2006 Dodge RAM 3500 recalls and problems

8 recalls and 258 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2006 Dodge RAM 3500.

8
recalls
258
owner complaints
15
complaints mentioning a crash
4
mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2006 Dodge RAM 3500 recalls

Air bags: frontal, passenger side, inflator module

NHTSA campaign 16V352000 · reported May 24, 2016 · Chrysler (FCA US LLC) · 4,648,270 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
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.
The risk
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.
The fix
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

NHTSA campaign 15V313000 · reported May 26, 2015 · Chrysler (FCA US LLC) · 4,077,169 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
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.
The risk
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.
The fix
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.

Electrical system: ignition, switch

NHTSA campaign 14V795000 · reported December 16, 2014 · Chrysler Group LLC · 54,164 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2006-2007 Dodge Ram 1500, 2500, 3500, Dakota, and 2006 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles manufactured July 1, 2005, to July 31, 2006 with manual transmissions. The return springs in the clutch ignition interlock switch may break.
The risk
Broken springs can result in a no-start condition, or cause unintended movement when the ignition is cranked, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
The fix
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the clutch ignition interlock switch, free of charge. The recall began on March 27, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is P80.

Steering: linkages, tie rod assembly

NHTSA campaign 13V528000 · reported November 6, 2013 · Chrysler Group LLC · 706,664 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2003-2008 Dodge RAM 2500 4x4 and 3500 4x4, model year 2007-2008 Dodge RAM 3500 4x2 Cab Chassis and model year 2006-2008 Dodge RAM 1500 Mega Cab 4x4 trucks manufactured February 12, 2002, through February 13, 2008. The left tie rod assembly may break.
The risk
A failure of the tie rod assembly may result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix
Chrysler notified owners and launched its recall campaign in January 2014. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N62.

Steering: linkages, tie rod assembly

NHTSA campaign 11V350000 · reported July 6, 2011 · CHRYSLER GROUP LLC · 242,780 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2008-2011 dodge ram 2500/3500 4x4, manufactured from february 14, 2008, through march 28, 2011; model year 2008-2011 dodge ram 3500 cab chassis 4x2, manufactured from february 14, 2008, through march 28, 2011; and model year 2008 dodge ram 1500 mega cab 4x4, manufactured from february 14, 2008, through august 15, 2008, because the left tie rod ball stud may fracture. This condition tends to occur during low speed parking lot type maneuvers when the customer is making a tight turn. Additionally, model year 2003-2008 dodge ram 2500/3500 vehicles may have received the affected tie rod assembly as a replacement part during normal service.
The risk
This condition could result in the potential loss of directional stability in the left hand front wheel, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix
Dealers will inspect the tie rod ends for relative orientation and replace the left outer tie rod as required and perform a front end toe alignment as needed. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on october 3, 2011. Owners may contact chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.

Visibility: rearview mirrors/devices

NHTSA campaign 06V380000 · reported October 10, 2006 · DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION · 309 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
Certain trucks fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 111, "rear view mirrors". The right outside rear view mirror glass has a curved (convex) mirror glass installed instead of flat glass. Curved glass creates a wider view, but displays images further away than they actually are.
The risk
Drivers of large vehicles may have difficulty judging distance relationships, which could cause a crash without prior warning.
The fix
Dealers will replace the right outside convex mirror glass with a flat mirror glass free of charge. The recall began on october 10, 2006. Owners may contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.

Exterior lighting

NHTSA campaign 06V073000 · reported March 9, 2006 · DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION · 279 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
Certain trucks equipped with dual rear wheels fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices and associated equipment." the trucks may have been inadvertently manufactured without the roof mounted cab clearance lamps.
The risk
Without these lamps, other vehicle operators may not detect the increased width of the vehicle which could cause a crash without warning.
The fix
Dealers will install cab clearance lights free of charge. The recall began on march 20, 2006. Owners may contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.

Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, control unit/module

NHTSA campaign 06V038000 · reported February 9, 2006 · DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION · 39,274 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
On certain pickup trucks equipped with four-wheel antilock brake systems (ABS), the ABS electronic control unit (ECU) may cause a loss of front to rear brake balance, and the rear brakes could lock up prematurely during certain braking conditions.
The risk
This could result in a loss of vehicle control and cause a crash without warning.
The fix
Dealers will replace the ABS ECU. The recall is expected to begin during the week of july 17, 2006. Owners may contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Oct 19, 2026 · Electrical system · 177,000 miles

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2006 Dodge RAM 3500. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 107,460; however, a Carfax report listed the mileage as 177,000.

Aug 29, 2022 · Air bags

Takata recall. The contact owns a 2006 Dodge Ram 3500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V352000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The dealer stated they were only able to obtain parts for two vehicles at a time. The contact stated that the manufacturer…

Oct 15, 2020 · Steering · 180,000 miles

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 DODGE RAM 3500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING, THE STEERING WHEEL WOBBLED VIOLENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO SIMI VALLEY CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM (2350 FIRST ST, SIMI VALLEY, CA 93065) WHERE THE DEALER DECLINED TO SERVICE THE VEHICLE DUE TO THE PART NOT BEING UNDER RECALL. THE…

Sep 21, 2020 · Visibility/wiper · 45,000 miles

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 DODGE RAM 3500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING DURING INCLEMENT WEATHER WITH THE AIR OR HEATER ACTIVATED DURING WINTER OR DURING RAIN FALL, THE WINDSHIELD BECAME EXTREMELY FOGGY. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER AND MANUALLY CLEANED THE WINDSHIELD IN ORDER TO SEE OUT OF THE WINDSHIELD. THE…

Jun 12, 2019 · Steering · 290,000 miles · crash reported

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 DODGE RAM 3500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVERS SIDE TIE ROD FRACTURED IN AN ACCIDENT. THE VEHICLE WENT OFF THE ROAD INTO THE EMBANKMENT THAT STOPPED THE VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED BACK THE CONTACT'S HOME. THERE WERE NO…

RAM 3500 model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2003 628691
2004 4214424
2005 4196236
2006 8258154
2007 112101414
2008 9173914
2009 510562

Across all years, the 2012 RAM 3500 has the most complaints (366). All Dodge RAM 3500 years →

Questions

Does the 2006 Dodge RAM 3500 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 8 recalls for the 2006 Dodge RAM 3500, the most recent reported on May 24, 2016 (Air bags: frontal, passenger side, inflator module). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2006 Dodge RAM 3500?
Owners have filed 258 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is steering (75 complaints), followed by electrical system (53).
How many 2006 Dodge RAM 3500 complaints mention a crash or fire?
15 of 258 complaints report a crash and 4 a fire; 6 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received October 19, 2026.