10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
1 / 2
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
75,320 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2004 Dodge Ram 2500 electrical problems

electrical problem

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2004 Dodge Ram 2500 Owner Comments (Page 1 of 3)

problem #49

Aug 042022

Ram 2500

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

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 valve, where water had accumulated underneath the RV. The RV was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown

- Danville, VA, USA

problem #48

Jul 282018

Ram 2500

  • 173,000 miles
While driving at night both headlights went out. Replaced bulbs headlights would not come back on. Was told that the front control module was bad. Replaced front control module with a new one. 13 months later now the horn will stop working a couple times a week a mouth very intermittent. Turn signals are intermittent also. Engine will not start all the time just cranks tell you cycle the key. Was told this is all related to another front control module going bad. New module is not under warranty anymore. I fill this is a safety issue. I have heard lots of complaints from other Dodge Ram owners about the same issues

- Taylorsville, UT, USA

problem #47

Sep 032018

Ram 2500

  • 160,000 miles
The contact owns a 2004 Dodge Ram 2500. The contact stated that the front driver's side door would not unlock for the driver to enter the vehicle. The electronic remote lock was not functioning. The contact attempted to manually open the door with the key, but the key failed to turn and unlock the door. In order to enter the vehicle, the driver had to enter through the rear door and climb over to reach the front driver's seat. The dealer and manufacturer had not been contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 160,000.

- Crescent City, CA, USA

problem #46

Apr 032004

Ram 2500

  • 3,200 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I bought this truck brand new and never been abused but back on 4/03/2004 my truck gauges would flicker and go to zero and then go back all in a millisecond. This has happened since I have owned it. It keeps doing it to this day. You could be driving the truck at low speed and high speeds when it does it the germlin dash shake. It happens so fast that I can't get a picture of it. I have taken it to the dealer nurmious times and they said there's nothing wrong with it. But yet you look at all the Dodge forums and everyone that's owns a 2003 to 2005 Dodge Ram cummins 2500 or 3500 this has happened to them. What happens if the gauges cause the truck to shut down at a high rate of speed? I have looked over all the recalls and think a investagation should be done on this. I currently only have 106,000 miles on my 2004! Dodge Ram 2500. Like I said this has gone on since April of 2004 and to this day still does it. Like I said I have taken it to the dealer nurmious times and they said nothing is wrong and no they say they can fix it for a large amount of money since it's not covered under warranty.

- Lovelock, NV, USA

problem #45

Oct 092017

Ram 2500

  • miles
I purchased this truck a year and a half ago, and my tipm has gone bad. No rear lights at night. Have gone to dealership and the part is on national back order, and has been for some time. This is a common problem for this truck is what I've been told. It should be recalled by Dodge.

- Carson City, NV, USA

problem #44

Aug 012017

Ram 2500

  • 195,000 miles
The contact owns a 2004 Dodge Ram 2500. While operating the vehicle, both the high beam and low beam headlights would not illuminate. Also, the rear driver's side window would not operate due to damaged electrical wires located in the driver side door panel. The contact indicated that the wires became damaged by opening and closing the doors. In addition, while at a stop light, the vehicle momentarily experienced unintended acceleration. The cause of the failures was not diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The local dealer (jerry wood Dodge in salisbury, nc) and the manufacturer were notified of the failures. The failure mileage was 195,000.

- Gold Hill, NC, USA

problem #43

Jul 102015

Ram 2500

  • 75,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Air condition wire plugin at steering column gets to hot and melted part of plug connection I had to have new wire run just for ac fan

- New Port Richey, FL, USA

problem #42

Mar 012017

Ram 2500

  • 125,000 miles
Driving at any time any conditions turning or strait roads the ect light comes on. When this happens you loose all control of the vehicle steering and brakes included. The rpms will jump up high then drop so low the truck will die or idle really rough. Rameys can't fix it local service stations can't fix I've almost wrecked several times bc of this I've had a new throttle body installed no fix 150$ then a new bell crank assembly 400$ still no fix I've searched and called everyone who might have an idea Dodge should look into this because it's not a rare thing from what I see online.

- Bluefield, VA, USA

problem #41

Apr 042016

Ram 2500

  • miles
The contact owns a 2004 Dodge Ram 2500. The contact stated that the vehicle was turned off, but the engine continued to run without the key in the ignition. The contact had to disconnect the battery cable to prevent the failure. In addition, the contact smelled fumes of burning wire. The vehicle was inspected by a mechanic who diagnosed that there was a short with the wiring and the control box associated with the fuses. The dealer stated that the part was on a national back order. The contact was unable to determine when the vehicle would be repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was not available.

- Andover, MN, USA

problem #40

Nov 102015

Ram 2500 4WD 6-cyl Diesel

  • miles
The contact owns a 2004 Dodge Ram 2500. The contact stated that there was a failure with the control module associated with the trailer wiring short circuiting. The failure prevented the trailer from being hauled. The contact smelled a strong odor of burning wires. The dealer indicated that there was a national back order for the part, which was more than eight months ago. The contact was unable to determine when the vehicle would be repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was not available. Updated 10/04/16

- Andover, MN, USA

problem #39

Jun 082016

Ram 2500

  • 39 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

On June 8, 2016, my vehicle /truck was dropped off at the indicated Dodge dealership for recall work. Due to an issue with ECU due to battery change, I requested a reflash of the ECU be performed in order for vehicle to pass smog. I subsequently received a telephone call from dealership stating vehicle was ready to be picked up. Upon taking possession of the truck I was advised by phil (service tech) that reflash was preformed and additional updates were programmed into the ECU. Prior to leaving location, I was advised there were no problems encountered during the ECU reflash. On June 11, 2016, I began driving the truck per in accordance with General Motors "drive cycle" procedures. Approximately 10 minutes into driving vehicle, the heating element warning indicator light illuminated in the dash while the seat belt chime sounded simultaneously. This warning light/seat belt chime continued for several cycles, each time the warning light indication lasting several minutes then going off only to should again minutes later. On June 21, 2016, I spoke to phil (autonation Dodge service tech) who explained no work had been done to identify and correct the problem since June, 16. As of the submission of this complaint, I have not received telephone call back from Dodge. I currently retain voice message fro adrian, all receipts/invoices, cellphone video of indicator light/seat belt alarm sounding, as as all call logs. Furthermore, Dodge refuses to repair a problem they caused and is refusing to look for an alternate solution to repair damage they caused.

- Saugus, CA, USA

problem #38

Dec 152003

Ram 2500

  • 200 miles
The 7 pin plug has never worked right the left turn and left brake light do not work nor have they ever

- Chula Vista, CA, USA

problem #37

Oct 152015

Ram 2500

  • 165,000 miles
On this model, as well as others within a close date range, the forward control module(FCM) shuts off the headlights if it recognizes any disruption in current or ground. This has happened to me about 4 times in the last year and causes a safety concern as the only thing I can do is turn on my brights, which in turn blinds other drivers. The module is located outboard of the fuse box, located above driver side wheel well in the engine compartment. Price is usually around $400 for part, then I have to take it to somebody to have it keyed to my computer for another $100-200. There is no variable as to when it happens, sometimes while in motion, sometimes while stationary.

- Cresson, TX, USA

problem #36

Apr 132011

Ram 2500

  • 55,000 miles
The contact owns a 2004 Ram Dodge 2500. The contact was driving 35 mph when the vehicle became resistant to acceleration. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the battery acid corroded the cable that ran from the pedal to the control box. The cable was replaced and the vehicle was repaired. The contact added a plastic cover between the battery and the cable. The manufacturer was not notified. The approximate failure mileage was 55,000.

- Springview, NE, USA

problem #35

Sep 202012

Ram 2500 4WD 6-cyl

  • 159,900 miles
Without the clutch being engaged the truck will start. This is improper and will allow the truck to be started while in gear, allowing unwanted movement forwards or backwards....updated 01/07/15 updated 05/29/2015

- Springfield, OH, USA

problem #34

Feb 182014

Ram 2500 6-cyl Diesel

  • 223,469 miles
Driving westbound on M46 during dusk, headlights were on, suddenly I was being signaled my high beams were on. I stopped at a nearby gas station to check out what was going on and all of my lights had failed. Closer inspection revealed the totally integrated power module had failed without warning.

- Saginaw, MI, USA

problem #33

Sep 012008

Ram 2500

  • 70,000 miles
Problem 1) the engine has a exhaust manifold leak. This is due to Dodge using inadequate bolts on the head and the bolts broke. The removal of the exhaust manifold requires the bolts to be drilled and tapped out. Dodge should have corrected this problem but would not. Problem 2) the vehicle leaks profusely in the cab. Ever since I bought this vehicle the cab has leaked. It leaks under the rear seat and it leaks from the front visor as well. I have tried to seal with rtv since Dodge could never fix the problem. It still leaks. Problem 3) the passenger front window works intermittently at best. Problem 4) the rear doors will not release the child lock function. I have tried numerous times but apparently the switch in the door does not work.

- Laurel, DE, USA

problem #32

Aug 202013

Ram 2500

  • 69,000 miles
The drivers door lock actuator malfunctioned in the locked position and the key could not unlock the door. Without your key fob you are locked out of your car! this is a common problem from the searches I did on the internet. This could be a safety issue.

- Franklin, TN, USA

problem #31

Jul 122013

Ram 2500 4WD 6-cyl

  • 109,000 miles
You can not turn on left turn signal without the right signal coming on too. To make a right turn you need to keep pressing on right turn signal to keep it blinking. I see many other owners with same problem. This is an accident waiting to happen!!!!!!!!!!

- La Crosse, WI, USA

problem #30

Oct 012012

Ram 2500 8-cyl

  • 110,000 miles
My 2004 Dodge Ram 2500 does not have working running lights. I cannot safely drive the vehicle at night. Per the Dodge dealer, they have diagnosed it as part number 68005476aa (fuse box/power control module). The part is, and has been, on national back order for a very long time. Apparently, this is a wide spread problem that others are experiencing in varying electrical/lighting ways. The lack of improper or non-working lights poses a safety issue. The non availability of parts makes a perfectly good vehicle non-drivable.

- Columbus, IN, USA

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