Problems · by component

2006 Dodge Ram 1500 power train problems

100 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2006 Dodge Ram 1500 cite power train, 12% of all 817 complaints for this model year. NHTSA also lists 1 recall on this component.

Complaints
100
12% of all complaints
Crashes
5
Reported by owners
Fires
4
Reported by owners
Injuries
2
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the power train

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“The contact owns a 2006 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, oil stains were found on the ground underneath the vehicle. The contact checked underneath the vehicle and became aware that the rear axle pinion nut was loose. The axle pinion nut was tightened. The contact stated that the oil stains on the ground persisted. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V796000 (POWER TRAIN); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Feb 6, 2026Power trainODI 11716319
“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
“Rear axle pinion nut was loosening and pinion was leaking.I had this happen on another 2006 RAM 1500 where the nut backed all the way off and the drive shaft hit the road.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Feb 26, 2024Power trainODI 11574135
“I was driving and the rear drive shaft fell out of the truck and the rear locked up making the truck undrivable. I heard this is a common problem in dodge rams and it is definitely a safety issue and there should be a recall to address this reoccurring problem that can cause a loss of life or life threatening accident”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 13, 2023Steering, Suspension, Power trainODI 11538268
“The contact owns a 2006 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that while attempting to accelerate after the vehicle was idling, the vehicle inadvertently stalled without warning. The failure occurred intermittently and became more frequent. The vehicle was lunging forward while idling and was shifting hard while driving. The contact stated that the coil pack relay might have malfunctioned. While inspecting the vehicle, the contact noticed that the main fuse box under the hood had exposed fuses and the box was easily accessible. The contact took the vehicle to a certified mechanic and the fuel pump was replaced. The failure persisted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 168,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 15, 2023Power train, Electrical systemODI 11511938
“I was driving down a street heard a pop then my truck slid side to side as I was trying to get control of the truck and then it lifted off the ground. And it came to a complete stop. Parts of the vehicle were on the road with transmission fluid. The mechanic I go to says the whole back rear end needs to be replaced. Everything”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 12, 2021Power trainODI 11428812

Showing 6 of 100 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 11, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Related recalls

1 recall on this component

Power train: transfer case (4-wheel drive)

Free remedy

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.

Power trainReported Oct 6, 2005NHTSA 05V461000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 11, 2026

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