RoadVitals

2005 Dodge Ram

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
40
Latest Nov 7, 2024
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
5
Latest Apr 7, 2009
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
6
3 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 40 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2005 Dodge Ram, most frequently naming the engine, transmission and powertrain (other) categories. 5 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 13 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.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Engine1634.0%
  • Transmission612.8%
  • Powertrain (other)510.6%
  • Brakes510.6%
  • Electrical36.4%
  • Suspension36.4%
  • Steering24.3%
  • Other / unspecified24.3%

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

5 campaigns cover this model year

View all 5

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.gov
09E012000

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Apr 7, 2009
16,270 units potentially affected
The defect: 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 remedy: 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.
SABERSPORTView on NHTSA.gov
09E009000

VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER

Mar 13, 2009
1,364 units potentially affected
The defect: 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 remedy: 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.
CHRYSLER LLCManufacturer number J11View on NHTSA.gov
09E001000

STEERING:LINKAGES

Jan 13, 2009
18,000 units potentially affected
The defect: 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 remedy: 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.
CHRYSLER LLCManufacturer number H46View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

View all 40
Powertrain (other)
Filed Nov 7, 2024

The contact owns a 2005 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that while her husband was driving 40 MPH, the vehicle abruptly came to a complete stop in the middle of the roadway. After a visual inspection, the driver observed that the draft shaft had become disconnected. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the rear axle pinion nut. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer, who confirmed the diagnosis. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V796000 (Power Train); the VIN was included, but the vehicle had been repaired in 2016. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 218,000.

NHTSA ID
11624095
Incident
Nov 7, 2024
Mileage
218,000 mi
Powertrain (other)
Filed Jul 10, 2023
Crash reported

The contact owns a 2005 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH the vehicle had nearly come to a stop as if the brake pedal had been depressed. The contact stated that his foot had been on the accelerator pedal and he had tried to accelerate but the vehicle was not responding. The contact stated that the steering wheel jerked to the left as the contact heard an abnormal grinding, popping, and bang sound had come from the rear. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle had crashed into a concrete street divider with the left front wheel which had burst on contact. There was minor damage to the exterior and driver's door, however the contact said that there was damage to the driver's side rear wheel to the wheel well. The contact was unhurt and had called a tow truck. The contact located his drive shaft on the roadway approximately on city block to the rear of his vehicle. The police were not contacted. The contact had the vehicle towed to his residence. The vehicle had not been taken to a dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The contact had researched online and saw that he had two recalls associated to the VIN, one recall, NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V-352000 (Air Bags) and the recall NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V796000 (Power Train). The contact related the failure to 14V796000 (Power Train). The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.

NHTSA ID
11531441
Incident
Jun 24, 2023
Mileage
200,000 mi
Powertrain (other)
Filed Feb 3, 2023

The contact owns a 2005 Dodge Ram. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V796000 (Power Train) however, the failure recurred. Additionally, while the contact was turning at 10 MPH, the axle snapped. The vehicle lost motive power and had to be towed to a friend's residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 220,000.

NHTSA ID
11505448
Incident
Oct 15, 2022
Mileage
220,000 mi
Powertrain (other)
Filed Jul 20, 2022

The contact owns a 2005 Dodge Ram. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH and slowing down, the vehicle started vibrating. The vehicle was diagnosed by a certified mechanic that stated that the rear axle pinion differential needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the vehicle was not under recall. The failure mileage was 175,000.

NHTSA ID
11474997
Incident
Oct 1, 2020
Mileage
175,000 mi
Powertrain (other)
Filed Sep 13, 2021

The contact owns a 2005 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was wobbling. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and diagnosed that there was a thumb-sized crack on the driveshaft. The two universal joints and the driveshaft assembly were replaced. The contact later was made aware that NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V796000 (Power Train) was associated with the VIN and was related to the failure. The contact requested reimbursement from the manufacturer however, the manufacturer denied the contact's request for reimbursement stating that the vehicle was outside the warranty period and had no active service contract. The contact was also informed that the case opened did not meet the criteria for reimbursement, and that the parts requested for reimbursement was not a part of the recall repair parts. The vehicle remained at the dealer for the three recalls associated with the VIN. The failure mileage was 211,000.

NHTSA ID
11432778
Incident
Jun 9, 2021
Mileage
211,000 mi
Engine
Filed Jun 14, 2012

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 DODGE RAM 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE ALSO STALLED WHEN THE CONTACT MADE A STOP OR ATTEMPTED A TURN. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE HESITATED TO ACCELERATE OVER 60 MPH. THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED FOR OVER ONE YEAR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO ADVISED THAT THERE WERE NO FAILURES BUT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT ALSO HAD THE SPARK PLUGS REPLACED BUT THE FAILURE WAS NOT CORRECTED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 201,000. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ID
10461724
Incident
Apr 1, 2009
Engine
Filed Jul 1, 2011

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 DODGE RAM. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD INTERMITTENTLY STALL WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A STOP. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THEY WERE UNABLE TO DUPLICATE OR DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 72,360.

NHTSA ID
10410175
Incident
Jun 10, 2010
Engine
Filed Apr 1, 2011
Fire reported

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 DODGE RAM. THE CONTACT WAS TRAVELING 70 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE BEGAN SMOKING. THE CONTACT PULLED TO THE SIDE AND OPENED HOOD AND FOUND FLUIDS DRAINING FROM THE ENGINE. THE CONTACT WAS ASSISTED BY ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE WHO DISCOVERED THAT THE FOURTH CYLINDER WAS LEAKING FROM THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TOWED TO A MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN ADVISED THAT THE COMPUTER SHOULD HAVE SHUT DOWN THE ENGINE WHEN AS PRESSURE WAS LOST. THE CONTACT HAD THE CYLINDER REPLACED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 113,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 115,758.

NHTSA ID
10393954
Incident
Mar 18, 2011
Mileage
113,000 mi

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

SB-14-001-10

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:DIESEL; FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

DODGE: ELECTRONIC FUEL CONTROL ACTUATOR (FCA) AVAILABLE FOR SERVICE/NEW DIAGNOSTICS AVAILABLE FOR DTC P0251. ENGINE SURGES AT IDLE OR MIL ILLUMINATION. FURTHER INVESTIGATION MAY IDENTIFY DTC P0251-CP3 PUMP REGULATOR CONTROL-DIESEL. IF P0251 IS PRESENT, FOLLOW THE DIAGNOSTICS IN THIS SB. IF OTHER DTC'S ARE PRESENT, REPAIR AS NECESSARY BEFORE PROCEEDING FURTHER. MODEL RAM TRUCK. *PE

2500108

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CRANKCASE (PCV)

POSITIVE CRANKCASE VENTILATION (PCV) SYSTEM FREEZES IN EXTREME COLD AMBIENT TEMPERATURES -- INVOLVES INSTALLING REVISED PCV SYSTEM COMPONENTS. *NJ

1803007

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

ENGINE OFF-IDLE SPEED LIMIT FEATURE TO PROTECT TURBOCHARGER WHEN VEHICLE IS NOT MOVING. *KB

1802907

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)

GENERIC POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM) PROCEDURE. *KB

2301307

TRAILER TOWING MIRROR - NEW MIRROR GLASS LOCKING TAB - NEW REMOVAL PROCEDURE. *KB

2100607

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

NEW 48RE FEATURE THAT ALLOWS NORMAL SHIFT SCHEDULE WITH FULL DISABLE OF 4TH GEAR OVERDRIVE. *KB

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

Dodge Ram by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2011041—
2010275159.7
2009961—
2008254156.1
2007174049.2
2006254046.7
2005Viewing405053.1
2004587261.0
2003537159.0
20021166158.4
200131814162.0
200014711163.4
199936613056.1
199848317057.4
199739811565.2
199662514966.6
1995611161066.9
1994469221366.6
1993541247.9
1992582153.5
1991513258.5
1990230044.4
1989280042.6
1988220042.6
1987180029.9
1986180049.3
1985100041.8
1984200—
1983100—
1982000—
1981200—
1980000—
1979300—
1977200—
1976100—

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.