VehicleVerdict

2006 Dodge Ram problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2006 Dodge Ram sits mid-pack among Ram years: 36 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 35, with 4 recalls and no defect investigations.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across electrical system (6), suspension (4), and steering (4), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

36

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

0

Investigations

1

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2006 compare to other Ram years?

Ram NHTSA complaints by model year, 2006 highlighted905 complaints1976: 2 complaints1977: 2 complaints1979: 4 complaints1981: 2 complaints1983: 1 complaints1984: 2 complaints1985: 14 complaints1986: 20 complaints1987: 21 complaints1988: 27 complaints1989: 35 complaints1990: 23 complaints1991: 63 complaints1992: 75 complaints1993: 66 complaints1994: 623 complaints1995: 852 complaints1996: 905 complaints1997: 513 complaints1998: 644 complaints1999: 496 complaints2000: 212 complaints2001: 417 complaints2002: 152 complaints2003: 65 complaints2004: 71 complaints2005: 47 complaints2006: 36 complaints2007: 20 complaints2008: 33 complaints2009: 13 complaints2010: 33 complaints2011: 0 complaints
Ram NHTSA complaints by model year, 2006 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Ram years to avoid →

What are the most common 2006 Dodge Ram problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System617%
Steering411%
Visibility & Wipers411%
Suspension411%
Airbags38%
Lighting38%
Speed Control38%
Seat Belts26%
Fuel System26%
Engine26%
Child Seat13%
Tires & Wheels13%
Other13%

Does the 2006 Dodge Ram have recalls?

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

09E009000Visibility & WipersMarch 13, 2009 · 1,364 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

WHEN THE WIPER SYSTEM FAILS, THE OPERATOR WILL HAVE REDUCED VISIBILITY WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.

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.

09E001000SteeringJanuary 13, 2009 · 18,000 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

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 CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

07E066000Electrical SystemAugust 28, 2007 · 175 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

IF THE TRAILER LIGHTS ARE NOT WORKING PROPERLY, A VEHICLE CRASH CAN OCCUR.

Remedy

ALL OF THE DEFECTIVE TOW PACKAGES ARE STILL AT THE DISTRIBUTOR LEVEL AND HAVE NOT BEEN SOLD TO ANY CONSUMERS.

06E023000LightingMarch 13, 2006 · 292,000 units

Defect

CERTAIN ANZO COMBINATION HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS WHICH FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."

Consequence

WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

ANZO WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE HEADLAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN MAY 9, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT ANZO USA AT 909-468-3688.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 DODGE RAM. WHILE SITTING IN THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE AND FLAMES IN THE ELECTRICAL HARNESS THAT HANGS BEHIND THE PLATES, WHERE THE TRAILER LIGHTS ARE HOOKED. HE BELIEVED THAT A SHORT CIRCUIT OCCURRED. THE CONTACT DOUSED THE FLAMES WITH WATER AND TOOK THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · June 20, 2009 · fire

“TL*- THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 DODGE RAM. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL #07V038000 FOR THE FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS. THE DEALER DID NOT HAVE THE PART BECAUSE THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT RELEASING THE PART. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE DEALER HAD NOT ORDERED THE PART. THE VEHICLE CURRENTLY HAD 26000…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · March 23, 2007

“The contact owns a 2006 Dodge Ram. The contact stated that the vehicle was hauling a trailer while driving at 65 mph when a loud bang was heard and the steering wheel went in circles, which led the vehicle from the center lane into the median and hit the guard rail. The rear driver's side corner of…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · May 31, 2021 · crash

“LETTER FROM CONGRESSMAN DENT ON BEHALF OF CONSTITUENT RE HEATER BOX FAILURE IN DODGE TRUCKS *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED THE INITIAL PROBLEM WITH THE FRESH AIR/RECIRCULATION DOOR STARTED 2-3 YEARS AGO. SHORTLY, AFTER REPLACING THE FRESH AIR/RECIRCULATION DOOR, THE HEAT AND DEFROSTER STOPPED WORKING.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · March 1, 2012

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 DODGE RAM. THE CONTACT STATED WHEN USING THE RIGHT TURN SIGNAL, THE LEFT ONE WOULD ILLUMINATE AND WHEN USING THE LEFT TURN SIGNAL THE RIGHT ONE WOULD ILLUMINATE. OCCASIONALLY, THE LIGHTS COMPLETELY FAILED TO FUNCTION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · March 12, 2011

2006 Dodge Ram — common questions

Is the 2006 Dodge Ram reliable?

It is close to typical for the Ram: 36 NHTSA complaints, 4 recalls, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 2006 Ram problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (6 complaints), suspension (4 complaints), steering (4 complaints).

Does the 2006 Dodge Ram have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 2006 Dodge Ram. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Dodge Ram years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Ram years to avoid are 1996, 1995, 1998, 1994, 1997, 1999, 2001, 2000, 2002, 1992, 2004, 1993, 2003, 1991. The cleanest record among Ram years belongs to 2011.

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.