MYRModel Year Report

2004 Dodge RAM

▲ Better than typical
2004 Dodge RAM
RENDERED 2026-11-01T16:23:46.858Z

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.

How is this computed?

Complaints
58
Recalls
7

Campaigns on file for 2004

Investigations
2

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Electrical system

17% of complaints

Complaints per year

1981: 2 complaints 1981 1983: 1 complaint 1984: 2 complaints 1985: 10 complaints 1986: 18 complaints 1986 1987: 18 complaints 1988: 22 complaints 1989: 28 complaints 1990: 23 complaints 1990 1991: 52 complaints 1992: 63 complaints 1993: 56 complaints 1994: 481 complaints 1994 1995: 612 complaints 1996: 625 complaints 1997: 398 complaints 1998: 483 complaints 1998 1999: 366 complaints 2000: 147 complaints 2001: 318 complaints 2002: 116 complaints 2003: 53 complaints 2004: 58 complaints 2004 58 2005: 40 complaints 2006: 25 complaints 2007: 17 complaints 2008: 25 complaints 2009: 9 complaints 2010: 27 complaints 2010 2011: 0 complaints
1981: 2 complaints 1981 1983: 1 complaint 1984: 2 complaints 1984 1985: 10 complaints 1986: 18 complaints 1986 1987: 18 complaints 1988: 22 complaints 1988 1989: 28 complaints 1990: 23 complaints 1990 1991: 52 complaints 1992: 63 complaints 1992 1993: 56 complaints 1994: 481 complaints 1994 1995: 612 complaints 1996: 625 complaints 1996 1997: 398 complaints 1998: 483 complaints 1998 1999: 366 complaints 2000: 147 complaints 2000 2001: 318 complaints 2002: 116 complaints 2002 2003: 53 complaints 2004: 58 complaints 2004 58 2005: 40 complaints 2006: 25 complaints 2006 2007: 17 complaints 2008: 25 complaints 2008 2009: 9 complaints 2010: 27 complaints 2010 2011: 0 complaints
1981: 2 complaints 1981 1983: 1 complaint 1984: 2 complaints 1984 1985: 10 complaints 1986: 18 complaints 1986 1987: 18 complaints 1988: 22 complaints 1988 1989: 28 complaints 1990: 23 complaints 1990 1991: 52 complaints 1992: 63 complaints 1992 1993: 56 complaints 1994: 481 complaints 1994 1995: 612 complaints 1996: 625 complaints 1996 1997: 398 complaints 1998: 483 complaints 1998 1999: 366 complaints 2000: 147 complaints 2000 2001: 318 complaints 2002: 116 complaints 2002 2003: 53 complaints 2004: 58 complaints 2004 58 2005: 40 complaints 2006: 25 complaints 2006 2007: 17 complaints 2008: 25 complaints 2008 2009: 9 complaints 2010: 27 complaints 2010 2011: 0 complaints

2004: 58 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19812
19831
19842
198510
198618
198718
198822
198928
199023
199152
199263
199356
1994481
1995612
1996625
1997398
1998483
1999366
2000147
2001318
2002116
200353
200458
200540
200625
200717
200825
20099
201027
20110

Known problem areas

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

Electrical system

17% · 10 reports

Most commonly citing switch and ignition.

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, 2023-08-11

Also filed under Engine and engine cooling

Power train

14% · 8 reports

Most commonly citing automatic transmission and manual transmission.

CRASH
Show 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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2004-08-17

Also filed under Parking brake

The contact owns a 2004 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle was vibrating abnormally. The contact stated that the rear wheels locked up and the vehicle skidded sideways.

NHTSA ODI report, 2022-10-17

Tires

10% · 6 reports

Most commonly citing valve and sidewall.

Service brakes

9% · 5 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic.

Vehicle speed control

9% · 5 reports

Most commonly citing accelerator pedal.

CRASH

Safety timeline

7 recalls · 2 investigations · oldest first

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

  1. R
    2004-08-13Electrical system04V385000 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…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  2. I
    2004-08-26Engineering analysisClosed 2005-12-22 False park
  3. I
    2005-11-02Engineering analysisClosed 2007-08-29 Engine stall
  4. R
    2006-05-09Exterior lighting06E023000 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…

    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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  5. R
    2006-07-01Exterior lighting06E049000 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…

    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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  6. R
    2007-09-05Equipment07E066000 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…

    Remedy: All of the defective tow packages are still at the distributor level and have not been sold to any consumers.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  7. R
    2009-05-11Exterior lighting09E012000 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…

    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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  8. R
    2009-06-06Steering09E001000 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…

    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…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  9. R
    2009-08-28Visibility09E009000 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2004 Dodge RAM — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Electrical system: 10 reports on file for this year.
  • Power train: 8 reports on file for this year.
  • Tires: 6 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 04V385000 · Electrical system
  • Recall 06E023000 · Exterior lighting
  • Recall 06E049000 · Exterior lighting
  • Recall 07E066000 · Equipment
  • Recall 09E012000 · Exterior lighting
  • Recall 09E001000 · Steering
  • Recall 09E009000 · Visibility
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 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 17% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2004 Dodge RAM have?
7 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.