The 2006 Ram 1500 is a workhorse truck with bulletproof potential if you get the right engine, but the 5.7 Hemi and transmission cooling systems are major landmines that can turn a $8,000 truck into a $15,000 mistake in a hurry.
5.7L Hemi Multi-Displacement System (MDS) Lifter and Camshaft Failure
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 80,000-150,000 mi
Symptoms: Check engine light with P0300-series misfire codes, Loud ticking or tapping from engine at idle, Dead miss on one or more cylinders, Metal shavings in oil on drain
Fix: MDS lifters collapse due to oil starvation design flaw, often taking out camshaft lobes. Requires heads-off teardown, lifter replacement, cam inspection/replacement, and sometimes full long block if bearing damage occurred. 18-24 labor hours for proper job.
Estimated cost: $3,500-6,500
Transmission Oil Cooler Line Failure and Contamination
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 60,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: Pink milkshake in coolant reservoir, Transmission slipping or delayed engagement, Overheating transmission, Sweet smell from exhaust or coolant loss
Fix: Factory cooler inside radiator fails, mixing coolant and ATF. Requires radiator replacement, complete transmission flush, often torque converter replacement, and sometimes full transmission rebuild if contamination circulated. 12-16 hours if trans survives, 20-28 if rebuild needed.
Estimated cost: $2,000-5,500
TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module) Failure
Occasional · high severity
Symptoms: Intermittent no-start conditions, Fuel pump not priming, Wipers or lights operating on their own, Multiple electrical gremlins with no pattern, Security light flashing
Fix: Internal relays in the TIPM fail due to corrosion or overheating. Dealer programming required after replacement. Some independent shops can repair individual relays for less. 2-3 hours labor plus programming.
Estimated cost: $800-1,400
Front Differential Pinion Bearing and Seal Failure
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 90,000-140,000 mi
Symptoms: Whining or howling noise from front end during acceleration, Gear oil dripping from front differential, Vibration at highway speeds
Fix: Pinion bearing wears prematurely, especially on 4x4 models. Requires differential teardown, bearing/seal replacement, sometimes gear replacement if run too long. 5-7 hours labor.
Estimated cost: $900-1,800
Ball Joint Failure (Especially Upper)
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 70,000-110,000 mi
Symptoms: Clunking over bumps from front end, Wandering or loose steering feel, Uneven tire wear on inside edge, Visible play when prying on tire
Fix: Upper ball joints wear out faster than lowers on this generation. Failure can separate, causing wheel to fold under. Replace in pairs with alignment. 3-4 hours labor per side.
Estimated cost: $600-1,200
Dashboard Cracking
Common · low severity
Symptoms: Cracks starting at defroster vents, Splits across passenger side dash, Warping visible in sunlight
Fix: Design and material flaw causes dash to crack in sunbelt states especially. Only fix is dash replacement or cover. 4-6 hours labor if replacing.
Estimated cost: $800-1,500
Exhaust Manifold Bolt Failure (5.7L Hemi)
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: Loud ticking from engine bay that increases with RPM, Exhaust smell in cabin, Visible soot streaks on manifold
Fix: Manifold bolts break due to heat cycling, causing exhaust leaks. Broken bolts often require drilling/extraction. 4-6 hours labor per side depending on bolt condition.
Estimated cost: $500-1,200
Steering Gear Box Sector Shaft Wear
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 100,000-160,000 mi
Symptoms: Play in steering wheel at center position, Wandering on highway, Clunk when changing direction, Steering fluid leak at sector shaft seal
Fix: Sector shaft wears internally causing slop. Adjustment may help temporarily but usually needs gear box replacement or rebuild. Subject of NHTSA recall for some VINs. 3-4 hours labor.
Estimated cost: $600-1,100
Owner tips
If buying a 5.7 Hemi, insist on oil analysis history and listen for ANY ticking—walk away if present
Check coolant reservoir for any pink tint immediately; install external trans cooler as preventive measure
Verify TIPM recall completion and watch for any intermittent electrical issues during test drive
Inspect ball joints and steering linkage carefully—this truck gets heavy use and abuse
3.7L V6 and 4.7L V8 are far more reliable than Hemi but underpowered for heavy towing
Avoid trucks with lift kits unless front driveline and ball joints have been recently replaced
Buy a 4.7L V8 or low-mileage 3.7L with service records and external trans cooler—skip any Hemi unless you have a $5K repair fund or can verify religious oil change history with quality synthetic.
AI-assisted summary drawn from NHTSA recall data, our labor-times database, and platform knowledge. Not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on a specific vehicle.
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Control Modules — 2006 Dodge Ram 1500
Every control module on the 2002-2008 Dodge Ram 1500 — where it lives, replacement time, and what it takes to program a replacement. Modules marked dealer / factory tool won't work after a part swap alone — budget for programming.
Body Control Module (BCM)1.5 hr R&Rdealer / factory tool +0.5 hr▸ programming details
Aftermarket tool coverage varies by software version and vehicle build — treat "aftermarket tool" rows as "usually possible" and verify against your tool maker's coverage list before promising a customer. Spot a wrong location or hour? Tell us — corrections ship fast here.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE · 16V352000
2016-05-24 · EA15001
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) expanded the affected population to include 73,712 2005-2009 RAM 2500 trucks produced at the St. Louis North Assembly Plant. With this change, Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2004-2008 RAM 1500, 2005-2009 RAM 2500, 2006-2009 RAM 3500, 2007-2010 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2008-2010 RAM 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis, 2004-2009 Dodge Durango, 2007-2009 Chrysler Aspen, 2007-2012 Jeep Wrangler, 2008-2012 Dodge Challenger, 2005-2008 Dodge Magnum, 2005-2012 Chrysler 300, 2006-2012 Dodge Charger, 2005-2011 Dodge Dakota, and 2006-2009 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in AL, CA, FL, GA, HI, LA, MS, SC, TX, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A."
Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, Chrysler is also recalling 2004-2008 RAM 1500, 2005-2009 RAM 2500, 2006-2009 RAM 3500, 2007-2009 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2008-2009 RAM 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis, 2004-2009 Dodge Durango, 2007-2009 Chrysler Aspen, 2007-2009 Jeep Wrangler, 2008-2009 Dodge Challenger, 2005-2008 Dodge Magnum, 2005-2009 Chrysler 300, 2006-2009 Dodge Charger, 2005-2009 Dodge Dakota and 2006-2009 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in AZ, AR, DE, Washington D.C., IL, IN, KS, KY, MD, MO, NE, NV, NJ, NM, NC, OH, OK, PA, TN, VA, and WV, or "Zone B."
Lastly, unless included in "Zone A" or "Zone B" above, Chrysler is recalling certain 2005-2008 RAM 2500, 2006-2008 RAM 3500, 2007-2008 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2008 RAM 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis, 2004-2008 Dodge Durango, 2007-2008 Chrysler Aspen, 2007-2008 Jeep Wrangler, 2008 Dodge Challenger, 2005-2008 Dodge Magnum, 2005-2008 Chrysler 300, 2006-2008 Dodge Charger, 2005-2008 Dodge Dakota, and 2006-2008 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles originally sold, or registered, in AK, CO, CT, ID, IA, ME, MA, MI, MN, MT, NH, NY, ND, OR, RI, SD, UT, VT, WA, WI, and WY.
Consequence: These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. These inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. Chrysler will notify the Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and RAM owners. Mitsubishi owners will be notified by their company. Dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on March 27, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S43. Note: This recall supersedes recall 14V-7700.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE · 15V313000
2015-05-27 · EA15001
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2005-2009 Dodge Ram 2500, 2004-2008 Dodge Ram 1500 and Durango, 2006-2009 Dodge Ram 3500, 2008-2010 Dodge Ram 4500 and 5500, 2007-2008 Chrysler Aspen, 2005-2010 Chrysler 300, 300C, 300S, and SRT8, 2006-2010 Dodge Charger, 2005-2008 Magnum, 2005-2011 Dodge Dakota, and 2006-2009 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with a dual-stage driver frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture.
Consequence: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. Chrysler will notify the affected Chrysler and Dodge owners and Mitsubishi will notify the affected Raider owners. Dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began for Chrylser on June 8, 2015. The recall for Mitsubishi started on June 24, 2015. Chrysler and Dodge owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Mitsubishi owners may call 1-888-648-7820. Chrysler's number for this recall is R25. Note: This recall supersedes recall 14V817 in its entirety. Vehicles that have had their driver side frontal air bag replaced previously need to have their air bag replaced under this recall as well.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH · 14V795000
2014-12-16 · PE14013
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.
Consequence: Broken springs can result in a no-start condition, or cause unintended movement when the ignition is cranked, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
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. Chrysler's number for this recall is P80.
STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY · 13V528000
2013-11-06
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2003-2008 Dodge RAM 2500 4x4 and 3500 4x4, model year 2007-2008 Dodge RAM 3500 4x2 Cab Chassis and model year 2006-2008 Dodge RAM 1500 Mega Cab 4x4 trucks manufactured February 12, 2002, through February 13, 2008. The left tie rod assembly may break.
Consequence: A failure of the tie rod assembly may result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler notified owners and launched its recall campaign in January 2014. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N62.
WHEELS:HUB · 10E040000
2010-08-23
FEDERAL-MOGUL IS RECALLING CERTAIN CARQUEST, NATIONAL, AND PERCISION BRAND WHEEL HUB ASSEMBLIES, P/NOS 515073 AND 515073, SOLD FOR USE AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT ON MODEL YEAR 2002 THROUGH 2008 DODGE RAM 1500 PICKUP TRUCKS. THE INBOARD ROLL FORM USED TO MAINTAIN THE HUB ASSEMBLY CAN FATIGUE RESULTING IN NOISE AND/OR WHEEL SEPARATION ON THE TWO WHEEL DRIVE (2WD) APPLICATIONS. THE RISK OF THESE ISSUES DO NOT OCCUR ON THE FOUR WHEEL DRIVE (4WD) APPLICATIONS, AND INSTALLATION ON THE 4WD APPLICATIONS ARE NOT PART OF THIS RECALL.
Consequence: A VEHICLE CRASH CAN OCCUR IF THE WHEEL SEPARATES FROM THE VEHICLE.
Remedy: FEDERAL-MOGUL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS OF RECORD AND TECHNICIANS WILL REPLACE THE AFFECTED HUB ASSEMBLIES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 15, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FEDERAL-MOGUL AT 1-877-489-6659.
STEERING:GEAR BOX:SHAFT PITMAN · 10E013000
2010-05-03
FABTECH IS RECALLING CERTAIN AFTERMARKET REPLACEMENT PITMAN ARMS, P/NOS. FTS93001 AND FT44039, INSTALLED FOR USE ON CERTAIN 2003 THROUGH 2008 DODGE 2500 4WD, 3500 4WD, AND 1500 4WD MEGA CAB VEHICLES. THE PITMAN ARM CAN FRACTURE AND BREAK AWAY FROM THE STEERING BOX CAUSING TOTAL LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL.
Consequence: STEERING LOSS COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH POSSIBLY RESULTING IN PROPERTY DAMAGE, INJURY OR DEATH.
Remedy: FABTECH WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND AUTHORIZED INSTALLERS WILL INSPECT FOR DEFECTIVE PITMAN ARM AND REPLACE IF NECESSARY FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 24, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FABTECH AT 1-877-432-2832.
VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR · 07E104000
2007-12-11
CERTAIN CURVED TEMPERED REPLACEMENT GLASS MANUFACTURED BY HANGZHOU SAFETY GLASS LTD AND SUPPLIED TO SAFELITE BY AUTO TEMP INC., IDENTIFIED AS DOT-430, AND SOLD FOR USE ON CERTAIN DOMESTIC AND FOREIGN VEHICLES MAY NOT BREAK INTO SMALL PIECES AS EXPECTED OF TEMPERED GLASS AND FAILS TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 205, "GLAZING MATERIALS."
Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE OCCUPANT(S) MAY BE SERIOUSLY INJURED BY SHATTERED GLASS.
Remedy: SAFELITE WILL NOTIFY ITS RETAIL CUSTOMERS AND REPLACE THE GLASS FREE OF CHARGE. RETAIL CUSTOMERS CAN CONTACT SAFELITE TOLL FREE AT 1-888-843-2906. SAFELITE WILL NOTIFY ITS WHOLESALE CUSTOMERS AND REIMBURSE WHOLESALE CUSTOMERS FOR CURRENT INVENTORY AND AT A SPECIFIED RATE FOR REPLACING THEIR CUSTOMER'S GLASS. WHOLESALE CUSTOMERS CAN CONTACT SAFELITE'S WHOLESALE DIVISION, SERVICE AUTOGLASS TOLL FREE AT 1-888-246-6298. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 15, 2008.
SUSPENSION:FRONT:WHEEL BEARING · 07V038000
2007-02-12
ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS, THE FRONT WHEEL BEARING MAY HAVE RECEIVED AN INSUFFICIENT QUANTITY OF GREASE DURING THE MANUFACTURING PROCESS.
Consequence: THIS COULD RESULT IN BEARING DEGRADATION, AND IF SUBSEQUENT NOISE AND VIBRATION ARE IGNORED, COULD RESULT IN HUB ASSEMBLY SEPARATION. THIS MAY RESULT IN A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL AND CAUSE A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FRONT HUB AND BEARING UNITS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 26, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL · 06V353000
2006-09-14
ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 208, 'OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION. THE PASSENGER AIR BAG MAY DEPLOY WITH EXCESSIVE FORCE WHEN CERTAIN MODEL REAR FACING CHILD SEATS ARE INSTALLED IN THE RIGHT FRONT PASSENGER SEAT POSITION.
Consequence: THIS CAN INCREASE THE RISK OF INJURY TO A CHILD SEAT OCCUPANT DURING CERTAIN CRASH CONDITIONS.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE PASSENGER AIR BAG CUSHION AND REPROGRAM THE OCCUPANT RESTRAINT CONTROLLER. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 20, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
SEAT BELTS:FRONT · 06V354000
2006-09-14
CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 208, "OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION." THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT BELT MAY NOT BE ABLE TO TIGHTEN SECURELY ON CERTAIN MODEL CHILD SEATS.
Consequence: THIS CAN INCREASE THE RISK OF INJURY TO A CHILD SEAT OCCUPANT IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT BELT. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 20, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE · 06V038000
2006-02-09
ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH FOUR-WHEEL ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEMS (ABS), THE ABS ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT (ECU) MAY CAUSE A LOSS OF FRONT TO REAR BRAKE BALANCE, AND THE REAR BRAKES COULD LOCK UP PREMATURELY DURING CERTAIN BRAKING CONDITIONS.
Consequence: THIS COULD RESULT IN A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL AND CAUSE A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ABS ECU. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING THE WEEK OF JULY 17, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
POWER TRAIN:TRANSFER CASE (4-WHEEL DRIVE) · 05V461000
2005-10-06
ON CERTAIN 4-WHEEL DRIVE PICKUP TRUCKS, THE TOTALLY INTEGRATED POWER MODULE (TIPM) MAY CONTAIN INCORRECT TRANSFER CASE CALIBRATION SET POINTS, POTENTIALLY RESULTING IN INADVERTENT TRANSFER CASE DEFAULT TO NEUTRAL.
Consequence: IF THIS OCCURS AND THE PARKING BRAKE IS NOT APPLIED, THE VEHICLE MAY ROLL AWAY AND CAUSE A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE TIPM WITH NEW SOFTWARE THAT PREVENTS THE POTENTIAL FOR THIS CONDITION. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 7, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
Vehicle Info — 2006 Dodge Ram 1500
Performance
Horsepower
235hp
Torque
295lb-ft
0–60 mph
8.9sec
Quarter mile
16.8sec
Top speed
105mph
Fuel economy (EPA)
City
13mpg
Highway
17mpg
Combined
14mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
Capability & size
Towing capacity
7,800lb
Payload
1,750lb
Curb weight
5,100lb
Seating
6seats
EPA class
Standard Pickup Trucks 2WD
Wiper blades
2002-2008 DR/DH generation (3rd gen). Most common configuration is 22/22 across all cab styles.
Size-standard part numbers — verify your connector type before buying. Rear blades are model-specific; check the package's vehicle list.
Fuel economy figures are EPA data via fueleconomy.gov (median across matching trims). Performance figures are compiled estimates for the 2006 Dodge Ram 1500 4.7L V8 and can vary by trim.
🔧 Built by master technician Chris Hackleman · Master Technician · 20+ years.