2005 Dodge RAM

▲ Better than typical
2005 Dodge RAM
RENDERED 2026-11-01T15:50:36.825Z

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
40
Recalls
5

Campaigns on file for 2005

Investigations
0

None on file

Top problem
Engine and engine cooling

38% 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 2005: 40 complaints 2005 40 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 2005: 40 complaints 2005 40 2006: 25 complaints 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 2005: 40 complaints 2005 40 2006: 25 complaints 2007: 17 complaints 2008: 25 complaints 2008 2009: 9 complaints 2010: 27 complaints 2010 2011: 0 complaints

2005: 40 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.

Engine and engine cooling

38% · 15 reports

Most commonly citing engine and emission control.

FIRE

Power train

28% · 11 reports

Most commonly citing automatic transmission and control module (tcm/pcm/tecm).

CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2023-07-10

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2024-11-07

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2022-07-20

Service brakes

13% · 5 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic.

Electrical system

10% · 4 reports

Most commonly citing ignition and software.

Suspension

8% · 3 reports

Most commonly citing rear and front.

CRASHINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2007-11-08

Safety timeline

5 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

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

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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…

  5. 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.

Buy-smart checklist

2005 Dodge RAM — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Engine and engine cooling: 15 reports on file for this year.
  • Power train: 11 reports on file for this year.
  • Service brakes: 5 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 06E049000 · Exterior lighting
  • Recall 07E066000 · Equipment
  • Recall 09E012000 · Exterior lighting
  • Recall 09E001000 · Steering
  • Recall 09E009000 · Visibility

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2005 Dodge RAM reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2005 Dodge RAM is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2005 Dodge RAM?
The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 38% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2005 Dodge RAM have?
5 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.