2004 Dodge RAM recalls and problems

The 2004 Dodge RAM has 1 safety recall and 58 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Dodge dealer.

Recalls
1
Complaints
58
Crashes / fires
9 / 0
Injuries / deaths
8 / 2

Recalls may cover only some 2004 Dodge RAM vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2004 Dodge RAM recalls

Recall 04V-385: Electrical System

Reported Aug 3, 2004 · 2,261 vehicles affected · DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION

Problem: On certain pick-up trucks equipped with 4.7l engines, the generator wiring harness may short circuit due to contact with a valve cover stud.

Risk: A short circuit in the generator harness can cause an under hood fire.

Fix: Dealers will inspect the alternator wiring insulation for damage and repair and add a tie-strap clip to the valve cover stud to retain the wiring. This recall began on august 13, 2004. Owners should contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.

2004 Dodge RAM problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Electrical System10
Power Train8
Tires6
Engine and Engine Cooling5
Steering5
Air Bags5
Structure5
Vehicle Speed Control5
Service Brakes, Hydraulic5
Equipment3
Suspension3
Exterior Lighting2

Most reported parts

  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Rotor — 5
  • Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 4
  • Air Bags › Frontal — 2
  • Steering › Hydraulic Power Assist System — 2
  • Steering › Linkages — 2
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System › Hoses/Lines/Piping/Fittings — 1
  • Steering › Hydraulic Power Assist › Pump — 1
  • Tires › Valve — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 37,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2004 Dodge RAM complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Air Bags · reported Mar 12, 2024
The contact owns a 2004 Dodge Ram Quad Cab. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V352000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that the parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the recall was not completed. The manufacturer was not contacted. Parts distribution disconnect.
Air Bags · at 70,000 miles · reported Feb 9, 2024
The contact owned a 2004 Dodge Ram. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at 30 MPH, another driver in an unknown truck ran a red light and crashed into the vehicle. The air bags did not deploy. The driver sustained injuries to his thigh; medical attention was provided, but he later succumbed to his injuries. A police report was filed. There was no reported fire. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was deemed a total loss by the insurance…
Engine and Engine Cooling · reported Aug 11, 2023
The contact owns a 2004 Dodge Ram 1500 used to haul a 2018 Keystone Passport Ultra Lite Grand Touring. The contact stated that the thermostat in the RV failed to operate as needed. The RV was taken to the dealer, where the thermostat was replaced; however, the failure recurred. The RV was taken back to the dealer, where the thermostat was replaced a second time. Additionally, the contact stated that the RV interior structure had detached in several areas, and the RV was leaking an unknown substance. The contact stated that a nearby camper repair facility inspected the RV and opened the release…
Power Train · at 137,000 miles · reported Oct 17, 2022
The contact owns a 2004 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle was vibrating abnormally. The contact stated that the rear wheels locked up and the vehicle skidded sideways. The contact stated that the rear driveshaft had detached. The contact stated that oil was leaking from the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V796000 (Power Train). The manufacturer was contacted but provided no additional…
Engine · at 57,000 miles · reported Jul 6, 2012
The contact owns a 2004 dodge ram. The contact stated that while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to safely maneuver to the shoulder. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer for a diagnosis. The dealer stated that the valve springs needed to be repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and offered no assistance. The failure and current mileages were 57,000. The VIN was unavailable.

Other Dodge RAM years

Compare all Dodge RAM years · All Dodge models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2004 Dodge RAM have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2004 Dodge RAM: 04V-385 (electrical system). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2004 Dodge RAM?

Owners report electrical system problems most often (10 reports), followed by power train (8). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 37,000 miles.

Are Dodge recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Dodge dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.