Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
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).
The contact owns a 2006 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that while attempting to accelerate after the vehicle was idling, the vehicle inadvertently stalled without warning. The failure occurred intermittently and became more frequent. The vehicle was lunging forward while idling and was shifting hard while driving. The contact stated that the coil pack relay might have malfunctioned. While inspecting the vehicle, the contact noticed that the main fuse box under the hood had exposed fuses and the box was easily accessible. The contact took the vehicle to a certified mechanic and the fuel pump was replaced. The failure persisted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 168,000.
The contact owns a 2006 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, oil stains were found on the ground underneath the vehicle. The contact checked underneath the vehicle and became aware that the rear axle pinion nut was loose. The axle pinion nut was tightened. The contact stated that the oil stains on the ground persisted. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V796000 (POWER TRAIN); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
Several safety-critical systems on my vehicle are failing, and the symptoms match existing recalls shown on Kelley Blue Book for my VIN. However, the manufacturer (Dodge/Stellantis) shows only 4 recalls, all marked completed - despite ongoing issues. 1. ABS / Brake System: The ABS warning light is on continuously, indicating a malfunction in the ABS control module. This disables anti-lock braking, increasing the risk of skidding or loss of control during emergency stops. KBB shows a recall for this issue, but Dodge says it's either not open for my VIN or already completed. The ABS light has remained on since 2. Front Wheel Bearing: There is a grinding noise and vibration from the front wheel area, suggesting a worn or failing wheel bearing. This poses a risk of steering loss or wheel detachment. No warning lights have appeared for this issue. 3. …
I was driving down a street heard a pop then my truck slid side to side as I was trying to get control of the truck and then it lifted off the ground. And it came to a complete stop. Parts of the vehicle were on the road with transmission fluid. The mechanic I go to says the whole back rear end needs to be replaced. Everything
I was driving and the rear drive shaft fell out of the truck and the rear locked up making the truck undrivable. I heard this is a common problem in dodge rams and it is definitely a safety issue and there should be a recall to address this reoccurring problem that can cause a loss of life or life threatening accident
Approx. In 2012 I filed a complaint that the rear pinion gear had snapped on my truck. The dealership recommended installing a new / used rear end. I had the used rear end installed. On 5-7-2015 while on the highway the axle on the rear end abruptly broke. This occurred at approx. 60 MPH. Almost causing a catastrophe. The wheel broke away as well as the brake caliper, thus loosing my brakes. As a result damage to the body also occurred. As I said I did file a previous complaint but was told that even though there is a recall on the rear ends on some of these models mine was not one. I paid the $2,500 or so to have that resolved. I feel this shouldn't have ever happened as this vehicle let alone twice. As of now my vehicle is awaiting a inspection from the dealership as well as insurance.
Tl* Takata recall. The contact owned a 2006 Dodge Ram 1500. While driving approximately 70 MPH, the vehicle shifted into four wheel drive without warning. The transfer case detached from the transmission, destroyed the park brake line, struck the fuel line, and sparked a fire. The air bags did not deploy. The vehicle was destroyed and was towed to a tow yard. The fire department extinguished the fire and a report was filed. A police report was also filed. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and denied responsibility based on the report of the investigators. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign numbers: 15V313000 (air bags) and 16V352000 (air bags). The failure mileage was approximately 86,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
Truck started rumbling that sounded like when you go over rumble strips on the freeway if I replace the rear end and it's still doing it. The second thing is the transfer case has some kind of short in it that no one can figure out driving down the road it locks in lights out periodically so I had to disengage it so it wouldn't do that so I can drive it would also go into neutral just randomly I was driving uphill when it happened and I had to replace the transmission that cost me $4,200 which I thought would fix the problem but it did not.
Tl contact owns a 2006 Dodge Ram 1500 regcab swb. While driving 40 MPH on a clear day the contact smelled brake fumes and heard a loud noise from inside the engine compartment. The contact looked through the rear view mirror and noticed loose metal underneath the vehicle. The contact attempted to use the shifter and the clutch, but neither worked. The vehicle eventually shut off and coasted to a strip mall. The contact exited the vehicle and entered a building when a loud noise was heard. The vehicle had ignited into flames ,causing the hood to burst open. The vehicle was completely destroyed. The vehicle was towed to earnharts Dodge. The contact called the company responsible for the vehicle's warranty, and was informed that it would be one to two business days before they could respond. …
I had just picked up my 2 children and head to tops market in medina ny to pick up so groceries for the wk end. I was pulling my vehicle[2006 Dodge Ram 4x4 pickup 1500 series with 5.7 litre Hemi] into the parking area on the east end of the building . The parking space that I was pulling into was facing west towards the concrete wall . As I was making a right hand turn ,as that happened a had taken my foot of the accelerator was preparing to stop when the vehicle sudden accelerated by its self . I immediately tried to brake and nothing happened. The vehicle then hit the building and stalled out its self. I had no control over the vehicle what's so ever . The vehicle was stopped by the concrete was. There was no injury to me but bother my kids complain of head and neck pain . My daughter also complained of rt shoulder pain left hip pain as a result of the seatbelt. …
Related recalls
Power train › Transfer case (4-wheel drive)
On certain 4-wheel drive pickup trucks, the totally integrated power module (TIPM) May contain incorrect transfer case calibration set points, potentially resulting in inadvertent transfer case default to neutral.
Remedy: Dealers will reprogram the TIPM with new software that prevents the potential for this condition. The recall began on November 7, 2005. Owners May contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Transmission complaints in other Ram 1500 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2006 Dodge Ram 1500?
NHTSA has 100 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2006 Dodge Ram 1500, 13% of the model year's 792 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (16 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2006 Dodge Ram 1500 transmission problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 05V-461 (transfer case (4-wheel drive), Oct 6, 2005). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2006 Dodge Ram 1500 transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 91,000 miles, and 21% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 5 crashes, 4 fires and 2 injuries to transmission & drivetrain 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.