2004 Dodge RAM
This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than 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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1981 | 2 |
| 1983 | 1 |
| 1984 | 2 |
| 1985 | 10 |
| 1986 | 18 |
| 1987 | 18 |
| 1988 | 22 |
| 1989 | 28 |
| 1990 | 23 |
| 1991 | 51 |
| 1992 | 58 |
| 1993 | 54 |
| 1994 | 469 |
| 1995 | 611 |
| 1996 | 625 |
| 1997 | 398 |
| 1998 | 483 |
| 1999 | 366 |
| 2000 | 147 |
| 2001 | 318 |
| 2002 | 116 |
| 2003 | 53 |
| 2004 | 58 |
| 2005 | 40 |
| 2006 | 25 |
| 2007 | 17 |
| 2008 | 25 |
| 2009 | 9 |
| 2010 | 27 |
| 2011 | 0 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
14% of complaints: electrical system — 8 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
The contact owns a 2004 Dodge Ram 1500 used to haul a 2018 Keystone Passport Ultra Lite Grand Touring. The contact stated that the thermostat in the RV failed to operate as needed.
NHTSA ODI report, 20230811
9% of complaints: service brakes, hydraulic — 5 distinct reports on file.
7% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 4 distinct reports on file.
CRASH7% of complaints: tires — 4 distinct reports on file.
7% of complaints: power train — 4 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
WHILE PARKED ON AN INCLINE, THE VEHICLE SLIPPED OUT OF PARK. THIS CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO ROLL BACKWARDS, CAUSING A MINOR COLLISION. THE DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK *SC *JB
NHTSA ODI report, 20040817
SAFETY TIMELINE
ON CERTAIN PICK-UP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH 4.7L ENGINES, THE GENERATOR WIRING HARNESS MAY SHORT CIRCUIT DUE TO CONTACT WITH A VALVE COVER STUD.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE ALTERNATOR WIRING INSULATION FOR DAMAGE AND REPAIR AND ADD A TIE-STRAP CLIP TO THE VALVE COVER STUD TO RETAIN THE WIRING. THIS RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 13, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD
Campaign 04V385000 — check if this car was fixed
FALSE PARK
ENGINE STALL
CERTAIN ANZO COMBINATION HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS WHICH FAIL TO CONFORM
Remedy: ANZO WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE HEADLAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN MAY 9, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT ANZO USA AT 909-468-3688.
Campaign 06E023000 — check if this car was fixed
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 N
Remedy: CK MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE NONCOMPLIANT LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CK MOTORSPORT AT 1-909-610-7211.
Campaign 06E049000 — check if this car was fixed
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 TRAILE
Remedy: ALL OF THE DEFECTIVE TOW PACKAGES ARE STILL AT THE DISTRIBUTOR LEVEL AND HAVE NOT BEEN SOLD TO ANY CONSUMERS.
Campaign 07E066000 — check if this car was fixed
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 CONF
Remedy: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
Campaign 09E012000 — check if this car was fixed
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 RO
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE STEERING LINKAGE DRAG LINK INNER TIE ROD END ASSEMBLY, AND INSPECT THE STEERING LINKAGE DAMPER BRACKET FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 6, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT C
Campaign 09E001000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE WIPER MODULE ASSEMBLIES WITH VENTED WIPER MOTOR HOUSINGS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
Campaign 09E009000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2004 Dodge RAM — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (8 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes, hydraulic issues (5 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 04V385000 (electrical system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 06E023000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 06E049000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 07E066000 (equipment) has been completed.
- Verify recall 09E012000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 09E001000 (steering) has been completed.
- Verify recall 09E009000 (visibility) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2004 Dodge RAM reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2004 Dodge RAM is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2004 Dodge RAM?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 14% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2004 Dodge RAM have?
7 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.