996 | 291 | 1 | 2 | 52.6 |
| 1995 | 267 | 1 | 6 | 55.2 |
| 1994 | 168 | 1 | 8 | 56.0 |
| 1993 | 39 | 0 | 2 | 39.2 |
| 1992 | 32 | 0 | 3 | 47.5 |
| 1991 | 16 | 0 | 4 | 47.3 |
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.