Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2004 Dodge Ram 2500 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
In the past 6 months my steering and suspension components failed causing me to wreck and also somehow my engine bay deteriorated in turn having started a fire
On June 8, 2016, my vehicle /truck was dropped off at the indicated Dodge dealership for recall work. Due to an issue with ECU due to battery change, I requested a reflash of the ECU be performed in order for vehicle to pass smog. I subsequently received a telephone call from dealership stating vehicle was ready to be picked up. Upon taking possession of the truck I was advised by phil (service tech) that reflash was preformed and additional updates were programmed into the ECU. Prior to leaving location, I was advised there were no problems encountered during the ECU reflash. On June 11, 2016, I began driving the truck per in accordance with general motors "drive cycle" procedures. Approximately 10 minutes into driving vehicle, the heating element warning indicator light illuminated in the dash while the seat belt chime sounded simultaneously. …
I bought this truck brand new and never been abused but back on 4/03/2004 my truck gauges would flicker and go to zero and then go back all in a millisecond. This has happened since I have owned it. It keeps doing it to this day. You could be driving the truck at low speed and high speeds when it does it the germlin dash shake. It happens so fast that I can't get a picture of it. I have taken it to the dealer nurmious times and they said there's nothing wrong with it. But yet you look at all the Dodge forums and everyone that's owns a 2003 to 2005 Dodge Ram cummins 2500 or 3500 this has happened to them. What happens if the gauges cause the truck to shut down at a high rate of speed? I have looked over all the recalls and think a investagation should be done on this. I currently only have 106,000 miles on my 2004! Dodge Ram 2500. …
Right trailer light failed on a 2004 Dodge Ram 2500 with factory tow package while towing in 2007. This LED to being rear ended while towing with my truck. Initially assumed it was a problem with the trailer. Following a deployment when I tried to rent a trailer uhaul determined there was a problem with my truck and a repair shop in kansas determined the failure was resultant from the power distribution center part # 68005476aa (which is on national back order and has been for some time) in 2011. The failure is on going and as a result of the backorder for said part has not been resolved. Consequence is that I am unable to safely and legally tow with my Dodge Ram 2500 with a factory tow package. I have ordered the replacement part but have not received it.
On this model, as well as others within a close date range, the forward control module(fcm) shuts off the headlights if it recognizes any disruption in current or ground. This has happened to me about 4 times in the last year and causes a safety concern as the only thing I can do is turn on my brights, which in turn blinds other drivers. The module is located outboard of the fuse box, located above driver side wheel well in the engine compartment. Price is usually around $400 for part, then I have to take it to somebody to have it keyed to my computer for another $100-200. There is no variable as to when it happens, sometimes while in motion, sometimes while stationary.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Dodge Ram 2500. While operating the vehicle, both the high beam and low beam headlights would not illuminate. Also, the rear driver's side window would not operate due to damaged electrical wires located in the driver side door panel. The contact indicated that the wires became damaged by opening and closing the doors. In addition, while at a stop light, the vehicle momentarily experienced unintended acceleration. The cause of the failures was not diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The local dealer (jerry wood Dodge in salisbury, nc) and the manufacturer were notified of the failures. The failure mileage was 195,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Dodge Ram 2500. The contact stated that the vehicle was turned off, but the engine continued to run without the key in the ignition. The contact had to disconnect the battery cable to prevent the failure. In addition, the contact smelled fumes of burning wire. The vehicle was inspected by a mechanic who diagnosed that there was a short with the wiring and the control box associated with the fuses. The dealer stated that the part was on a national back order. The contact was unable to determine when the vehicle would be repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was not available.
While driving at night both headlights went out. Replaced bulbs headlights would not come back on. Was told that the front control module was bad. Replaced front control module with a new one. 13 months later now the horn will stop working a couple times a week a mouth very intermittent. Turn signals are intermittent also. Engine will not start all the time just cranks tell you cycle the key. Was told this is all related to another front control module going bad. New module is not under warranty anymore. I fill this is a safety issue . I have heard lots of complaints from other Dodge Ram owners about the same issues
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Dodge Ram 2500. The contact stated that the front driver's side door would not unlock for the driver to enter the vehicle. The electronic remote lock was not functioning. The contact attempted to manually open the door with the key, but the key failed to turn and unlock the door. In order to enter the vehicle, the driver had to enter through the rear door and climb over to reach the front driver's seat. The dealer and manufacturer had not been contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 160,000.
Driving at any time any conditions turning or strait roads the ect light comes on. When this happens you loose all control of the vehicle steering and brakes included. The rpms will jump up high then drop so low the truck will die or idle really rough. Rameys can't fix it local service stations can't fix I've almost wrecked several times bc of this I've had a new throttle body installed no fix 150$ then a new bell crank assembly 400$ still no fix I've searched and called everyone who might have an idea Dodge should look into this because it's not a rare thing from what I see online.
NHTSA investigations
Clutch Interlock Switch Malfunction
On December 16, 2104, Chrysler Group LLC submitted a Safety Recall Report to NHTSA describing a defect in the clutch ignition interlock switches in approximately 66,819 model year (MY) 2006 through early-2007 Dodge Ram Trucks, Dodge Dakota, and Mitsubishi Raider vehicles equipped with manual transmissions and built between July 1, 2005 and July 31, 2006 (NHTSA Recall No. 14V-795, Chrysler Recall No.
Electrical complaints in other Ram 2500 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 2004 Dodge Ram 2500?
NHTSA has 47 complaints about the electrical system of the 2004 Dodge Ram 2500, 8% of the model year's 582 complaints. The component named most often is horn (4 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2004 Dodge Ram 2500 electrical problems?
No. NHTSA lists no electrical system recall for the 2004 Dodge Ram 2500, though it has 6 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 2004 Dodge Ram 2500 electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 84,000 miles, and 14% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 3 fires and 0 injuries to electrical system 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.