Sign inCreate free garage
Research · Standard Pickup Trucks 2WD

2006 Dodge Ram 1500Recalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 12 safety recalls and 817 owner complaints for the 2006 Dodge Ram 1500. Most complaints involve air bags (196) and exterior lighting (142). The EPA rates it 9–16 mpg combined.

Check a VINAdd to my garage
Combined MPG
9–16mpg
EPA · 12 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
12campaigns
Latest May 2016
Owner complaints
817
Top: air bags
Fuel cost / yr
$4,000est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

12 NHTSA campaigns · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Air bags: inflator module

Park It: do not driveFree remedy

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.

Air bagsReported May 24, 2016NHTSA 16V352000

Air bags: inflator module

Park It: do not driveFree remedy

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.

Air bagsReported May 27, 2015NHTSA 15V313000

Electrical system: switch

Free remedy

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.

Electrical systemReported Dec 16, 2014NHTSA 14V795000
See all 12 recalls with remedies
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 28, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

817 complaints filed with NHTSA · Mar 2006 – Feb 2026
  1. Air bags196
  2. Exterior lighting142
  3. Electrical system131
  4. Suspension109
  5. Power train100
  6. Steering88
  7. Visibility59
  8. Engine33
  9. Service brakes, hydraulic26

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each Ram 1500 model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
1996936
20051,213
2006817
2007534
2008579
2009679
2010515
Crashes reported
44
Fires reported
9
Injuries reported
42
Deaths reported
1
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 28, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Air bags

196 reports23 crashes2 fires
“The contact owns a 2006 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 local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Feb 18, 2026Air bagsODI 11718823

Exterior lighting

142 reports1 crash
“I'm always having issues with the airbag light coming on while driving it goes away then come back when there is a sudden move and causes something to trigger. also, I'm having issues with my headlight low mode not working I did a lot of research stating that many people are having the same issue and the problems have to do with the fuse box close to the battery. I'm also having an issue with the brake lamp going off on my dashboard not sure what that could be tried so many repairs and nothing seems to work.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 25, 2023Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Air bagsODI 11503652

Electrical system

131 reports2 crashes2 fires
“Several safety-critical systems on my vehicle are failing, and the symptoms match existing recalls shown on Kelley Blue Book for my VIN. However, the manufacturer (Dodge/Stellantis) shows only 4 recalls, all marked completed — despite ongoing issues. 1. ABS / Brake System: The ABS warning light is on continuously, indicating a malfunction in the ABS control module. This disables anti-lock braking, increasing the risk of skidding or loss of control during emergency stops. KBB shows a recall for this issue, but Dodge says it’s either not open for my VIN or already completed. The ABS light has remained on since 2. Front Wheel Bearing: There is a grinding noise and vibration from the front wheel area, suggesting a worn or failing wheel bearing. This poses a risk of steering loss or wheel detachment. No warning lights have appeared for this issue. 3. Transfer Case / 4WD: The 4WD system intermittently fails to engage or disengage, sometimes with clunking noises or jerking. This can cause unpredictable handling or loss of traction. Issue is still ongoing. 4. Electrical System: Intermittent electrical issues include random warning messages, dimming lights, and…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 19, 2025Suspension, Power train, Electrical systemODI 11688378
All 2006 Ram 1500 problemsSend a problem to a mechanic on findmechanic.ai
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 28, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

12 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Standard Pickup Trucks 2WD, Standard Pickup Trucks 4WD
Engines
3.7L 6-cyl · 5.7L 8-cyl · 4.7L 8-cyl · 8.3L 10-cyl
Transmissions
Automatic 4-spd · Manual 6-spd · Automatic 5-spd
Drive
Rear-Wheel Drive · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline · Premium Gasoline

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 28, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Ram 1500 Pickup 2WD
Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 3.7 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
141916$4,000555
Ram 1500 Pickup 2WD
Man 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.7 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
142016$4,000555
Ram 1500 Pickup 2WD
Auto 5-spd, 8 cyl, 5.7 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
131815$4,300592
Ram 1500 Pickup 2WD
Auto 5-spd, 8 cyl, 4.7 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
131714$4,600635
Ram 1500 Pickup 2WD
Man 6-spd, 8 cyl, 4.7 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
131714$4,600635
Ram 1500 Pickup 4WD
Auto 5-spd, 8 cyl, 4.7 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
121714$4,600635
Ram 1500 Pickup 4WD
Auto 5-spd, 8 cyl, 5.7 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
131714$4,600635
Ram 1500 Pickup 4WD
Man 6-spd, 8 cyl, 4.7 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
131714$4,600635
Ram 1500 Pickup 2WD
Auto 5-spd, 8 cyl, 4.7 L, FLEX-FUEL · Rear-Wheel Drive
111412$5,350741
Ram 1500 Pickup 4WD
Auto 5-spd, 8 cyl, 4.7 L, FLEX-FUEL · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
111412$5,350741
Ram 1500 Pickup 2WD
Man 6-spd, 10 cyl, 8.30 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
91410$7,950889
Ram 1500 Pickup 2WD
Auto 4-spd, 10 cyl, 8.30 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
8119$8,850987
Estimate your fuel costCost of ownership
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 28, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

2 tested variants
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2006 Dodge Ram 1500 as of Oct 28, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Oct 28, 2026Vehicle 1716Vehicle 1715
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2006 Ram 1500 questions

How many recalls does the 2006 Dodge Ram 1500 have?

12 safety recalls as of Oct 28, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.

What are the most common 2006 Dodge Ram 1500 problems?

Owners filed 817 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are air bags (196), exterior lighting (142), electrical system (131). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2006 Dodge Ram 1500 get?

The EPA rates the 2006 Dodge Ram 1500 at 9–16 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (12 versions rated).

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Oct 28, 2026