2006 Dodge RAM 3500: complaints, problems and recalls
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
257 owner complaints analyzed
8 distinct recall campaigns
79,000 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 2006 model year. Data snapshot: . 204 complaints include usable failure mileage.
Most common problems
Steering is the most frequently named component, appearing in 65 of 257 complaints (25.3%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Steering behavior | 57 | 22.2% |
| Braking behavior | 33 | 12.8% |
| Electrical and battery issues | 17 | 6.6% |
| Transmission and shifting | 12 | 4.7% |
| Fuel system concerns | 11 | 4.3% |
| Engine operation | 3 | 1.2% |
Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.
Component breakdown
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Steering | 65 |
| Electrical System | 50 |
| Exterior Lighting | 34 |
| Air Bags | 31 |
| Power Train | 15 |
| Suspension | 14 |
| Visibility | 12 |
| Steering:Linkages:Tie Rod Assembly | 9 |
Steering: 65; Electrical System: 50; Exterior Lighting: 34; Air Bags: 31; Power Train: 15; Suspension: 14; Visibility: 12; Steering:Linkages:Tie Rod Assembly: 9
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 21 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 32 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 41 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 41 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 40 |
| 150,000 and above | 29 |
Under 25,000: 21; 25,000 to 49,999: 32; 50,000 to 74,999: 41; 75,000 to 99,999: 41; 100,000 to 149,999: 40; 150,000 and above: 29
50,000 to 74,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (41). 53 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.
Complaints over time
Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 2006 | 6 |
| 2007 | 11 |
| 2008 | 16 |
| 2009 | 15 |
| 2010 | 31 |
| 2011 | 26 |
| 2012 | 26 |
| 2013 | 11 |
| 2014 | 35 |
| 2015 | 38 |
| 2016 | 21 |
| 2017 | 10 |
| 2018 | 3 |
| 2019 | 5 |
| 2020 | 2 |
| 2022 | 1 |
2006: 6; 2007: 11; 2008: 16; 2009: 15; 2010: 31; 2011: 26; 2012: 26; 2013: 11; 2014: 35; 2015: 38; 2016: 21; 2017: 10; 2018: 3; 2019: 5; 2020: 2; 2022: 1
Pattern summary
Steering leads the component reports. Steering behavior appears in 57 complaint narratives. Braking behavior appears in 33 complaint narratives. Electrical and battery issues appears in 17 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.
Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.
Examples from the source records
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
Owner report 10150311 · 2006-02-15 (February 15, 2006)
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 60MPH, THE REAR WINDOW WAS ROLLED DOWN WHICH CAUSED BACK PRESSURE IN THE CAB OF THE VEHICLE. WHEN BACK PRESSURE OCCURRED THE CAB OF THE VEHICLE SHOOK VIOLENTLY. THIS CAUSED TREMENDOUS AMOUNT OF EAR PAIN TO THE BACK PASSENGERS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP FOR INSPECTION. THE DEALER DETERMINED THE VEHICLE WAS MANUFACTURED AND ENGINEERED THIS WAY AND OPERATES CORRECTLY. THE CONTACT INSTALLED AIR DEFLECTORS ON ALL 4 WINDOWS; HOWEVER THAT DID NOT REMEDY THE PROBLEM.
Owner-reported narrative. 870 miles reported. Look up ODI 10150311 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10155086 · 2006-04-11 (April 11, 2006)
TRUCK BEGAN HAVING TROUBLES RUNNING, GIVING OFF BLACK SMOKE INTERMITTENTLY, AND SOMETIMES AN ENGINE SHUTTER WOULD BE PRESENT. THE VEHICLE WAS A DODGE RAM 3500 1 TON DUALLY, 5.9 DEISEL WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. *JB ACCORDING TO THE DODGE DEALER, THE COMPUTER RECOGNIZED THE TRUCK KEY AS AN INVALID KEY. WE HAD THE TRUCK FOR A FEW MONTHS WITH NO PROBLEM. THE COMPUTER HAD REWRITTEN A NEW KEY CODE. THE DODGE DEALER SAID THAT HE HAD EXPERIENCED 4 VECHICLES WITH THE SAME PROBLEM WITHIN THE LAST TWO WEEKS. ALL HAD THE ORIGINAL KEY CODE REWRITTEN…
Owner-reported narrative. 5,269 miles reported. Look up ODI 10155086 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10163418 · 2006-07-25 (July 25, 2006)
ABS BRAKES LOCKED UP DRIVING ON FREEWAY. INTERMITTENTTLY BLINKING OFF AND ON @ INSTRUMRNT PANEL. *NM
Owner-reported narrative. 8,500 miles reported. Look up ODI 10163418 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10169463 · 2006-09-27 (September 27, 2006)
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED INTERMITTENTLY WHILE SHIFTING INTO REVERSE, THE TRANSMISSION ACTED LIKE IT WAS IN NEUTRAL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP, WHO DETERMINED THIS WAS HOW THE VEHICLE WAS MANUFACTURED.
Owner-reported narrative. 1,258 miles reported. Look up ODI 10169463 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10170433 · 2006-10-10 (October 10, 2006)
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE HEATING DEFROST DOOR HAS BECOME STUCK, DISALLOWING THE ABILITY TO HEAT, DEFROST OR COOL THE VEHICLE. THE SERVICE DEALER CONFIRMED THAT THIS HAS BEEN OCCURRING IN ABOUT ONE IN EVERY TEN VEHICLES DUE TO A VACUUM OPERATED SYSTEM. *AK
Owner-reported narrative. 17,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10170433 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10176684 · 2006-12-20 (December 20, 2006)
INTERMITTENT PROBLEM. TRUCK (2006, 3500 QUAD CAB DUALLY) SOMETIMES ACTS LIKE THE BRAKES ARE NOT RELEASING OR THE TRANSMISSION IS NOT ENGAGING FOR A FEW SECONDS WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A COMPLETE STOP. TOOK IT TO A LOCAL DEALER (ORANGE PARK DODGE IN JACKSONVILLE, FL. WHO COULD NOT REPLICATE THE PROBLEM. I HAD SOMEONE TELL ME THAT THEY KNEW SOMEONE IN LA. THAT HAD THE SAME PROBLEM AND THEIR DEALER KNEW EXACTLY WHAT WAS WRONG AND AFFECTED REPAIRS. UNFORTUNATELY I DON'T REMEMBER WHO THAT WAS. *NM
Owner-reported narrative. 22,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10176684 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10181805 · 2007-02-06 (February 6, 2007)
TL* - THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 DODGE RAM MEGACAB 3500. THE LEFT TURN SIGNAL WASA NOT FUNCTIONING. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 42,000. THE DEALER HAD NOT DIAGNOSED THE FAILURE.*AK
Owner-reported narrative. 42,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10181805 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10184834 · 2007-03-12 (March 12, 2007)
BRAKE SYSTEM STAYS ENGAGED AFTER BRAKE PEDAL HAS BEEN RELEASED. BRAKE PEDAL DOES NOT RETURN TO NORMAL POSITION MUST USE LEFT FOOT TO RETURN PEDAL TO NORMAL. ONLY HAPPENS AFTER EXTENSIVE USE (RUSH HOUR). CAUSED MY TRAILER TO COLLIDE WITH TRUCK AFTER BRAKES DID NOT DISENGAGE. *JB
Owner-reported narrative. 31,250 miles reported. Look up ODI 10184834 at NHTSA ↗
Recall history
8 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.
06V038000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip:Control Unit/Module
Reported: 2006-02-09 (February 9, 2006)
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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗06V073000 · Exterior Lighting
Reported: 2006-03-09 (March 9, 2006)
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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗06V380000 · Visibility:Rearview Mirrors/Devices
Reported: 2006-10-10 (October 10, 2006)
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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗11V350000 · Steering:Linkages:Tie Rod Assembly
Reported: 2011-07-06 (July 6, 2011)
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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗13V528000 · Steering:Linkages:Tie Rod Assembly
Reported: 2013-11-06 (November 6, 2013)
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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗14V795000 · Electrical System:Ignition:Switch
Reported: 2014-12-16 (December 16, 2014)
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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗15V313000 · Air Bags:Frontal:Driver Side:Inflator Module
Reported: 2015-05-26 (May 26, 2015)
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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗16V352000 · Air Bags:Frontal:Passenger Side:Inflator Module
Reported: 2016-05-24 (May 24, 2016)
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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗