2005 DODGE RAM 3500 — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data

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N/A

Safety Rating

240

Owner Complaints

31 Crashes 9 Fires 3 Deaths

7

Recalls

ACTIVE RECALL

2

Service Bulletins

1

Investigation

Overview of the 2005 DODGE RAM 3500

The 2005 DODGE RAM 3500 has received a total of 240 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). There have been 7 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with AIR BAGS, STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY. 2 technical service bulletins have been issued by Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Steering (51 complaints), Air Bags (33 complaints), and Power Trainautomatic Transmission (25 complaints).

Recalls for the 2005 DODGE RAM 3500

NHTSA has recorded 7 recalls for the 2005 DODGE RAM 3500, potentially affecting up to 1,457,280 vehicles.

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 13V528000 — STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY

| 706,664 vehicles affected

Defect: Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2003-2008 Dodge RAM 2500 4x4 and 3500 4x4, model year 2007-2008 Dodge RAM 3500 4x2 Cab Chassis and model year 2006-2008 Dodge RAM 1500 Mega Cab 4x4 trucks manufactured February 12, 2002, through February 13, 2008. The left tie rod assembly may break.

Consequence: A failure of the tie rod assembly may result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Chrysler notified owners and launched its recall campaign in January 2014. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N62.

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Recall 11V350000 — STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY

| 242,780 vehicles affected

Defect: CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008-2011 DODGE RAM 2500/3500 4X4, MANUFACTURED FROM FEBRUARY 14, 2008, THROUGH MARCH 28, 2011; MODEL YEAR 2008-2011 DODGE RAM 3500 CAB CHASSIS 4X2, MANUFACTURED FROM FEBRUARY 14, 2008, THROUGH MARCH 28, 2011; AND MODEL YEAR 2008 DODGE RAM 1500 MEGA CAB 4X4, MANUFACTURED FROM FEBRUARY 14, 2008, THROUGH AUGUST 15, 2008, BECAUSE THE LEFT...

Consequence: THIS CONDITION COULD RESULT IN THE POTENTIAL LOSS OF DIRECTIONAL STABILITY IN THE LEFT HAND FRONT WHEEL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE TIE ROD ENDS FOR RELATIVE ORIENTATION AND REPLACE THE LEFT OUTER TIE ROD AS REQUIRED AND PERFORM A FRONT END TOE ALIGNMENT AS NEEDED. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN...

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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 07E009000 — SUSPENSION

| 3,350 vehicles affected

Defect: CERTAIN LKI ENTERPRISES, INC., BRAND NAME SUPERLIFT SUSPENSION, PITMAN ARMS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR 2003-2007 DODGE RAM 2500 AND 3500 4X4 LIGHT TRUCKS. DUE TO INADEQUATE HEAT TREATMENT DURING PRODUCTION, THE AFFECTED PITMAN ARMS MAY DEVELOP CRACKS IN THE UPPER SPLINED ATTACHMENT ATTACHMENT TO THE STEERING OUTPUT SHAFT. MOVEMENT BETWEEN THE PITMAN ARM AND THE OUTPUT SHAFT MAY DEFORM...

Consequence: PITMAN ARM WEAR OR FAILURE MAY LEAD TO LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy: LKI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE PITMAN ARM, IF NECESSARY. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 12, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT LKI AT 1-800-551-4955.

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Recall 05V462000 — POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:COLUMN SHIFT

| 250,433 vehicles affected

Defect: ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH DIESEL ENGINES AND AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS, IN AN ATTEMPT TO EXIT THE VEHICLE QUICKLY WITHOUT SHUTTING OFF THE ENGINE AND REMOVING THE KEY, THE DRIVER MAY INADVERTENTLY LEAVE THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SHIFT CONTROL IN INDICATED REVERSE.

Consequence: THIS ERROR IS AN UNINTENDED ACTION THAT MAY RESULT IN A LACK OF TRANSMISSION PARK PAWL ENGAGEMENT AND POSSIBLY DELAYED REARWARD MOVEMENT OF THE VEHICLE.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL PERFORM A SOFTWARE MODIFICATION TO EQUIP THESE VEHICLES WITH AN OUT-OF-PARK ALARM. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

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Owner Complaints for the 2005 DODGE RAM 3500

240 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2005 DODGE RAM 3500. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.

Steering
Complaints: 51 5 Crashes 2 Injuries 1 Death
Air Bags
Complaints: 33 2 Crashes 2 Injuries
Power Trainautomatic Transmission
Complaints: 25 10 Crashes 5 Injuries
Suspension
Complaints: 14 2 Crashes 2 Injuries 1 Death
Electrical System
Complaints: 13 2 Fires
Visibilitywiper
Complaints: 7
Fuelpropulsion System
Complaints: 6 1 Fire
Unknown Or Other
Complaints: 6 1 Crash
Exterior Lighting
Complaints: 5
Fuel System Diesel
Complaints: 5 1 Fire
Power Train
Complaints: 5 2 Crashes 1 Injury
Vehicle Speed Control
Complaints: 5 2 Crashes 1 Injury
Service Brakes
Complaints: 4 1 Crash 1 Injury
Steeringgear Box Other Than Rack And Pinion
Complaints: 4
Steeringlinkagestie Rod Assembly
Complaints: 4
Tires
Complaints: 4
Engine
Complaints: 3 2 Fires
Service Brakes Hydraulic
Complaints: 3
Wheels
Complaints: 3 1 Crash 1 Injury 1 Death
Engine And Engine Cooling
Complaints: 2
Engine And Engine Coolingengine
Complaints: 2
Engine And Engine Coolingenginediesel
Complaints: 2 1 Fire
Equipment
Complaints: 2
Fuel System Gasoline
Complaints: 2
Seats
Complaints: 2
Steeringcolumn
Complaints: 2 1 Crash
Suspensionfront
Complaints: 2
Electrical System Instrument Clusterpanel
Complaints: 1 1 Injury
Electrical System Integrated Trailer Brake Control
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemignition
Complaints: 1 1 Crash 1 Injury
Engine And Engine Coolingcooling System
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingcooling Systemfan
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingenginegasoline
Complaints: 1 1 Crash 1 Fire
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systemmanifoldheadermufflertail Pipe
Complaints: 1
Exterior Lightingback Up Lightsswitch
Complaints: 1
Exterior Lightingturn Signal
Complaints: 1
Latcheslockslinkagesdoorslatch
Complaints: 1
Latcheslockslinkageshoodlatch
Complaints: 1
Power Trainautomatic Transmissiongear Position Indication Prndl
Complaints: 1 1 Crash
Power Trainclutch Assembly
Complaints: 1
Seat Belts
Complaints: 1
Seat Beltsrearother
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicantilocktraction Controlelectronic Limited Slip
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdisccaliper
Complaints: 1
Steeringlinkages
Complaints: 1
Structurebody
Complaints: 1
Structureframe And Members
Complaints: 1
Suspensionfrontcontrol Armlower Ball Joint
Complaints: 1 1 Crash
Tiressidewall
Complaints: 1
Visibilitydefrosterdefoggerhvac Systemfanmotor
Complaints: 1 1 Fire
Visibilitywindshield Wiperwasher
Complaints: 1

Most Recent Complaints

#11703233 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | | 90,000 miles
The contact owns a 2005 Dodge Ram 3500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 05V462000 (POWER TRAIN). The vehicle was taken to a tire specialist to install larger tires on the vehicle. The contact was informed that the tires were too big and could not be installed on the vehicle. The contact stated that the employees switched the tires and added two low-drive tires on the front end and two larger tires in the rear. The contact stated that while driving 45 MPH back to the residence, the vehicle vibrated violently. The contact almost crashed three times. The contact stated that while the vehicle jerked, the steering wheel was difficult to control. In addition, the odometer failed to function as intended. The contact called the tire shop and asked the contact to drive the vehicle to the shop for an inspection. The contact had safety concerns about driving the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.
#11703233 | POWER TRAIN | | 90,000 miles
The contact owns a 2005 Dodge Ram 3500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 05V462000 (POWER TRAIN). The vehicle was taken to a tire specialist to install larger tires on the vehicle. The contact was informed that the tires were too big and could not be installed on the vehicle. The contact stated that the employees switched the tires and added two low-drive tires on the front end and two larger tires in the rear. The contact stated that while driving 45 MPH back to the residence, the vehicle vibrated violently. The contact almost crashed three times. The contact stated that while the vehicle jerked, the steering wheel was difficult to control. In addition, the odometer failed to function as intended. The contact called the tire shop and asked the contact to drive the vehicle to the shop for an inspection. The contact had safety concerns about driving the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.
#11703233 | TIRES | | 90,000 miles
The contact owns a 2005 Dodge Ram 3500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 05V462000 (POWER TRAIN). The vehicle was taken to a tire specialist to install larger tires on the vehicle. The contact was informed that the tires were too big and could not be installed on the vehicle. The contact stated that the employees switched the tires and added two low-drive tires on the front end and two larger tires in the rear. The contact stated that while driving 45 MPH back to the residence, the vehicle vibrated violently. The contact almost crashed three times. The contact stated that while the vehicle jerked, the steering wheel was difficult to control. In addition, the odometer failed to function as intended. The contact called the tire shop and asked the contact to drive the vehicle to the shop for an inspection. The contact had safety concerns about driving the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.
#11701036 | STEERING | | N/A miles
Recall that the dealer would not fix
#11701037 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | | N/A miles
Recall that the dealer would not fix

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Safety Rating for the 2005 DODGE RAM 3500

NHTSA has not yet tested the 2005 DODGE RAM 3500 in its New Car Assessment Program.

Technical Service Bulletins for the 2005 DODGE RAM 3500

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) has issued 2 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 2005 DODGE RAM 3500. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.

1802705 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

ALL VEHICLES - EVAPORATIVE LEAK DETECTION MONITOR ENHANCEMENT; RAM QUAD CABS VEHICLES HAVE COLD START ROUGH IDLE AND MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP ILLUMINATION WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES P0330, AND/OR P0740. *TT

1803704 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

FUEL ECONOMY IMPROVEMENT, WHITE SMOKE ON START UP, ACCURACY OF FUEL MILEAGE IN OVERHEAD CONSOLE DISPLAY. FLASH. *TT

NHTSA Investigations for the 2005 DODGE RAM 3500

NHTSA has opened 1 investigation into potential safety defects in the 2005 DODGE RAM 3500.

Investigation PE14013 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH Closed

Opened:

Clutch Interlock Switch Malfunction

Other Model Years of the DODGE RAM 3500

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Other DODGE Models

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