Before you buy
This 2004 Dodge Ram has 500 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Airbag Malfunctions.
A model-year pattern isn't the car in front of you. Check this exact VIN for accidents, open recalls, odometer rollback, and salvage titles.
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2004 Dodge Ram Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 8 2004 Dodge Ram trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 8 trims analysed.
2004 Dodge Ram Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested — showing 2004 Dodge Ram 1500 4-DR.Official crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
Not RatedFrontal Crash
Not RatedSide Crash
Not RatedRollover
Not RatedSource: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
DODGE RAM 2004 has 500 NHTSA complaints, with airbag malfunctions leading at 288 reports. There are 7 recalls and 25 crash-related complaints. Buyers should verify recall repairs and inspect the airbag system. Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recall records.
- Make
- Dodge
- Model
- Ram
- Model year
- 2004
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 500
- Crash-related complaints
- 25
- Safety recall campaigns
- 7
- Top reported component
- Airbag Malfunctions
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 14
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 13 / 17
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- Electronic stability control
- No
Common problems
Most common 2004 Dodge Ram problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Airbag Malfunctions
Transmission / Drivetrain
Engine Problems
Complaint patterns center on Airbag Malfunctions, Transmission / Drivetrain, Engine Problems. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Buyer verdict
Should you buy a used 2004 Dodge Ram?
The 2004 Dodge Ram is a high-risk purchase due to the overwhelming number of airbag complaints and multiple recalls. Only consider if you can verify all recall repairs and have a mechanic inspect the airbag system thoroughly.
Airbag malfunctions can lead to non-deployment or unintended deployment, posing serious safety risks. Transmission and engine issues also affect reliability and ownership costs.
May Suit
This year may suit a budget-conscious buyer willing to invest in pre-purchase inspections and recall verification.
May Want to Avoid
Buyers prioritizing safety and reliability should avoid the 2004 Ram due to the high volume of airbag complaints.
Pre-purchase
What to check before buying a used 2004 Dodge Ram
Inspection Focus
- Inspect airbag system for proper operation and recall completion.
- Check transmission for slipping or harsh shifting.
- Examine engine for unusual noises or leaks.
Before You Close the Deal
- Verify all airbag-related recall repairs at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for transmission and engine repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the airbag system and transmission.
- Check for any open recalls and ensure they are completed.
Check the exact car
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2004 Dodge Ram, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
AI verdict
What the complaint data suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2004 Dodge Ram shows a high volume of airbag malfunction reports (288 complaints), along with notable transmission/drivetrain (93) and engine (35) issues. With 7 recalls and 25 crash-related complaints, buyers should prioritize safety system checks. Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recall records.
Year context: Compared to other model years, 2004 has an unusually high number of airbag complaints, making it one of the more problematic years.
Recall context: With 7 recalls, it is critical to verify that all recall repairs have been completed before purchase.
- Airbag malfunctions account for 288 of 500 total complaints.
- Transmission/drivetrain issues total 93 complaints.
- There are 25 crash-related complaints.
- Airbag Malfunctions (288 complaints)
- Transmission / Drivetrain (93 complaints)
- Engine Problems (35 complaints)
Full breakdown
All 2004 Dodge Ram complaints by category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2004 Dodge Ram. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airbag Malfunctions | 288 | 17 | 3 | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 93 | 6 | 1 | — | |
| Engine Problems | 35 | — | 2 | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 26 | — | 2 | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 25 | 1 | 5 | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 23 | — | 1 | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 21 | 1 | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 20 | 4 | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 15 | 2 | 2 | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 10 | 1 | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 10 | 2 | — | — | |
| Brake System | 9 | 2 | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 7 | 2 | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 7 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
In their words
Real owner complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2004 Dodge Ram. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
See attached document for complaint.
The contact owns a 2004 Dodge Ram. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Numbers 16V352000 (Air Bags) and 15V313000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted; however the vehicle was not diagnosed o…
The contact owns a 2004 Dodge Ram. The contact stated that the recall notification letter for NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V352000 (Air Bags). The contact was unable to register the vehicle at the DMV. The local dealer was contacted, who informed him the part was backordered. The veh…
Takata Recall. The contact owns a 2004 Ram 1500. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 16V352000 (Air Bags) and 15V313000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a r…
The contact owns a 2004 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced transmission failure, and the brake lines were rusted. The contact was trapped in the desert for hours with his dog. The contact stated that two independent mechanics had determined that t…
The contact owns a 2004 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V352000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact was inf…
Louisville Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram. 5311 Dixie Hwy, Louisville, KY 40216. I took my truck into this dealership to have the airbags replaced due to a recall and to have a keyless entry remote programmed. The service tech told me it was going to take a day or two to get the airbags…
The contact owned a 2004 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that while making a right turn into oncoming traffic, the vehicle rear-ended a semi-truck in front, where it came to a stop. No warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the air bags failed to deploy during the…
Driving on freeway , lost power Cruise control automatically shut off yellow light shape of a motor came on ; on the upper left side of the dashboard, had to pull over on side of freeway. Able to restart after a little bit. Another time sitting at traffic light shuts off , same l…
The contact owns a 2004 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal and stalled. In addition, the vehicle vibrated before losing power. The vehicle stalled at an…
I tried to get the service done Iam a one vehicle owner the dealership told me I had to pay out of pocket for the rental car with no set day of service The dealership didn’t care whether I got the recall done cause of the year of the vehicle they provided no transportation solut…
I was driving to work that morning traveling about 40 into the city when all of a sudden I heard a loud noise, I barely could handle the steering wheel to coast it to the side before it came to a complete hault, I look out my window and my drive shaft broke in 2 pieces was passin…
The contact owns a 2004 Dodge Ram Quad Cab. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V352000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the …
The contact owned a 2004 Dodge Ram. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at 30 MPH, another driver in an unknown truck ran a red light and crashed into the vehicle. The air bags did not deploy. The driver sustained injuries to his thigh; medical attention was pro…
Refuse a loaner car while the recall gets done
The contact owns a 2004 Dodge Ram 1500 used to haul a 2018 Keystone Passport Ultra Lite Grand Touring. The contact stated that the thermostat in the RV failed to operate as needed. The RV was taken to the dealer, where the thermostat was replaced; however, the failure recurred. T…
Got in a accident and the airbags did not deploy
The driveline driveshaft fell out there’s a pinion nut that came loose and suddenly locked my rear end up without warning. Cant move it
On 3/24/2022 my mother, Helen Mallazzo was involved in an accident in Queen Creek, Arizona. Police were called and a report was filed. When this accident occurred the seatbelts failed to restrain her and her dog and the airbags did not deploy, resulting in both of their heads hit…
I tried to schedule with Landers jeep Chrysler Dodge in Little Rock, Arkansas to fix the airbag recall in my truck on two separate occasions in the first occasion I brought it in. They told me it would take four hours on the phone when I got it there they told me it may take a fe…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2004 Dodge Ram.
Safety recalls
2004 Dodge Ram recalls
7 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2004 Dodge Ram. With 7 recalls, it is critical to verify that all recall repairs have been completed before purchase. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
STEERING:LINKAGES
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Research more
Keep researching before you buy
Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.
Questions
2004 Dodge Ram buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2004 Dodge Ram reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 500 owner complaints, 25 crash-related complaints, and 7 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2004 Dodge Ram is a high-risk purchase due to the overwhelming number of airbag complaints and multiple recalls. Only consider if you can verify all recall repairs and have a mechanic inspect the airbag system thoroughly. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2004 Dodge Ram?▾
#1: Airbag Malfunctions (288 complaints). #2: Transmission / Drivetrain (93 complaints). #3: Engine Problems (35 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2004 Dodge Ram?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2004 Dodge Ram?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2004 Dodge Ram, NHTSA complaints include 25 crash-related reports and 8 fire reports out of 500 total complaints. 29 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2004 Dodge Ram have any recalls?▾
Yes. 7 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2004 Dodge Ram. A major recall area is STEERING:LINKAGES. With 7 recalls, it is critical to verify that all recall repairs have been completed before purchase. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2004 Dodge Ram?▾
The 2004 Dodge Ram is a high-risk purchase due to the overwhelming number of airbag complaints and multiple recalls. Only consider if you can verify all recall repairs and have a mechanic inspect the airbag system thoroughly. Airbag malfunctions can lead to non-deployment or unintended deployment, posing serious safety risks. Transmission and engine issues also affect reliability and ownership costs. Pay extra attention to Airbag Malfunctions during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpectorAI.
Wider context: See the full Dodge Ram reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
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Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Before you buy
Check the exact vehicle history before you buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.