Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (wheels, lug nuts, original-equipment tires, TPMS).
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).
On August 29, 2016 I was driving my 2004 Dodge truck on a highway when my front driver side tire suffered a complete tread separation. It seemed to just explode. There were no injuries, but a damage report was filled out by the highway patrol. This was a Michelin ltx a/t2 tire with about 40,000 miles on it. The tires are 5 years old.these tires are warrantied for 60,000 miles or 6 years. After 20,000 miles I had one of the tires replaced because it looked like it might separate, but the others seemed alright at that time. I have probably $2000 or more worth of damage to my truck. It knocked the headlight out, ripped off the running board, tore out the inner fender, bent the fender and put a dent in the bottom of my door. I have always bought Michelin, but will never use them again.
I was driving at about 65mph and suddenly the truck and steering began vibrating and shaking violently until I pulled over and stopped. It felt like all four tires had blown out. I called my local Dodge dealer service department and they told me the problem was most likely the "death wobble". I had never heard this and he also said to change the steering dampener, which I did. This violent vibration has happened again on two other occasions since the stablizer shock was replaced. I will not drive on the highway any longer with my truck due to this serious safety/sterring/suspension issue that very easily could cause serious bodily harm/death due to possible accident.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Dodge Ram 2500 equipped with capitol precision trac ii tires, size: 265/70517 (na). While driving 60 MPH, the vehicle began to wobble. The contact pulled over to inspect the vehicle and noticed that the front passenger tire failed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was confirmed that the tire tread separated. The tire was replaced. The tires were replacement tires. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The VIN was not available. The approximate vehicle failure mileage was 197,000 and the tire failure mileage was 50,000.
The left tie rod broke driving down the road causing a hole in my rim, dents in the fender and bumper and damage to the left braking system. I had the vehicle towed to the dealer after learning about this recall, the dealer fixed the broken tie rod but Dodge will not cover any damage left on my truck. It needs a new rim and Dodge stated that they will now be paying for my rim to get fixed, which was fine before this incident. [redacted]
I had a blow out while driving at 70 MPH on interstate 95 in virginia. I was on vacation, the tire has a 70K mile warranty and I had 44K miles on the tire. The tire blew out no warning, it sounded like a bomb had exploded. The tire blow out, knocked out my front right passenger side headlight completely, knocked the front bumper a loose from the right side fender, dented the right side fender and passenger door. Thank god I didn't lose control of the vehicle nor was another car traveling beside me.
Driving home I hit a pot hole at 65 miles an hour when the trucks front end started shaking violently. I had to slow down to about 35 miles an hour to get control. Its been a regular occurrence ever since. I have taken it to the dealership and they say nothing is wrong. I have researched and spent over $1000.00 on parts. Apparently it is a common problem with Dodge known as the "death wobble" that Dodge fails to acknowledge or take responsibility for.
I was on my way to see my doctor in waltham ,ma. And I travel the ma.turnpike at 67mph, and every bridge span or bump in the road surface the truck started to shake uncontrollably until I went to the brake down lane and brought the truck to a dead stop. In the 166 miles from my home to the doctor office and back home again I had to stop this truck 15 times. When I brought it to the dealership I had to pay $1,699.31for the damage that was cause by a defective part that no one want to replace under what should be a recall. Chrysler says that because of the year and mileage of the vehicle that it was my problem even though they have redesigned the part that cause this problem in the first place. And even after I pay the first repair bill the truck still had the same problem until the mechanic tighten the bolts on the part. The truck is still handling the same as before it was fix. …
I pulled off of the freeway and coasted into the mall parking lot where I heard a loud clunk. Tried to stop the truck with the brakes and they went to the floor. Coasting to a full stop moments later I placed the vehicle in park. Brake fluid was all over the front left tire. Called the tow truck. As he hooked the truck up he reached down and picked up my calaper from behind the front left wheel. Towed the truck to Dodge dealership. Everyone said they had never heard much less seen a calaper fall right off the brake like that. I'm lucky that my 1, 2 and 3 year old are OK. If that had fallin off completely while on the free-way in rush hour traffic it would have not been good for anyone involved.
Tl contact owns a 2004 Dodge Ram 2500 quad st/slt. The contact stated that the front end of the vehicle shakes violently while driving approximately 70 MPH. He took the vehicle to the dealer and they replaced the front stabilizer rod at the cost of $1,000. The failure recurred and the vehicle was taken back to the dealer. The dealer stated that the tires needed to be replaced. The failure mileage was 109,500 and current mileage was 109,900. Updated 10/06/09. The consumer stated the tires were worn out on the outside only. Even when the vehicle had an alignment and the tires rotated the problem still remained the same. The fuel pump module was replaced. Updated 10/09/09.
Tl contact owns a 2004 Dodge Ram 2500. While driving 35 MPH, the contact heard a noise coming from the front driver side of the vehicle. The contact took the vehicle apart and stated that the cause of the failure was the front driver side wheel hub. Approximately one month later, the noise recurred when the vehicle came to a stop. The contact removed the front passenger side wheel and found that the universal joint failed. The failure mileage was 85,000 and current mileage was 91,000.
Wheel & Tire complaints in other Ram 2500 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are wheel & tire problems on the 2004 Dodge Ram 2500?
NHTSA has 21 complaints about the wheels & tires of the 2004 Dodge Ram 2500, 4% of the model year's 582 complaints. The component named most often is hub (2 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2004 Dodge Ram 2500 wheel & tire problems?
No. NHTSA lists no wheels & tires 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 wheel & tire problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 99,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 injuries to wheels & tires 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.