RoadVitals

2006 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.
25
Latest Aug 5, 2022
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.
4
Latest Mar 13, 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.
2

Overview

Our database contains 25 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2006 Dodge Ram, most frequently naming the electrical, steering and visibility categories. 4 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 26 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

  • Electrical618.2%
  • Steering412.1%
  • Visibility39.1%
  • Driver assistance39.1%
  • Seat belts39.1%
  • Suspension39.1%
  • Airbags39.1%
  • Exterior lighting39.1%

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

4 campaigns cover this model year

View all 4

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
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
07E066000

EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL

Aug 28, 2007
175 units potentially affected
The defect: 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 remedy: ALL OF THE DEFECTIVE TOW PACKAGES ARE STILL AT THE DISTRIBUTOR LEVEL AND HAVE NOT BEEN SOLD TO ANY CONSUMERS.
CEQUENT ELECTRICAL PRODUCTSView on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

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

View all 25
AirbagsElectrical
Filed Aug 5, 2022

The contact owns a 2006 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that after the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V352000 (Air Bags), the airbag warning light remained illuminated after starting the vehicle. Additionally, the contact stated that whenever the airbag light was illuminated, there were other electrical failures with the vehicle. The contact stated that the A/C and the heater would become inoperable. The contact drove the vehicle to a local dealer who diagnosed and determined that there was an electrical short underneath the driver's side airbag sensor wiring harness. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 180,000.

NHTSA ID
11477869
Incident
Aug 20, 2019
Mileage
180,000 mi
Fuel system
Filed Mar 7, 2022

The contact owns 2006 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated while having the vehicle serviced by a local dealer, the fuel pump was found to be cracked and leaking fuel. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the fuel pump replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 143,000.

NHTSA ID
11455529
Incident
Feb 28, 2022
Mileage
143,000 mi
Steering
Filed Jun 1, 2021
Crash reported

The contact owns a 2006 Dodge Ram. The contact stated that the vehicle was hauling a trailer while driving at 65 mph when a loud bang was heard and the steering wheel went in circles, which led the vehicle from the center lane into the median and hit the guard rail. The rear driver's side corner of the vehicle was damaged and the front driver and front passenger side of the trailer were damaged from the collision. The contact and passenger did not sustain injuries and medical attention was not received. A police report was filed. The vehicle and trailer were towed to the contact's residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The contact stated that this was a recurring failure after the tie rod assembly and steering linkage were replaced in October 2020 by an independent mechanic. The contact had also received notifications of NHTSA Campaign numbers: 09E001000 (Steering) and 13V528000 (Steering), after the repair in October 2020. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 100,660.

NHTSA ID
11419164
Incident
May 31, 2021
Mileage
100,660 mi
ElectricalExterior lighting
Filed May 13, 2012

THE RAM 1500 HAD A FAILURE OF THE TIPM THAT CONTROLS THE HEAD LIGHTS LEAVING THE TRUCK WITH INADEQUATE ILLUMINATION. *TR

NHTSA ID
10458261
Incident
Feb 1, 2012
Mileage
109,000 mi
Visibility
Filed Mar 15, 2012

LETTER FROM CONGRESSMAN DENT ON BEHALF OF CONSTITUENT RE HEATER BOX FAILURE IN DODGE TRUCKS *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED THE INITIAL PROBLEM WITH THE FRESH AIR/RECIRCULATION DOOR STARTED 2-3 YEARS AGO. SHORTLY, AFTER REPLACING THE FRESH AIR/RECIRCULATION DOOR, THE HEAT AND DEFROSTER STOPPED WORKING. THE CONSUMER TRIED TO REPLACE THE CONTROL SWITCH IN THE DASH, THINKING IT WAS BAD AND NOT WORKING THE INTERNAL DOORS PROPERLY, BUT AFTER THE REPLACEMENT, THE PROBLEM REMAINED THE SAME. HE THEN REPLACED THE MODE DOOR ACTUATORS, AND THE MOTOR CONTROL THAT CONTROLLED THE DOORS. HOWEVER, THAT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM EITHER. THE CONSUMER WENT TO THE DEALER WHERE HE WAS INFORMED THE ENTIRE DASH WOULD HAVE TO BE REMOVED, BECAUSE THE DOORS FAILED AND A NEW HEATER BOX WAS NEEDED. *JB..UPDATED 04/19/12 *BF UPDATED 04/23/12

NHTSA ID
10452020
Incident
Mar 1, 2012
Exterior lighting
Filed Jan 24, 2012

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 DODGE RAM. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 40 MPH WHEN THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE HEADLIGHT FAILED. THE CONTACT THEN PULLED OVER TO CHECK THE HEADLIGHTS BUT ONLY THE HIGH BEAMS WERE OPERABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED FOR THE FAILURE. THE BULB WAS REPLACED BUT THE HEADLIGHTS WERE STILL INOPERABLE.THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 128,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 128,100.

NHTSA ID
10445081
Incident
Jan 19, 2012
Mileage
128,000 mi
Driver assistance
Filed Oct 17, 2011

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 DODGE RAM. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WOULD BECOME STUCK WHEN DEPRESSED. THE FAILURE RECURRED TWICE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 36,470 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 36,545.

NHTSA ID
10430487
Incident
Oct 16, 2011
Mileage
36,470 mi
ElectricalVisibility
Filed Sep 28, 2011

THE MULTI FUNCTION SWITCH WAS DEFECTIVE IN MY VEHICLE. THIS CAUSED THE FOLLOWING SAFETY CONCERNS WITH THE VEHICLE: 1) THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS DID NOT WORK, 2) THE TURN SIGNALS DID NOT WORK, AND 3) THE HAZZARD LIGHTS DID NOT WORK. I HAVE TWO PROBLEMS WITH THE SITUATION: 1) WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE DURING A RAIN STORM ON 9/26/2011, THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS DID NOT WORK. THIS CAUSED A SAFETY CONCERN AND COULD HAVE CAUSED A POTENTIAL ACCIDENT AND 2) WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE, THE TURN SIGNALS DID NOT WORK. THIS CAUSED A SAFETY CONCERN AND COULD HAVE CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. AFTER TAKING THE VEHICLE TO THE LOCAL DODGE DEALERSHIP, I WAS INFORMED THAT THE MULTI FUNCTION SWITCH WAS ON BACK ORDER. TO BE EXACT, FOUR THOUSAND MULTI FUNCTION SWITCHES WERE ON BACK ORDER PER THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP AND CHRYSLER GROUP CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE. NEITHER THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP OR THE CHRYSLER GROUP CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE HAD ANY IDEA WHEN THE PART WOULD BE AVAILABLE. I ASKED BOTH PARTIES WHY THE PART IS ON BACK ORDER SINCE THIS IS A MATTER OF SAFETY. NO ANSWER WAS GIVEN. AFTER FURTHER RESEARCH VIA THE INTERNET, IT WAS DETERMINE THAT OTHER DODGE RAM TRUCK OWNERS HAD THE SAME TYPE ISSUE WITH THEIR MULTI FUNCTION SWITCH BEING DEFECTIVE. IT WOULD BE GREAT IF DODGE WOULD NOTIFY ALL OWNERS OF THE PROBLEM WITH THE MULTI FUNCTION SWITCH AND HAVE THEM REVIEWED AND/OR REPLACED IF NEEDED. THIS COULD POTENTIALLY SAVE SOMEONE FROM SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH FROM THE THE MULTI FUNCTION SWITCH BEING DEFECTIVE WHILE DRIVING. MY HOPE AND PRAYER IS TO HAVE OTHER DODGE RAM TRUCK OWNERS UNDERSTAND THE IMPORTANCE OF THIS PROBLEM. IT COULD POTENTIALLY SAVE THEIR LIFE. *TT

NHTSA ID
10427768
Incident
Sep 26, 2011
Mileage
28,053 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

2301307

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

2100507

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

IMPROVED HILL CLIMB CAPABILITY IN REVERSE OR DTC'S P1713 / P1776. *KB

0200107

SUSPENSION

WHEN BRAKING THE VEHICLE MAY DRIFT TO ONE SIDE OR EXHIBIT A BODY SHUDDER. *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
2006Viewing254046.7
2005405053.1
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.