MYRModel Year Report

2004 Dodge RAM 2500

■ Significantly worse — known issue year
2004 Dodge RAM 2500
BUILT 2026-10-10

This year had more than double the complaints of this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

Complaints
581
Recalls
9

Campaigns on file for 2004

Investigations
8

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Steering

25% of complaints

Complaints per year

1991: 16 complaints 1991 1992: 32 complaints 1993: 39 complaints 1994: 168 complaints 1994 1995: 267 complaints 1996: 291 complaints 1997: 213 complaints 1997 1998: 225 complaints 1999: 313 complaints 2000: 211 complaints 2000 2001: 469 complaints 2002: 155 complaints 2003: 661 complaints 2004: 581 complaints 2004 581 2005: 422 complaints 2006: 668 complaints 2007: 361 complaints 2008: 317 complaints 2009: 214 complaints 2009 2010: 236 complaints 2011: 298 complaints 2012: 283 complaints 2012
1991: 16 complaints 1991 1992: 32 complaints 1993: 39 complaints 1993 1994: 168 complaints 1995: 267 complaints 1995 1996: 291 complaints 1997: 213 complaints 1997 1998: 225 complaints 1999: 313 complaints 1999 2000: 211 complaints 2001: 469 complaints 2001 2002: 155 complaints 2003: 661 complaints 2004: 581 complaints 2004 581 2005: 422 complaints 2006: 668 complaints 2007: 361 complaints 2007 2008: 317 complaints 2009: 214 complaints 2009 2010: 236 complaints 2011: 298 complaints 2011 2012: 283 complaints
1991: 16 complaints 1991 1992: 32 complaints 1992 1993: 39 complaints 1993 1994: 168 complaints 1994 1995: 267 complaints 1995 1996: 291 complaints 1996 1997: 213 complaints 1997 1998: 225 complaints 1998 1999: 313 complaints 1999 2000: 211 complaints 2000 2001: 469 complaints 2001 2002: 155 complaints 2002 2003: 661 complaints 2003 2004: 581 complaints 2004 581 2005: 422 complaints 2005 2006: 668 complaints 2006 2007: 361 complaints 2007 2008: 317 complaints 2008 2009: 214 complaints 2009 2010: 236 complaints 2010 2011: 298 complaints 2011 2012: 283 complaints 2012

2004: 581 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
199116
199232
199339
1994168
1995267
1996291
1997213
1998225
1999313
2000211
2001469
2002155
2003661
2004581
2005422
2006668
2007361
2008317
2009214
2010236
2011298
2012283

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Steering

25% · 143 reports

Most commonly citing gear box (other than rack and pinion) and tie rod assembly.

CRASHINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

The left tie rod broke driving down the road causing a hole in my rim, dents in the fender and bumper and damage to the left braking system.

NHTSA ODI report, 2014-02-24

Also filed under Wheels

The contact owns a 2004 Dodge Ram. The contact was informed that the vehicle had four notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 13V528000 (STEERING), 16V352000 (AIR BAGS), 15V313000 (AIR BAGS) and 09E001000 (STEERING).

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-05-04

Also filed under Air bags

Power train

20% · 115 reports

Most commonly citing automatic transmission and gear position indication (prndl).

CRASHINJURYDEATH
Show complaint excerpts

Approached gate across driveway; stopped 2004 Dodge cummins 2500 truck, put in park, opened gate, proceeded through 12' gate. Pulled truck forward to provided enough room for gate to close; put vehicle in park on level ground.

NHTSA ODI report, 2013-12-02

I parked the truck and got out to close a gate when I turned around the truck had slipped into reverse and was coming toward me. Fortunately, I was able to get out of the way.

NHTSA ODI report, 2004-06-08

2004 Dodge diesel 3/4 ton pickup....jumped into reverse and pinned me between a gate and a barn, fracturing 14 ribs and an ulna.

NHTSA ODI report, 2004-02-04

Suspension

20% · 114 reports

Most commonly citing front and lower ball joint.

CRASHINJURY

Air bags

15% · 89 reports
CRASHINJURYDEATH
Show complaint excerpts

The contact owns a 2004 Dodge Ram. The contact received notification of NTHSA Campaign Number: 16V352000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted.

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-08

Takata recall possibility of danger due to defective equipment to driver and passengers

NHTSA ODI report, 2017-11-26

Electrical system

8% · 49 reports

Most commonly citing horn and wiring.

CRASHFIRE
Show complaint excerpts

In the past 6 months my steering and suspension components failed causing me to wreck and also somehow my engine bay deteriorated in turn having started a…

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-08-12

Also filed under Engine and fuel/propulsion system

Safety timeline

9 recalls · 8 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. R
    2003-12-22Power train03V503000 On certain pickup trucks, the transfer case to transmission attaching fasteners may not be tightened correctly. This could cause the transmission adapter or transfer case housing to crack and leak…

    Remedy: Dealers will retighten the transfer case to transmission fasteners. Owner notification began on December 22, 2003. Owners should contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-992-1997.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  2. ▮
    2004Complaint volume 581 complaints filed for this model year.
  3. I
    2004-04-13Preliminary evaluationClosed 2004-08-26 False park
  4. R
    2004-05-05Equipment04V221000 The vehicle certification label on some pickup trucks lists incorrect tire, wheel, and recommended inflation pressure information which does not conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle…

    Remedy: Owners will be provided with vehicle certification label overlays containing the corrected information relative to vehicle tire and rim size, and recommended inflation pressure. This recall began…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  5. I
    2004-08-26Engineering analysisClosed 2005-12-22 False park
  6. I
    2005-05-16Preliminary evaluationClosed 2005-11-03 Engine stall
  7. I
    2005-11-02Engineering analysisClosed 2007-08-29 Engine stall
  8. R
    2006-03-20Power train05V462000 On certain pickup trucks equipped with diesel engines and automatic transmissions, in an attempt to exit the vehicle quickly without shutting off the engine and removing the key, the driver may…

    Remedy: Dealers will perform a software modification to equip these vehicles with an out-of-park alarm. Owners may contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  9. R
    2007-03-12Suspension07E009000 Certain lki enterprises, inc., brand name superlift suspension, pitman arms sold as replacement equipment for 2003-2007 Dodge RAM 2500 and 3500 4X4 light trucks. Due to inadequate heat treatment…

    Remedy: Lki will notify owners and replace the pitman arm, if necessary. The recall began on March 12, 2007. Owners may contact lki at 1-800-551-4955.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  10. R
    2008-01-15Visibility07E104000 Certain curved tempered replacement glass manufactured by hangzhou safety glass ltd and supplied to safelite by auto temp inc., identified as DOT-430, and sold for use on certain domestic and…

    Remedy: Safelite will notify its retail customers and replace the glass free of charge. Retail customers can contact safelite toll free at 1-888-843-2906. Safelite will notify its wholesale customers and…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  11. R
    2010-05-24Steering10E013000 Fabtech is recalling certain aftermarket replacement pitman arms, p/nos. Fts93001 and FT44039, installed for use on certain 2003 through 2008 Dodge 2500 4WD, 3500 4WD, and 1500 4WD mega cab vehicles.

    Remedy: Fabtech will notify owners and authorized installers will inspect for defective pitman arm and replace if necessary free of charge. The safety recall began on May 24, 2010. Owners may contact…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  12. R
    2011-10-03Steering11V350000 Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2008-2011 Dodge RAM 2500/3500 4X4, manufactured from February 14, 2008, through March 28, 2011; model year 2008-2011 Dodge Ram 3500 cab chassis 4X2…

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect the tie rod ends for relative orientation and replace the left outer tie rod as required and perform a front end toe alignment as needed. This service will be performed free of…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  13. R
    2014-01-17Steering13V528000 Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2003-2008 Dodge RAM 2500 4x4 and 3500 4x4, model year 2007-2008 Dodge RAM 3500 4x2 Cab Chassis and model year 2006-2008 Dodge RAM 1500…

    Remedy: Chrysler notified owners and launched its recall campaign in January 2014. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N62.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  14. I
    2014-05-19Preliminary evaluationClosed 2014-12-23 Clutch Interlock Switch Malfunction
  15. I
    2014-06-11Preliminary evaluationClosed 2015-03-02 Air Bag Inflator Rupture
  16. I
    2014-10-20Audit queryClosed 2016-05-16 Chrysler's execution of 13V-528 & 529
  17. R
    2015-02-03Air bags14V770000 Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2004-2005 Dodge Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500, 2004-2005 Dodge Durango, 2005 Dodge Dakota, 2005 Dodge Magnum and 2005 Chrysler 300, 300C and 300 SRT8 vehicles originally sold, or ever...

    Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. For vehicles that were sold, or are currently registered, in Florida, Puerto Rico, Hawaii, and the U.S.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  18. I
    2015-02-24Engineering analysisOpen Air Bag Inflator Rupture

Buy-smart checklist

2004 Dodge RAM 2500 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Steering: 143 reports on file for this year.
  • Power train: 115 reports on file for this year.
  • Suspension: 114 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 03V503000 · Power train
  • Recall 04V221000 · Equipment
  • Recall 05V462000 · Power train
  • Recall 07E009000 · Suspension
  • Recall 07E104000 · Visibility
  • Recall 10E013000 · Steering
  • Recall 11V350000 · Steering
  • Recall 13V528000 · Steering
  • Recall 14V770000 · Air bags
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2004 Dodge RAM 2500 reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2004 Dodge RAM 2500 is rated "significantly worse".
What are the most common problems with the 2004 Dodge RAM 2500?
The most-reported component is steering, accounting for 25% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2004 Dodge RAM 2500 have?
9 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.