Owners have filed 276 complaints
about the 2004 Dodge RAM 3500 with NHTSA between 2004 and 2026.
The largest single group is the transmission & drivetrain.
Across this model's run it ranks 1 of 20 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 69
Against the median year of the Dodge RAM 3500. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
27.2% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 52
31% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Automatic Transmission
3456.7%
Column Shift
610.0%
Diesel
46.7%
Gear Position Indication (Prndl)
46.7%
Upper Ball Joint
35.0%
Driveline
35.0%
Sidewall
35.0%
Body
35.0%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
115.7%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
199.9%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
2211.5%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
199.9%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
2714.1%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
3317.2%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
4121.4%
150,000+ miles
2010.4%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Mar 2004peak 11May 2026
NHTSA investigations into the 2004 Dodge RAM 3500
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
1
investigation is
still open.
EA15001Opened 24 Feb 2015Still openAIR BAGS
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 fai...
AQ14003Opened 20 Oct 2014Closed 16 May 2016STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY
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 avail...
PE14016Opened 11 Jun 2014Closed 2 Mar 2015AIR BAGS
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 fai...
PE14013Opened 19 May 2014Closed 23 Dec 2014ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
Clutch Interlock Switch Malfunction
On December 16, 2104, Chrysler Group LLC submitted a Safety Recall Report to NHTSA describing a defect in the clutch ignition interlock switches in approximately 66,819 model year (MY) 2006 through early-2007 Dodge Ram Trucks, Dodge Dakota, and Mitsubishi Raider vehicles equipped with manual transmissions and built between July 1, 2005 and July 31, 2006 (NHTSA Recall No. 14V-795, Chrysler Recall No. P80), including 38,969 MY 2006 Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500 vehicles that are part of the subject vehicle population for PE14-013.Chrysler's Safety Report states that:1) the clutch ignition interlock sw...
EA05018Opened 2 Nov 2005Closed 29 Aug 2007POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)
ENGINE STALL
ANALYSIS OF THE COMPLAINT, FIELD REPORT AND WARRANTY DATA SHOWS THAT THE MAJORITY OF STALLING INCIDENTS IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES APPEAR TO BE RELATED TO THE ENGINE CALIBRATION CONCERNS THAT DAIMLERCHRYSLER ADDRESSED WITH SERVICE BULLETINS RELEASING REVISED PCM SOFTWARE.ANALYSIS OF THE COMPLAINTS AND ODI'S SURVEY OF OWNERS OF VEHICLES THAT RECEIVED ENGINE MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE UPDATES UNDER TSB #18-013-05 SHOW THAT THESE STALLING INCIDENTS HAVE THE FOLLOWING CHARACTERISTICS: - THEY OCCUR AT LOW SPEEDS, OFTEN DURING PARKING LOT ORDRIVEWAY MANEUVERS; - THEY OCCUR DURING DECELERATIONS, SUCH AS BRAKIN...
PE05027Opened 16 May 2005Closed 3 Nov 2005POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)
ENGINE STALL
ON MAY 16, 2005,ODI OPENED PRELIMINARY EVALUATION PE05-027 TO INVESTIGATE COMPLAINTS OF ENGINE STALLING IN MODEL YEAR 2004-05 DODGE DURANGO SUVS AND RAM 1500 SERIES PICKUPS EQUIPPED WITH THE 5.7L V8 ENGINE.INFORMATION PROVIDED BY DAIMLERCHRYSLER DURING PE05-027 INDICATED THAT A LARGE PERCENTAGE OF THE COMPLAINTS ARE RELATED TO AN IDLE UNDERSHOOT CONDITION THAT MAY CAUSE THE ENGINE TO STALL DURING TURNING MANEUVERS.IN FEBRUARY 2005, DAIMLERCHRYSLER REVISED THE POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE SOFTWARE IN PRODUCTION VEHICLES AND ISSUED A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN (TSB 18-013-05) RELEASING THE NEW SOFT...
EA04025Opened 26 Aug 2004Closed 22 Dec 2005POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
FALSE PARK
THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE HEAVY DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS WITH DIESEL ENGINES AND AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS COMMONLY USED FOR COMMERCIAL AND WORK PURPOSES.A COLUMN MOUNTED SHIFT LEVER IS USED FOR GEAR SELECTION AND AN ELECTRONIC PRNDL ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL PROVIDES GEAR POSITION INFORMATION TO THE DRIVER.THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE ALSO EQUIPPED WITH A BRAKE-TRANSMISSION SHIFT INTERLOCK THAT PREVENTS THE SHIFT LEVER FROM BEING MOVED FROM THE PARK POSITION (WHEN THE ENGINE IS ON) UNLESS THE BRAKE PEDAL IS DEPRESSED AND AN IGNITION-SHIFT INTERLOCK THAT PREVENTS KEY REMOVAL UNLESS THE TRANSMISSION IS IN THE...
PE04039Opened 13 Apr 2004Closed 26 Aug 2004POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
FALSE PARK
THERE HAVE BEEN 50 COMPLAINTS TO ODI AND DAIMLERCHRYSLER ALLEGING INCIDENTS OF REVERSE POWERED ROLLAWAY IN SUBJECT VEHICLES THAT WERE PARKED WITH THE ENGINE RUNNING AND THE PARKING BRAKE DISENGAGED.THE INCIDENTS ARE ALLEGED TO HAVE RESULTED IN 42 CRASHES AND 3 INJURIES. ACCORDING TO DAIMLERCHRYSLER, INCIDENT VEHICLE INSPECTIONS HAVE NOT IDENTIFIED ANY MISADJUSTED OR BROKEN PARTS.A TYPICAL INCIDENT IS BELIEVED TO INVOLVE THE FOLLOWING SET OF CONDITIONS:(1) WITH THE VEHICLE ON A RELATIVELY LEVEL SURFACE, AN ATTEMPTED SHIFT INTO PARK INADVERTENTLY PLACES THE TRANSMISSION IN A POSITION BETWEEN THE...
Complaints that involved harm
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Indianola, WAFire
POWER TRAIN
WHILE TRAVELING ON INTERSTATE 90 IN WASHINGTON STATE, TRAVELING AT ABOUT 60 MPH I NOTICED A HAZE BEHIND THE TRUCK THROUGH THE PASSENGER SIDE DOOR MIRROR. AT THE TIME, THERE WERE NO INDICATIONS BY INSTRUMENTS OR WARNING LIGHTS THAT ANYTHING WAS AMISS WITH THE TRUCK. WONDERING IF IT WAS COMING FROM THE TRUCK I PULLED TO THE SHOULDER TO CHECK. AS SOON AS I STOPPED I SMELLED HOT OIL, SO SHUT OFF THE ENGINE, RELEASED THE HOOD LATCH AND CHECKED THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. UPON LIFTING THE HOOD OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT I IMMEDIATELY NOTICED FLAMES BETWEEN THE ENGINE AND FIRE WALL. I RETRIEVED A FIRE EXTINGUISHER FROM THE CAMPER THE TRUCK WAS HAULING AND ATTEMPTED TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. TWO MOTORISTS WITH FIRE EXTINGUISHERS STOPPED TO HELP AND THE COMBINED USE OF THREE DRY CHEMICAL FIRE EXTINGUISHERS WOULD NOT PUT THE FIRE OUT AND THE TRUCK AND CAMPER COMPLETELY BURNED. WHEN I REPORTED THIS TO MY INSURANCE COMPANY WE DISCOVERED AN ERROR IN THE VIN NUMBER ON MY INSURANCE POLICY. OUT OF CURIOSITY I RESEARCHED THAT VIN NUMBER AND WAS SURPRISED TO SEE THAT SAME STYLE TRUCK HAD ALSO BURNED. IT'S VIN IS 3D7MU48C84G269656 AND CAN BE SEEN IN THE 7TH PHOTO THAT IS UPLOADED TO THIS REPORT. BOTH WERE 2004 DODGE DIESEL TUCKS WITH LOW MILEAGE. IT SEEMS TOO MUCH OF A COINCIDENCE AND I WONDER IF THERE IS A DEFECT THAT CAUSED THIS AND HOW MANY OTHER OF THIS YEAR, MAKE AND MODEL HAVE BEEN DESTROYED BY FIRE.
NHTSA complaint #11461850 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Indianola, WAFire
ENGINE
WHILE TRAVELING ON INTERSTATE 90 IN WASHINGTON STATE, TRAVELING AT ABOUT 60 MPH I NOTICED A HAZE BEHIND THE TRUCK THROUGH THE PASSENGER SIDE DOOR MIRROR. AT THE TIME, THERE WERE NO INDICATIONS BY INSTRUMENTS OR WARNING LIGHTS THAT ANYTHING WAS AMISS WITH THE TRUCK. WONDERING IF IT WAS COMING FROM THE TRUCK I PULLED TO THE SHOULDER TO CHECK. AS SOON AS I STOPPED I SMELLED HOT OIL, SO SHUT OFF THE ENGINE, RELEASED THE HOOD LATCH AND CHECKED THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. UPON LIFTING THE HOOD OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT I IMMEDIATELY NOTICED FLAMES BETWEEN THE ENGINE AND FIRE WALL. I RETRIEVED A FIRE EXTINGUISHER FROM THE CAMPER THE TRUCK WAS HAULING AND ATTEMPTED TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. TWO MOTORISTS WITH FIRE EXTINGUISHERS STOPPED TO HELP AND THE COMBINED USE OF THREE DRY CHEMICAL FIRE EXTINGUISHERS WOULD NOT PUT THE FIRE OUT AND THE TRUCK AND CAMPER COMPLETELY BURNED. WHEN I REPORTED THIS TO MY INSURANCE COMPANY WE DISCOVERED AN ERROR IN THE VIN NUMBER ON MY INSURANCE POLICY. OUT OF CURIOSITY I RESEARCHED THAT VIN NUMBER AND WAS SURPRISED TO SEE THAT SAME STYLE TRUCK HAD ALSO BURNED. IT'S VIN IS 3D7MU48C84G269656 AND CAN BE SEEN IN THE 7TH PHOTO THAT IS UPLOADED TO THIS REPORT. BOTH WERE 2004 DODGE DIESEL TUCKS WITH LOW MILEAGE. IT SEEMS TOO MUCH OF A COINCIDENCE AND I WONDER IF THERE IS A DEFECT THAT CAUSED THIS AND HOW MANY OTHER OF THIS YEAR, MAKE AND MODEL HAVE BEEN DESTROYED BY FIRE.
NHTSA complaint #11461850 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 145,000 milesEugene, ORCrash
POWER TRAIN
MY 2004 DODGE RAM 3500 WILL GO OUT OF PARK AND INTO REVERSE ON ITS OWN AND I WAS NOT TOLD THAT THIS IS AN ONGOING PROBLEM WITH THIS PARTICULAR TRUCK MY TRUCK WENT ON ITS OWN ONE DAY OVER 250 FEET AND DROVE INTO MY NEIGHBORS YARD. THE TRUCK PARKING PAWL WAS NOT COMPLETELY IN AS I WAS TOLD AND THIS TRUCK HAS THE ABILITY TO DO IT ON ITS OWN I FIND THIS UNACCEPTABLE AND A HAZARD TO MY HEALTH AS LONG WITH MY NEIGHBORS. COULD YOU PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS BECAUSE THERE WAS NOT A RECALL SENT TO ME OR ANYTHING TOLD TO ME WHEN I PURCHASED THIS FROM THE CHRYSLER DODGE AT THE DEALER I BELIEVE THAT PEOPLE NEED TO KNOW WHAT THEY'RE GETTING INTO AND POSSIBLE HAZARDS THAT ARE LINKED TO THIS COULD YOU PLEASE EMAIL ME BACK WITH ANY INFORMATION ON THIS PROBLEM. *TT
NHTSA complaint #11066162 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 145,000 milesEugene, ORCrash
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:COLUMN SHIFT
MY 2004 DODGE RAM 3500 WILL GO OUT OF PARK AND INTO REVERSE ON ITS OWN AND I WAS NOT TOLD THAT THIS IS AN ONGOING PROBLEM WITH THIS PARTICULAR TRUCK MY TRUCK WENT ON ITS OWN ONE DAY OVER 250 FEET AND DROVE INTO MY NEIGHBORS YARD. THE TRUCK PARKING PAWL WAS NOT COMPLETELY IN AS I WAS TOLD AND THIS TRUCK HAS THE ABILITY TO DO IT ON ITS OWN I FIND THIS UNACCEPTABLE AND A HAZARD TO MY HEALTH AS LONG WITH MY NEIGHBORS. COULD YOU PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS BECAUSE THERE WAS NOT A RECALL SENT TO ME OR ANYTHING TOLD TO ME WHEN I PURCHASED THIS FROM THE CHRYSLER DODGE AT THE DEALER I BELIEVE THAT PEOPLE NEED TO KNOW WHAT THEY'RE GETTING INTO AND POSSIBLE HAZARDS THAT ARE LINKED TO THIS COULD YOU PLEASE EMAIL ME BACK WITH ANY INFORMATION ON THIS PROBLEM. *TT
NHTSA complaint #11066162 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 145,000 milesEugene, ORCrash
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
MY 2004 DODGE RAM 3500 WILL GO OUT OF PARK AND INTO REVERSE ON ITS OWN AND I WAS NOT TOLD THAT THIS IS AN ONGOING PROBLEM WITH THIS PARTICULAR TRUCK MY TRUCK WENT ON ITS OWN ONE DAY OVER 250 FEET AND DROVE INTO MY NEIGHBORS YARD. THE TRUCK PARKING PAWL WAS NOT COMPLETELY IN AS I WAS TOLD AND THIS TRUCK HAS THE ABILITY TO DO IT ON ITS OWN I FIND THIS UNACCEPTABLE AND A HAZARD TO MY HEALTH AS LONG WITH MY NEIGHBORS. COULD YOU PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS BECAUSE THERE WAS NOT A RECALL SENT TO ME OR ANYTHING TOLD TO ME WHEN I PURCHASED THIS FROM THE CHRYSLER DODGE AT THE DEALER I BELIEVE THAT PEOPLE NEED TO KNOW WHAT THEY'RE GETTING INTO AND POSSIBLE HAZARDS THAT ARE LINKED TO THIS COULD YOU PLEASE EMAIL ME BACK WITH ANY INFORMATION ON THIS PROBLEM. *TT
NHTSA complaint #11066162 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 24,000 milesPasadena, TXCrash
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I WAS REVERSING FROM MY DRIVE WAY AND THEN PUT MY TRUCK ON DRIVE TO GO UP THE DRIVE WAY AND THEN TURNED THE GEAR SHIFT COUNTER CLOCK WISE TO PUT IT ON PARK. GOT OUT OF MY TRUCK AND WALKED IN FRONT OF IT AND THEN RAN INSIDE THE HOUSE TO GRAB WHAT I FORGOT. WHEN I CAME BACK OUTSIDE, MY TRUCK WAS MOVING FOWARD BY ITSELF, THE TRUCK SHIFTED BY ITSELF FROM PARK TO DRIVE. I RAN TO THE PASSENGER SIDE AND TURNED THE KNOB BACK TO PARK TO STOP THE TRUCK. THE TRUCK HIT THE CORNER OF THE HOUSE AND DAMAGED MY HOUSE AND TRUCK. I WAS LUCKY ENOUGH TO STOP IT BEFORE IT WENT ALL THE WAY INSIDE THE HOUSE. THANK GOD I'M HERE TO TELL THE STORY AND NOT UNDER THE TIRE. I TRIED REPORTING TO CHRYSELER AND THEY SAID IT WAS MY FAULT FOR NOT PUTTING THE PARKING BREAK ON AND I STEPPED OUT AND LEFT THE TRUCK RUNNNING. I EXPLAINED TO THEM THAT ITS NOT A MANUAL TRANSMISSION AND IT WASNT PARKED DOWNHILL. GOT NOTHING OUT OF THEM!
NHTSA complaint #11015842 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Manchester, NY
AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2004 Dodge RAM. The contact received recall notifications, NHTSA Capaign Number: 16V352000 (Air Bags and NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V313000 (Air Bags) however the parts were unavailable. The dealer was contacted, however the contact was informed that the parts were in back order. In addition, the contact was informed that the parts were unavailable until October 2026. The manufacturer was contacted. The cotnact was informed that the parts were unavailalbel.
NHTSA complaint #11736578 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Northville, MI
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2004 Dodge Ram 3500. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 13V528000 (Steering), 16V352000 (Air Bags), 15V313000 (Air Bags), and 05V462000 (Power Train); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available while the vehicle was in for service. The local dealer was made aware of the issue, and an appointment was scheduled to repair the vehicle. The vehicle remained with the dealer for a week before the contact was informed that parts for the recall repairs were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that on several occasions, while the vehicle was in park(P), the vehicle unexpectedly rolled without warning. The brake pedal was depressed with extra force while shifting to park(P). The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was unknown.
NHTSA complaint #11726711 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Northville, MI
AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2004 Dodge Ram 3500. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 13V528000 (Steering), 16V352000 (Air Bags), 15V313000 (Air Bags), and 05V462000 (Power Train); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available while the vehicle was in for service. The local dealer was made aware of the issue, and an appointment was scheduled to repair the vehicle. The vehicle remained with the dealer for a week before the contact was informed that parts for the recall repairs were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that on several occasions, while the vehicle was in park(P), the vehicle unexpectedly rolled without warning. The brake pedal was depressed with extra force while shifting to park(P). The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was unknown.
NHTSA complaint #11726711 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Northville, MI
STEERING
The contact owns a 2004 Dodge Ram 3500. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 13V528000 (Steering), 16V352000 (Air Bags), 15V313000 (Air Bags), and 05V462000 (Power Train); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available while the vehicle was in for service. The local dealer was made aware of the issue, and an appointment was scheduled to repair the vehicle. The vehicle remained with the dealer for a week before the contact was informed that parts for the recall repairs were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that on several occasions, while the vehicle was in park(P), the vehicle unexpectedly rolled without warning. The brake pedal was depressed with extra force while shifting to park(P). The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was unknown.
NHTSA complaint #11726711 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Brush Prairie, WA
SUSPENSION
upper control arm cracked which is a safety violation and should be a recall. TRW 52106776 Control arm is the cracked part in the picture My son replace both control arm and send it for alignment total cost was as below; Parts $280 + Alignment $192.59= $472.59 I like Dodge to refund me for $460
NHTSA complaint #11686102 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Indianola, WAFire
POWER TRAIN
WHILE TRAVELING ON INTERSTATE 90 IN WASHINGTON STATE, TRAVELING AT ABOUT 60 MPH I NOTICED A HAZE BEHIND THE TRUCK THROUGH THE PASSENGER SIDE DOOR MIRROR. AT THE TIME, THERE WERE NO INDICATIONS BY INSTRUMENTS OR WARNING LIGHTS THAT ANYTHING WAS AMISS WITH THE TRUCK. WONDERING IF IT WAS COMING FROM THE TRUCK I PULLED TO THE SHOULDER TO CHECK. AS SOON AS I STOPPED I SMELLED HOT OIL, SO SHUT OFF THE ENGINE, RELEASED THE HOOD LATCH AND CHECKED THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. UPON LIFTING THE HOOD OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT I IMMEDIATELY NOTICED FLAMES BETWEEN THE ENGINE AND FIRE WALL. I RETRIEVED A FIRE EXTINGUISHER FROM THE CAMPER THE TRUCK WAS HAULING AND ATTEMPTED TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. TWO MOTORISTS WITH FIRE EXTINGUISHERS STOPPED TO HELP AND THE COMBINED USE OF THREE DRY CHEMICAL FIRE EXTINGUISHERS WOULD NOT PUT THE FIRE OUT AND THE TRUCK AND CAMPER COMPLETELY BURNED. WHEN I REPORTED THIS TO MY INSURANCE COMPANY WE DISCOVERED AN ERROR IN THE VIN NUMBER ON MY INSURANCE POLICY. OUT OF CURIOSITY I RESEARCHED THAT VIN NUMBER AND WAS SURPRISED TO SEE THAT SAME STYLE TRUCK HAD ALSO BURNED. IT'S VIN IS 3D7MU48C84G269656 AND CAN BE SEEN IN THE 7TH PHOTO THAT IS UPLOADED TO THIS REPORT. BOTH WERE 2004 DODGE DIESEL TUCKS WITH LOW MILEAGE. IT SEEMS TOO MUCH OF A COINCIDENCE AND I WONDER IF THERE IS A DEFECT THAT CAUSED THIS AND HOW MANY OTHER OF THIS YEAR, MAKE AND MODEL HAVE BEEN DESTROYED BY FIRE.
NHTSA complaint #11461850 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Indianola, WAFire
ENGINE
WHILE TRAVELING ON INTERSTATE 90 IN WASHINGTON STATE, TRAVELING AT ABOUT 60 MPH I NOTICED A HAZE BEHIND THE TRUCK THROUGH THE PASSENGER SIDE DOOR MIRROR. AT THE TIME, THERE WERE NO INDICATIONS BY INSTRUMENTS OR WARNING LIGHTS THAT ANYTHING WAS AMISS WITH THE TRUCK. WONDERING IF IT WAS COMING FROM THE TRUCK I PULLED TO THE SHOULDER TO CHECK. AS SOON AS I STOPPED I SMELLED HOT OIL, SO SHUT OFF THE ENGINE, RELEASED THE HOOD LATCH AND CHECKED THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. UPON LIFTING THE HOOD OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT I IMMEDIATELY NOTICED FLAMES BETWEEN THE ENGINE AND FIRE WALL. I RETRIEVED A FIRE EXTINGUISHER FROM THE CAMPER THE TRUCK WAS HAULING AND ATTEMPTED TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. TWO MOTORISTS WITH FIRE EXTINGUISHERS STOPPED TO HELP AND THE COMBINED USE OF THREE DRY CHEMICAL FIRE EXTINGUISHERS WOULD NOT PUT THE FIRE OUT AND THE TRUCK AND CAMPER COMPLETELY BURNED. WHEN I REPORTED THIS TO MY INSURANCE COMPANY WE DISCOVERED AN ERROR IN THE VIN NUMBER ON MY INSURANCE POLICY. OUT OF CURIOSITY I RESEARCHED THAT VIN NUMBER AND WAS SURPRISED TO SEE THAT SAME STYLE TRUCK HAD ALSO BURNED. IT'S VIN IS 3D7MU48C84G269656 AND CAN BE SEEN IN THE 7TH PHOTO THAT IS UPLOADED TO THIS REPORT. BOTH WERE 2004 DODGE DIESEL TUCKS WITH LOW MILEAGE. IT SEEMS TOO MUCH OF A COINCIDENCE AND I WONDER IF THERE IS A DEFECT THAT CAUSED THIS AND HOW MANY OTHER OF THIS YEAR, MAKE AND MODEL HAVE BEEN DESTROYED BY FIRE.
NHTSA complaint #11461850 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 124,000 milesGreeley, CO
POWER TRAIN
STEERING BECAME LOOSE AND HAD 1-2INCHES OF SLACK BEFORE GUIDING THE VEHICLE PROPERLY. REPLACED WITH NEW STEERING UNIT. TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT SHIFT INTO LOW GEAR AT BUSY INTERSECTION ENTERING FREEWAY. *TR STARTED IN SECOND OR THIRD REQUIRED COSTLY REBUILD. FUEL GAUGE READS EMPTY REQUIRED NEW UNIT IN FUEL TANK.
NHTSA complaint #11329101 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 124,000 milesGreeley, CO
STEERING
STEERING BECAME LOOSE AND HAD 1-2INCHES OF SLACK BEFORE GUIDING THE VEHICLE PROPERLY. REPLACED WITH NEW STEERING UNIT. TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT SHIFT INTO LOW GEAR AT BUSY INTERSECTION ENTERING FREEWAY. *TR STARTED IN SECOND OR THIRD REQUIRED COSTLY REBUILD. FUEL GAUGE READS EMPTY REQUIRED NEW UNIT IN FUEL TANK.
NHTSA complaint #11329101 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 124,000 milesGreeley, CO
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
STEERING BECAME LOOSE AND HAD 1-2INCHES OF SLACK BEFORE GUIDING THE VEHICLE PROPERLY. REPLACED WITH NEW STEERING UNIT. TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT SHIFT INTO LOW GEAR AT BUSY INTERSECTION ENTERING FREEWAY. *TR STARTED IN SECOND OR THIRD REQUIRED COSTLY REBUILD. FUEL GAUGE READS EMPTY REQUIRED NEW UNIT IN FUEL TANK.
NHTSA complaint #11329101 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 137,887 milesCushing, OK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
HAVE TO USE FORCE TO ENGAGE CLUTCH TO START VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY WITH A TRAILER ATTACHED. UNABLE TO TURN OFF VEHICLE WHEN FUELING DUE TO PROBABILITY THAT IT WOULD NOT START. TRIED JUMPER CABLES WITHOUT SUCCESS. AFTER STOMPING CLUTCH SEVERAL TIMES VEHICLE STARTED.
NHTSA complaint #11289602 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Vallejo, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
2004 DODGE RAM 3500. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO NUMEROUS REPAIRS MADE TO VEHICLE. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE DEALER HAS HELD THE VEHICLE WITHOUT MAKING ANY REPAIRS, OR PREDICTIONS ON WHEN THE REPAIRS WOULD BE COMPLETED.
NHTSA complaint #11202470 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 180,000 milesBlackstone, MA
STEERING
PURCHASED USED 2004 DODGE 3500 AND WHILE DRIVING HOMEDOING 60 MPH I EXPERIENCED SUCH A VIOLENT SHACKING OF THE FRONT END I NEARLY LOSS CONTROL OF MY TRUCK AND STRUCK ANOTHER VEHICLE ON THE HIGHWAY. MY WIFE AND I COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED. I LATER LEARNED THAT THIS TRUCK SUFFERS FROM DEATH WOBBLE WHICH DODGE IS AWARE OF. AS A RETIRED POLICE OFFICER WITH 30 YEARS I WOULD HAVE TOWED THIS TRUCK AS UNSAFE UNTIL PROPER REPAIRS WERE MADE BASED ON THE VIOLENT SHAKING AND LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL THE DRIVER EXPERIENCES. VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION THAT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED.
NHTSA complaint #11192535 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 300,000 milesChristmas, FL
STEERING
I TOOK MY VEHICLE TO TIRE KINGDOM A REPUTABLE TIRE DEALER AND REPAIR FACILITY TO HAVE MY FRONT END CHECKED OUT, THEY INFORMED ME THAT THE LEFT TIE ROD END AND CENTER LINK NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, THE ALSO SAID THAT THIS MODEL TRUCK HAD A RECALL ON THESES PARTS MANUFACTURER RECALL NUMBER H46 NHTSA RECALL NUMBER 09E-001 AND MANUFACTURER RECALL NUMBER N62 NHTSA RECALL NUMBER 13V-528 I VERIFIED THAT THERE WAS A UNREPAIRED RECALL ON THE VEHICLE. SO I MADE AN APPOINTMENT WITH GREENWAY DODGE CHRYSLER JEEP RAM 9051 E COLONIAL DR, ORLANDO, FL 32817. I TOLD THEM AND SHOWED THEM THE ESTIMATE FROM TIRE KINGDOM STATING THE REPAIRS WERE NEEDED THEY HAD THE TRUCK ALL DAY OCT 5 2018 BUT DID NOTHING TO THE STEERING TIE RODS
NHTSA complaint #11138833 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Jacksonville, FL
AIR BAGS
"TAKATA RECALL" I HAVE ATTEMPTED TO GET MY AIRBAG REPLACED AND THE DEALERSHIP STATES THAT THEY CANNOT WORK ON THE VEHICLE BECAUSE IT HAS AFTERMARKET WIRING. THE WIRING IS NOT ATTACHED TO THE AIRBAG AND SHOULD HAVE NO IMPACT ON THE ABILITY OF A REPLACEMENT AIRBAG WORKING. THE CURRENT FIX THEY DESIRE IS FOR ME TO FIND A SHOP OF SOME KIND THAT REMOVES HEAD UNITS AND HAVE THEM REMOVE AT MY COST, AND THEN HAVE THE AIRBAG INSTALLED AND THEN HAVE THE HEAD UNIT RE-INSTALLED AT MY COST. I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE AS IS A LITTLE OVER A YEAR AGO. I JUST WANT MY TRUCK TO BE SAFE FOR MY FAMILY TO BE IN. MY CURRENT CASE NUMBER WITH DODGE CUSTOMER SERVICE IS 34528836. PLEASE HELP ME GET THIS FIXED.
NHTSA complaint #11102016 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 2,000 milesNaples, FL
POWER TRAIN
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 DODGE RAM 3500. SINCE 2005, THE CONTACT EXPERIENCED DIFFICULTY SHIFTING THE GEAR INTO PARK. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V462000 (POWER TRAIN) IN 2006. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO NAPLES DODGE CHRYSLER JEEP (6381 AIRPORT PULLING RD N, NAPLES, FL 34109) WHERE THE TECHNICIAN INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE RECALL HAD BEEN REPAIRED ONCE FOR A COMPUTER UPGRADE. EVEN THOUGH THE RECALL FAILURE RECURRED, THERE WOULD BE AN OUT OF POCKET COST. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2,000.
NHTSA complaint #11097950 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesOkeechobee, FL
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
WHILE DRIVING ON A BUSY INTERSTATE HIGHWAY RECENTALLY AND PULLING A CAR TRAILER, I WAS RETURNING HOME FROM A VACATION WHEN THE THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR (TPS) FAILED. THIS RESULTS IN A "DEAD PEDAL" SITUATION, WHERE THE ENGINE FALLS TO IDLE, AND THERE IS NO 'DRIVE' TO THE WHEELS. THIS SITUATION IS VERY SERIOUS AS SOMETIMES THERE IS NO WHERE TO PULL OFF THE INTERSTATE, DUE TO TRAFFIC LANE NARROWING. MY PERSONAL SITUATION WAS THAT I WAS ABLE TO COAST TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. TO RE-SET THE TPS, YOU MUST STOP, PUT IN PARK, TURN THE IGNITION OFF, WAIT APPROX. 10-15 SECONDS, AND THEN RE-START. IT SHOULD RE-SET AND YOU CAN DRIVE AWAY, ALTHOUGH A 'CHECK ENGINE' LIGHT APPEARS. IN MY CASE, THE TPS FAILED A SECOND TIME, A SHORT DISTANCE AWAY, AND I HAD TO REPEAT THE STEPS. THE SECOND TIME IT "WORKED" AND I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE HOME. THIS FAILURE OF THE TPS HAD A PROFOUND EFFECT ON ME PERSONALLY. THERE IS NO WARNING THAT THIS IS ABOUT TO HAPPEN. WHEN IT DOES HAPPEN, YOU HAVE NO THROTTLE INPUT AND YOU MUST GET OFF THE ROAD. ALL I COULD THINK ABOUT DURING THOSE MOMENTS OF PANIC, WAS BEING SMASHED INTO FROM THE REAR! I AM AWARE THIS IS AN ISSUE WITH MY TYPE OF VEHICLE AS I HAVE DONE SOME FOLLOW UP RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET FOLLOWING MY INCIDENT. I WANT TO INFORM YOU, THAT I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE NEW IN 2004. THIS VEHICLE IS IMMACULATE, AND ALL MAINTENANCE IS PERFORMED AT THE LOCAL DEALER. IN CAR GUYS TERMS, THIS VEHICLE WOULD BE CONSIDERED A "GARAGE QUEEN" AND THERE WOULD BE NO CONTRIBUTING FACTORS SUCH AS LACK OF MAINTAINCE, DIRT, ROAD GRIME, OR ABUSE. I AM CONVINCED THIS SITUATION WILL LEAD TO A SERIOUS ACCIDENT, IF NOT TO ME, THEN TO SOMEONE ELSE, AND I WANT TO INFORM YOU OF THIS POTENTIAL SERIOUS ISSUE. I HAVE SPOKEN TO THE DEALER/MECHANIC AND THE SOLUTION IS A TPS REPLACEMENT, BUT IN MY OPINION, THIS SHOULD NEVER HAPPEN IN THE FIRST PLACE.
NHTSA complaint #11084705 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 93,500 milesClayton, NM
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
DRIVER'S DOOR LOCK ACTUATOR QUIT WORKING, KEY WOULD NOT OPEN NO ENTRANCE BY KEY FOB. HAD TO HAVE IT REPLACED.CAR WAS STATIONARY WHEN DISCOVERED.
NHTSA complaint #11082618 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 54,000 milesPortland, OR
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
AUTOMATIC TRANS.-WHEN PLACED IN PARK, CANNOT GET IT OUT OF PARK IT SEEMS AS THOUGH THE SOLENOID THAT RELEASES THE PARKING PAWL DOES NOT ALWAYS RELEASE.
NHTSA complaint #11076143 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 145,000 milesEugene, ORCrash
POWER TRAIN
MY 2004 DODGE RAM 3500 WILL GO OUT OF PARK AND INTO REVERSE ON ITS OWN AND I WAS NOT TOLD THAT THIS IS AN ONGOING PROBLEM WITH THIS PARTICULAR TRUCK MY TRUCK WENT ON ITS OWN ONE DAY OVER 250 FEET AND DROVE INTO MY NEIGHBORS YARD. THE TRUCK PARKING PAWL WAS NOT COMPLETELY IN AS I WAS TOLD AND THIS TRUCK HAS THE ABILITY TO DO IT ON ITS OWN I FIND THIS UNACCEPTABLE AND A HAZARD TO MY HEALTH AS LONG WITH MY NEIGHBORS. COULD YOU PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS BECAUSE THERE WAS NOT A RECALL SENT TO ME OR ANYTHING TOLD TO ME WHEN I PURCHASED THIS FROM THE CHRYSLER DODGE AT THE DEALER I BELIEVE THAT PEOPLE NEED TO KNOW WHAT THEY'RE GETTING INTO AND POSSIBLE HAZARDS THAT ARE LINKED TO THIS COULD YOU PLEASE EMAIL ME BACK WITH ANY INFORMATION ON THIS PROBLEM. *TT
NHTSA complaint #11066162 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 145,000 milesEugene, ORCrash
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:COLUMN SHIFT
MY 2004 DODGE RAM 3500 WILL GO OUT OF PARK AND INTO REVERSE ON ITS OWN AND I WAS NOT TOLD THAT THIS IS AN ONGOING PROBLEM WITH THIS PARTICULAR TRUCK MY TRUCK WENT ON ITS OWN ONE DAY OVER 250 FEET AND DROVE INTO MY NEIGHBORS YARD. THE TRUCK PARKING PAWL WAS NOT COMPLETELY IN AS I WAS TOLD AND THIS TRUCK HAS THE ABILITY TO DO IT ON ITS OWN I FIND THIS UNACCEPTABLE AND A HAZARD TO MY HEALTH AS LONG WITH MY NEIGHBORS. COULD YOU PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS BECAUSE THERE WAS NOT A RECALL SENT TO ME OR ANYTHING TOLD TO ME WHEN I PURCHASED THIS FROM THE CHRYSLER DODGE AT THE DEALER I BELIEVE THAT PEOPLE NEED TO KNOW WHAT THEY'RE GETTING INTO AND POSSIBLE HAZARDS THAT ARE LINKED TO THIS COULD YOU PLEASE EMAIL ME BACK WITH ANY INFORMATION ON THIS PROBLEM. *TT
NHTSA complaint #11066162 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 145,000 milesEugene, ORCrash
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
MY 2004 DODGE RAM 3500 WILL GO OUT OF PARK AND INTO REVERSE ON ITS OWN AND I WAS NOT TOLD THAT THIS IS AN ONGOING PROBLEM WITH THIS PARTICULAR TRUCK MY TRUCK WENT ON ITS OWN ONE DAY OVER 250 FEET AND DROVE INTO MY NEIGHBORS YARD. THE TRUCK PARKING PAWL WAS NOT COMPLETELY IN AS I WAS TOLD AND THIS TRUCK HAS THE ABILITY TO DO IT ON ITS OWN I FIND THIS UNACCEPTABLE AND A HAZARD TO MY HEALTH AS LONG WITH MY NEIGHBORS. COULD YOU PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS BECAUSE THERE WAS NOT A RECALL SENT TO ME OR ANYTHING TOLD TO ME WHEN I PURCHASED THIS FROM THE CHRYSLER DODGE AT THE DEALER I BELIEVE THAT PEOPLE NEED TO KNOW WHAT THEY'RE GETTING INTO AND POSSIBLE HAZARDS THAT ARE LINKED TO THIS COULD YOU PLEASE EMAIL ME BACK WITH ANY INFORMATION ON THIS PROBLEM. *TT
NHTSA complaint #11066162 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Shelton, WA
AIR BAGS
2004 DODGE RAM 3500. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO PARTS NOT BEING AVAILABLE TO PERFORM PASSENGER AIRBAG SAFETY RECALL. *LD UPDATED 11/06/207
NHTSA complaint #11042349 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 24,000 milesPasadena, TXCrash
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I WAS REVERSING FROM MY DRIVE WAY AND THEN PUT MY TRUCK ON DRIVE TO GO UP THE DRIVE WAY AND THEN TURNED THE GEAR SHIFT COUNTER CLOCK WISE TO PUT IT ON PARK. GOT OUT OF MY TRUCK AND WALKED IN FRONT OF IT AND THEN RAN INSIDE THE HOUSE TO GRAB WHAT I FORGOT. WHEN I CAME BACK OUTSIDE, MY TRUCK WAS MOVING FOWARD BY ITSELF, THE TRUCK SHIFTED BY ITSELF FROM PARK TO DRIVE. I RAN TO THE PASSENGER SIDE AND TURNED THE KNOB BACK TO PARK TO STOP THE TRUCK. THE TRUCK HIT THE CORNER OF THE HOUSE AND DAMAGED MY HOUSE AND TRUCK. I WAS LUCKY ENOUGH TO STOP IT BEFORE IT WENT ALL THE WAY INSIDE THE HOUSE. THANK GOD I'M HERE TO TELL THE STORY AND NOT UNDER THE TIRE. I TRIED REPORTING TO CHRYSELER AND THEY SAID IT WAS MY FAULT FOR NOT PUTTING THE PARKING BREAK ON AND I STEPPED OUT AND LEFT THE TRUCK RUNNNING. I EXPLAINED TO THEM THAT ITS NOT A MANUAL TRANSMISSION AND IT WASNT PARKED DOWNHILL. GOT NOTHING OUT OF THEM!
NHTSA complaint #11015842 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 203,000 milesGroveland, FL
WHEELS
HAPPENED ON BOTH SIDES 2 MONTH APART. LOUD BANG AND RUMBLE. INSIDE TIRE, TREAD CAME OFF OF TIRE. DAMAGED INSIDE OF WHEEL WELL, RUNNING LIGHTS, FENDERS ON THE DUALLY, METAL SUPPORTS ON FENDER. NEVER HAD THIS HAPPEN IN 30+ YEARS OF TOWING AND DRIVING TRUCKS.
NHTSA complaint #11013392 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.