2004 Dodge RAM Problems, Complaints & Recalls

Source: NHTSA · Updated Mar 12, 2024 · 58 owner complaints analyzed

Compared with other RAM years
Far fewer complaints than other years 9th of 17 for complaints
NHTSA crash rating
Not rated

Owners have filed 58 complaints with NHTSA about the 2004 Dodge RAM. That ranks 9th out of 17 RAM model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is electrical system (10 complaints, 17%), typically at around 44,000 miles. Complaints mention 9 crashes, 8 injuries. There is 1 safety recall covering this model year. NHTSA has opened 2 defect investigations involving it.

Dodge RAM
1981-1993 Dodge Ram photographed in USA.. Representative photo; appearance varies by model year. Photo: IFCAR, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.

Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.

Compare with another car

Most common 2004 Dodge RAM problems

Complaints grouped by the part of the car owners reported, with the median mileage when the problem happened.

Electrical System10 · ~44,000 mi
Power Train8 · ~23,000 mi
Tires6 · ~37,000 mi
Air Bags5 · ~60,000 mi
Engine and Engine Cooling5 · ~28,600 mi
Service Brakes, Hydraulic5 · ~23,000 mi
Steering5 · ~30,000 mi
Structure5 · ~13,000 mi
Vehicle Speed Control5 · ~73,429 mi
Equipment3 · ~40,000 mi
Problem areaComplaintsShareMedian milesOwners mention mostTypical repair cost
Electrical System1017%44,000——
Power Train814%23,000——
Tires610%37,000——
Air Bags59%60,000——
Engine and Engine Cooling59%28,600——
Service Brakes, Hydraulic59%23,000——
Steering59%30,000——
Structure59%13,000——
Vehicle Speed Control59%73,429——
Equipment35%40,000——
Suspension35%———
Exterior Lighting23%———
Latches/locks/linkages23%82,500——
Wheels23%20,000——
Engine12%57,000——
Fuel System, Gasoline12%190,000——
Parking Brake12%1,300——
Trailer Hitches12%———
Visibility12%———

One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.

Complaints by year received

Peak: 2005, with 15 complaints
2004: 132004132005: 152005152006: 6200662007: 3200732008: 1200812009: 4200942010: 6201062011: 5201152012: 1201212022: 1202212023: 1202312024: 220242

n = 58 complaints · Source: NHTSA

2004 Dodge RAM recalls (1)

Tap a recall to see the problem, the risk and the fix.

Electrical system:alternator/generator/regulatorAug 3, 2004 · NHTSA campaign 04V385000 · 2,261 vehicles

Problem: 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.

Risk: A short circuit in the generator harness can cause an under hood fire.

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.

To see whether a specific car still has an open recall, enter its VIN on NHTSA's official recall lookup. You can also decode a VIN here.

NHTSA defect investigations

  • Engine stall (EA05018) — opened Nov 2, 2005, closed Aug 29, 2007.
  • False park (EA04025) — opened Aug 26, 2004, closed Dec 22, 2005, led to recall 05V462000.

Recent owner reports

Short excerpts of the latest complaints filed with NHTSA, with personal details removed. Full reports can be searched on NHTSA.gov.

The contact owns a 2004 Dodge Ram Quad Cab. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V352000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The…

Air Bags · received Mar 12, 2024 · NHTSA complaint 11576880

The contact owned a 2004 Dodge Ram. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at 30 MPH, another driver in an unknown truck ran a red light and crashed into the vehicle. The air bags did not deploy. The driver sustained injuries to his thigh; medical attention was provided, but he later…

Air Bags · received Feb 9, 2024 · NHTSA complaint 11570959

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…

Engine and Engine Cooling · received Aug 11, 2023 · NHTSA complaint 11537871

The contact owns a 2004 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle was vibrating abnormally. The contact stated that the rear wheels locked up and the vehicle skidded sideways. The contact stated that the rear driveshaft had detached. The contact stated that…

Power Train · received Oct 17, 2022 · NHTSA complaint 11489521

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 dodge ram. The contact stated that while driving 35 mph, the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to safely maneuver to the shoulder. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer for a diagnosis. The dealer stated that the valve springs needed to be repaired. The vehicle…

Engine · received Jul 6, 2012 · NHTSA complaint 10464496

Other Dodge RAM years

← 2003 RAM · 2005 RAM →

See all Dodge RAM problems by year, every Dodge model, or the Dodge VIN decoder.

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Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2004 Dodge RAM?

Owners most often report electrical system, power train, tires problems. The top one, electrical system, accounts for 10 complaints.

Was there a recall on the 2004 Dodge RAM?

Yes, 1 safety recall. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.

Was the 2004 Dodge RAM a good year?

Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other RAM model years, the 2004 has far fewer complaints than most years. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.