Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (accelerator pedal, throttle, sudden acceleration, cruise control).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2006 Dodge Ram 1500 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that there was a premature failure with the cruise control feature activating or not functioning properly. There was also unintended movement while the vehicle was in gear. The contact was unable to determine if there was an electrical failure that activated the cruise control, causing the vehicle to lunge and accelerate at a high rate of speed. Force was applied to the brake pedal when the failure happened. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who checked for DTC, but was unable to replicate and diagnose the failure. There was no repair recommendation from the independent mechanic. Additionally, a brake light switch was replaced by the independent mechanic. The dealer (whitten brothers of ashland, 11409 washington hwy, ashland, va 23005, [phone]) was also unable to determine the cause of the failure. …
Cruise control switch was on but not engaged. I pulled up to back into parking space, and with my foot on the brake pedal, the truck lunged forward into parked cars. The truck stopped, I put my foot back on the brake pedal, looking to make sure I was only on the brake pedal, and the truck lunged forward again into parked car. I took my foot off of brake pedal, put the shifter in reverse, and the truck took off at high speed in reverse, clipped a fire hydrant, and stopped about 100 feet away, backing into an earthen bank. All of this occurred in the parking lot at my place of work.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Dodge Ram 1500. While pulling into the driveway and depressing the clutch, the vehicle suddenly surged forward and crashed into the garage door. No injuries were reported and no police report was filed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact stated that NHTSA campaign number: 14V795000 (electrical system) was received in April of 2015. The failure mileage was 145,000.
Tl contact owns a 2006 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact attempted to shift into the park position and when the brake pedal was engaged, there was an unintended acceleration which resulted in the vehicle crashing into a building. The vehicle sustained moderate front end damages and was towed to the dealer. The technician informed that the diagnostic codes detected a problem; however, he was unable to determine the cause of the failure. A police report was filed. There were no injuries. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000. Updated 01/24/11 updated 04/20/11
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 25 MPH, the vehicle would not accelerate and the steering suddenly malfunctioned. The contact was unable to control the vehicle and crashed into a tree. No injuries were reported and a police report was not filed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and repaired. The contact was not aware of the exact repairs made to the vehicle. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 94,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Dodge Ram 1500. While driving approximately 65 MPH, the contact heard a whining noise. The rear of the vehicle jumped approximately two feet in the air, and then the vehicle skidded onto the shoulder. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 177,000.
January 2018 driving with cruise control set to 60mph,going up a small hill truck sped up to 80mph RPM went over 3000. Was able to shut off--tried tset again at 60mph and instantly sped up to 80pmh---shut off. Took truck to dealer (searched for recalls at that time) and they diagnosed it as needing engine control (PCM)changed. Repair completed 2-22-18 at over $1200 (have receipts)
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Dodge Ram 1500. While driving 60 MPH, the vehicle started to shake violently. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the accelerator pedal needed to be depressed harder to stabilize the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 104,000.
Dt*: the contact stated while turning left, the vehicle accelerated without warning across traffic and collided with a retaining wall. Also, the brakes failed. The contact was rendered unconscious and sustained neck injuries. The vehicle was taken to a service dealer, who was unable to determine the cause of the problem.
As I was driving down flat pavement, my truck accelerated on it's own. I pulled my foot off the pedal and it continued to accelerate at the same speed for approximately fifteen seconds. I was not using the cruise control and it was not wet weather, so there were dry driving conditions. I drive a peterbilt truck for a living and I transport cars, and trucks of all size and makes, so I know what is not right for a vehicle engine. I would like to see Dodge take responsibility for this and be able to have this looked at by a trained Dodge mechanic. My wife is frightened to drive this truck now and we have our son who rides in this truck too. Sure would like to see them in a safe vehicle, was hoping Dodge was it.
Acceleration complaints in other Ram 1500 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are acceleration problems on the 2006 Dodge Ram 1500?
NHTSA has 21 complaints about the speed control & acceleration of the 2006 Dodge Ram 1500, 3% of the model year's 792 complaints. The component named most often is accelerator pedal (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2006 Dodge Ram 1500 acceleration problems?
No. NHTSA lists no speed control & acceleration recall for the 2006 Dodge Ram 1500, though it has 9 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2006 Dodge Ram 1500 acceleration problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 77,000 miles, and 16% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 6 crashes, 0 fires and 1 injury to speed control & acceleration problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.