2004 Dodge Ram: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2004 Dodge Ram: 1 recall, 58 owner complaints and up to 16 mpg combined.
Recalls
1 vehicle recall from the manufacturer, plus 6 equipment/tire recalls that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Electrical Vehicle recall #04V385000 · 2004 · 2,261 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: A short circuit in the generator harness can cause an under hood fire.
The 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.
6 aftermarket equipment / tire recalls replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Exterior lights Equipment recall #06E023000 · 2006 · 292,000 vehicles
What's wrong: Certain anzo combination headlamp assemblies sold as replacement lamps for use on certain passenger vehicles. Some combination lamps are not equipped with amber side reflectors which fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment."
Why it matters: Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.
The fix: Anzo will notify owners and replace the headlamps free of charge. The recall began May 9, 2006.
Exterior lights Equipment recall #06E049000 · 2006 · 27,176 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash without warning.
The fix: Ck motorsport will notify owners and replace the noncompliant lamps free of charge. The recall began on July 1, 2006.
Equipment Equipment recall #07E066000 · 2007 · 175 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: If the trailer lights are not working properly, a vehicle crash can occur.
The fix: All of the defective tow packages are still at the distributor level and have not been sold to any consumers.
Steering Equipment recall #09E001000 · 2009 · 18,000 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: This could result in a loss of steering control and the restricted ability to turn the vehicle in one direction increasing the risk of a crash without warning.
The fix: 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.
Visibility (wipers, glass) Equipment recall #09E009000 · 2009 · 1,364 vehicles
What's wrong: These wiper module assemblies May be susceptible to water intrusion that could result in partial or complete loss of windshield wiper capability.
Why it matters: When the wiper system fails, the operator will have reduced visibility which could result in a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the wiper module assemblies with vented wiper motor housings free of charge. The safety recall began on August 28, 2009.
Exterior lights Equipment recall #09E012000 · 2009 · 16,270 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: Decreased lighting visibility May result in a vehicle crash.
The fix: Sabersport will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. The safety recall began on May 11, 2009.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 8 injuries and 2 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Electrical (10): the most common themes are electrical failure (4), stalls / loses power (3).
- Transmission & drivetrain (8): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (2), warning light on (2), hard / delayed shifting (2).
- Tires (6): the most common themes are tire tread / blowout (6).
- Engine & cooling (5): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (4).
The 2004 Dodge Ram has 58 owner complaints, ranking #11 of 22 Ram model years for complaints (well below the 181 average). Complaints peaked in 2005 (15 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 2 years old, at a median of 37,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2003 (53 complaints, 2 recalls), 2005 (40 complaints, 0 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.7 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 | 19 | 16 | Regular |
| 3.7 L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 | 19 | 16 | Regular |
| 4.7 L 8-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 13 | 17 | 14 | Regular |
| 4.7 L 8-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 13 | 17 | 14 | Regular |
| 5.7 L 8-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 12 | 17 | 14 | Regular |
| 4.7 L 8-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 12 | 16 | 14 | Regular |
| 4.7 L 8-cyl | Manual 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 12 | 16 | 14 | Regular |
| 5.7 L 8-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 12 | 16 | 14 | Regular |
| 4.7 L 8-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 11 | 14 | 12 | Gasoline or E85 |
| 4.7 L 8-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 11 | 14 | 12 | Gasoline or E85 |
| 8.30 L 10-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 9 | 14 | 10 | Premium |
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 2004 Dodge Ram.
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Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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FAQ
Does the 2004 Dodge Ram have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 vehicle recall for the 2004 Dodge Ram, plus 6 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2004 Dodge Ram problems?
Owners have filed 58 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are electrical (10), transmission & drivetrain (8), tires (6).
What gas mileage does the 2004 Dodge Ram get?
EPA ratings run up to 16 mpg combined (3.7 L, Automatic 4-spd), across 11 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2004 Dodge Ram repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.