The 2005 Dodge Ram has 5 safety recalls and 40 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is engine and engine cooling (15 complaints).
Recalls5safety recalls
Complaints40filed by owners
Crashes · fires5 · 1reported in complaints
Injuries · deaths3 · 0reported in complaints
Safety recalls
Exterior lighting
NHTSA recall 09E012000 · Apr 7, 2009 · 16,270 vehicles · opened after NHTSA action (OVSC)
Problem: 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 CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Fix: 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.
Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer
NHTSA recall 09E009000 · Mar 13, 2009 · 1,364 vehicles
Problem: 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. THESE WIPER MODULE ASSEMBLIES MAY BE SUSCEPTIBLE TO WATER INTRUSION THAT COULD RESULT IN PARTIAL OR COMPLETE LOSS OF WINDSHIELD WIPER CAPABILITY.
Risk: WHEN THE WIPER SYSTEM FAILS, THE OPERATOR WILL HAVE REDUCED VISIBILITY WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
Fix: 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.
Steering › Linkages
NHTSA recall 09E001000 · Jan 13, 2009 · 18,000 vehicles
Problem: 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 ROD TO PITMAN ARM BALL STUD FRACTURE, ALSO, THE STEERING LINKAGE DAMPER ATTACHING BRACKET MAY YEILD AND SHIFT ON THE LINKAGE. THE PART NUMBERS OF THE AFFECTED ASSEMBLIES IS 52122362AA THROUGH 52122362AD.
Risk: THIS COULD RESULT IN A LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL AND THE RESTRICTED ABILITY TO TURN THE VEHICLE IN ONE DIRECTION INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Fix: 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 CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
Equipment › Electrical
NHTSA recall 07E066000 · Aug 28, 2007 · 175 vehicles
Problem: 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 TRAILER LIGHTS MAY NOT OPERATE PROPERLY.
Risk: IF THE TRAILER LIGHTS ARE NOT WORKING PROPERLY, A VEHICLE CRASH CAN OCCUR.
Fix: ALL OF THE DEFECTIVE TOW PACKAGES ARE STILL AT THE DISTRIBUTOR LEVEL AND HAVE NOT BEEN SOLD TO ANY CONSUMERS.
Exterior lighting
NHTSA recall 06E049000 · May 24, 2006 · 27,176 vehicles · opened after NHTSA action (OVSC)
Problem: 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 NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Risk: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Fix: 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.
Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.
What owners report
Problem area
Complaints
Crashes
Fires
Injuries
Typical mileage*
Engine and engine cooling Engine; Exhaust system › Emission control
15
0
1
0
11,000 mi
Power train Automatic transmission; Automatic transmission › Control module (tcm/pcm/tecm)
11
1
0
0
107,250 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic Foundation components › Disc › Rotor
5
0
0
0
11,000 mi
Electrical system Ignition; Software
4
0
0
0
20,000 mi
Suspension Rear; Front
3
2
0
2
—
Steering Rack and pinion › Rack; Hydraulic power assist › Hose, piping, and connections
2
0
0
0
—
Air bags Frontal
1
1
0
1
—
Tires
1
1
0
0
—
Visibility Defroster/defogger/hvac system
1
0
0
0
—
Unknown or other
1
0
0
0
—
Seats
1
0
0
0
—
Fuel system, diesel
1
0
0
0
—
*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.
Recent owner complaints
Nov 7, 2024 · 218,000 milesPower train 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. After a visual inspection, the driver observed that the draft shaft had become disconnected. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the rear axle pinion nut. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer, who confirmed the diagnosis. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V796000 (Power Train); the VIN was included, but the vehicle had…
Jun 24, 2023 · 200,000 miles · crashPower train 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. The contact stated that his foot had been on the accelerator pedal and he had tried to accelerate but the vehicle was not responding. The contact stated that the steering wheel jerked to the left as the contact heard an abnormal grinding, popping, and bang sound had come from the rear. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle had crashed into a concrete street divider with the left front wheel which had burst on contact. There was minor damage to the exterior and driver's door,…
Oct 15, 2022 · 220,000 milesPower train The contact owns a 2005 Dodge Ram. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V796000 (Power Train) however, the failure recurred. Additionally, while the contact was turning at 10 MPH, the axle snapped. The vehicle lost motive power and had to be towed to a friend's residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 220,000.
Oct 1, 2020 · 175,000 milesPower train 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. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the vehicle was not under recall. The failure mileage was 175,000.
Jun 9, 2021 · 211,000 milesPower train The contact owns a 2005 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was wobbling. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and diagnosed that there was a thumb-sized crack on the driveshaft. The two universal joints and the driveshaft assembly were replaced. The contact later was made aware that NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V796000 (Power Train) was associated with the VIN and was related to the failure. The contact requested reimbursement from the manufacturer however, the manufacturer denied the contact's request for reimbursement stating that the vehicle was outside the warranty period and had no active service contract. The contact was also informed…
Apr 1, 2009Engine TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 DODGE RAM 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE ALSO STALLED WHEN THE CONTACT MADE A STOP OR ATTEMPTED A TURN. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE HESITATED TO ACCELERATE OVER 60 MPH. THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED FOR OVER ONE YEAR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO ADVISED THAT THERE WERE NO FAILURES BUT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT ALSO HAD THE SPARK PLUGS REPLACED BUT THE FAILURE WAS NOT CORRECTED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 201,000. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Jun 10, 2010Engine and engine cooling TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 DODGE RAM. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD INTERMITTENTLY STALL WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A STOP. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THEY WERE UNABLE TO DUPLICATE OR DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 72,360.
Mar 18, 2011 · 113,000 miles · fireEngine and engine cooling TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 DODGE RAM. THE CONTACT WAS TRAVELING 70 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE BEGAN SMOKING. THE CONTACT PULLED TO THE SIDE AND OPENED HOOD AND FOUND FLUIDS DRAINING FROM THE ENGINE. THE CONTACT WAS ASSISTED BY ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE WHO DISCOVERED THAT THE FOURTH CYLINDER WAS LEAKING FROM THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TOWED TO A MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN ADVISED THAT THE COMPUTER SHOULD HAVE SHUT DOWN THE ENGINE WHEN AS PRESSURE WAS LOST. THE CONTACT HAD THE CYLINDER REPLACED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 113,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 115,758.
Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.