2005 Dodge RAM 1500 problems
Owners have filed 1,630 complaints about the 2005 Dodge RAM 1500 with NHTSA. Power train accounts for 36.6% of them — the clear leader, ahead of air bags at 22.9%.
Complaints1,630
Crashes162
Fires25
Injuries93
Deaths8
What owners report breaking
Power train 36.6% · 597
Air bags 22.9% · 374
Suspension 5.2% · 84
Engine and engine cooling 4.8% · 79
Engine 4.7% · 76
Electrical system 3.9% · 63
Steering 3.7% · 60
Unknown or other 2.3% · 38
Severity
Of those complaints, 162 describe a crash, 25 describe a fire, 93 report an injury and 8 report a death.
Reading the numbers
Across the 19 model years of the Dodge RAM 1500 in this data, 2005 draws the most complaints of any of them.
Filings have fallen off, 16 in the last three years against 39 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 87,000 miles.
In owners' own words
The contact owns a 2005 Dodge RAM 1500. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 14v796000 (power train); however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Updated 8/21/15*cn updated 10/12/2017 Power train
Driving down interstate towing lightweight enclosed trailer. Saw smoke and oil coming from the rear end. Rear differential locked up, causing all 4 wheels to lock up. Drive line came completely detached and flew across highway. Transfer case cracked in half. Truck and trailer skidded to a stop on side of highway, after crossing additional lanes of traffic. No injuries and missed guard rail by a few feet. Power train · reported at 138,000 miles
The rear end has been howling under power and on coast. Seen a lot of reports that the rear end locks up, possible causing loss of control or the vehicle. Heard there was a recall on this but it looks like it doesn't start till feb. 13, 2015. Can you shed any light on this , I would love to know where I stand on trying to get this fixed. I don't believe the truck rear end will last that long. Thank you Power train · reported at 126,000 miles
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…