AC & Heater complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (air conditioning, heater, defroster, HVAC controls).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The contact owns a 2008 Dodge Ram 2500. The contact stated while exiting out of the garage, the windshield defroster was activated and there was a loud clicking sound coming from the HVAC system. The contact stated that the HVAC system failed to switch over to the air vents. The contact inspected the vehicle and became aware that the defroster actuator was cracked inside in the vents causing the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 109,000.
The HVAC blend doors where they interface with the actuator motor are broken. The plastic was too thin for the strength of the motor and sheared off. My windshield frosted up very quickly with the humidity in the cabin.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Dodge Ram 2500. The contact stated that the air conditioner flap and the defroster failed. The contact stated that there was no cold or hot air blowing out of the vents. The contact was also unable to see out of the front windshield. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 115,607.
1)the ac / heater motor starting making a loud vibrating sound and very little air was coming from the vents. 2). The recirculation door which is located above the fan (in the duct) broke and fell on top of the blower fan. This door controls weather outside air is used or the air is recirculated throughout the vehicle. As a result the ac/heater and most importantly the defroster would not work. An internet search of this problem reveals many different Dodge years and models having the same problem. The part can be replaced by the dealership for a cost of approximately $700. The dash must be removed to replace the part. Most people (along with me) are removing the fan motor and simple removing the recirculation door altogether which is a cheap semi-fix. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Dodge Ram 2500 diesel. The contact stated that the air conditioner failed multiple times. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the A/C schrader valve had become sticky and was defective. The vehicle was not repaired however, years later the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer who then advised that the evaporator valve was leaking and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure who did not offer any assistance since the vehicle was not included in any recalls. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was 76,498 and the current mileage was 76,498. Updated 01/09/13 updated 1/11/2013
2005 Dodge 2500 power windows on the pass. Side front pass. Go down don't come up, driver side rear pass. Window sometimes works and sometimes doesn't from the drivers door switches, open the same door and the interior light doesn't come on, third brake light works sometimes, windshield wipers act as if you have them on the constant cycle when it is in the intermittent cycle, blend door does not change from floor to vent or defrost.
While driving in the early am with fog and humidity, the defroster stopped blowing warm air, as air was diverted though the dash vents and not the defroster vents. I had made sure the dial was turned all the way to the right (defrost) but air was still coming out dash vents. Had to pull over as dash was fogging up. No matter what vent is selected on the dial, air not continues to blow through dash vents. This is a safety issue.
Dt: the head blew on the engine at 7,000 miles. Prior to engine light come on. Took vehicle to Dodge, and mechanic determined that there was a bad plug. The vehicle is at dealer currently, and has been there for 30 days, it has had numerous problems. They have replaced oxygen sensors, the engine head twice , intake manifold, air conditioner, the defective window seals , and catalytic converter.
Frequently asked questions
Which Dodge Ram 2500 years have ac & heater problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2003 (19), 2006 (13), 1996 (7) and 2004 (5) model years. AC & Heater complaints make up 3% of all complaints for the 2003.
Is there a recall for Dodge Ram 2500 ac & heater problems?
No. NHTSA lists no a/c & heater recall for any Dodge Ram 2500 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 2500 ac & heater problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 70,000 miles; 30% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the defroster/defogger/hvac system (33 mentions), followed by the appliance › air conditioner (22).
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.