Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power windows, windshield, wipers, mirrors, sunroof).
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).
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. The contact stated that while driving during inclement weather with the air or heater activated during winter or during rain fall, the windshield became extremely foggy. The contact pulled over and manually cleaned the windshield in order to see out of the windshield. The contact stated that several unknown dealers were contacted and he was informed that the failure was due to the blend door in the HVAC system ceasing in place. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was concerned about the safety of himself and other vehicle operators. The manufacturer was contacted and informed of the failure. The approximate failure mileage 45,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Dodge Ram 3500. The contact stated that while driving at any speed during the winter months, the windshield defroster failed and decreased visibility. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The technician diagnosed that the heater flap failed. The failure mileage was approximately 23,000.
Erratic windshield wiper performance followed by complete failure of the wipers. Wipers stalled in the center of the windshield in a thunderstorm while towing a 24,000 lb trailer on interstate 65 with semi truck/trailers on 3 sides. This was the 2nd incident of wiper failure. The first failure occurred about 6 months earlier. After leaving the truck parked overnite, the wiper operation returned to normal. I took the truck to my local Dodge dealer after both occurrences. They could not find any problems with the wipers after the 1st occurrence while the truck was under warranty. After the 2nd occurrence I was told that the total integrated power module (TIPM)had failed and needed to be replaced and since the truck was now out of warranty that I would have to pay for the replacement. I have not yet replaced the TIPM. …
The flap that controls fresh air vs. Re-circulated air breaks and falls off. Even if replaced it quickly breaks again. Dodge charges $800 to fix this cheap plastic part only for it to quickly break again. I found the problem because of the numerous reports found on the web about Dodge ac low air flow. When broke, the flap falls on top of the fan motor and blocks air circulation. My children have bad allergies and I have no way of turning off the outside air because of the defective design in the flap. After it breaks it blocks the air flow of the fan motor. I have 3 co-workers with the same model vehicle. They have all since checked their fresh air/re-circulate air flaps and they were all broke. This obviously is a design flaw not being acknowledged by Dodge. …
Multiple occurrences of mode door/blend door/ recirculation door failure. Diverts air to floor and will not allow for defrosting/ de-icing of windshield. Winshield will accumulate ice and cause wipers to cease function or fog without ability to remove or without warning. Chrysler corporation has a "revised blend door" design that addresses this problem, however, retrofit is noty covered by recall and early replacements sis not utilized revised door design. Door for recirculation will fall off and obstruct fan motor. If fan motor is on, obstruction can cause fan overheat and possible electrical fire/ or melting of housing causing smoke and noxious fumes. Mode door failure prohibits use of defrost/ defog of windshiel and can happen without warning.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Dodge Ram 3500. The contact stated after purchasing the vehicle the windshield wipers did not work. The contact stated there are a lot of complaints on the internet regarding the windshield wipers for this year make and model. The contact called the manufacturer and they informed the contact they will not repair the vehicle because the vehicle was purchased under "as is" conditions. The contact stated the manufacturer should issue a recall for the windshield wipers because it's difficult to see in the rain and snow while driving. The contact also stated the lack of windshield wipers could lead to a crash in rainy conditions. The failure mileage was 104,000.
When using the turn indicator, either the opposite indicator comes on, or neither work. Also, the windshield wipers don't work properly. They seem to operate randomly (e.g., work at high speed with the switch in the off position, or don't work at all with the switch in any position). It appears to me that the multi-function switch is defective. This problem nearly caused an accident while I was driving at highway speeds (60 MPH)during a rainstorm and the wipers wouldn't operate. I had to drive to the side of the highway and shut off the ignition switch to resolve the problem. A less experienced driver May have had more severe consequences.
Dt*: the contact stated while driving 60mph, the rear window was rolled down which caused back pressure in the cab of the vehicle. When back pressure occurred the cab of the vehicle shook violently. This caused tremendous amount of ear pain to the back passengers. The vehicle was taken to the local dealership for inspection. The dealer determined the vehicle was manufactured and engineered this way and operates correctly. The contact installed air deflectors on all 4 windows; however that did not remedy the problem.
Several days ago my turn-signal, windshield wiper switch started malfunctioning at times. For example I would activate the signal switch for a left turn and the right turn indicator light would go on. Or, windshield wipers failed to work or did not perform the selected function. I consider this a safety hazard for obvious reasons and because this is the second switch I had in this truck. A year or so ago I had the switch replaced by Dodge for the same complaint and now it is happening again.
Related recalls
Visibility › Rearview mirrors/devices
Certain trucks fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 111, "rear view mirrors". The right outside rear view mirror glass has a curved (convex) mirror glass installed instead of flat glass. Curved glass creates a wider view, but displays images further away than they actually are.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the right outside convex mirror glass with a flat mirror glass free of charge. The recall began on October 10, 2006. Owners May contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Window & Wiper complaints in other Ram 3500 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are window & wiper problems on the 2006 Dodge Ram 3500?
NHTSA has 27 complaints about the windows, wipers & sunroof of the 2006 Dodge Ram 3500, 10% of the model year's 258 complaints. The component named most often is windshield wiper/washer (4 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2006 Dodge Ram 3500 window & wiper problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 06V-380 (rearview mirrors/devices, Oct 10, 2006). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2006 Dodge Ram 3500 window & wiper problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 54,000 miles, and 16% before 25,000 miles.
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.