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 2006 Dodge Ram 3500 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2006 Dodge RAM 3500. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 107,460; however, a Carfax report listed the mileage as 177,000.
On the night of apr 16, 2019 it same like everyday I went home from work back up my truck in the driveway turn off and got in the house forgot my ipad went back out and get it ,back in the house went to take the shower and then five minutes later the truck burn down, the fire truck came they put out the fire, and I got the report said engine area, running gear, wheel area.
As I was driving down the road to work I turned on the blinker and a bell went off, then the windshield wiper started spraying fluid on the windows and the wipers would not work. I was 2 blocks from my office and pulled in and turned the engine off. When I exited the vehicle a smelled what smelled like electrical fire. I opened the hood and noticed smoke coming from the fuse box. I went into my office and was getting ready to call for a tow truck when I heard the trucks horn started honking, I ran outside and the vehicles lights were flashing on and off and the truck was starting running and then turning off all on its own with out a key in the ignition. The smoke was really pouring out and the started kept trying to start. I disconnected the batteries and removed the fuse box. This is a serious safety issue and I have read numerous blogs regarding this problem this morning. …
Every time I took it to the dealer, they said there was nothing they could do about the problem. The whole front end felt like it was loose. I could hardly keep it on the road. The dealer test drove it the several times I took it there, but they never fixed anything. I tried to fix it myself because it was a hazard. Finally we got a recall on this exact problem, after I called Chrysler for some help, which they told me they would get in touch with the dealer, but the dealer told me they never got any notice. I have a lot of receipts of all the parts I bought trying to fix the problem. But it still isn't right. I have had this truck for 10 years and love it, but am really getting tired of fixing it. Also the computer has never shifted the transmission correctly, but again the dealer could not find any problem. …
Wiper blade electronics will stop intermittently causing loss of visibility especially in severe weather conditions. This has happened numerous times despite use of appropriate de-icer winter formula wiper fluid, replacement of the wiper motor, and multi-function switch assembly. The problem appears to be overload of the circuit when there is mild to moderate amount of ice on the windshield or when the steering wheel is readjusted downward causing the wiring harness to come loose. This has almost caused major accidents at least 2 and maybe even 3 times due to this issue. The problem occurred when driving straight at slow speed of about 20 MPH due to severe weather and I was forced to stop when the wipers would stop working.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Dodge Ram 3500. While driving at 55 MPH, the contact heard a noise and the vehicle veered to the right. In addition, the steering wheel seized. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the fan belt and other multiple parts needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The VIN was included in NHTSA campaign numbers: 13V528000 (steering), 14V795000 (electrical system), and 14V817000 (air bags); however, the parts needed to repair the vehicle were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 160,000.
Steering wheel not center dealer wont fixed ask three times also turn signals the right comes on when you turn on the left one they fixed after fighting with them the wipers stop some times and then go slow then fast then stop the TIPM is bad it runs all the electrical on truck had lots of concerns that it will stall because some time the head lights go bright then dim then bright the trailer light some time come on both then one goes out had trailer check out they said was the truck I drive in daylight hours if I can just had TIPM replaced at dealer had to fight with them it cost me 1500.00 dollars they said their no recall it a safety thing I just think they should pay not me.
While driving I heard a popping sound followed by smoke, burning plastic electrical fire smell, pulled over and found the orange wire next to the 100 pin power distribution block under the dashboard smoking. Upon further investigation I found that the harness rests against the metal emergency brake cable holder and had chaffed through, as well as the blue wire next to it. This orange wire is a constant hot and had began to ground itself out on the bracket. I had electrical tape with me and I have taped it up as a temporary fix to keep the truck from catching fire.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Dodge Ram 3500. The contact stated that when the ignition key was turned to the on position, the vehicle failed to operate intermittently. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the injector needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure and the VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 14V795000 (electrical system). The failure mileage was 167,000.
Faulty total integrated power module creates a situation where the vehicle can change from 2wd to 4wd at anytime. A situation like this can create a hazard while driving at any significant speed. For example, trying to take a turn while the driver expects to be in 2wd but the vehicle is in 4wd will cause the vehicle to take wider turns than normal. This May lead to the vehicle entering into the path of entering oncoming traffic causing a head on collision.
Related recalls
Electrical system › Ignition › Switch
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2006-2007 Dodge Ram 1500, 2500, 3500, Dakota, and 2006 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles manufactured July 1, 2005, to July 31, 2006 with manual transmissions. The return springs in the clutch ignition interlock switch may break.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the clutch ignition interlock switch, free of charge. The recall began on March 27, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403.
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 3500 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 2006 Dodge Ram 3500?
NHTSA has 53 complaints about the electrical system of the 2006 Dodge Ram 3500, 21% of the model year's 258 complaints. The component named most often is ignition › module (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2006 Dodge Ram 3500 electrical problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 14V-795 (switch, Dec 16, 2014). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2006 Dodge Ram 3500 electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 80,000 miles, and 11% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 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.