VehicleVerdict

2006 Dodge Ram 3500 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

The 2006 Dodge Ram 3500 carries two red flags at once: 349 consumer complaints filed with NHTSA — 2.2× the Ram 3500 norm — and an open NHTSA defect investigation (subject: Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture). It is one of the Ram 3500 years to avoid. Reports tied to this model year include 4 deaths and 6 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across steering (78), electrical system (52), and lighting (45), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

349

NHTSA complaints

11

Recalls

6

Investigations · 2 open

19

Crash-involved

6

Fires reported

6

Injuries

4

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2006 compare to other Ram 3500 years?

Ram 3500 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2006 highlighted502 complaints1991: 5 complaints1992: 11 complaints1993: 26 complaints1994: 102 complaints1995: 132 complaints1996: 182 complaints1997: 153 complaints1998: 134 complaints1999: 146 complaints2000: 77 complaints2001: 168 complaints2002: 59 complaints2003: 330 complaints2004: 276 complaints2005: 240 complaints2006: 349 complaints2007: 284 complaints2008: 221 complaints2009: 130 complaints2010: 214 complaints2011: 293 complaints2012: 502 complaints
Ram 3500 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2006 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Ram 3500 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2006 Dodge Ram 3500 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Steering7822%
Electrical System5215%
Lighting4513%
Airbags339%
Visibility & Wipers329%
Transmission226%
Suspension206%
Fuel System144%
Brakes134%
Engine123%
Tires & Wheels103%
Other82%
Body & Structure41%
Seat Belts31%
Speed Control21%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)10%

Does the 2006 Dodge Ram 3500 have recalls?

11 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

16V352000AirbagsMay 24, 2016 · 4,648,270 units

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 Jeep Wrangler, 2008-2012 Dodge Challenger, 2005-2008 Dodge Magnum, 2005-2012 Chrysler 300, 2006-2012 Dodge Charger, 2005-2011 Dodge Dakota, and 2006-2009 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in AL, CA, FL, GA, HI, LA, MS, SC, TX, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, Chrysler is also recalling 2004-2008 RAM 1500, 2005-2009 RAM 2500, 2006-2009 RAM 3500, 2007-2009 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2008-2009 RAM 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis, 2004-2009 Dodge Durango, 2007-2009 Chrysler Aspen, 2007-2009 Jeep Wrangler, 2008-2009 Dodge Challenger, 2005-2008 Dodge Magnum, 2005-2009 Chrysler 300, 2006-2009 Dodge Charger, 2005-2009 Dodge Dakota and 2006-2009 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in AZ, AR, DE, Washington D.C., IL, IN, KS, KY, MD, MO, NE, NV, NJ, NM, NC, OH, OK, PA, TN, VA, and WV, or "Zone B." Lastly, unless included in "Zone A" or "Zone B" above, Chrysler is recalling certain 2005-2008 RAM 2500, 2006-2008 RAM 3500, 2007-2008 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2008 RAM 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis, 2004-2008 Dodge Durango, 2007-2008 Chrysler Aspen, 2007-2008 Jeep Wrangler, 2008 Dodge Challenger, 2005-2008 Dodge Magnum, 2005-2008 Chrysler 300, 2006-2008 Dodge Charger, 2005-2008 Dodge Dakota, and 2006-2008 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles originally sold, or registered, in AK, CO, CT, ID, IA, ME, MA, MI, MN, MT, NH, NY, ND, OR, RI, SD, UT, VT, WA, WI, and WY.

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 inflator, free of charge. The recall began on March 27, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S43. Note: This recall supersedes recall 14V-7700.

15V313000AirbagsMay 26, 2015 · 4,077,169 units

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 driver frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture.

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, free of charge. The recall began for Chrylser on June 8, 2015. The recall for Mitsubishi started on June 24, 2015. Chrysler and Dodge owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Mitsubishi owners may call 1-888-648-7820. Chrysler's number for this recall is R25. Note: This recall supersedes recall 14V817 in its entirety. Vehicles that have had their driver side frontal air bag replaced previously need to have their air bag replaced under this recall as well.

14V795000Electrical SystemDecember 16, 2014 · 54,164 units

Defect

Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2006-2007 Dodge Ram 1500, 2500, 3500, Dakota, and 2006 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles manufactured July 1, 2005, to July 31, 2006 with manual transmissions. The return springs in the clutch ignition interlock switch may break.

Consequence

Broken springs can result in a no-start condition, or cause unintended movement when the ignition is cranked, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.

Remedy

Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the clutch ignition interlock switch, free of charge. The recall began on March 27, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is P80.

13V528000SteeringNovember 6, 2013 · 706,664 units

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.

11V350000SteeringJuly 6, 2011 · 242,780 units

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 TIE ROD BALL STUD MAY FRACTURE. THIS CONDITION TENDS TO OCCUR DURING LOW SPEED PARKING LOT TYPE MANEUVERS WHEN THE CUSTOMER IS MAKING A TIGHT TURN. ADDITIONALLY, MODEL YEAR 2003-2008 DODGE RAM 2500/3500 VEHICLES MAY HAVE RECEIVED THE AFFECTED TIE ROD ASSEMBLY AS A REPLACEMENT PART DURING NORMAL SERVICE.

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 ON OCTOBER 3, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

10E013000SteeringMay 3, 2010 · 1,500 units

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.

07E104000Visibility & WipersDecember 11, 2007 · 1,657 units

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 FOR REPLACING THEIR CUSTOMER'S GLASS. WHOLESALE CUSTOMERS CAN CONTACT SAFELITE'S WHOLESALE DIVISION, SERVICE AUTOGLASS TOLL FREE AT 1-888-246-6298. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 15, 2008.

07E009000SuspensionFebruary 1, 2007 · 3,350 units

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 SPLINES, RESULTING IN PREMATURE WEAR AND FATIGUE FAILURE OF THE AFFECTED PITMAN ARM.

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.

06V380000Visibility & WipersOctober 10, 2006 · 309 units

Defect

CERTAIN TRUCKS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 111, "REAR VIEW MIRRORS". THE RIGHT OUTSIDE REAR VIEW MIRROR GLASS HAS A CURVED (CONVEX) MIRROR GLASS INSTALLED INSTEAD OF FLAT GLASS. CURVED GLASS CREATES A WIDER VIEW, BUT DISPLAYS IMAGES FURTHER AWAY THAN THEY ACTUALLY ARE.

Consequence

DRIVERS OF LARGE VEHICLES MAY HAVE DIFFICULTY JUDGING DISTANCE RELATIONSHIPS, WHICH COULD CAUSE A CRASH WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE RIGHT OUTSIDE CONVEX MIRROR GLASS WITH A FLAT MIRROR GLASS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 10, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

06V073000LightingMarch 9, 2006 · 279 units

Defect

CERTAIN TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH DUAL REAR WHEELS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THE TRUCKS MAY HAVE BEEN INADVERTENTLY MANUFACTURED WITHOUT THE ROOF MOUNTED CAB CLEARANCE LAMPS.

Consequence

WITHOUT THESE LAMPS, OTHER VEHICLE OPERATORS MAY NOT DETECT THE INCREASED WIDTH OF THE VEHICLE WHICH COULD CAUSE A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL CAB CLEARANCE LIGHTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 20, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

06V038000BrakesFebruary 9, 2006 · 39,274 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH FOUR-WHEEL ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEMS (ABS), THE ABS ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT (ECU) MAY CAUSE A LOSS OF FRONT TO REAR BRAKE BALANCE, AND THE REAR BRAKES COULD LOCK UP PREMATURELY DURING CERTAIN BRAKING CONDITIONS.

Consequence

THIS COULD RESULT IN A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL AND CAUSE A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ABS ECU. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING THE WEEK OF JULY 17, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

Open NHTSA investigations

EA21002

Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture

From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.

EA15001

Air Bag Inflator Rupture

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE14-016 in June 2014 based on six inflator rupture incidents involving consumer owned vehicles produced by five vehicle manufacturers.All six vehicles were operated in Florida or Puerto Rico at the time of the rupture and for the majority of their service life, and were equipped with inflators produced by Takata, a tier-one supplier of automotive air bag systems.During the course of PE14-016, ODI determined that five additional vehicle manufacturers used inflators of a similar design and vintage also supplied by Takata. No evidence of field failures was found in vehicles produced by these five additional manufacturers.Nonetheless, at ODI's insistence, all 10 vehicle manufacturers initiated a regional recall within approximately two weeks of the opening of the investigation.The regions recalled initially included Florida, Puerto Rico, Hawaii, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, areas with high absolute humidity and climatic conditions believed to be a significant factor in the inflator ruptures.As part of the recall actions, inflators removed from remedied vehicles are to be returned to Takata for testing.Takata's initial test results on passenger inflators from remedied vehicles indicated a much higher than anticipated rupture frequency for inflators returned from Florida.Accordingly ODI requested all 10 manufacturers expand the regional recalls for passenger inflators to include other geographic areas where high absolute humidity conditions exist, including the Gulf States and other coastal areas.Takata's testing of the passenger inflators to date continues to indicate this geographic area as having the highest risk, with no ruptures occurring from inflators returned from outside the expanded recall regions.During PE14-016 four additional passenger inflator field events occurred, all in vehicles from the same expanded geographic region.Also during PE14-016 four additional driver inflator field events occurred including two in vehicles from regions not known for high absolute humidity, specifically California and North Carolina.Accordingly, ODI requested all five of the affected vehicle manufacturers currently using the subject Takata driver inflators expand to nationwide recalls.Significantly, neither of the affected vehicle manufacturers or Takata provided any explanation to account for these two driver air bag inflator ruptures outside the area of high absolute humidity.Takata testing of returned driver inflators indicates a lower rupture frequency as compared to passenger inflator testing.All test ruptures reported by Takata to date have occurred on inflators returned from high absolute humidity areas.The investigation now includes all manufacturers and vehicles known to be affected at this time.ODI's investigation will focus on, among other things, root cause analysis, other potential defect consequences, identification of affected vehicles scope, and adequacy of the remedy.The five ODI reports cited above can be reviewed online at http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the following identification numbers: 10537899, 10568848, 10585224, 10605877, 10651492

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“2006 DODGE RAM 3500. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO THE LEFT TIE ROD BALL STUD RECALL NOTICE. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED HE EXPERIENCED PROBLEMS WITH THE LEFT AND RIGHT TIE ROD ENDS, AND HE BELIEVED THE RIGHT TIE ROD SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE CONSUMER STATED WHILE DRIVING, THE RIGHT TIE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · August 20, 2013 · crash

“ON THE NIGHT OF APR 16, 2019 IT SAME LIKE EVERYDAY I WENT HOME FROM WORK BACK UP MY TRUCK IN THE DRIVEWAY TURN OFF AND GOT IN THE HOUSE FORGOT MY IPAD WENT BACK OUT AND GET IT ,BACK IN THE HOUSE WENT TO TAKE THE SHOWER AND THEN FIVE MINUTES LATER THE TRUCK BURN DOWN, THE FIRE TRUCK CAME THEY PUT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · April 16, 2019 · fire

“I WAS DRIVING DOWN A TWO LANE ROAD AT 70MPH WHEN APPROACHING MY ROAD. I TURNED ON MY LEFT BLINKER TO SIGNAL MY UPCOMING TURN AND WHEN I BEGAN TO TURN THE CAR BEHIND ME WENT TO PASS THINKING THAT I WAS TURNING RIGHT. TO AVOID HITTING ME HE WENT OFF THE ROAD INTO THE DITCH. WHEN I TALKED TO HIM ABOUT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · October 24, 2012 · crash

“I TOTALED MY DODGE 3500 I WAS DOING 37 MPH ON A MAIN ROAD AND DROVE INTO A BUNCH OF TREES. MY AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. MY TRUCK IS SMASHED, SUSPENSION CAME OUT OF TRUCK, TIRE ROD SNAPPED IN HALF, RADIATOR BURNT, MY RIM SNAPPED IN HALF, TIRE POPPED, HOOD SEVERELY DAMAGED, TRANSMISSION FELL OUT,…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · April 6, 2015 · crash

“DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD WHILE IT WAS RAINING AND WINDSHIELD WIPER JUST STOP WORKING HAD 30 MILE TO GET HOME WITHOUT WINDSHIELD WIPERS . HAD TWO KIDS IN THE CAR . I WORK FOR THE FIRE DEPT AND NEED MY TRUCK . TOOK IT TO THE DEALER TO FIND OUT IT WAS THE TIPM AND THERE WAS NO QUICK FIX AND THAT THEY…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · September 2, 2012

2006 Dodge Ram 3500 — common questions

Is the 2006 Dodge Ram 3500 reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 349 complaints put the 2006 model at #2 of 22 Ram 3500 years, and a defect investigation remains open. It is one of the Ram 3500 years to avoid.

What are the most common 2006 Ram 3500 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are steering (78 complaints), electrical system (52 complaints), lighting (45 complaints).

Does the 2006 Dodge Ram 3500 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 11 recall campaigns affecting the 2006 Dodge Ram 3500. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2006 Dodge Ram 3500 under NHTSA investigation?

Yes — 2 investigations remain open (Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture). An open ODI action means NHTSA is actively assessing a possible defect.

Which Dodge Ram 3500 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Ram 3500 years to avoid are 2012, 2006, 2003, 2011, 2007, 2004, 2005, 2008, 2010, 2009. The cleanest record among Ram 3500 years belongs to 1991.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.