2005 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
23% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 9 distinct reports on file.
FIRE13% of complaints: power train — 5 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow 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, 20230710
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, 20241107
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, 20220720
10% of complaints: service brakes, hydraulic — 4 distinct reports on file.
10% of complaints: power train — 4 distinct reports on file.
10% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 4 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
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
2005 Dodge RAM — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (9 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (5 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes, hydraulic issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- 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 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 23% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2005 Dodge RAM have?
5 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.