2005 Dodge Ram: problems, recalls and reliability
5 recalls and 40 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is engine and engine cooling (38% of complaints); the 2007 model year looks more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Apr 2009
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 40 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“The contact owns a 2005 Dodge Ram. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V796000 (Power Train) however, the failure recurred. Additionally, while the contact was turning at 10 MPH, the axle snapped. The vehicle lost motive power and had to be towed to a friend's residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 220,000.”Owner report · Power Train · Oct 2022
“The contact owns a 2005 Dodge Ram. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH and slowing down, the vehicle started vibrating. The vehicle was diagnosed by a certified mechanic that stated that the rear axle pinion differential needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the vehicle was not under recall. The failure mileage was 175,000.”Owner report · Power Train · Oct 2020
“Tl*the contact owns a 2005 dodge ram. The contact was traveling 70 mph when the vehicle began smoking. The contact pulled to the side and opened hood and found fluids draining from the engine. The contact was assisted by roadside assistance who discovered that the fourth cylinder was leaking from the engine. The vehicle was then towed to a mechanic. The technician advised that the computer should have shut down the engine when as pressure was lost. The contact had the cylinder replaced. The failure mileage was 113,000 and the current mileage was 115,758.”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Mar 2011
Show 7 more owner reports
“Tl*the contact owns 2005 dodge ram. The contact stated that while driving 40 mph the vehicle would stall. When the vehicle stalled in heavy traffic a crash could occur. The contact took the vehicle to a local dealer who was unable to diagnose the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer stated that they are unaware of the failure. The contact stated is concerned about the vehicle stalling and the safety risk involved. The failure mileage was 21,000.”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Sep 2010
“Tl* the contact owns a 2005 dodge ram. The contact stated that the vehicle would intermittently stall when accelerating from a stop. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where they were unable to duplicate or diagnose the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown and the current mileage was 72,360.”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jun 2010
“Tl* the contact owns a 2005 dodge ram with a cummings diesel engine. While traveling at speeds of 55 mph, the contact began to smell diesel fuel and within 15 miles of travel, the fuel level indicator fell from one half of the tank to empty. The vehicle lost power and stalled. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who advised the fuel injector had fractured from the fuel pump to the cylinder. The VIN was not available. The failure and current mileages were 119,000.”Owner report · Fuel System, Diesel · Jun 2010
“Tl* the contact owns a 2005 dodge ram. The seat belt does not retract properly, and when it does, it will not secure the occupant. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the technician stated the gears in the retractor needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 34,000.”Owner report · Seats · Dec 2009
“Tl* the contact owns a 2005 dodge ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle also stalled when the contact made a stop or attempted a turn. In addition, the vehicle hesitated to accelerate over 60 mph. The check engine warning light was illuminated for over one year. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who advised that there were no failures but the check engine light remained illuminated. The contact also had the spark plugs replaced but the failure was not corrected. The current mileage was 201,000. The failure mileage was not available.”Owner report · Engine · Apr 2009
“My 2005 dodge ram truck with 31,700 miles on it began shuttering and having braking problems. A dodge dealership identified that both front rotors on the vehicle were warped and needed to be replaced. Replacement was required at my expense to correct although the vehicle was still under warranty. It was denied warranty replace due to being a brake component and subject to normal ware. The brake pads and brake components themselves still had 80% usage available. I disagree that front rotors should fail at 30k miles on a new vehicle but normal brake components do not. I consider this a defect in manufacturing and a safety concern. *tr”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Mar 2008
“2005 dodge ram both front bearings wore out at 48,000 miles---dodge recalled 2006, s-mine came out in 06---but is an 05. *tr”Owner report · Suspension · Mar 2008
When filing, owners marked a crash in 5 of these complaints and injuries in 3 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 5 campaigns
CERTAIN CK MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION HEADLIGHTS, CLEAR CORNER, BUMPER, AND SIDE MARKER LIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Remedy: CK MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE NONCOMPLIANT LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CK MOTORSPORT AT 1-909-610-7211.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Remedy: ALL OF THE DEFECTIVE TOW PACKAGES ARE STILL AT THE DISTRIBUTOR LEVEL AND HAVE NOT BEEN SOLD TO ANY CONSUMERS.
SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Remedy: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
How other years compare
Check your exact Ram by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2005 Dodge Ram reliable?
NHTSA has 40 owner complaints and 5 recall campaigns on record for the 2005 Dodge Ram. The most complained-about area is engine and engine cooling (38% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2005 Dodge Ram problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 31,700 miles or less.
Does the 2005 Dodge Ram have open recalls?
5 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning exterior lighting. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.