2006 Dodge RAM 2500 problems, complaints & recalls

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

Owners have filed 41 complaints with NHTSA about the 2006 Dodge RAM 2500, most often about steering. There are 5 recalls for this model year.

Complaints
41
Recalls
5
Crashes
3
Fires
0
Injuries
3
Median mileage
204,500 mi
at time of problem

Safety warning: at least one recall for this vehicle tells owners not to drive it until it is repaired. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Key facts

  • Steering is the most-reported problem area, named in 11 of 41 complaints (27%).
  • Suspension (7) and electrical system (6) follow.
  • Half of the complaints that list mileage happened before 204,500 mi.
  • Owners reported 3 crashes, 0 fires and 3 injuries.
  • The 2006 Dodge RAM 2500 has 5 recalls on file, including at least one “do not drive” warning.
  • NHTSA has opened 5 defect investigations covering this vehicle.
  • It has the most serious complaint record of all 8 Dodge RAM 2500 model years we track.
  • That is 141% more complaints than the 2005 model year (17).

2006 Dodge RAM 2500 problems by category

  • Steering
    11 complaints
  • Suspension
    7 complaints
  • Electrical System
    6 complaints
  • Other / Unknown
    6 complaints
  • Visibility & Wipers
    6 complaints
  • Lighting
    6 complaints
  • Airbags · 1 crash
    4 complaints
  • Transmission & Drivetrain
    4 complaints
  • Wheels & Tires · 1 crash
    3 complaints
  • Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    2 complaints
  • Brakes · 1 crash
    2 complaints
  • Body & Structure
    1 complaints

A complaint can mention more than one problem area, so categories add up to more than the total.

Most-reported components

Component (as filed with NHTSA)Complaints
Steering11
Suspension7
Unknown or other6
Visibility/wiper6
Exterior lighting6
Electrical system5
Air bags4
Power train4

When problems happen (mileage)

Under 10k10k–30k30k–60k60k–100k3100k–150k11150k+
Mileage at the time of the problem, for 2006 Dodge RAM 2500 complaints that list mileage.

2006 Dodge RAM 2500 recalls (5)

  • Recall 16V352000May 24, 20164,648,270 vehiclesDo not drive
    AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

    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.

    Risk: 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.

  • Recall 15V313000May 26, 20154,077,169 vehiclesDo not drive
    AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

    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.

    Risk: 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.

  • Recall 14V795000Dec 16, 201454,164 vehicles
    ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH

    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.

    Risk: 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.

  • Recall 13V528000Nov 6, 2013706,664 vehicles
    STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY

    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.

    Risk: 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.

  • Recall 11V350000Jul 6, 2011242,780 vehicles
    STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY

    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.

    Risk: 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 defect investigations

  • EA21002Opened Sep 17, 2021Open

    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.C…

  • EA15001Opened Feb 24, 2015Openled to recall 14V668

    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 fai…

  • AQ14003Opened Oct 20, 2014Closed May 16, 2016

    Chrysler's execution of 13V-528 & 529

    RMD opened this audit query (AQ) investigation in order to better understand and evaluate Chrysler's process(es) for timely and efficient execution of its safety recall campaigns, including its oversight and management of its parts division Mopar.Prior to opening this investigation, RMD had raised concerns with the company related to its execution of two safety recalls, 13V-528 and 13V-529, both of which involved safety defects that could cause the involved vehicles, FCA?s heavier Dodge Ram trucks, to lose steering control suddenly and without warning.Specifically, RMD inquired about the avail…

  • PE14016Opened Jun 11, 2014Closed Mar 2, 2015led to recall 13V172000

    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 fai…

  • PE14013Opened May 19, 2014Closed Dec 23, 2014led to recall 14V795000

    Clutch Interlock Switch Malfunction

    On December 16, 2104, Chrysler Group LLC submitted a Safety Recall Report to NHTSA describing a defect in the clutch ignition interlock switches in approximately 66,819 model year (MY) 2006 through early-2007 Dodge Ram Trucks, Dodge Dakota, and Mitsubishi Raider vehicles equipped with manual transmissions and built between July 1, 2005 and July 31, 2006 (NHTSA Recall No. 14V-795, Chrysler Recall No. P80), including 38,969 MY 2006 Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500 vehicles that are part of the subject vehicle population for PE14-013.Chrysler's Safety Report states that:1) the clutch ignition interlock sw…

Recent 2006 Dodge RAM 2500 complaints

Excerpts of the newest owner complaints, lightly cleaned of personal details. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

  1. Filed Sep 18, 2026128,000 miUTCrashTowedAirbags
    The contact owns a 2006 Dodge Ram 2500. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving and accelerating to 40 MPH to merge into traffic, the vehicle hydroplaned on standing water, and the driver lost control of the vehicle, and the vehicle struck a cement barrier. The contact stated that the vehicle crashed into the barrier at a 30-degree angle, causing damage to the front of the vehicle. None of the air bags in the vehicle deployed. The contact stated that the…
    NHTSA complaint #11765391 · source
  2. Filed Sep 1, 2026TXAirbags
    The contact owns a 2006 Dodge Ram 2500. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 16V352000 (Air Bags) and 15V313000 (Air Bags. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The contact was informed that parts were ordered and would be available on August 13, 2026. The contact stated that parts were still unavailable. The contact had not yet received an update on parts availability. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact was informed that the…
    NHTSA complaint #11761216 · source
  3. Filed May 23, 2026ORSteeringSuspension
    I took my vehicle into the dealership. Almost three weeks ago for a recall on the front end, a steering component. However, they told us that the parts were back ordered several days after the vehicle had been there for three weeks. And then all of a sudden, they call and a week and a 1 after that. And send a vehicle is done. I picked up the vehicle yesterday and it is not fixed. The problem still exists. We just about crashed on the freeway coming home when it started to do…
    NHTSA complaint #11739726 · source
  4. Filed Apr 27, 2026209,000 miWIElectrical System
    Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2006 Dodge Ram 2500. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 133,000. The contact discovered that the mileage was 209,000 from an independent mechanic. The contact reported the issue to the local authorities.
    NHTSA complaint #11733975 · source
  5. Filed Apr 13, 2026AZCrash2 injuredTowedWheels & Tires
    Our first issue with the LT 265/70R17 was in 2020. We had a defective front driver ( tread came completely off the tire) of a Dodge Ram 2500. Replaced it and bought another new one, both new in front now @Sam’s Club. Drove to CA. On the way home, back left tire (drivers side) EXPLODED !! on hwy.10. Lost control of the truck and went off into the center divider, the truck rolled over and was completely destroyed. My wife had a concussion and had to have shoulder surgery due…
    NHTSA complaint #11730956 · source
  6. Filed Jan 18, 2026TNBrakes
    Abs engages the truck rolls forward 10 to 20 ft. Before it stops. There was a recall that was done on the truck but the issue still continues. Nobody will help me. It's still a problem?
    NHTSA complaint #11711760 · source
  7. Filed Sep 3, 2025TNSteeringSuspensionWheels & Tires
    Truck does not want to stay in the road. It hops to the right with the steering not being turned. Cannot tell when it is going to do it.
    NHTSA complaint #11684795 · source
  8. Filed Jul 1, 2025VAWheels & Tires
    Tire size was not correct. Actual was lt265/70r17 Rating 121/118S Just had two tires installed on the rear of the said truck. While pulling 5 ton bumper pull trailer, the amount of sidewall flex on these tires made it dangerous to drive. The amount of reverse track, which I don't know how to explain other than when you turn left the back of the vehicle will actually swing out (in the case of a left steering input, the back of the vehicle will go right, racing drivers also…
    NHTSA complaint #11670665 · source

Compare the 2006 Dodge RAM 2500 with another vehicle →

Other 2006 Dodge models

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data, as of Oct 11, 2026. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology