MotorDeets

Dodge Ram 2500 problems, recalls & best years

The deets on every Ram 2500 from 1991 to 2012: 6,443 owner complaints and 58 recalls across 22 model years.

The model years with the most owner complaints are 2006 (670), 2003 (661), 2004 (582). Best fuel economy: 14 mpg combined (2003).

Dodge Ram 2500
Photo: IFCAR · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Problem areas across all years

Steering1943
Suspension855
Transmission & drivetrain647
Body & structure641
Airbags595
Electrical541
Brakes (hydraulic)440
Engine & cooling279

Year by year

YearRecallsComplaintsBest mpg
1991016–
1992032–
1993039–
1994016813
1995026713
1996029114
19970213–
19980225–
19990313–
20001211–
2001146914
2002015514
2003666114
20046582–
20056422–
20066670–
20078361–
20087317–
20095214–
20104236–
20114298–
20124283–

Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.

Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the Dodge Ram 2500.

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Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

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ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

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Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
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FAQ

What is the worst year for the Dodge Ram 2500?

The model years with the most owner complaints are 2006 (670), 2003 (661), 2004 (582).

How many recalls has the Dodge Ram 2500 had?

Across 1991–2012, NHTSA lists 58 vehicle recall campaigns by model year (a campaign that covers several years counts once per year).