Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2007 Dodge Ram 2500
The 2007 Dodge RAM 2500 exhibits various issues, most notably in steering and suspension components, as highlighted by recalls and owner complaints. Limited data points to issues in other areas but vigilance during inspection is worthwhile.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2007 Dodge Ram 2500 has 11 NHTSA recall campaigns and 361 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #16V352000 Do Not Drive - Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Rupture NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #15V313000 Do Not Drive - Driver Side Frontal Air Bag May Rupture NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #14V795000 Clutch Ignition Interlock Switch 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 #08V641000 ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #07E104000 CURVED TEMPERED AUTOMOTIVE REPLACEMENT GLASS NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #07V247000 FUEL TANK/FMVSS 301 NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #07V093000 TIRE INFLATION PRESSURE LABELS/FMVSS 120 NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #07E009000 REPLACEMENT PITMAN ARM FAILURE NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Steering 200 complaints
- Suspension 93 complaints
- Air Bags 46 complaints
- Electrical System 24 complaints
- Engine and Engine Cooling 20 complaints
- Power Train 17 complaints
Of the 361 complaints on file, 20 report a crash and 9 a fire; across all 361 complaints, owners report 8 injuries and 2 deaths (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Tie rod assembly failure
How to check: Examine tie rods for excessive play or damage during a test drive.
Pitman arm cracks
How to check: Inspect pitman arm at front suspension for visible cracks.
Diesel engine silencer pad sag
How to check: Look for a sagging pad near the exhaust gas recirculation cooler.
Ignition switch springs breaking
How to check: Test the ignition for smooth operation, especially with manual transmission.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Listen for unusual noises during startup.
Red flag: Knocking or ticking sounds.
- 02
Idle
What to check: Check for stable idle without shaking.
Red flag: Unsteady, rough idle.
- 03
Low-speed turns
What to check: Feel for steering resistance or odd sounds.
Red flag: Grinding or squealing noises.
- 04
Straight-line drive
What to check: Ensure steering wheel is centered and stable.
Red flag: Wandering or pulling to one side.
- 05
Braking
What to check: Check for smooth, noise-free braking.
Red flag: Grinding or excessive pedal travel.
- 06
Acceleration
What to check: Assess for smooth power delivery and shifts.
Red flag: Hesitation or rough gear changes.
- 07
Highway driving
What to check: Listen for wind noise and vibrations.
Red flag: Excessive vibrations or loud noises.
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the tie rod assembly been inspected?
- Are there any pending recall repairs?
- Has the pitman arm shown any issues?
- Any past ignition switch problems?
- Has the silencer pad been checked?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Maintenance records
- Recall repair history
- Vehicle history report
- Title and registration
- Warranty transfers, if applicable
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2007 Dodge Ram 2500 at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
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