2004 Dodge Ram 1500 Pickup
The Verdict
Worst problem area
Airbags & Restraints
Airbags & Restraints leads by volume: 372 of 1,097 complaints (34%) mention it.
Complaints filed fell from 1,170 in 2003 to 1,097 in 2004.
Data last changed . Sources: NHTSA complaints and recalls, EPA fuel economy data. Methodology
Cost, Fuel Economy & Complaint History
| Category | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | vs. 2004 Standard Pickup Trucks 2WD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual fuel cost ($) | 3,900–5,200 | 3,900–4,800 | 3,900–7,750 | 3,900–8,600 | 3,900–8,600 | |
| Combined MPG | 12–16 | 13–16 | 10–16 | 9–16 | 9–16 | |
| City / Highway MPG | 10–14 / 14–19 | 11–14 / 15–19 | 9–14 / 14–19 | 8–14 / 11–20 | 8–14 / 11–20 | |
| CO₂ tailpipe (g/mi) | 555–741 | 555–684 | 555–889 | 555–987 | 555–987 | |
| Complaints filed | 815 | 1,170 | 1,097 | 1,168 | 792 | |
| Recalls issued | 6 | 5 | 8 | 7 | 12 | |
| Crash-involved complaints | 55 | 76 | 84 | 108 | 43 | |
| Fire-involved complaints | 14 | 12 | 29 | 16 | 8 | |
| Injuries reported | 62 | 80 | 95 | 66 | 42 | |
| Deaths reported | 1 | 6 | 1 | 5 | 1 | |
| Configurations compared | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 8 |
Not compared: this database has no vehicle sales or registration figures, so a raw count mostly reflects how many were sold, not how safe the vehicle is.
Common questions
How many recalls does the 2004 Dodge Ram 1500 Pickup have?
8 NHTSA recall campaigns as of Sep 16, 2026. Check your VIN with NHTSA to see whether one applies to your car.
What is the most common complaint about the 2004 Dodge Ram 1500 Pickup?
Airbags & Restraints: 372 of 1,097 NHTSA complaints (34%) mention it.
What gas mileage does the 2004 Dodge Ram 1500 Pickup get?
EPA rates it 10–16 MPG combined.
How much does it cost to fuel a 2004 Dodge Ram 1500 Pickup?
EPA estimates $3,900–$7,750 a year in fuel costs, using EPA's assumptions.
Similar Vehicles
EPA-Rated Configurations (11)
| Configuration | Transmission | Cylinders | Displacement | Drivetrain | Fuel Type | Vehicle Class | City | Highway | Combined | Annual Fuel Cost | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Configuration 1 | Automatic 4-spd | 6 | 3.7L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Regular | Standard Pickup Trucks 2WD | 14 mpg (high) | 19 mpg (high) | 16 mpg (high) | $3,900 (low) | 555 g/mi (low) |
| Configuration 2 | Manual 5-spd | 6 | 3.7L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Regular | Standard Pickup Trucks 2WD | 14 mpg (high) | 19 mpg (high) | 16 mpg (high) | $3,900 (low) | 555 g/mi (low) |
| Configuration 3 | Automatic 5-spd | 8 | 4.7L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Regular | Standard Pickup Trucks 2WD | 13 mpg | 17 mpg | 14 mpg | $4,450 | 635 g/mi |
| Configuration 4 | Manual 5-spd | 8 | 4.7L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Regular | Standard Pickup Trucks 2WD | 13 mpg | 17 mpg | 14 mpg | $4,450 | 635 g/mi |
| Configuration 5 | Automatic 5-spd | 8 | 5.7L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Regular | Standard Pickup Trucks 2WD | 12 mpg | 17 mpg | 14 mpg | $4,450 | 635 g/mi |
| Configuration 6 | Manual 6-spd | 10 | 8.3L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium | Standard Pickup Trucks 2WD | 9 mpg (low) | 14 mpg (low) | 10 mpg (low) | $7,750 (high) | 889 g/mi (high) |
| Configuration 7 | Automatic 5-spd | 8 | 4.7L | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Regular | Standard Pickup Trucks 4WD | 12 mpg | 16 mpg | 14 mpg | $4,450 | 635 g/mi |
| Configuration 8 | Manual 5-spd | 8 | 4.7L | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Regular | Standard Pickup Trucks 4WD | 12 mpg | 16 mpg | 14 mpg | $4,450 | 635 g/mi |
| Configuration 9 | Automatic 5-spd | 8 | 5.7L | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Regular | Standard Pickup Trucks 4WD | 12 mpg | 16 mpg | 14 mpg | $4,450 | 635 g/mi |
| Configuration 10 | Automatic 5-spd | 8 | 4.7L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Gasoline or E85 | Standard Pickup Trucks 2WD | 11 mpg | 14 mpg (low) | 12 mpg | $5,200 | 741 g/mi |
| Configuration 11 | Automatic 5-spd | 8 | 4.7L | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Gasoline or E85 | Standard Pickup Trucks 4WD | 11 mpg | 14 mpg (low) | 12 mpg | $5,200 | 741 g/mi |
Complaints by Category
| Category | Complaints | Crash-Involved | Fire-Involved | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 190 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 0 |
| Transmission & Drivetrain | 181 | 12 | 4 | 8 | 0 |
| Fuel System | 62 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical | 99 | 1 | 17 | 1 | 0 |
| Brakes | 54 | 8 | 2 | 8 | 0 |
| Steering | 86 | 13 | 1 | 14 | 0 |
| Suspension, Wheels & Tires | 99 | 14 | 1 | 11 | 0 |
| Airbags & Restraints | 372 | 48 | 6 | 54 | 1 |
| Driver Assistance & Speed Control | 26 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Body, Seats & Latches | 62 | 4 | 3 | 15 | 0 |
| Visibility & Lighting | 46 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Other | 48 | 1 | 2 | 5 | 0 |
A complaint that names more than one category is counted in each, so the rows can add up to more than the total number of complaints.
Recalls (8)
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE · Campaign 16V352000 · May 24, 2016
Defect: 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: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. 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.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE · Campaign 15V313000 · May 27, 2015
Defect: 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: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. 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.
AIR BAGS · Campaign 14V770000 · Dec 3, 2014
Defect: 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.
WHEELS:HUB · Campaign 10E040000 · Aug 23, 2010
Defect: 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.
STEERING:GEAR BOX:SHAFT PITMAN · Campaign 10E013000 · May 3, 2010
Defect: 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.
VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR · Campaign 07E104000 · Dec 11, 2007
Defect: 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.
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS · Campaign 04V221000 · May 10, 2004
Defect: 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.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION · Campaign 03V503000 · Dec 11, 2003
Defect: 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.