Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2004 Dodge Ram 2500
The 2004 Dodge RAM 2500 faces notable issues in steering and power train, reflected by multiple recalls and owner complaints, especially regarding tie rod assembly failures and transmission problems. Keep in mind that reports of other problems are fewer, suggesting limited data in those areas. Potential buyers should be prepared to thoroughly inspect and test drive the vehicle to confirm condition.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2004 Dodge Ram 2500 has 9 NHTSA recall campaigns and 582 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #14V770000 Passenger Air Bag Inflator May Rupture NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #13V528000 Failure of the Left Tie Rod Assembly NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #11V350000 OUTER TIE ROD FAILURE NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #10E013000 AFTERMARKET REPLACEMENT PITMAN ARMS NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #07E104000 CURVED TEMPERED AUTOMOTIVE REPLACEMENT GLASS NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #07E009000 REPLACEMENT PITMAN ARM FAILURE NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #05V462000 UNINTENDED VEHICLE MOVEMENT NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #04V221000 DAIMLERCHRYSLER/FMSS 120/CERTIFICATION LABEL NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #03V503000 DAIMLERCHRYSLER/TRANSMISSION FASTENERS NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Steering 140 complaints
- Power Train 110 complaints
- Suspension 106 complaints
- Air Bags 90 complaints
- Electrical System 47 complaints
- Structure 35 complaints
Of the 582 complaints on file, 49 report a crash and 7 a fire; across all 582 complaints, owners report 14 injuries and 4 deaths (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Tie rod assembly failure
How to check: Inspect the left tie rod assembly for signs of breakage.
Pitman arm fracture
How to check: Check for fractures around the pitman arm area.
Suspension component cracks
How to check: Look for cracks on suspension components, especially pitman arms.
Transmission linkage issues
How to check: Test shift column for proper function.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Listen for unusual engine noises on startup.
Red flag: Loud knocking or ticking sounds
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Check for check engine or warning lights.
Red flag: Illuminated engine warning lights
- 03
Parking lot maneuvers
What to check: Test steering responsiveness and feel.
Red flag: Unresponsive or hard steering
- 04
City driving
What to check: Monitor transmission shifts for smoothness.
Red flag: Harsh or delayed shifting
- 05
Highway acceleration
What to check: Listen for transmission slipping or noise.
Red flag: Slipping or grinding noises
- 06
Hard braking
What to check: Evaluate pedal feel and stopping force.
Red flag: Spongy pedal or reduced braking power
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the tie rod assembly been replaced?
- Are there any unresolved recalls?
- Have you experienced any steering issues?
- Has the transmission been serviced recently?
- Any suspension upgrades or repairs?
- Are there any airbag deployment events?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Service history records
- Recall repair receipts
- Title and registration
- Vehicle inspection report
- Accident history report
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2004 Dodge Ram 2500 at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
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