repaired · 2018 Q3
Passenger side: inflator module
Do not driveRisk. 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…
2006 Dodge RAM 1500Problems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 792 owner complaints about the 2006 Dodge RAM 1500, most often about the air bags. It is covered by 9 safety recalls, and for recall 14V-795 the manufacturer reports only 32% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through February 18, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: Carluver23, CC0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2006 Dodge RAM 1500 has problems
792 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
193Air bags26 crash/fire/injury
139Exterior lighting1 crash/fire/injury
125Electrical system3 crash/fire/injury
106Suspension4 crash/fire/injury
100Power train10 crash/fire/injury
84Steering6 crash/fire/injury
56Visibility
33Engine
26Service brakes, hydraulic
18117 other systems22 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Air bags | 193 | 26 |
| Exterior lighting | 139 | 1 |
| Electrical system | 125 | 3 |
| Suspension | 106 | 4 |
| Power train | 100 | 10 |
| Steering | 84 | 6 |
| Visibility | 56 | 1 |
| Engine | 33 | 3 |
| Service brakes, hydraulic | 26 | 1 |
| 17 other systems | 181 | 22 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
9 recalls
2006 Dodge RAM 1500 recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2017 Q3
Driver side: inflator module
Do not driveRisk. 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…
repaired · 2016 Q2
Ignition: switch
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.
repaired · 2015 Q1
Linkages: tie rod assembly
Risk. A failure of the tie rod assembly may result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Show 5 more recalls
no report yet
Front: wheel bearing
Risk. THIS COULD RESULT IN BEARING DEGRADATION, AND IF SUBSEQUENT NOISE AND VIBRATION ARE IGNORED, COULD RESULT IN HUB ASSEMBLY SEPARATION.
no report yet
Seat belts: front
Risk. THIS CAN INCREASE THE RISK OF INJURY TO A CHILD SEAT OCCUPANT IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.
no report yet
Air bags: frontal
Risk. THIS CAN INCREASE THE RISK OF INJURY TO A CHILD SEAT OCCUPANT DURING CERTAIN CRASH CONDITIONS.
no report yet
Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: control unit/module
Risk. THIS COULD RESULT IN A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL AND CAUSE A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
no report yet
Power train: transfer case (4-wheel drive)
Risk. IF THIS OCCURS AND THE PARKING BRAKE IS NOT APPLIED, THE VEHICLE MAY ROLL AWAY AND CAUSE A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Dodge.
Mileage at failure
When do air bags problems start?
80kmiles, median
Based on the odometer reading in 43 air bags complaints. 63% were reported before 100,000 miles.
6under 30k miles27under 100k miles16100k miles or more
Best & worst years
2006 vs. every other RAM 1500 year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the RAM 1500 median. How we score
'92'93'94'95'96'97'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'14
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2006 Dodge RAM 1500 safety ratings
2006 Dodge Ram 1500 Regular Cab in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
Frontal crashNot rated
- Rollover: 4 stars (19.8% risk)
- Stability control: No
- Forward collision warning: No
- Lane departure warning: No
4 investigations
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2006 Dodge RAM 1500, and the recalls they led to.
- Chrysler's execution of 13V-528 & 529No recall
- Air Bag Inflator RuptureLed to recall 14V-668
- Desiccated Air Bag Inflator RuptureOpen
- Air Bag Inflator RuptureLed to recall 14E-073
In owners' words
What RAM 1500 owners report
Recent air bags complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
The contact owns a 2006 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V352000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of…
My first and foremost issue is that the current to recalls that are still open on my vehicle or issues back in 2015 it now being 2023 I recently have been notified of this urgent safety recall on my vehicle APPROXIMATELY 2 -3 months ago of 2023. I received my first recall of these CURRENTlY OPEN…
I'm always having issues with the airbag light coming on while driving it goes away then come back when there is a sudden move and causes something to trigger. also, I'm having issues with my headlight low mode not working I did a lot of research stating that many people are having the same issue…
Own a 2006 RAM 1500?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.