FaultScore

FaultScore report

2005 Dodge RAM problems

Owners have filed 47 complaints about the 2005 Dodge RAM with NHTSA between 2006 and 2024. The largest single group is the engine & cooling. Across this model's run it ranks 10 of 18 worst.

C

FaultScore 54/100

Higher is worse. Measured against the other years of the Dodge RAM.

How this is worked out

The numbers

47

Complaints

5

Crashes reported

1

Fires reported

3

Injuries reported

20,000 mi

Median mileage at failure

Half of reported failures happened before this

64%

Failed under 36,000 miles

Inside a typical bumper-to-bumper warranty

What kind of bad

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.

Complaint volume 8 vs 50 Severity 99 vs 50 Early failure 100 vs 50
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 8
Against the median year of the Dodge RAM. 50 means typical for this model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 99
19.1% of these complaints involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of 9.7%.
Early failure — 100
64% of failures with a mileage on record happened under 36,000 miles, against a national rate of 29%.

How 2005 compares with every other Dodge RAM

Click any bar to open that year's report.

Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade: A B C D F ungraded

What breaks on a 2005 Dodge RAM

Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.

Engine & Cooling 16 34.0%

0 crashes, 1 fires · median 11,000 mi

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 107,250 mi

Brakes 5 10.6%

Median failure at 11,000 miles

Electrical System 4 8.5%

Median failure at 20,000 miles

Suspension 3 6.4%

2 crashes, 0 fires · median 54,000 mi

Steering 2 4.3%

Median failure at 11,000 miles

Other & Unspecified 1 2.1%

Median failure at 48,000 miles

Seats 1 2.1%

Median failure at 34,000 miles

Tires 1 2.1%

1 crashes, 0 fires

Windows, Mirrors & Wipers 1 2.1%

Median failure at 50,000 miles

Fuel & Propulsion 1 2.1%

Median failure at 119,000 miles

Airbags 1 2.1%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 8,956 mi

When it fails

Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all complaints include one.

Under 1,000 miles 4 10.3%
1,000 – 9,999 miles 5 12.8%
10,000 – 24,999 miles 14 35.9%
25,000 – 49,999 miles 6 15.4%
50,000 – 74,999 miles 3 7.7%
100,000 – 149,999 miles 2 5.1%
150,000+ miles 5 12.8%

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.

Jul 2006 peak 7 Nov 2024

Recalls on the 2005 Dodge RAM

A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous enough to fix for free — however old the car is.

United States — NHTSA

09E012000

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

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.

Risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

09E009000

VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER

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.

Risk: WHEN THE WIPER SYSTEM FAILS, THE OPERATOR WILL HAVE REDUCED VISIBILITY WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.

09E001000

STEERING:LINKAGES

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.

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.

07E066000

EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL

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.

Risk: IF THE TRAILER LIGHTS ARE NOT WORKING PROPERLY, A VEHICLE CRASH CAN OCCUR.

06E049000

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

CERTAIN CK MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION HEADLIGHTS, CLEAR CORNER, BUMPER, AND SIDE MARKER LIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

Risk: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Canada — Transport Canada

Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not always mirror the American ones.

Recall 2016265 459,492 units in Canada

Airbag

On certain vehicles, long-term exposure to high absolute humidity and temperature, combined with high temperature cycling, could eventually degrade the propellant contained in the passenger frontal airbag. This could cause the airbag to deploy with more force than normal. As a result, if the vehicle were involved in a collision that warrants airbag deployment, fragments could be propelled toward vehicle occupants, and the airbag assembly could be damaged, preventing proper function. These issues could increase the risk of injury. Correction: Dealers will replace the airbag inflator. Note: Canadian climate results in the propellant degrading slowly. The recall is being conducted as a precaution to address future risk, and is expected to replace airbag inflators before their function would be affected.

Recall 2015228 374,508 units in Canada

Airbag

On certain vehicles, the driver frontal airbag inflator could produce excessive internal pressure during airbag deployment. Increased pressure may cause the inflator to rupture, which could allow fragments to be propelled toward vehicle occupants, increasing the risk of injury. This could also damage the airbag module, which could prevent proper deployment. Failure of the airbag to fully deploy during a crash (where deployment is warranted) could increase the risk of personal injury to the seat occupant. Note: This recall supersedes special service campaign 2015-003. Correction: Dealers will replace airbag inflators. All vehicles having received a replacement inflator as part of the previous special service campaign will have a replacement inflator installed.

Recall 2015094 1,000 units in Canada

Airbag

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) Canada is conducting a voluntary Safety Improvement Program involving Takata passenger airbag inflators installed in certain vehicles that were originally sold or ever registered in certain high humidity areas of the United States. Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) will replace the passenger inflator on affected vehicles. Owners who believe their vehicles may have been originally purchased or registered in Florida, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Texas, Mississippi, Alabama, Louisiana, Georgia, Guam, American Samoa and Saipan should contact a Fiat Chrysler Automobile (FCA) dealer. This action is not being conducted under the requirements of the Motor Vehicle Safety Act. Note: This Safety Improvement Campaign is superseded by recall 2016-265 (FCA Recall S43). Please see <a href="http://wwwapps.tc.gc.ca/Saf-Sec-Sur/7/VRDB-BDRV/search-recherche/detail.aspx?lang=eng&&rn=2016265">recall 2016265</a> for more information.

Recall 2015093 1,000 units in Canada

Airbag

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) Canada is conducting a voluntary Safety Improvement Program involving Takata driver and/or passenger airbag inflators installed in certain vehicles that were originally sold or ever registered in certain high humidity areas of the United States. Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) will replace the driver and/or passenger inflator on affected vehicles, depending on the vehicle involved. Owners who believe their vehicles may have been originally purchased or registered in Florida, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands should contact a Fiat Chrysler Automobile (FCA) dealer. This action is not being conducted under the requirements of the Motor Vehicle Safety Act. Note: For the 2003 model year Dodge RAM, only the passenger side inflator would need replacement. Additional Note: This special service campaign was replaced by recalls 2015094 and 2015228. Please see these recalls for more information: <a href="http://wwwapps.tc.gc.ca/Saf-Sec-Sur/7/VRDB-BDRV/search-recherche/detail.aspx?lang=eng&&rn=2015094">Click here for more information on the 2015094 recall</a> <a href="http://wwwapps.tc.gc.ca/Saf-Sec-Sur/7/VRDB-BDRV/search-recherche/detail.aspx?lang=eng&&rn=2015228">Click here for more information on the 2015228 recall</a>

Recall 2015003 258,600 units in Canada

Airbag

Chrysler Canada is conducting a voluntary Safety Improvement Campaign concerning the driver's airbag inflator on certain vehicles equipped with Takata airbags. Chrysler Canada will replace the driver's inflator on affected vehicles. This action is not being conducted under the requirements of the Motor Vehicle Safety Act. Note: This special service campaign was replaced by recall 2015228. Please see recall 2015228 for more information: <a href="http://wwwapps.tc.gc.ca/Saf-Sec-Sur/7/VRDB-BDRV/search-recherche/detail.aspx?lang=eng&&rn=2015228">Click here for more information</a>

Recall 2014582 21,779 units in Canada

Powertrain

On certain vehicles, the rear axle pinion nut could loosen and allow the rear driveshaft to detach from the axle, or fully detach from the vehicle. Pinion nut separation could also cause the rear axle differential to fail suddenly, causing rear wheel lockup. These issues could result in loss of propulsion, danger to other road users, loss of vehicle control and possible crash causing property damage and/or personal injury. Correction: Dealers will install a pinion nut retainer.

Recall 2013395 11,000 units in Canada

Steering

A safety defect may exist in aftermarket steering linkage equipment sold as service replacement parts for 2500 and 3500 4x4 pickup trucks. If the drag link assemblies in question were installed improperly, the left tie rod ball stud may fracture, potentially resulting in a loss of vehicle control and a crash causing injury and/or property damage. Chrysler will notify owners of all 2003-2008 Dodge Ram heavy duty trucks (other than those covered by recall 2013-397 (N49)) since those vehicles could potentially have had the affected linkages installed during service. Owners will be instructed to take their vehicle to a dealer for inspection and repair if required. Note: This recall supersedes recall 2009-019 (H46). Parts replaced under the previous campaign will also need to be replaced under this campaign.

Recall 2011253 49,800 units in Canada

Steering

On certain 2008-2011 Ram 2500 and 3500 4x4, Ram 3500 cab chassis 4x2 and 4x4, and 2008 Ram 1500 Mega Cab 4x4 vehicles, the left outer tie rod ball stud could fracture. Additionally, other 2003-2008 Ram vehicles may have received the affected tie rod as a replacement part during service, and are therefore also involved in this campaign. Although this condition tends to occur when making a tight turn during low speed parking lot type maneuvers, tie rod failure could result in a loss of directional stability. A loss of steering control could result in a crash causing property damage and/or personal injury. Correction: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the left outer tie rod end and tighten the track bar bolt. Note: The tie rod replacement portion of this recall was superseded by recall 2013-396.

Recalls cover specific build ranges, so check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or, in Canada, Transport Canada.

Complaints that involved harm

Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.

at 200,000 miles Los Angeles, CA Crash

POWER TRAIN

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 complaint #11531441 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 113,000 miles Beaver, UT Fire

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

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 complaint #10393954 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Mountain Home, ID Crash 1 injured

SUSPENSION

I HAVE A 05 DODGE RAM AND I SNAPPED MY AXLE FOR THE SECOND TIME! THE FIRST TIME I DID IT I SLID INTO A CURB AND SNAPPED THE END OF MY AXLE CLEAN OFF WITH THE WHOLE BRAKE SYSTEM STILL ATTACHED TO RIM AND TIRE WHICH WAS COMPLETELY INTACT. ALL HIT HAD DAMAGED ON IT WAS A SCRATCH ON THE RIM. I THOUGHT IT WAS A FREAK ACCIDENT SO I TOOK CARE OF IT MYSELF AND PURCHASED THE SAME EXACT AXLE. A COUPLE WEEKS AGO I WAS DRIVING ON A FLAT DIRT ROAD AT ABOUT THIRTY MILES PER HOUR WHEN A COYOTE RAN OUT IN FRONT OF ME. TO DODGE IT I SWIRVED INTO A DRY UP MUD RUT WHICH IS USUALLY NO BIG DEAL TO DRIVE INTO BUT WHEN I WENT INTO IT MY TRUCK QUICKLY TURNED SIDEWAYS THEN WHIPPED ME BACK AROUND IN THE DIRECTION I WAS HEADING IN. I GOT OUT OF MY TRUCK AND SAW THAT MY DRIVER SIDE WHEEL RIPPED COMPLETELY OFF! I WENT AROUND TO THE PASSENGER SIDE AND SAW THAT MY AXLE WAS SNAPPED IN THE EXACT SAME WAY THAT I DID IT THE FIRST TIME! LIKE SOMEBODY CUT IT OFF WITH A KNIFE! I WAS FURIOUS TO SEE THIS SO THAT NEXT WEED I CALLED DODGE AND COMPLAINED BECAUSE ONE TIME IS A FREAK ACCIDENT BUT TWO. THE MAN TOLD ME HE HAS NEVER HEARD OF AN AXLE BREAKING AND THAT IS NOT SUPPOSE TO HAPPEN AND MY WARRANTY SHOULD COVER IT. DODGE SENT OUT A WARRANTY ADJUSTER TO LOOK AT MY VEHICLE AND AFTER THAT I GOT A LETTER IN THE MAIL SAYING THAT THEY WILL NOT WARRANTY IT BECAUCE THE DAMAGE WAS DO TO IMPACT. I RESEARCHED THE WEB AND FOUND DAIMLERCHRYSLERVEHICLEPROBLEMS.COM AND SAW ALOT OF BAD INFO ON CHRYSLER VEHICLES. I EVEN SAW A VIDEO OF MY EXACT SAME TRUCK WITH ITS AXLE SNAPPED JUST LIKE MINE WAS! I ALSO READ THAT DODGE HAS PROBLEMS WITH THERE AXLES SHEARING/HUBS SEPERATING CAUSING WHEELS TO FALL OFF! CHRYSLER LIED TO ME SAYING THAT THEY'VE NEVER HEARD OF AXLES BRAKING WHEN IT CLEARLY SHOWS ON THAT WEBSITE THAT THEY HAVE THIS PROBLEM AND DO NOTHING ABOUT AND REFUSE TO FIX THERE BROKEN PRODUCTS. THESE VEHICLES ARE DANGEROUS AND SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE ABOUT. ITS BEEN A MONTH AND MY KNEE IS STILL SWOLLEN.

NHTSA complaint #10334154 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 60,000 miles Deltona, FL Crash 1 injured

SUSPENSION:REAR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 DODGE RAM. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, THE CONTACT REALIZED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS LEANING AND THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE WAS DRAGGING ON THE GROUND. SHE IMMEDIATELY ATTEMPTED TO STRAIGHTEN THE VEHICLE, BUT IT CONTINUED TO DRAG AND LEAN. THE VEHICLE IMMEDIATELY STOPPED AFTER STRIKING THE BARRIER ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT THE AXLE FAILED AND THE WHEEL AND DRUM WERE FOUR LANES ACROSS THE HIGHWAY. THE POLICE ARRIVED AND FILED A REPORT. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE NEAREST DEALER AND WAS REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 60,000.

NHTSA complaint #10208243 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Stow, OH Crash

TIRES

2005 DODGE RAM. CONSUMER STATES THAT WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY A TIRE BLEW OUT CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO SWERVE TO THE RIGHT AND HIT THE GUARD RAIL. *MC OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT.

NHTSA complaint #10190065 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 8,956 miles Lancaster, CA Crash 1 injured

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, ANOTHER CAR CHANGED LANES AND FORCED MY TRUCK INTO A TELEPHONE POLE, FRONTAL COLLISION, NO AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT EITHER SIDE.

NHTSA complaint #10188223 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

The most recent complaints

In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.

at 218,000 miles Tunnel Hill, GA

POWER TRAIN

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 complaint #11624095 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 200,000 miles Los Angeles, CA Crash

POWER TRAIN

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 complaint #11531441 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 220,000 miles Duncan, OK

POWER TRAIN

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 complaint #11505448 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 175,000 miles Houston, TX

POWER TRAIN

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 complaint #11474997 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 211,000 miles Polk City, FL

POWER TRAIN

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 complaint #11432778 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Flagstaff, AZ

ENGINE

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 complaint #10461724 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Eneinitas, CA

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

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 complaint #10410175 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 113,000 miles Beaver, UT Fire

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

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 complaint #10393954 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 21,000 miles Derry, PA

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS 2005 DODGE RAM. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH THE VEHICLE WOULD STALL. WHEN THE VEHICLE STALLED IN HEAVY TRAFFIC A CRASH COULD OCCUR. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A LOCAL DEALER WHO WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THEY ARE UNAWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT STATED IS CONCERNED ABOUT THE VEHICLE STALLING AND THE SAFETY RISK INVOLVED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 21,000.

NHTSA complaint #10359263 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 119,000 miles Saybrook, IL

FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 DODGE RAM WITH A CUMMINGS DIESEL ENGINE. WHILE TRAVELING AT SPEEDS OF 55 MPH, THE CONTACT BEGAN TO SMELL DIESEL FUEL AND WITHIN 15 MILES OF TRAVEL, THE FUEL LEVEL INDICATOR FELL FROM ONE HALF OF THE TANK TO EMPTY. THE VEHICLE LOST POWER AND STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHO ADVISED THE FUEL INJECTOR HAD FRACTURED FROM THE FUEL PUMP TO THE CYLINDER. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 119,000.

NHTSA complaint #10336191 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Mountain Home, ID Crash 1 injured

SUSPENSION

I HAVE A 05 DODGE RAM AND I SNAPPED MY AXLE FOR THE SECOND TIME! THE FIRST TIME I DID IT I SLID INTO A CURB AND SNAPPED THE END OF MY AXLE CLEAN OFF WITH THE WHOLE BRAKE SYSTEM STILL ATTACHED TO RIM AND TIRE WHICH WAS COMPLETELY INTACT. ALL HIT HAD DAMAGED ON IT WAS A SCRATCH ON THE RIM. I THOUGHT IT WAS A FREAK ACCIDENT SO I TOOK CARE OF IT MYSELF AND PURCHASED THE SAME EXACT AXLE. A COUPLE WEEKS AGO I WAS DRIVING ON A FLAT DIRT ROAD AT ABOUT THIRTY MILES PER HOUR WHEN A COYOTE RAN OUT IN FRONT OF ME. TO DODGE IT I SWIRVED INTO A DRY UP MUD RUT WHICH IS USUALLY NO BIG DEAL TO DRIVE INTO BUT WHEN I WENT INTO IT MY TRUCK QUICKLY TURNED SIDEWAYS THEN WHIPPED ME BACK AROUND IN THE DIRECTION I WAS HEADING IN. I GOT OUT OF MY TRUCK AND SAW THAT MY DRIVER SIDE WHEEL RIPPED COMPLETELY OFF! I WENT AROUND TO THE PASSENGER SIDE AND SAW THAT MY AXLE WAS SNAPPED IN THE EXACT SAME WAY THAT I DID IT THE FIRST TIME! LIKE SOMEBODY CUT IT OFF WITH A KNIFE! I WAS FURIOUS TO SEE THIS SO THAT NEXT WEED I CALLED DODGE AND COMPLAINED BECAUSE ONE TIME IS A FREAK ACCIDENT BUT TWO. THE MAN TOLD ME HE HAS NEVER HEARD OF AN AXLE BREAKING AND THAT IS NOT SUPPOSE TO HAPPEN AND MY WARRANTY SHOULD COVER IT. DODGE SENT OUT A WARRANTY ADJUSTER TO LOOK AT MY VEHICLE AND AFTER THAT I GOT A LETTER IN THE MAIL SAYING THAT THEY WILL NOT WARRANTY IT BECAUCE THE DAMAGE WAS DO TO IMPACT. I RESEARCHED THE WEB AND FOUND DAIMLERCHRYSLERVEHICLEPROBLEMS.COM AND SAW ALOT OF BAD INFO ON CHRYSLER VEHICLES. I EVEN SAW A VIDEO OF MY EXACT SAME TRUCK WITH ITS AXLE SNAPPED JUST LIKE MINE WAS! I ALSO READ THAT DODGE HAS PROBLEMS WITH THERE AXLES SHEARING/HUBS SEPERATING CAUSING WHEELS TO FALL OFF! CHRYSLER LIED TO ME SAYING THAT THEY'VE NEVER HEARD OF AXLES BRAKING WHEN IT CLEARLY SHOWS ON THAT WEBSITE THAT THEY HAVE THIS PROBLEM AND DO NOTHING ABOUT AND REFUSE TO FIX THERE BROKEN PRODUCTS. THESE VEHICLES ARE DANGEROUS AND SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE ABOUT. ITS BEEN A MONTH AND MY KNEE IS STILL SWOLLEN.

NHTSA complaint #10334154 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 34,000 miles Union, OH

SEATS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 DODGE RAM. THE SEAT BELT DOES NOT RETRACT PROPERLY, AND WHEN IT DOES, IT WILL NOT SECURE THE OCCUPANT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, AND THE TECHNICIAN STATED THE GEARS IN THE RETRACTOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED, BUT NO ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 34,000.

NHTSA complaint #10296272 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 48,000 miles DES Plaines, IL

SUSPENSION:FRONT

2005 DODGE RAM BOTH FRONT BEARINGS WORE OUT AT 48,000 MILES---DODGE RECALLED 2006, S-MINE CAME OUT IN 06---BUT IS AN 05.

NHTSA complaint #10229837 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 48,000 miles DES Plaines, IL

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

2005 DODGE RAM BOTH FRONT BEARINGS WORE OUT AT 48,000 MILES---DODGE RECALLED 2006, S-MINE CAME OUT IN 06---BUT IS AN 05.

NHTSA complaint #10229837 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 5,000 miles Grovetown, GA

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 DODGE RAM. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE GENERATES EXCESSIVE HEAT WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED. ALL OF THE WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT CONTROL PANEL AND THE VEHICLE SPORADICALLY STALLED. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, BUT THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 47,000.

NHTSA complaint #10227985 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 31,700 miles Temple, NH

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR

MY 2005 DODGE RAM TRUCK WITH 31,700 MILES ON IT BEGAN SHUTTERING AND HAVING BRAKING PROBLEMS. A DODGE DEALERSHIP IDENTIFIED THAT BOTH FRONT ROTORS ON THE VEHICLE WERE WARPED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. REPLACEMENT WAS REQUIRED AT MY EXPENSE TO CORRECT ALTHOUGH THE VEHICLE WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY. IT WAS DENIED WARRANTY REPLACE DUE TO BEING A BRAKE COMPONENT AND SUBJECT TO NORMAL WARE. THE BRAKE PADS AND BRAKE COMPONENTS THEMSELVES STILL HAD 80% USAGE AVAILABLE. I DISAGREE THAT FRONT ROTORS SHOULD FAIL AT 30K MILES ON A NEW VEHICLE BUT NORMAL BRAKE COMPONENTS DO NOT. I CONSIDER THIS A DEFECT IN MANUFACTURING AND A SAFETY CONCERN.

NHTSA complaint #10225352 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 36,000 miles West Monroe, NY

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

2005 DODGE RAM 1500 5.7LITER HEMI STALLS BETWEEN SPEEDS OF 15-30MPH. STALLS WHILE MAKING TURNS, COMING UP TO STOP SIGNS AND STOP LIGHTS. MILEAGE IS AT 36,000 MILES.

NHTSA complaint #10220714 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 24,000 miles Johnson City, TN

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE

PURCHASED A 2005 DODGE RAM 1500 ON A 3-YEAR LEASE. THE VEHICLE HAS 24,000+/- MILES. DURING THE LAST OF JAN. 2008 THE ENGINE IN THE VEHICLE STARTED KNOCKING. I TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE LEASING DEALER ON FEBRUARY 4, 2008. THE NEXT DAY OR SO, I RECEIVED A PHONE CALL FROM THE DEALER SERVICE REP. WANTING "PROOF" OF OIL CHANGES. I EXPLAINED THAT I WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO PROVIDE RECEIPT'S SINCE I DO THE OIL & FILTER CHANGES MYSELF. I AM A FARMER AND HAVE MY OWN PIT BUILT SPECIFICALLY FOR THAT PURPOSE. I DID NOT HEAR ANYTHING FOR ANOTHER WEEK, I CALLED BACK AND THEY WERE STILL ASKING FOR SERVICE RECEIPTS. FINALLY CONTACTED CHRYSLER AND A REPRESENTATIVE SAID THEY WOULD HAVE AN ANSWER WITHIN 24 HOURS. THEY CALLED 2 WEEKS LATER SAYING THEY WOULD NOT HONOR THE WARRANTY BECAUSE THE OIL WAS FILLED WITH SLUDGE AND THAT IT WAS MY FAULT THAT THE ENGINE HAD FAILED. I DISAGREE OF COURSE AND WILL BE PURSUING THIS THROUGH THE COURT SYSTEM. HAVING OWN A MULTITUDE OF VEHICLES IN MY 64 YEAR OLD LIFE, I CAN ASSURE YOU THAT A MOTOR SHOULD NOT GO BAD AFTER 24,000 MILES IF THE OIL HAD NEVER BEEN CHANGED, WHICH WAS NOT THE CASE.

NHTSA complaint #10219232 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 39,500 miles Brea, CA

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

TRUCK WOULD NOT GO INTO GEAR. DODGE HAD A TSB FOR A FAULTY TRANSMISSION FILTER THAT WOULD CRACK. THIS IS WHAT CAUSED THE PROBLEM. TRUCK WAS JUST OVER 3,000 MILES OVER WARRANTY BUT DODGE WOULD NOT COVER THE REPAIR. NOW TRUCK IS STALLING WHEN COMING TO A STOP BUT ONLY WHEN I FIRST START THE TRUCK UP IN THE MORNING. TRUCK WILL RESTART NO PROBLEM. ONCE I HAVE DRIVEN THE TRUCK A FEW MILES THE STALLING PROBLEM GOES AWAY. THIS HAPPENS EVERYTIME I DRIVE THE TRUCK AFTER IT HAS BEEN SITTING FOR A WHILE. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT JUST CAME ON TODAY AND TRUCK IS A THE MECHANIC.

NHTSA complaint #10217385 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Leominster, MD

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

2005 DODGE RAM STALLING.

NHTSA complaint #10216312 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 50,000 miles Williamston, MI

VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM

2005 DODGE RAM 1500, DEFROST DOOR IN HEATER/HVAC HOUSING BROKEN, NOT ALLOWING FOR 'FULL' DEFROST OF THE WINDSHIELD. DIFFICULT IN COLDER CLIMATE (MICHIGAN) TO KEEP WINDSHIELD CLEAR. REPAIR TOPS $700 WITH ONLY $50 IN PARTS. CHRYLSER WILL NOT ASSIST WITH THE REPAIR HOWEVER THEY HAVE A TSB DATING BACK TO 2003 IDENTIFYING THE PROBLEM.

NHTSA complaint #10214706 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 13,000 miles Gainesville, GA

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

2005 DODGE RAM 1500 STALLS WHEN MAKING TURNS. THIS STARTED WHEN THE TRUCK HAD ABOUT 12K MILES AND SEEMS TO BE GETTING WORSE. I HAVE TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP, AND TOLD THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. OF COURSE NOW IT HAS 43K AND IS OUT OF WARRANTY SO I CANNOT AFFORD TO TAKE FOR $100 DIAGNOSTIC EVERYTIME TRUCK STALLS, JUST TO BE TOLD NOTHING IS WRONG. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS BECAUSE THE STEERING AND BRAKES ARE ALMOST NON EXISTENT WHEN THIS HAPPENS AND IT USUALLY HAPPENS WHEN MAKING A TURN. I JUST HOPE THAT IT DOESN'T HAPPEN IN HEAVY TRAFFIC. I HAVE READ ONLINE THAT THIS IS NOT JUST MY TRUCK AND OTHERS HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. WHY DOES DODGE NOT STEP UP AND CORRECT THE PROBLEM? DOES IT TAKE A DEATH BEFORE THEY DO?

NHTSA complaint #10209539 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 20,000 miles SAN Jose, CA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION

20,000 MILES ON TRUCK. WAS DRIVING APPROX 70MPH ON FREEWAY WHEN TRUCK JUST DIED. ALL DASH LIGHTS CAME ON. PULLED TRUCK OVER AND TURNED IGNITION OFF THEN RESTARTED. TRUCK STARTED BACK UP AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT STAYED ON. WAS LEAVING FOR AIRPORT WITHIN 2 HOURS SO COULDN'T TAKE TO SHOP BEFORE I LEFT. I MADE 2 STOPS (COMPLETELY TURNING OFF IGNITION) BEFORE I LEFT FOR WEEKEND AND EACH TIME I STARTED TRUCK, ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. DROPPED OFF TRUCK ON FOLLOWING MONDAY EVENING AND NOTICED NO MORE ENGINE LIGHT WHEN I STARTED TRUCK. DROVE TO DEALER WITH NO PROBLEMS. DEALER SAID FOUND CODE IN COMPUTER RELATING TO CAM SENSOR. ALSO SAID ELECTRONIC THROTTLE BODY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THEY REPLACED CAM SENSOR & ETB AND CHANGED/UPDATED COMPUTER UNDER WARRANTY. SO FAR NO ISSUES...HAVE ONLY PUT ABOUT 200 MILES ON TRUCK SINCE ALL WORK PERFORMED.

NHTSA complaint #10209130 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 20,000 miles SAN Jose, CA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

20,000 MILES ON TRUCK. WAS DRIVING APPROX 70MPH ON FREEWAY WHEN TRUCK JUST DIED. ALL DASH LIGHTS CAME ON. PULLED TRUCK OVER AND TURNED IGNITION OFF THEN RESTARTED. TRUCK STARTED BACK UP AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT STAYED ON. WAS LEAVING FOR AIRPORT WITHIN 2 HOURS SO COULDN'T TAKE TO SHOP BEFORE I LEFT. I MADE 2 STOPS (COMPLETELY TURNING OFF IGNITION) BEFORE I LEFT FOR WEEKEND AND EACH TIME I STARTED TRUCK, ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. DROPPED OFF TRUCK ON FOLLOWING MONDAY EVENING AND NOTICED NO MORE ENGINE LIGHT WHEN I STARTED TRUCK. DROVE TO DEALER WITH NO PROBLEMS. DEALER SAID FOUND CODE IN COMPUTER RELATING TO CAM SENSOR. ALSO SAID ELECTRONIC THROTTLE BODY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THEY REPLACED CAM SENSOR & ETB AND CHANGED/UPDATED COMPUTER UNDER WARRANTY. SO FAR NO ISSUES...HAVE ONLY PUT ABOUT 200 MILES ON TRUCK SINCE ALL WORK PERFORMED.

NHTSA complaint #10209130 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 60,000 miles Deltona, FL Crash 1 injured

SUSPENSION:REAR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 DODGE RAM. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, THE CONTACT REALIZED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS LEANING AND THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE WAS DRAGGING ON THE GROUND. SHE IMMEDIATELY ATTEMPTED TO STRAIGHTEN THE VEHICLE, BUT IT CONTINUED TO DRAG AND LEAN. THE VEHICLE IMMEDIATELY STOPPED AFTER STRIKING THE BARRIER ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT THE AXLE FAILED AND THE WHEEL AND DRUM WERE FOUR LANES ACROSS THE HIGHWAY. THE POLICE ARRIVED AND FILED A REPORT. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE NEAREST DEALER AND WAS REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 60,000.

NHTSA complaint #10208243 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.