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 3500Problems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 258 owner complaints about the 2006 Dodge RAM 3500, most often about the steering. It is covered by 8 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 October 19, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: Elise240SX, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2006 Dodge RAM 3500 has problems
258 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
75Steering8 crash/fire/injury
53Electrical system3 crash/fire/injury
44Exterior lighting1 crash/fire/injury
33Air bags4 crash/fire/injury
24Visibility
22Power train2 crash/fire/injury
20Suspension
8Fuel system, diesel
8Tires
5213 other systems4 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Steering | 75 | 8 |
| Electrical system | 53 | 3 |
| Exterior lighting | 44 | 1 |
| Air bags | 33 | 4 |
| Visibility | 24 | 0 |
| Power train | 22 | 2 |
| Suspension | 20 | 2 |
| Fuel system, diesel | 8 | 0 |
| Tires | 8 | 0 |
| 13 other systems | 52 | 4 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
8 recalls
2006 Dodge RAM 3500 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 4 more recalls
no report yet
Linkages: tie rod assembly
Risk. THIS CONDITION COULD RESULT IN THE POTENTIAL LOSS OF DIRECTIONAL STABILITY IN THE LEFT HAND FRONT WHEEL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
no report yet
Visibility: rearview mirrors/devices
Risk. DRIVERS OF LARGE VEHICLES MAY HAVE DIFFICULTY JUDGING DISTANCE RELATIONSHIPS, WHICH COULD CAUSE A CRASH WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.
no report yet
Exterior lighting
Risk. WITHOUT THESE LAMPS, OTHER VEHICLE OPERATORS MAY NOT DETECT THE INCREASED WIDTH OF THE VEHICLE WHICH COULD CAUSE A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
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.
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 steering problems start?
98kmiles, median
Based on the odometer reading in 57 steering complaints. 54% were reported before 100,000 miles.
4under 30k miles31under 100k miles26100k miles or more
Best & worst years
2006 vs. every other RAM 3500 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 3500 median. How we score
'93'94'95'96'97'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
6 investigations
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2006 Dodge RAM 3500, 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
- TURN SIGNAL MALFUNCTIONNo recall
- Clutch Interlock Switch MalfunctionLed to recall 14V-795
- Air Bag Inflator RuptureLed to recall 14V-772
In owners' words
What RAM 3500 owners report
Recent steering complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 DODGE RAM 3500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING, THE STEERING WHEEL WOBBLED VIOLENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO SIMI VALLEY CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM (2350 FIRST ST, SIMI VALLEY, CA 93065) WHERE THE DEALER DECLINED TO SERVICE THE VEHICLE DUE TO THE PART NOT BEING…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 DODGE RAM 3500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVERS SIDE TIE ROD FRACTURED IN AN ACCIDENT. THE VEHICLE WENT OFF THE ROAD INTO THE EMBANKMENT THAT STOPPED THE VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED BACK THE CONTACT'S HOME.…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 DODGE RAM 3500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED WITHOUT WARNING AND THE STEERING WHEEL WAS EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER IN EITHER DIRECTION. PERFORMANCE AUTOMOTIVE GROUP (2710 AIRPORT RD, JACKSON, MI 49202, [PHONE]) DIAGNOSED THAT THE INTERMEDIATE…
Own a 2006 RAM 3500?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.