2004 DODGE RAM 1500 — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data

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N/A

Safety Rating

1,357

Owner Complaints

114 Crashes 42 Fires 1 Death

8

Recalls

ACTIVE RECALL

3

Service Bulletins

1

Investigation

Overview of the 2004 DODGE RAM 1500

The 2004 DODGE RAM 1500 has received a total of 1,357 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). There have been 8 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE, AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE, AIR BAGS. 3 technical service bulletins have been issued by Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Air Bags (342 complaints), Power Train (126 complaints), and Electrical System (74 complaints).

Recalls for the 2004 DODGE RAM 1500

NHTSA has recorded 8 recalls for the 2004 DODGE RAM 1500, potentially affecting up to 9,020,793 vehicles.

Recall 16V352000 — AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

| 4,648,270 vehicles affected

Defect: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) expanded the affected population to include 73,712 2005-2009 RAM 2500 trucks produced at the St. Louis North Assembly Plant. With this change, Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2004-2008 RAM 1500, 2005-2009 RAM 2500, 2006-2009 RAM 3500, 2007-2010 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2008-2010 RAM 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis, 2004-2009 Dodge Durango, 2007-2009 Chrysler Aspen, 2007-2012...

Consequence: These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. These inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling. An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. Chrysler will notify the Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and RAM owners. Mitsubishi owners will be notified by their company. Dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag...

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Recall 15V313000 — AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

| 4,077,169 vehicles affected

Defect: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2005-2009 Dodge Ram 2500, 2004-2008 Dodge Ram 1500 and Durango, 2006-2009 Dodge Ram 3500, 2008-2010 Dodge Ram 4500 and 5500, 2007-2008 Chrysler Aspen, 2005-2010 Chrysler 300, 300C, 300S, and SRT8, 2006-2010 Dodge Charger, 2005-2008 Magnum, 2005-2011 Dodge Dakota, and 2006-2009 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with a dual-stage...

Consequence: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. Chrysler will notify the affected Chrysler and Dodge owners and Mitsubishi will notify the affected Raider owners. Dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflator,...

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Recall 14V770000 — AIR BAGS

| 250,896 vehicles affected

Defect: Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2004-2005 Dodge Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500, 2004-2005 Dodge Durango, 2005 Dodge Dakota, 2005 Dodge Magnum and 2005 Chrysler 300, 300C and 300 SRT8 vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in geographic locations associated with high absolute humidity. Specifically, vehicles sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi,...

Consequence: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger’s frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. For vehicles that were sold, or are currently registered, in Florida, Puerto Rico, Hawaii, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, owners were notified and...

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Recall 10E040000 — WHEELS:HUB

| 34,604 vehicles affected

Defect: FEDERAL-MOGUL IS RECALLING CERTAIN CARQUEST, NATIONAL, AND PERCISION BRAND WHEEL HUB ASSEMBLIES, P/NOS 515073 AND 515073, SOLD FOR USE AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT ON MODEL YEAR 2002 THROUGH 2008 DODGE RAM 1500 PICKUP TRUCKS. THE INBOARD ROLL FORM USED TO MAINTAIN THE HUB ASSEMBLY CAN FATIGUE RESULTING IN NOISE AND/OR WHEEL SEPARATION ON THE TWO WHEEL DRIVE (2WD) APPLICATIONS. THE RISK...

Consequence: A VEHICLE CRASH CAN OCCUR IF THE WHEEL SEPARATES FROM THE VEHICLE.

Remedy: FEDERAL-MOGUL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS OF RECORD AND TECHNICIANS WILL REPLACE THE AFFECTED HUB ASSEMBLIES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 15, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FEDERAL-MOGUL AT 1-877-489-6659.

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Recall 10E013000 — STEERING:GEAR BOX:SHAFT PITMAN

| 1,500 vehicles affected

Defect: FABTECH IS RECALLING CERTAIN AFTERMARKET REPLACEMENT PITMAN ARMS, P/NOS. FTS93001 AND FT44039, INSTALLED FOR USE ON CERTAIN 2003 THROUGH 2008 DODGE 2500 4WD, 3500 4WD, AND 1500 4WD MEGA CAB VEHICLES. THE PITMAN ARM CAN FRACTURE AND BREAK AWAY FROM THE STEERING BOX CAUSING TOTAL LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL.

Consequence: STEERING LOSS COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH POSSIBLY RESULTING IN PROPERTY DAMAGE, INJURY OR DEATH.

Remedy: FABTECH WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND AUTHORIZED INSTALLERS WILL INSPECT FOR DEFECTIVE PITMAN ARM AND REPLACE IF NECESSARY FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 24, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FABTECH AT 1-877-432-2832.

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Recall 07E104000 — VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR

| 1,657 vehicles affected

Defect: CERTAIN CURVED TEMPERED REPLACEMENT GLASS MANUFACTURED BY HANGZHOU SAFETY GLASS LTD AND SUPPLIED TO SAFELITE BY AUTO TEMP INC., IDENTIFIED AS DOT-430, AND SOLD FOR USE ON CERTAIN DOMESTIC AND FOREIGN VEHICLES MAY NOT BREAK INTO SMALL PIECES AS EXPECTED OF TEMPERED GLASS AND FAILS TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 205, "GLAZING MATERIALS."

Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE OCCUPANT(S) MAY BE SERIOUSLY INJURED BY SHATTERED GLASS.

Remedy: SAFELITE WILL NOTIFY ITS RETAIL CUSTOMERS AND REPLACE THE GLASS FREE OF CHARGE. RETAIL CUSTOMERS CAN CONTACT SAFELITE TOLL FREE AT 1-888-843-2906. SAFELITE WILL NOTIFY ITS WHOLESALE CUSTOMERS AND REIMBURSE WHOLESALE CUSTOMERS FOR CURRENT INVENTORY AND AT A SPECIFIED RATE...

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Recall 04V221000 — EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

| 6,183 vehicles affected

Defect: THE VEHICLE CERTIFICATION LABEL ON SOME PICKUP TRUCKS LISTS INCORRECT TIRE, WHEEL, AND RECOMMENDED INFLATION PRESSURE INFORMATION WHICH DOES NOT CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 120, 'TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS FOR VEHICLES OTHER THAN PASSENGER CARS.'

Consequence: INSTALLING THE INCORRECT TIRE/RIM SIZES AND LOADING THE VEHICLE TO THE WEIGHTS SHOWN ON THE LABEL CAN CAUSE TIRE FAILURE AND RESULT IN A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy: OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH VEHICLE CERTIFICATION LABEL OVERLAYS CONTAINING THE CORRECTED INFORMATION RELATIVE TO VEHICLE TIRE AND RIM SIZE, AND RECOMMENDED INFLATION PRESSURE. THIS RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 5, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

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Recall 03V503000 — POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

| 514 vehicles affected

Defect: ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS, THE TRANSFER CASE TO TRANSMISSION ATTACHING FASTENERS MAY NOT BE TIGHTENED CORRECTLY. THIS COULD CAUSE THE TRANSMISSION ADAPTER OR TRANSFER CASE HOUSING TO CRACK AND LEAK FLUID.

Consequence: CONTINUED OPERATION CAN RESULT IN PROPELLER SHAFT SEPARATION AND DAMAGE TO FUEL SYSTEM COMPONENTS, WHICH COULD LEAD TO A FUEL LEAK. FLUID AND/OR FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE CAN CAUSE AN UNDERBODY FIRE.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL RETIGHTEN THE TRANSFER CASE TO TRANSMISSION FASTENERS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON DECEMBER 22, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-992-1997.

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Owner Complaints for the 2004 DODGE RAM 1500

1,357 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2004 DODGE RAM 1500. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.

Air Bags
Complaints: 342 35 Crashes 4 Fires 42 Injuries 1 Death
Power Train
Complaints: 126 8 Crashes 1 Fire 6 Injuries
Electrical System
Complaints: 74 1 Crash 10 Fires 1 Injury
Engine
Complaints: 73 2 Crashes 3 Fires
Engine And Engine Cooling
Complaints: 57 1 Crash 2 Injuries
Steering
Complaints: 57 11 Crashes 12 Injuries
Engine And Engine Coolingengine
Complaints: 40 1 Crash 1 Injury
Fuelpropulsion System
Complaints: 38 1 Fire
Suspension
Complaints: 36 2 Crashes 5 Injuries
Unknown Or Other
Complaints: 36 1 Crash 2 Fires 4 Injuries
Wheels
Complaints: 24 5 Crashes 2 Injuries
Structurebody
Complaints: 23 3 Crashes 7 Injuries
Fuel System Gasoline
Complaints: 21
Exterior Lighting
Complaints: 20 1 Crash
Vehicle Speed Control
Complaints: 19 1 Crash
Power Trainautomatic Transmission
Complaints: 17 1 Crash 1 Injury
Service Brakes
Complaints: 16 5 Crashes 4 Injuries
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdiscrotor
Complaints: 16 1 Crash 1 Fire 1 Injury
Structure
Complaints: 15 2 Fires
Air Bagsfrontal
Complaints: 13 12 Crashes 1 Fire 10 Injuries
Service Brakes Hydraulic
Complaints: 11 1 Crash 1 Fire 1 Injury
Steeringrack And Pinion
Complaints: 11
Tires
Complaints: 11 1 Crash 1 Injury
Suspensionrear
Complaints: 10
Electrical Systemwiring
Complaints: 9 2 Fires
Latcheslockslinkages
Complaints: 9 1 Injury
Power Trainautomatic Transmissioncontrol Module Tcmpcmtecm
Complaints: 9
Power Traindriveline
Complaints: 8 1 Crash 1 Fire
Power Traindrivelinedifferential Unit
Complaints: 8
Suspensionfront
Complaints: 8 2 Crashes 2 Injuries
Suspensionfrontwheel Bearing
Complaints: 8
Engine And Engine Coolingcooling System
Complaints: 7
Seat Belts
Complaints: 7 2 Crashes 3 Injuries
Equipmentotherlabels
Complaints: 6 1 Injury
Power Traindrivelinedriveshaft
Complaints: 6 1 Fire
Steeringlinkagestie Rod Assembly
Complaints: 6 1 Crash 1 Fire 1 Injury
Vehicle Speed Controlcruise Control
Complaints: 6 1 Fire
Visibility
Complaints: 6
Equipment
Complaints: 5
Service Brakes Hydraulicantilocktraction Controlelectronic Limited Slip
Complaints: 5 1 Crash 2 Injuries
Structureframe And Members
Complaints: 5 7 Injuries
Visibilitywiper
Complaints: 5
Electrical Systemignition
Complaints: 4
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systememission Controlgas Recirculation Valve Egr Valve
Complaints: 4
Exterior Lightingturn Signal
Complaints: 4
Power Trainaxle Assembly
Complaints: 4 1 Crash 2 Injuries
Power Trainaxle Assemblyaxle Shaft
Complaints: 4 2 Crashes 1 Fire 1 Injury
Steeringhydraulic Power Assistpump
Complaints: 4 1 Crash 1 Injury
Visibilitydefrosterdefoggerhvac System
Complaints: 4
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust System
Complaints: 3
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systememission Control
Complaints: 3 1 Fire
Seat Beltsrearother
Complaints: 3 1 Crash 1 Fire 2 Injuries
Seats
Complaints: 3 1 Crash 2 Injuries
Steeringhydraulic Power Assisthose Piping And Connections
Complaints: 3
Steeringrack And Pinionrack
Complaints: 3
Structurebodybumpers
Complaints: 3 5 Injuries
Structurebodydoor
Complaints: 3 1 Injury
Tirestreadbelt
Complaints: 3 2 Crashes 1 Injury
Visibilitywindshield Wiperwasher
Complaints: 3 1 Crash 1 Injury
Electrical Systemhorn
Complaints: 2
Electrical Systemwiringfront Underhood
Complaints: 2 2 Fires
Electrical Systemwiringinteriorunder Dash
Complaints: 2 1 Fire
Engine And Engine Coolingenginegasoline
Complaints: 2
Exterior Lightingheadlightshighlow Beam Dimmer Switch
Complaints: 2 1 Crash
Fuel System Gasolinefuel Injection System
Complaints: 2
Service Brakes Airdiscrotor
Complaints: 2
Steeringhydraulic Power Assist System
Complaints: 2
Structurebodydoorhinge And Attachments
Complaints: 2 5 Injuries
Structurebodytailgate
Complaints: 2 6 Injuries
Suspensionfronthub
Complaints: 2
Tirestemporaryemergency Spare Tire
Complaints: 2
Air Bagsfrontalsensorcontrol Module
Complaints: 1
Child Seat
Complaints: 1
Electrical System Instrument Clusterpanel
Complaints: 1 1 Fire
Electrical Systemalternatorgeneratorregulator
Complaints: 1 1 Fire
Electrical Systemignitionmodule
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemignitionswitch
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemstarter Assembly
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemwiringfuses And Circuit Breakers
Complaints: 1
Electronic Stability Control Esc
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systememission Controlcatalytic Convertor
Complaints: 1
Equipment Adaptivemobility
Complaints: 1
Equipmentapplianceair Conditioner
Complaints: 1
Exterior Lightingbrake Lights
Complaints: 1
Exterior Lightinghazard Flashing Warning Lights
Complaints: 1
Exterior Lightingheadlightsconcealment Devices
Complaints: 1
Exterior Lightingturn Signalflasher Unit
Complaints: 1
Exterior Lightingturn Signalswitch
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Gasolinedeliveryfuel Pump
Complaints: 1
Latcheslockslinkagesdoorslatch
Complaints: 1
Latcheslockslinkageshatchbackliftgatelock
Complaints: 1
Power Trainaxle Assemblyaxle Shaftseal
Complaints: 1
Power Trainaxle Hubs
Complaints: 1
Power Traindrivelineuniversal Joint
Complaints: 1
Power Trainmanual Transmissioncolumn Shift Assembly
Complaints: 1
Power Traintransfer Case 4 Wheel Drive
Complaints: 1
Seatsfront Assemblypower Adjust
Complaints: 1 1 Injury
Service Brakes Hydraulicfluid
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdisccaliper
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdiscpads
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicpedals And Linkages
Complaints: 1
Steeringcolumn
Complaints: 1
Steeringhydraulic Power Assistpower Steering Fluid
Complaints: 1
Structureframe And Membersunderbody Shields
Complaints: 1 1 Fire
Suspensionfrontcontrol Armlower Ball Joint
Complaints: 1
Suspensionfrontcontrol Armupper Ball Joint
Complaints: 1 1 Crash 1 Fire 1 Injury
Suspensionmultiple Axle
Complaints: 1
Suspensionrearaxlespindle
Complaints: 1 1 Crash 1 Injury
Tiresmarkings
Complaints: 1 1 Crash 1 Injury
Tirespressure Monitoring And Regulating Systems
Complaints: 1 5 Injuries
Tiressidewall
Complaints: 1
Vehicle Speed Controlaccelerator Pedal
Complaints: 1
Visibilitypower Window Devices And Controls
Complaints: 1
Visibilityrear Window Wiperwasher
Complaints: 1
Visibilitywindshield
Complaints: 1
Visibilitywindshield Wiperwasherswitchwiring
Complaints: 1
Wheelsrim
Complaints: 1 1 Crash

Most Recent Complaints

#11696745 | AIR BAGS | | 200,000 miles Crash 1 Injury
The contact owned a 2004 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that while making a right turn into oncoming traffic, the vehicle rear-ended a semi-truck in front, where it came to a stop. No warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the air bags failed to deploy during the collision. Additionally, the seat belts became inoperable and failed to restrain the contact, causing the contact to strike the windshield. The contact sustained a 2-inch cut that required 15 stitches, an eyelid injury that required 7 stitches, multiple bruises, and whiplash injuries, and was transported to a local emergency room for medical treatment. A police report was filed. The vehicle was destroyed. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 200,000. The VIN was not available.
#11696745 | SEAT BELTS | | 200,000 miles Crash 1 Injury
The contact owned a 2004 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that while making a right turn into oncoming traffic, the vehicle rear-ended a semi-truck in front, where it came to a stop. No warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the air bags failed to deploy during the collision. Additionally, the seat belts became inoperable and failed to restrain the contact, causing the contact to strike the windshield. The contact sustained a 2-inch cut that required 15 stitches, an eyelid injury that required 7 stitches, multiple bruises, and whiplash injuries, and was transported to a local emergency room for medical treatment. A police report was filed. The vehicle was destroyed. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 200,000. The VIN was not available.
#11686970 | ENGINE | | N/A miles
Driving on freeway , lost power Cruise control automatically shut off yellow light shape of a motor came on ; on the upper left side of the dashboard, had to pull over on side of freeway. Able to restart after a little bit. Another time sitting at traffic light shuts off , same light again . Another time had to wait from 11 pm to 3 am before it started and had called a tow truck.. THE RECALL IT FALLS UNDER IS #20V475000 CRANKSHAFT SENSOR , called and filed claim defect # is11686607 . Please Reply
#11686607 | ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | | 312,000 miles
The contact owns a 2004 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal and stalled. In addition, the vehicle vibrated before losing power. The vehicle stalled at an intersection. The contact was stopped for hours, and the vehicle failed to restart. After six hours, the tow truck arrived, and the contact restarted the vehicle. The check engine warning light illuminated, and the yellow warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact's brother, a mechanic, inspected the vehicle and informed the contact that the crankshaft position sensor had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V475000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 312,000.
#11596625 | AIR BAGS | | N/A miles
I tried to get the service done Iam a one vehicle owner the dealership told me I had to pay out of pocket for the rental car with no set day of service The dealership didn’t care whether I got the recall done cause of the year of the vehicle they provided no transportation solution

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Safety Rating for the 2004 DODGE RAM 1500

NHTSA has not yet tested the 2004 DODGE RAM 1500 in its New Car Assessment Program.

Technical Service Bulletins for the 2004 DODGE RAM 1500

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) has issued 3 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 2004 DODGE RAM 1500. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.

1801605 — VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

THROTTLE BODY COKING. *TT

0500105 — SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

BRAKE SHUDDER OR VIBRATION. *EH

1804104 — POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

IMPROVED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SHIFTING IN TOW/HAUL MODE. *EH

NHTSA Investigations for the 2004 DODGE RAM 1500

NHTSA has opened 1 investigation into potential safety defects in the 2004 DODGE RAM 1500.

Investigation PE05027 — POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM) Closed

Opened:

ENGINE STALL

Other Model Years of the DODGE RAM 1500

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