RoadVitals

2006 Dodge Ram Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

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
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
11
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

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2006 Dodge Ram, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

  • Electrical618.2%
  • Steering412.1%
  • Visibility39.1%
  • Driver assistance39.1%
  • Seat belts39.1%
  • Suspension39.1%
  • Airbags39.1%
  • Exterior lighting39.1%
  • Fuel system26.1%
  • Engine26.1%
  • Other / unspecified13.0%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

6
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Aug 5, 2022

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

NHTSA ID 10458261 · filed May 13, 2012

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Jun 1, 2021

THE LEFT TIE ROD END DROPPED OFF MY VEHICLE WHILE BACKING INTO MY DRIVEWAY. THERE HAVE BEEN RECALLS ISSUED ON SIMILAR TRUCKS. DODGE OFFERS NO HELP ON MY VEHICLE BECAUSE RECALLS ARE VIN SPECIFIC. TO REPAIR THE COST WAS $1062. IF DODGE HADN'T REDESIGNED THE PARTS, MY COST WOULD HAVE BEEN $0 DUE TO THE 3 YEAR/36,000 MILE "BUMPER TO BUMPER" WARRANTY WE PURCHASED WITH THE TRUCK. (IT WAS A USED TRUCK WHEN WE PURCHASED IT.) WHY HAVEN'T ALL OF THESE TRUCKS BEEN RECALLED FOR THIS ISSUE? I SUPPOSE THE FACT THAT THERE HAVE BEEN NO DEATHS OR MAJOR PROPERTY DAMAGE WILL BE THE REASON. THIS IS A MAJOR HIT TO ME AND MY FAMILY. WE NEED THE TRUCK. WE NEED THE $1000 IT COST TO REPAIR. DODGE SAYS THE ONLY WAY THEY CAN HELP ME IS IF THE NHTSA EXPANDS THE RECALL. I KNOW THAT WON'T HAPPEN BUT WOULD YOU PLEASE THINK ABOUT ME AND MY FAMILY'S DILEMMA THE NEXT TIME YOU ISSUE A NON-LIFE THREATENING RECALL. I THOUGHT RECALLS WERE ALL INCLUSIVE. GUESS I THOUGHT WRONG. THANKS FOR LISTENING.

NHTSA ID 10417428 · filed Aug 2, 2011

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Visibility

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Mar 15, 2012

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 · filed Sep 28, 2011

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Oct 17, 2011

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED DURING INITIAL ACCELERATION ON A HILL, THE VEHICLE HESITATED. THE DEALERSHIP DETERMINED THIS IS HOW THE VEHICLE WAS MANUFACTURED. *AK

NHTSA ID 10166149 · filed Aug 21, 2006

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Seat belts

Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS AN EDDIE BAUER DELUXE CONVERTIBLE REARFACING INFANT SEAT, MODEL NUMBER 22-880. THE CHILD SEAT WAS MANUFACTURED ON MARCH 8, 2006. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BOTTOM STRAP OF THE CHILD SEAT, WHICH CONNECTED THE SEAT TO THE VEHICLE, FAILED TO TIGHTEN. AS A RESULT, THE CHILD SEAT REMAINED LOOSE AND WAS NOT SAFELY SECURED TO THE SEAT PROPERLY. THE CONTACT FELT THAT THIS WAS A SAFETY HAZARD AND COULD CAUSE SEVERE INJURIES IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH. UPDATED 03-04-09 *BF UPDATED 03/05/09. *JB

NHTSA ID 10251110 · filed Dec 8, 2008

TL* - THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 DODGE RAM. THE CONTACT RECEIVED TWO SAFETY RECALL NOTICES. THE FIRST RECALL REFERENCE THE AIR BAG AND THE SECOND RECALL REFERENCE THE SEAT BELTS. THE CONTACT'S APPOINTMENT WAS SCHEDULED FOR TODAY PER THE MECHANIC IT SHOULD HAVE TAKEN 3 HOURS. HOWEVER WHEN THE CONTACT PICKED UP THE VEHICLE THE DEALER STATED THEY WERE UNSURE HOW LONG THE RECALL REPAIR WOULD BE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DEALER DOESN'T HAVE THE PARTS. CURRENTLY, THE VEHICLE ISN'T EXPERIENCING ANY FAILURES. *JB

NHTSA ID 10179052 · filed Jan 18, 2007

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 DODGE RAM. WHILE DRIVING LESS THAN 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO VIBRATE HARD AND THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE WHEEL DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE WHEEL BEARINGS WERE MORE THAN LIKELY THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE; HOWEVER, THEY COULD NOT ASSIST BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS 2,000 MILES OUT OF WARRANTY. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 36,944. UPDATED 04-14-09 *BF UPDATED 04/16/09.*JB

NHTSA ID 10259909 · filed Feb 25, 2009

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 DODGE RAM 1500. THE CONTACT RECEIVED RECALL NOTICE # 07V038000 (SUSPENSION:FRONT:WHEEL BEARING). THE RECALL PART IS ON BACK ORDER AND THE CONTACT HAS BEEN WAITING FOR APPROXIMATELY THREE MONTHS. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT EXPERIENCED ANY FAILURES AT THIS TIME. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 20,000.

NHTSA ID 10190172 · filed May 8, 2007

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Aug 5, 2022

TL* - THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 DODGE RAM. THE CONTACT RECEIVED TWO SAFETY RECALL NOTICES. THE FIRST RECALL REFERENCE THE AIR BAG AND THE SECOND RECALL REFERENCE THE SEAT BELTS. THE CONTACT'S APPOINTMENT WAS SCHEDULED FOR TODAY PER THE MECHANIC IT SHOULD HAVE TAKEN 3 HOURS. HOWEVER WHEN THE CONTACT PICKED UP THE VEHICLE THE DEALER STATED THEY WERE UNSURE HOW LONG THE RECALL REPAIR WOULD BE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DEALER DOESN'T HAVE THE PARTS. CURRENTLY, THE VEHICLE ISN'T EXPERIENCING ANY FAILURES. *JB

NHTSA ID 10179052 · filed Jan 18, 2007

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Exterior lighting

Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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

NHTSA ID 10458261 · filed May 13, 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 · filed Jan 24, 2012

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Mar 7, 2022

2006 DODGE RAM. CONSUMER STATES WHILE DRIVING THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND THE VEHICLE SHUT DOWN AND WENT INTO SAFE MODE.*TGW THE CONSUMER STATED THE TRUCK WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER AND THEY FOUND A PROBLEM WITH SOME OF THE INJECTOR. EIGHT INJECTORS HAD TO BE REPLACED WITHIN THE PAST YEAR AND SOME OF THE WIRES WERE REPLACED. WHEN THE CONSUMER CONTACTED CHRYSLER, HE WAS INFORMED REPAIRS WERE NOT GOING TO BE AUTHORIZED BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WA PERFORMING AS DESIGNED. CHRYSLER ADVISED THE CONSUMER TO CONTINUE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE UNTIL IT MALFUNCTIONS AGAIN. *JB

NHTSA ID 10385063 · filed Feb 25, 2011

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

2006 DODGE RAM. CONSUMER STATES WHILE DRIVING THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND THE VEHICLE SHUT DOWN AND WENT INTO SAFE MODE.*TGW THE CONSUMER STATED THE TRUCK WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER AND THEY FOUND A PROBLEM WITH SOME OF THE INJECTOR. EIGHT INJECTORS HAD TO BE REPLACED WITHIN THE PAST YEAR AND SOME OF THE WIRES WERE REPLACED. WHEN THE CONSUMER CONTACTED CHRYSLER, HE WAS INFORMED REPAIRS WERE NOT GOING TO BE AUTHORIZED BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WA PERFORMING AS DESIGNED. CHRYSLER ADVISED THE CONSUMER TO CONTINUE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE UNTIL IT MALFUNCTIONS AGAIN. *JB

NHTSA ID 10385063 · filed Feb 25, 2011

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 DODGE RAM. THE VEHICLE STALLED WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. WHEN THE KEY WAS REMOVED FROM THE IGNITION, THE ENGINE CONTINUED TO RUN. THE ENGINE SHUT OFF WHEN THE VEHICLE RAN OUT OF FUEL. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY AT THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A REPAIR SHOP APPROXIMATELY FOUR TIMES, BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE HAS YET TO BE DETERMINED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 53,692 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 67,000.

NHTSA ID 10269425 · filed May 19, 2009

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Other / unspecified

Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 DODGE RAM. WHILE DRIVING LESS THAN 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO VIBRATE HARD AND THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE WHEEL DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE WHEEL BEARINGS WERE MORE THAN LIKELY THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE; HOWEVER, THEY COULD NOT ASSIST BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS 2,000 MILES OUT OF WARRANTY. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 36,944. UPDATED 04-14-09 *BF UPDATED 04/16/09.*JB

NHTSA ID 10259909 · filed Feb 25, 2009

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

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.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .