2003–2009 Dodge Ram 2500 / 3500 common problems and fixes

These were sold as Dodge Ram trucks (Ram became its own brand in 2010). Engines are the 5.9L Cummins diesel (2003 to early 2007), the 6.7L Cummins diesel (mid-2007 on) and the 5.7L Hemi gas V8. The badge on the engine or the paperwork tells you which one you have.

We counted 4,627 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for 2003–2009 Ram 2500s and 3500s (retrieved October 5, 2026; each complaint counted once): 2,337 from 5.9L trucks, 844 from 6.7L trucks and 752 from Hemi trucks, identified by VIN; the rest (694) couldn't be matched to these engines. We left out 56 whose VIN belongs to another vehicle (mostly Ram 1500s, plus a few vans). Complaint counts show what owners report most often, not how many trucks have a problem.

At a glance

• Steering parts are the most frequently reported mechanical problem. Chrysler recalled the left tie rod, which can break, on certain 2003–2012 4x4s.
• Front-end shake ("death wobble") is commonly reported on all engines.
• Airbag recalls (Takata): many complaints are from owners waiting on replacement parts. NHTSA's records say not to drive an affected truck until the repair is done, so make sure they were completed.
• 5.9L Cummins: injectors and the lift pump. Early 6.7L: emissions parts (EGR, DPF, turbo actuator).

Steering and front end

NHTSA files about 1,700 of these trucks' complaints under steering, and about 615 mention a wobble or shimmy or shaking after a bump. Chrysler recalled certain trucks because the left tie rod assembly may break, which can cause loss of steering control (recall 13V528000 for 2003–2008 4x4s, 13V529000 for 2008–2012 4x4s, plus earlier linkage recalls 09V005000 and 11V350000).

Owners on forums most often report fixing the shake by replacing worn parts: track bar, tie rods, drag link and ball joints.

When buying: confirm the tie rod recalls are done. Have a helper rock the steering wheel while you watch the steering linkage and track bar for play, and hit bumps at highway speed on the test drive.

Airbag recalls

About 760 complaints mention air bags, Takata or inflators, 439 of them from 5.9L trucks. Most are owners who got Takata airbag recall notices but had to wait for parts. Several airbag inflator recalls cover certain trucks from these years (including 15V312000 for 2003, 15V313000 and 16V352000 for 2005–2009 2500s and 2006–2009 3500s, and 18V021000 for certain 2009 2500s and 3500s ever registered in northern states such as Michigan, New York and Washington, where dealers replace the passenger airbag inflator). NHTSA's records for these recalls say owners should not drive the truck until the repair is done, so check that every one shows as completed.

5.9L Cummins (2003–2007)

Widely respected for durability. Commonly reported problems are injectors (often linked to fuel contamination or high mileage), weak lift pumps that cause low fuel pressure and hard starts, and the automatic transmission when towing heavy. 123 complaints from 5.9L trucks mention the transmission.

6.7L Cummins (mid-2007–2009)

The first 6.7L trucks added a diesel particulate filter and EGR system without diesel exhaust fluid. Repair sources commonly report DPF clogging, EGR cooler problems and turbo actuator failures. Chrysler recalled certain 2007–2008 6.7L trucks for a silencer pad that can sag onto the EGR cooler; dealers add a support bracket (recall 08V641000). Ask whether the emissions system has been removed ("deleted"), which can cause inspection and legal problems.

5.7L Hemi

The Hemi trucks share the same steering and airbag recalls. Owners also commonly discuss a ticking noise, often from broken exhaust manifold bolts.

Rust

At this age, check the cab corners, rocker panels, wheel arches, frame and brake lines.

Before you buy

• Check open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls with the VIN, especially the tie rod and airbag recalls.
• Get a pre-purchase inspection. Use a diesel shop for a Cummins.
• Bring our used truck inspection checklist.