2004 Dodge Ram 1500 problems
The Ram pickup (marketed as the Dodge Ram until 2010) is a full-size pickup truck manufactured by Stellantis North America (formerly Chrysler Group LLC and FCA US LLC) and marketed from 2010 onwards under the Ram Trucks brand. The current fifth-generation Ram debuted at the 2018 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan, in January of that year.
Previously, Ram was part of the Dodge line of light trucks. The name Ram was first used in 1981 model year Dodge Trucks in October 1980, following the retiring and rebadging of the Dodge D series pickup trucks as well as B-series vans, though the company had used a ram's-head hood ornament on some trucks as early as 1933.
Ram trucks have been named Motor Trend magazine's Truck of the Year eight times; the second-generation Ram won the award in 1994, the third-generation Ram heavy-duty won the award in 2003, the fourth-generation Ram Heavy Duty won in 2010 and the fourth-generation Ram 1500 won in 2013 and 2014, and the current fifth-generation Ram pickup became the first truck in history to win the award three times, winning in 2019, 2020, and 2021.
Social links
Common 2004 Dodge Ram 1500 problems
The 2004 Dodge Ram 1500 has had several issues reported by owners, primarily related to the engine, transmission, and suspension.
- Transmission Problems: The 2004 Dodge Ram 1500 has had transmission issues, with some owners reporting slipping and hesitation when shifting gears, and complete transmission failure in some cases.
- Suspension Problems: Suspension issues in the 2004 Dodge Ram 1500 can cause problems with handling and stability. These issues can be caused by wear and tear, faulty parts, or improper maintenance.
- Dashboard Cracking: A cosmetic issue that has been reported by some 2004 Dodge Ram 1500 owners is the dashboard cracking easily and at low mileage. While not a safety concern, it can become an eyesore and give the impression that the dashboard is falling off.
- Fuel System Problems: Some 2004 Dodge Ram 1500 owners have reported issues with the fuel system, including problems with the fuel pump, fuel tank, and fuel injectors.
- Electrical Issues: Late-model RAMs, including the 2004 Dodge Ram 1500, have been reported to have electrical issues, particularly with the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM). When the TIPM starts to go, it can cause problems with airbag deployment, the horn, power windows, fuel pump, starter, doors, coolant fans, ABS, and the A/C.
It's worth noting that while these issues have been reported by some owners, not all 2004 Dodge Ram 1500 owners have experienced these problems. If considering purchasing a 2004 Dodge Ram 1500, it's essential to thoroughly inspect the vehicle and consider any potential repairs or maintenance that may be necessary.
Is the 04 RAM 1500 reliable?
The 2004 Dodge Ram remains one of the most reliable and powerful used pickups on the market today, with the entry-level ST being one of the most affordable full-size trucks for this model year.
How many miles does a 2004 Dodge Ram 1500 last?
Gasoline-powered Ram trucks can expect around 250,000 to 300,000 miles on average. This range makes them an incredibly long-lasting choice.
What are the bad years for RAM 1500?
Here Are the Dodge RAM 1500 Years to Avoid and Why
- 2003 Dodge RAM 1500. There are a lot of complaints about the engine problems with the RAM 1500. ...
- 2010-2013 Dodge RAM 1500 (5.7-liter V8) The most common issues are engine problems. ...
- 2014 Dodge RAM 1500. ...
- 2015 Dodge RAM 1500. ...
- 2016 Dodge RAM 1500.
Is the 2004 Dodge Hemi a good engine?
Great Truck - Hemi Engine is great power.
Drives great - go anywhere with comfort. I have enjoyed this truck for years. Purchased a new truck so don't need two trucks.
Is the 04 Ram 1500 reliable?
The 2004 Dodge Ram remains one of the most reliable and powerful used pickups on the market today, with the entry-level ST being one of the most affordable full-size trucks for this model year.
Is the 2004 Dodge Hemi a good engine?
Great Truck - Hemi Engine is great power.
Drives great - go anywhere with comfort. I have enjoyed this truck for years. Purchased a new truck so don't need two trucks.
What are the bad years for Ram 1500?
Here Are the Dodge RAM 1500 Years to Avoid and Why
- 2003 Dodge RAM 1500. There are a lot of complaints about the engine problems with the RAM 1500. ...
- 2010-2013 Dodge RAM 1500 (5.7-liter V8) The most common issues are engine problems. ...
- 2014 Dodge RAM 1500. ...
- 2015 Dodge RAM 1500. ...
- 2016 Dodge RAM 1500.
How many miles does a 2004 Dodge Ram 1500 last?
Gasoline-powered Ram trucks can expect around 250,000 to 300,000 miles on average. This range makes them an incredibly long-lasting choice.
2004 Dodge Ram 1500 complaints
The NHTSA has received 0 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2004 Dodge Ram 1500.
You can leave your car complaint via the special form below.
2004 Dodge Ram 1500 recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 8 recalls for different components of the 2004 Dodge Ram 1500.
- Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US LLC)
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
- Summary: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) expanded the affected population to include 73,712 2005-2009 RAM 2500 trucks produced at the St. Louis North Assembly Plant. With this change, Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2004-2008 RAM 1500, 2005-2009 RAM 2500, 2006-2009 RAM 3500, 2007-2010 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2008-2010 RAM 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis, 2004-2009 Dodge Durango, 2007-2009 Chrysler Aspen, 2007-2012 Jeep Wrangler, 2008-2012 Dodge Challenger, 2005-2008 Dodge Magnum, 2005-2012 Chrysler 300, 2006-2012 Dodge Charger, 2005-2011 Dodge Dakota, and 2006-2009 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in AL, CA, FL, GA, HI, LA, MS, SC, TX, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, Chrysler is also recalling 2004-2008 RAM 1500, 2005-2009 RAM 2500, 2006-2009 RAM 3500, 2007-2009 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2008-2009 RAM 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis, 2004-2009 Dodge Durango, 2007-2009 Chrysler Aspen, 2007-2009 Jeep Wrangler, 2008-2009 Dodge Challenger, 2005-2008 Dodge Magnum, 2005-2009 Chrysler 300, 2006-2009 Dodge Charger, 2005-2009 Dodge Dakota and 2006-2009 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in AZ, AR, DE, Washington D.C., IL, IN, KS, KY, MD, MO, NE, NV, NJ, NM, NC, OH, OK, PA, TN, VA, and WV, or "Zone B." Lastly, unless included in "Zone A" or "Zone B" above, Chrysler is recalling certain 2005-2008 RAM 2500, 2006-2008 RAM 3500, 2007-2008 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2008 RAM 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis, 2004-2008 Dodge Durango, 2007-2008 Chrysler Aspen, 2007-2008 Jeep Wrangler, 2008 Dodge Challenger, 2005-2008 Dodge Magnum, 2005-2008 Chrysler 300, 2006-2008 Dodge Charger, 2005-2008 Dodge Dakota, and 2006-2008 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles originally sold, or registered, in AK, CO, CT, ID, IA, ME, MA, MI, MN, MT, NH, NY, ND, OR, RI, SD, UT, VT, WA, WI, and WY.
- Consequence: 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 replacement equipment. These inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling. An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Remedy: Chrysler will notify the Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and RAM owners. Mitsubishi owners will be notified by their company. Dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on March 27, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S43. Note: This recall supersedes recall 14V-7700.
- Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US LLC)
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
- Summary: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2005-2009 Dodge Ram 2500, 2004-2008 Dodge Ram 1500 and Durango, 2006-2009 Dodge Ram 3500, 2008-2010 Dodge Ram 4500 and 5500, 2007-2008 Chrysler Aspen, 2005-2010 Chrysler 300, 300C, 300S, and SRT8, 2006-2010 Dodge Charger, 2005-2008 Magnum, 2005-2011 Dodge Dakota, and 2006-2009 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with a dual-stage driver frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture.
- Consequence: 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 occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Remedy: Chrysler will notify the affected Chrysler and Dodge owners and Mitsubishi will notify the affected Raider owners. Dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began for Chrylser on June 8, 2015. The recall for Mitsubishi started on June 24, 2015. Chrysler and Dodge owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Mitsubishi owners may call 1-888-648-7820. Chrysler's number for this recall is R25. Note: This recall supersedes recall 14V817 in its entirety. Vehicles that have had their driver side frontal air bag replaced previously need to have their air bag replaced under this recall as well.
- Manufacturer: Chrysler Group LLC
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2004-2005 Dodge Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500, 2004-2005 Dodge Durango, 2005 Dodge Dakota, 2005 Dodge Magnum and 2005 Chrysler 300, 300C and 300 SRT8 vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in geographic locations associated with high absolute humidity. Specifically, vehicles sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, Texas, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Saipan, Guam, and American Samoa are addressed by this recall. Upon deployment of the passenger side frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
- Consequence: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passengers frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
- Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. For vehicles that were sold, or are currently registered, in Florida, Puerto Rico, Hawaii, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, owners were notified and the recall began on December 5, 2014. For all other vehicles, Chrysler notified owners and the recall began on February 3, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is P40 Expanded. Note: This recall has been superseded by recall 16V-352. This recall superseded the passenger air bag portion of recall 14V-354.
- Manufacturer: FEDERAL-MOGUL CORPORATION
- Components: WHEELS:HUB
- Summary: FEDERAL-MOGUL IS RECALLING CERTAIN CARQUEST, NATIONAL, AND PERCISION BRAND WHEEL HUB ASSEMBLIES, P/NOS 515073 AND 515073, SOLD FOR USE AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT ON MODEL YEAR 2002 THROUGH 2008 DODGE RAM 1500 PICKUP TRUCKS. THE INBOARD ROLL FORM USED TO MAINTAIN THE HUB ASSEMBLY CAN FATIGUE RESULTING IN NOISE AND/OR WHEEL SEPARATION ON THE TWO WHEEL DRIVE (2WD) APPLICATIONS. THE RISK OF THESE ISSUES DO NOT OCCUR ON THE FOUR WHEEL DRIVE (4WD) APPLICATIONS, AND INSTALLATION ON THE 4WD APPLICATIONS ARE NOT PART OF THIS RECALL.
- Consequence: A VEHICLE CRASH CAN OCCUR IF THE WHEEL SEPARATES FROM THE VEHICLE.
- Remedy: FEDERAL-MOGUL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS OF RECORD AND TECHNICIANS WILL REPLACE THE AFFECTED HUB ASSEMBLIES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 15, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FEDERAL-MOGUL AT 1-877-489-6659.
- Manufacturer: FABTECH MOTORSPORTS
- Components: STEERING:GEAR BOX:SHAFT PITMAN
- Summary: FABTECH IS RECALLING CERTAIN AFTERMARKET REPLACEMENT PITMAN ARMS, P/NOS. FTS93001 AND FT44039, INSTALLED FOR USE ON CERTAIN 2003 THROUGH 2008 DODGE 2500 4WD, 3500 4WD, AND 1500 4WD MEGA CAB VEHICLES. THE PITMAN ARM CAN FRACTURE AND BREAK AWAY FROM THE STEERING BOX CAUSING TOTAL LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL.
- Consequence: STEERING LOSS COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH POSSIBLY RESULTING IN PROPERTY DAMAGE, INJURY OR DEATH.
- Remedy: FABTECH WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND AUTHORIZED INSTALLERS WILL INSPECT FOR DEFECTIVE PITMAN ARM AND REPLACE IF NECESSARY FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 24, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FABTECH AT 1-877-432-2832.
- Manufacturer: SAFELITE FULFILLMENT, INC.
- Components: VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR
- Summary: CERTAIN CURVED TEMPERED REPLACEMENT GLASS MANUFACTURED BY HANGZHOU SAFETY GLASS LTD AND SUPPLIED TO SAFELITE BY AUTO TEMP INC., IDENTIFIED AS DOT-430, AND SOLD FOR USE ON CERTAIN DOMESTIC AND FOREIGN VEHICLES MAY NOT BREAK INTO SMALL PIECES AS EXPECTED OF TEMPERED GLASS AND FAILS TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 205, "GLAZING MATERIALS."
- Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE OCCUPANT(S) MAY BE SERIOUSLY INJURED BY SHATTERED GLASS.
- Remedy: SAFELITE WILL NOTIFY ITS RETAIL CUSTOMERS AND REPLACE THE GLASS FREE OF CHARGE. RETAIL CUSTOMERS CAN CONTACT SAFELITE TOLL FREE AT 1-888-843-2906. SAFELITE WILL NOTIFY ITS WHOLESALE CUSTOMERS AND REIMBURSE WHOLESALE CUSTOMERS FOR CURRENT INVENTORY AND AT A SPECIFIED RATE FOR REPLACING THEIR CUSTOMER'S GLASS. WHOLESALE CUSTOMERS CAN CONTACT SAFELITE'S WHOLESALE DIVISION, SERVICE AUTOGLASS TOLL FREE AT 1-888-246-6298. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 15, 2008.
- Manufacturer: DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION
- Components: EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
- Summary: THE VEHICLE CERTIFICATION LABEL ON SOME PICKUP TRUCKS LISTS INCORRECT TIRE, WHEEL, AND RECOMMENDED INFLATION PRESSURE INFORMATION WHICH DOES NOT CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 120, 'TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS FOR VEHICLES OTHER THAN PASSENGER CARS.'
- Consequence: INSTALLING THE INCORRECT TIRE/RIM SIZES AND LOADING THE VEHICLE TO THE WEIGHTS SHOWN ON THE LABEL CAN CAUSE TIRE FAILURE AND RESULT IN A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
- Remedy: OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH VEHICLE CERTIFICATION LABEL OVERLAYS CONTAINING THE CORRECTED INFORMATION RELATIVE TO VEHICLE TIRE AND RIM SIZE, AND RECOMMENDED INFLATION PRESSURE. THIS RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 5, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
- Manufacturer: DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION
- Components: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
- Summary: ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS, THE TRANSFER CASE TO TRANSMISSION ATTACHING FASTENERS MAY NOT BE TIGHTENED CORRECTLY. THIS COULD CAUSE THE TRANSMISSION ADAPTER OR TRANSFER CASE HOUSING TO CRACK AND LEAK FLUID.
- Consequence: CONTINUED OPERATION CAN RESULT IN PROPELLER SHAFT SEPARATION AND DAMAGE TO FUEL SYSTEM COMPONENTS, WHICH COULD LEAD TO A FUEL LEAK. FLUID AND/OR FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE CAN CAUSE AN UNDERBODY FIRE.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL RETIGHTEN THE TRANSFER CASE TO TRANSMISSION FASTENERS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON DECEMBER 22, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-992-1997.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2004 Dodge Ram 1500 problems:
Are there known engine problems for 5.7 V8 2004 Ram? | DODGE ...
Apr 6, 2012 ... Truck has 70,000 miles. His wife found a news blog stating problems with 2004 Drango 5.7 V8 engines with over 200 complaints. Should my son be ...
2004 Dodge Ram 1500 Problems and Complaints - 26 Issues
Problem with your 2004 Dodge Ram 1500? Our list of 26 known complaints reported by owners can help you fix your 2004 Dodge Ram 1500.
2004 Dodge ram 1500 transmission problems : r/MechanicAdvice
Aug 26, 2021 ... There is an electronic problem probably with the new ecm, when it codes the trans is being put in fail/safe mode. Have the ecm and related ...
Dodge RAM 1500 Questions - I was told that 2002-2007 Dodge ...
Nov 24, 2012 ... ... Dodge 1500 (hopefully Hemi) and want to know about common problems. ... I had a 2006 Dodge Ram 1500 single cab, transmission ... 2004 Dodge RAM 1500 ...
Common Problems & Solutions: 2004 Dodge Ram 1500 Stalling ...
Nov 5, 2021 ... The most common cause of a stalling condition on this vehicle would be low transmission fluid level. I do believe just one or two quarts low ...
Other years of Dodge Ram 1500
Are you having problems with your 2004 Dodge Ram 1500?
Leave your review of 2004 Dodge Ram 1500