Most common 2006 Dodge Ram problems
Share of the 25 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Dodge Ram complaints by model year
Best Ram years: 2011, 2009, 2007. Years to avoid: 1996, 1998, 2001, 1997, 1999. Compare all years →
What 2006 Dodge Ram owners say
Electrical system
The contact owns a 2006 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that after the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V352000 (Air Bags), the airbag warning light remained illuminated after starting the vehicle. Additionally, the contact stated that whenever the airbag light was illuminated, there were other electrical failures with the vehicle. The contact stated that the A/C and the heater would become inoperable. The contact drove the vehicle to a local dealer who diagnosed and determined that there was an electrical short underneath the driver's side airbag sensor wiring harness. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 180,000.
Tl contact owns a 2006 Dodge Ram. While sitting in the vehicle, the contact noticed smoke and flames in the electrical harness that hangs behind the plates, where the trailer lights are hooked. He believed that a short circuit occurred. The contact doused the flames with water and took the vehicle to a repair shop. A mechanic cut off the harness wire and stated that the wires were touching other wires in the harness, which is how the fire started. There were no recalls for this vehicle. Chrysler kept transferring the contact to people within Chrysler, asking questions, and giving him the run around. Initially, the contact spoke with the assistant manager at one of the dealers and was provided with the number to Chrysler. The contact stated that he was never informed to bring his vehicle to a dealer. The failure and current mileages were 5,300. Updated 7/23/09 updated 07/30/09.
Steering
The contact owns a 2006 Dodge Ram. The contact stated that the vehicle was hauling a trailer while driving at 65 mph when a loud bang was heard and the steering wheel went in circles, which led the vehicle from the center lane into the median and hit the guard rail. The rear driver's side corner of the vehicle was damaged and the front driver and front passenger side of the trailer were damaged from the collision. The contact and passenger did not sustain injuries and medical attention was not received. A police report was filed. The vehicle and trailer were towed to the contact's residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The contact stated that this was a recurring failure after the tie rod assembly and steering linkage were replaced in October 2020 by an independent mechanic. …
The left tie rod end dropped off my vehicle while backing into my driveway. There have been recalls issued on similar trucks. Dodge offers no help on my vehicle because recalls are VIN specific. To repair the cost was $1062. If Dodge hadn't redesigned the parts, my cost would have been $0 due to the 3 year/36,000 mile "bumper to bumper" warranty we purchased with the truck. (it was a used truck when we purchased it.) why haven't all of these trucks been recalled for this issue? I suppose the fact that there have been no deaths or major property damage will be the reason. This is a major hit to me and my family. We need the truck. We need the $1000 it cost to repair. Dodge says the only way they can help me is if the NHTSA expands the recall. I know that won't happen but would you please think about me and my family's dilemma the next time you issue a non-life threatening recall. …
Speed control & acceleration
While accelerating to pass another vehicle, the cruise control locked into accelerate mode and could not be disengaged. Strong braking was necessary for several miles and even so the vehicle could not be held below 85 MPH. I pulled off into a weigh station and could not decelerate rapidly enough and had to put the transmission in neutral. The transmission would not disengage and the vehicle went into a spin on the pavement. Was able to shut down the engine, which apparently rebooted the computer controlling the cruise control and I was able to continue on.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Dodge Ram. The contact stated that the accelerator pedal would become stuck when depressed. The failure recurred twice. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer and the manufacturer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 36,470 and the current mileage was 36,545.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2006 Dodge Ram a good car?
Based on 25 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2006 Ram rates better than average: 85% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Ram at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2006 Dodge Ram?
The electrical system — 6 complaints, 24% of all complaints for this model year, most often about wiring. Next are the steering (4) and speed control & acceleration (3).
How many recalls does the 2006 Dodge Ram have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2006 Dodge Ram. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Dodge Ram?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2011, 2009 and 2007. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 1996, 1998, 2001, 1997 and 1999. See the full Dodge Ram years comparison.
At what mileage do 2006 Dodge Ram problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 36,000 miles; 62% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 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.