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Dodge Ram 2004

The 2004 Dodge Ram came with 5 engines: 3.7 L 6-cylinder, 4.7 L 8-cylinder, 4.7 L 8-cylinder, 5.7 L 8-cylinder, 8.3 L 10-cylinder. It gets 10 to 16 MPG combined depending on the engine, per the EPA. 7 recall campaigns and 40 owner complaints are on record.

Standard Pickup Trucks 2WD AWD
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Dodge Ram
Representative photo of the Ram. It may show a different year or version. Photo: IFCAR · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons · resized and cropped

Specs

Engine
4,700 cc
8
Cylinders8
TransmissionAutomatic · 5 speeds
DrivetrainAWD
Dimensions (L × W × H)5,730 × 2,030 × 1,950 mm (225.6 × 79.9 × 76.8 in)
Wheelbase3,570 mm (140.6 in)
Curb weight2,336 kg (5,150 lb)
Body styleStandard Pickup Trucks 2WD

Dimensions and weight: median of the 39 versions in Canada's official specifications (NHTSA vPIC). Each version differs slightly.

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Safety

Crash-test results across markets. They can vary by version and equipment.

NHTSA NCAP
Results · 2004 Dodge Ram 1500 4-DR.
🇺🇸 Local data
NHTSA NCAP
Results · 2004 Dodge Ram 1500 Regular Cab
🇺🇸 Local data

Fuel economy (MPG)

🇺🇸 Local data
City
12 MPG
Highway
16 MPG
Combined
14 MPG
Emissions
394 g/km
COâ‚‚

By version

EngineTransmissionDrivetrainCityHighwayCombined
3.7 L 6-cylinder Automatic · 4 speeds Rear-wheel (RWD) 14 MPG 19 MPG 16 MPG
3.7 L 6-cylinder Manual · 5 speeds Rear-wheel (RWD) 14 MPG 19 MPG 16 MPG
4.7 L 8-cylinder Automatic · 5 speeds AWD 11 MPG 14 MPG 12 MPG
4.7 L 8-cylinder Automatic · 5 speeds Rear-wheel (RWD) 11 MPG 14 MPG 12 MPG
4.7 L 8-cylinder Automatic · 5 speeds AWD 12 MPG 16 MPG 14 MPG
4.7 L 8-cylinder Automatic · 5 speeds Rear-wheel (RWD) 13 MPG 17 MPG 14 MPG
4.7 L 8-cylinder Manual · 5 speeds AWD 12 MPG 16 MPG 14 MPG
4.7 L 8-cylinder Manual · 5 speeds Rear-wheel (RWD) 13 MPG 17 MPG 14 MPG
5.7 L 8-cylinder Automatic · 5 speeds AWD 12 MPG 16 MPG 14 MPG
5.7 L 8-cylinder Automatic · 5 speeds Rear-wheel (RWD) 12 MPG 17 MPG 14 MPG
8.3 L 10-cylinder Manual · 6 speeds Rear-wheel (RWD) 9 MPG 14 MPG 10 MPG

EPA figures for each version sold in the U.S.

Recalls

7 campaigns🇺🇸 Local dataNHTSA
EXTERIOR LIGHTING 09E012000 · 2009-04-07 · NHTSA
Consequence · Remedy

DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.

VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER 09E009000 · 2009-03-13 · NHTSA
Consequence · Remedy

WHEN THE WIPER SYSTEM FAILS, THE OPERATOR WILL HAVE REDUCED VISIBILITY WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE WIPER MODULE ASSEMBLIES WITH VENTED WIPER MOTOR HOUSINGS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

STEERING:LINKAGES 09E001000 · 2009-01-13 · NHTSA
Consequence · Remedy

THIS COULD RESULT IN A LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL AND THE RESTRICTED ABILITY TO TURN THE VEHICLE IN ONE DIRECTION INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE STEERING LINKAGE DRAG LINK INNER TIE ROD END ASSEMBLY, AND INSPECT THE STEERING LINKAGE DAMPER BRACKET FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 6, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL 07E066000 · 2007-08-28 · NHTSA
Consequence · Remedy

IF THE TRAILER LIGHTS ARE NOT WORKING PROPERLY, A VEHICLE CRASH CAN OCCUR.

ALL OF THE DEFECTIVE TOW PACKAGES ARE STILL AT THE DISTRIBUTOR LEVEL AND HAVE NOT BEEN SOLD TO ANY CONSUMERS.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING 06E049000 · 2006-05-24 · NHTSA
Consequence · Remedy

WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

CK MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE NONCOMPLIANT LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CK MOTORSPORT AT 1-909-610-7211.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS 06E023000 · 2006-03-13 · NHTSA
Consequence · Remedy

WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

ANZO WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE HEADLAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN MAY 9, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT ANZO USA AT 909-468-3688.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR 04V385000 · 2004-08-03 · NHTSA
Consequence · Remedy

A SHORT CIRCUIT IN THE GENERATOR HARNESS CAN CAUSE AN UNDER HOOD FIRE.

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.

13 campaigns🇨🇦 CA dataTransport Canada

It may not apply to vehicles sold in your country. Check with your VIN at the source.

Airbag 2016265 · 2016-05-27 · Transport Canada
Details

On certain vehicles, long-term exposure to high absolute humidity and temperature, combined with high temperature cycling, could eventually degrade the propellant contained in the passenger frontal airbag. This could cause the airbag to deploy with more force than normal. As a result, if the vehicle were involved in a collision that warrants airbag deployment, fragments could be propelled toward vehicle occupants, and the airbag assembly could be damaged, preventing proper function. These issues could increase the risk of injury. Correction: Dealers will replace the airbag inflator. Note: Canadian climate results in the propellant degrading slowly. The recall is being conducted as a precaution to address future risk, and is expected to replace airbag inflators before their function would be affected.

Airbag 2015228 · 2015-05-27 · Transport Canada
Details

On certain vehicles, the driver frontal airbag inflator could produce excessive internal pressure during airbag deployment. Increased pressure may cause the inflator to rupture, which could allow fragments to be propelled toward vehicle occupants, increasing the risk of injury. This could also damage the airbag module, which could prevent proper deployment. Failure of the airbag to fully deploy during a crash (where deployment is warranted) could increase the risk of personal injury to the seat occupant. Note: This recall supersedes special service campaign 2015-003. Correction: Dealers will replace airbag inflators. All vehicles having received a replacement inflator as part of the previous special service campaign will have a replacement inflator installed.

Airbag 2015093 · 2015-03-03 · Transport Canada
Details

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) Canada is conducting a voluntary Safety Improvement Program involving Takata driver and/or passenger airbag inflators installed in certain vehicles that were originally sold or ever registered in certain high humidity areas of the United States. Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) will replace the driver and/or passenger inflator on affected vehicles, depending on the vehicle involved. Owners who believe their vehicles may have been originally purchased or registered in Florida, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands should contact a Fiat Chrysler Automobile (FCA) dealer. This action is not being conducted under the requirements of the Motor Vehicle Safety Act. Note: For the 2003 model year Dodge RAM, only the passenger side inflator would need replacement. Additional Note: This special service campaign was replaced by recalls 2015094 and 2015228. Please see these recalls for more information: <a href="http://wwwapps.tc.gc.ca/Saf-Sec-Sur/7/VRDB-BDRV/search-recherche/detail.aspx?lang=eng&&rn=2015094">Click here for more information on the 2015094 recall</a> <a href="http://wwwapps.tc.gc.ca/Saf-Sec-Sur/7/VRDB-BDRV/search-recherche/detail.aspx?lang=eng&&rn=2015228">Click here for more information on the 2015228 recall</a>

Airbag 2015094 · 2015-03-03 · Transport Canada
Details

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) Canada is conducting a voluntary Safety Improvement Program involving Takata passenger airbag inflators installed in certain vehicles that were originally sold or ever registered in certain high humidity areas of the United States. Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) will replace the passenger inflator on affected vehicles. Owners who believe their vehicles may have been originally purchased or registered in Florida, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Texas, Mississippi, Alabama, Louisiana, Georgia, Guam, American Samoa and Saipan should contact a Fiat Chrysler Automobile (FCA) dealer. This action is not being conducted under the requirements of the Motor Vehicle Safety Act. Note: This Safety Improvement Campaign is superseded by recall 2016-265 (FCA Recall S43). Please see <a href="http://wwwapps.tc.gc.ca/Saf-Sec-Sur/7/VRDB-BDRV/search-recherche/detail.aspx?lang=eng&&rn=2016265">recall 2016265</a> for more information.

Airbag 2015003 · 2015-01-06 · Transport Canada
Details

Chrysler Canada is conducting a voluntary Safety Improvement Campaign concerning the driver's airbag inflator on certain vehicles equipped with Takata airbags. Chrysler Canada will replace the driver's inflator on affected vehicles. This action is not being conducted under the requirements of the Motor Vehicle Safety Act. Note: This special service campaign was replaced by recall 2015228. Please see recall 2015228 for more information: <a href="http://wwwapps.tc.gc.ca/Saf-Sec-Sur/7/VRDB-BDRV/search-recherche/detail.aspx?lang=eng&&rn=2015228">Click here for more information</a>

Steering 2013395 · 2013-11-07 · Transport Canada
Details

A safety defect may exist in aftermarket steering linkage equipment sold as service replacement parts for 2500 and 3500 4x4 pickup trucks. If the drag link assemblies in question were installed improperly, the left tie rod ball stud may fracture, potentially resulting in a loss of vehicle control and a crash causing injury and/or property damage. Chrysler will notify owners of all 2003-2008 Dodge Ram heavy duty trucks (other than those covered by recall 2013-397 (N49)) since those vehicles could potentially have had the affected linkages installed during service. Owners will be instructed to take their vehicle to a dealer for inspection and repair if required. Note: This recall supersedes recall 2009-019 (H46). Parts replaced under the previous campaign will also need to be replaced under this campaign.

Steering 2011253 · 2011-07-14 · Transport Canada
Details

On certain 2008-2011 Ram 2500 and 3500 4x4, Ram 3500 cab chassis 4x2 and 4x4, and 2008 Ram 1500 Mega Cab 4x4 vehicles, the left outer tie rod ball stud could fracture. Additionally, other 2003-2008 Ram vehicles may have received the affected tie rod as a replacement part during service, and are therefore also involved in this campaign. Although this condition tends to occur when making a tight turn during low speed parking lot type maneuvers, tie rod failure could result in a loss of directional stability. A loss of steering control could result in a crash causing property damage and/or personal injury. Correction: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the left outer tie rod end and tighten the track bar bolt. Note: The tie rod replacement portion of this recall was superseded by recall 2013-396.

Electrical 2009081 · 2009-03-11 · Transport Canada
Details

Certain aftermarket replacement windshield wiper motor assemblies, sold during the '08 and '09 calendar year for use as service equipment on 2002-2009 Dodge Ram pickup trucks, may be susceptible to water intrusion that could result in partial or complete loss of windshield wiping capability. Should this occur during a rainy/snowy day, it could increase the risk of a crash, causing property damage, personal injury or death. Correction: Owners who had windshield wiper motor assemblies serviced during the '08 and '09 calendar year will be requested to take their vehicle to a Chrysler dealer for inspection and repair if required.

Steering 2009019 · 2009-01-21 · Transport Canada
Details

Defective aftermarket steering drag links many have been sold as service replacement parts for 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks. The drag link assemblies in question may fracture, which could result in a loss of vehicle control and a crash, causing property damage, personal injury or death. Also, in some cases, the steering damper attaching bracket may yield and shift on the linkage. This may restrict the ability to turn the vehicle in one direction. Chrysler will notify owners (other than those covered by recall 09-010 (H36)) of all 2003-2008 Dodge Ram heavy duty trucks since those vehicles could potentially have had the affected linkages installed during service. Owners will be instructed to take their vehicle to a dealer for inspection and repair if required.

Other 2005307 · 2005-10-12 · Transport Canada
Details

Certain Dodge Ram 2500/3500 Heavy Duty pickup trucks equipped with a diesel engine and automatic transmission may experience inadvertent rearward movement. The transmission shift lever position is always displayed as "R" (Reverse) until the parking pawl is completely engaged in the Park position. Only then will the transmission shift lever indicator show "P" (Park). If the driver exits the vehicle while the engine is running, parking brake not engaged and the transmission shifter not fully in the Park gate, the vehicle may experience delayed rearward movement, which could cause a crash. Correction: Dealers will install an Out-of-Park alarm that will alert the operator if the transmission is not fully placed in the Park position when the engine is running and the driver takes his foot off the brake and opens the driver's door.

Electrical 2004277 · 2004-08-04 · Transport Canada
Details

On certain pickup trucks, the alternator wiring harness may interfere with a valve cover stud and short circuit, which could result in an underhood fire. Correction: Dealers will inspect the alternator wiring insulation for damage and repair as necessary, and add a tie-strap clip to the valve cover stud to positively retain the wiring.

Label 2004150 · 2004-05-05 · Transport Canada
Details

Certain pickup trucks do not comply with the requirements of CMVSS 120. The tire, wheel and inflation pressure information printed on the vehicle certification label does not correspond with the equipment that is available for the vehicle. The certification label specifies a 15" tire and wheel combination. The minimum load carrying tire available on a 2004 Ram light duty truck is a P245/70R17 and for a heavy duty truck a LT245/70R17. Correction: Dealer will apply a corrected overlay label.

Powertrain 2003321 · 2003-12-08 · Transport Canada
Details

On certain pickup trucks, the transfer case to transmission attaching fasteners may be below the specified torque. This may cause the transmission adapter or transfer case housing to crack and leak fluid. Continued vehicle operation can result in propeller shaft separation and damage to fuel system components, possibly resulting in an underbody vehicle fire. Correction: Dealer will re-torque the transfer case to transmission fasteners.

Common problems

40 reports🇺🇸 Local data

Reported by owners to the source below. It is not a verdict on this car: it is what people wrote.

AIR BAGS 2026-09-30 · NHTSA

The contact owns a 2004 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V352000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available, even though the recall stated that parts were available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had…

AIR BAGS 2026-09-23 · NHTSA

The contact owns a 2004 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V313000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available and were on backorder. The contact stated that the manufact…

AIR BAGS 2026-08-23 · NHTSA

TAKATA RECALL PARTS DELAY - MANUFACTURER REPAIR FAILURE.I am filing this complaint because Chrysler/FCA and its authorized dealer network have failed to provide the necessary remedy parts for an active, critical safety recall within a reasonable timeframe.My 2004 Ram 1500 is subject to the urgent Takata airbag recall.…

AIR BAGS 2026-08-11 · NHTSA

The contact owns a 2004 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that the vehicle failed an inspection because the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 16V352000 (Air Bags) and 15V313000 (Air Bags); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. Four dealers were contacted and confirmed that part…

AIR BAGS Crash 2026-08-07 · NHTSA

Vehicle: 2004 Dodge Ram 1500 I was the driver and sole occupant of my 2004 Dodge Ram 1500 and was wearing my seat belt. I was traveling westbound on [XXX], shortly after passing [XXX], when I was involved in a three-vehicle collision. The first vehicle stopped abruptly, resulting in the collision. I was traveling ap…

AIR BAGS 2026-07-06 · NHTSA

I am the owner of a Dodge Ram truck that is currently under an active and urgent Stellantis "Stop-Drive" safety warning due to the defective Takata airbag inflator recall. I am writing to file an official complaint regarding the manufacturer's failure to provide a remedy within a reasonable timeframe, as required by f…

AIR BAGS 2026-06-10 · NHTSA

See attached document for complaint.

AIR BAGS 2026-05-29 · NHTSA

The contact owns a 2004 Dodge Ram. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Numbers 16V352000 (Air Bags) and 15V313000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted; however the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the…

AIR BAGS 2026-05-26 · NHTSA

The contact owns a 2004 Dodge Ram. The contact stated that the recall notification letter for NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V352000 (Air Bags). The contact was unable to register the vehicle at the DMV. The local dealer was contacted, who informed him the part was backordered. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer…

AIR BAGS 2026-05-12 · NHTSA

Takata Recall. The contact owns a 2004 Ram 1500. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 16V352000 (Air Bags) and 15V313000 (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…

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,POWER TRAIN,ENGINE 2026-04-01 · NHTSA

The contact owns a 2004 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced transmission failure, and the brake lines were rusted. The contact was trapped in the desert for hours with his dog. The contact stated that two independent mechanics had determined that the idler pulley needed to be replaced. …

AIR BAGS 2026-03-09 · NHTSA

The contact owns a 2004 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V352000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact was informed that parts were on back order for…

All 40 reports, grouped by component

Questions

What engine does the 2004 Dodge Ram have?
The 2004 Dodge Ram came with 5 engines: 3.7 L 6-cylinder, 4.7 L 8-cylinder, 4.7 L 8-cylinder, 5.7 L 8-cylinder, 8.3 L 10-cylinder.
What is the fuel economy of the 2004 Dodge Ram?
It gets 10 to 16 MPG combined depending on the engine, per the EPA.
Does the 2004 Dodge Ram have recalls?
7 recall campaigns are on record. The latest concerns Exterior Lighting (2009-04-07).
What are the common problems of the 2004 Dodge Ram?
40 owners have filed complaints, most often about Air Bags.

Other years

Which Dodge Ram year to buy? Recalls and complaints by year

Other models by Dodge

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