AC & Heater complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 5 | 1% | 76,000 miles |
| 2009 | 23 | 3% | 60,000 miles |
| 2008 | 1 | 0% | 58,000 miles |
| 2007 | 2 | 0% | 78,000 miles |
| 2006 | 21 | 3% | 50,000 miles |
| 2005 | 7 | 1% | 80,000 miles |
| 2004 | 5 | 0% | 56,000 miles |
| 2003 | 13 | 1% | 50,000 miles |
| 2002 | 22 | 3% | 71,000 miles |
| 2001 | 8 | 1% | 70,000 miles |
| 2000 | 8 | 2% | 80,000 miles |
| 1999 | 7 | 1% | 100,000 miles |
| 1998 | 3 | 1% | — |
| 1997 | 4 | 1% | 62,000 miles |
| 1996 | 4 | 1% | — |
| 1995 | 3 | 1% | — |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (air conditioning, heater, defroster, HVAC controls).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The HVAC system in the truck failed. Air will not flow through the dash face vents or defrost vents. Brought to dealer for repair. Dealer said that one or two "mode door actuators need to be replaced" they said the dash board needed to be removed and it could cost several thousand dollars. Upon researching the problem I found there was a recall issued for the mode door actuators and to reprogram the control head software (k17). My truck had the software update in 2012. The dealer refused to replace the mode door actuators under recall because they said the software update was performed. I called Chrysler customer service and asked about the k17 recall. They said they will not cover the repair because I refused further diagnostics. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2010 Ram 1500. The contact stated that the defroster failed to defrost the windshield. There was no warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to haddad Dodge Ram (3000 harris rd, bakersfield, ca 93313, [phone]) where it was diagnosed that the HVAC system failed and needed to be repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not included in a recall. The failure mileage was 76,000.
The contact owns a 2009 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the MTC unit failed to function as intended. The contact stated that while the system was enabled, the system independently switched between the heating and cooling systems. In addition, the defrost system was deactivated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact referenced an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 158,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Dodge Ram 1500. While the vehicle was stationary, the heating system and the defroster stopped working. The contact stated that the windows would not defrost and the heating system blew cold air in the winter of 2015. A dealer was not contacted about the failures. In addition, while driving 75 MPH, the steering wheel began to vibrate violently. An independent mechanic replaced the front driver and passenger sides outer tie rods to correct the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failures. The contact stated that the vehicle was recalled per NHTSA campaign number: 09V158000 (equipment) prior to purchasing the vehicle in regards to the HVAC system failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that the air conditioning unit would jam when an attempt was made to switch the unit to or from defrost. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the blend door actuator and the unit needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact also referenced NHTSA campaign number: 09V158000 (visibility), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000. Updated 04/04/16
Truck was involved in pass side front crash, resulting in pass wheel separating from truck, since truck was repaired heater deflector does not work correctly to blow heat and or defrost correctly, ins wants proof it happened in accident. No inside of truck damaged dealer say can not prove. Deflector broke during collision with tree, was working before accident, maybe deployment of airbag caused there is a problem with deflectors now windows ae steaming up vision is impaired, and no heat on feet are, very dangerous situation.
Tl contact owns a 2005 Dodge Ram 1500 quadcab lwb. While driving 65 MPH in below zero temperatures, the pvc return system causes the vehicle to squirt oil into the engine. As a result, the defrost system becomes clogged and fails. The windows were unable to defrost and left oil residue on the windshield. The failure has caused severe eye burnings, stomach pains, and choking of the occupants. The manufacturer stated that there was no mechanical failure and no parts available. They were unable to determine and correct the failure. When the parts arrive, the repair will cost $400. The manufacturer also advised the contact to drive in temperatures above zero degrees. The failure and current mileages were 70,050.
Driving at approximately 35 MPH one of the defroster vents broke and fell into the ductwork. Later that day noticed the dash had cracked. As this problem has just started on my truck I have seen from other Dodge rams where this will progress and the dash will fall in, damaging wires and circuits. This is a potential fire hazard as well as possibly causing systems such as headlights, etc. To stop working when needed most. Dodge informed me that if they looked at the dash, and I decided not to pay to fix the dash, they would charge me $85 for their time. That is not acceptable on so many levels. Dodge should be forced to do something about this.
Frequently asked questions
Which Dodge Ram 1500 years have ac & heater problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2009 (23), 2002 (22), 2006 (21), 2003 (13) and 2000 (8) model years. AC & Heater complaints make up 3% of all complaints for the 2009.
Is there a recall for Dodge Ram 1500 ac & heater problems?
No. NHTSA lists no a/c & heater recall for any Dodge Ram 1500 model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Dodge Ram 1500 ac & heater problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 64,000 miles; 36% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the defroster/defogger/hvac system (75 mentions), followed by the appliance › air conditioner (39).
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.