2005 Dodge Ram 1500 Problems: 3 Issues Every Owner Should Know

2005 Dodge Ram 1500 Problems: 3 Issues Every Owner Should Know | Au7o

All 3 Known Issues

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450 owners

On the 1996-2008 Dodge Ram 1500, the 46RE (V8 gas) and 47RE (diesel) 4-speed automatic transmissions in Ram 1500 trucks are prone to premature failure, particularly the overdrive unit, governor pressure solenoid, and torque converter lockup. These transmissions are based on the venerable A727/A518 Torqueflite design but the electronic overdrive components are the weak link. Transmission slipping, harsh shifts, and stuck-in-gear conditions are common, especially in towing applications. Overheating is the primary cause of failure.

This issue also affects: Acura TL, Mitsubishi Outlander, Acura ILX

Common Symptoms

Transmission slipping in overdrive
Harsh or delayed shifts
Stuck in 2nd gear (limp mode)
Transmission overheating under towing
Torque converter shudder at highway speed

How to Fix

What Owners Are Using

Parts and tips from 450+ owners who fixed this issue

Tip
Tip
UpgradeTransmission flush kit for complete fluid exchange to address shudder (Liqui Moly Transmission Flush Kit)
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UpgradeFull synthetic ATF designed to reduce shudder in automatic transmissions (Valvoline MaxLife ATF Full Synthetic)
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Typical repair cost:$150 - $3,500

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Community Reported

High Confidence450 reportsLast reported by owners Feb 2026Reviewed Feb 2026

On the 1994-2008 Dodge Ram 1500, exhaust manifold bolts break due to heat cycling, causing exhaust leaks with a ticking sound on cold start that diminishes as the engine warms up. The 5.7L Hemi and 5.9L Magnum are both affected.

This issue also affects: RAM 1500 Classic, Chrysler Aspen

Common Symptoms

Ticking noise on cold start
Exhaust smell in cabin
Ticking diminishes when warm
Failed emissions inspection

How to Fix

Extract broken bolts and replace with new grade 8 bolts. If bolt breaks flush, requires drilling and easy-out extraction. Some owners upgrade to stainless steel studs with locking nuts to prevent recurrence.

What Owners Are Using

Parts and tips from 0+ owners who fixed this issue

UpgradeDorman exhaust manifold — solves cracking issues on many models (Dorman Exhaust Manifold)
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UpgradeDorman exhaust manifold bolt and stud kit (Dorman Exhaust Manifold Hardware Kit)
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Typical repair cost:$200 - $800

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Community Reported

Medium Confidence0 reportsLast reported by owners Invalid DateReviewed Invalid Date

On the 2002-2008 Dodge Ram 1500, the dashboard material cracks extensively from UV exposure and heat cycling, especially in southern climates. Cracks typically start near the defroster vents and spread across the entire dash surface.

Common Symptoms

Visible cracks on dashboard
Cracking near defroster vents
Dashboard material flaking
Rattling from cracked sections

How to Fix

Replace dashboard pad or install a dash cover (DashMat or Coverlay). Full dash pad replacement requires airbag removal and is labor-intensive. Coverlay dash cover (18-207) is a popular bolt-on solution.

What Owners Are Using

Parts and tips from 0+ owners who fixed this issue

UpgradeDashMat dash cover — protects and covers cracked dashboards (DashMat Dashboard Cover)
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UpgradeCoverlay dash cover — custom-molded replacement overlay (Coverlay Dashboard Cover)
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Typical repair cost:$80 - $600

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Community Reported

Medium Confidence0 reportsLast reported by owners Invalid DateReviewed Invalid Date

⚠️NHTSA Recalls18 recalls

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

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.

Campaign #16V35200024/05/2016

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

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.

Campaign #15V31300027/05/2015

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH

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.

Campaign #14V79500016/12/2014

AIR BAGS

Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2004-2005 Dodge Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500, 2004-2005 Dodge Durango, 2005 Dodge Dakota, 2005 Dodge Magnum and 2005 Chrysler 300, 300C and 300 SRT8 vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in geographic locations associated with high absolute humidity. Specifically, vehicles sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, Texas, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Saipan, Guam, and American Samoa are addressed by this recall. Upon deployment of the passenger side frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.

Campaign #14V77000003/12/2014

STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY

Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2003-2008 Dodge RAM 2500 4x4 and 3500 4x4, model year 2007-2008 Dodge RAM 3500 4x2 Cab Chassis and model year 2006-2008 Dodge RAM 1500 Mega Cab 4x4 trucks manufactured February 12, 2002, through February 13, 2008. The left tie rod assembly may break.

Campaign #13V52800006/11/2013

+ 13 more recalls. Check all on NHTSA.gov

Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check recalls specific to your vehicle.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Dodge Ram 1500 problems?

According to Au7o's analysis of 450+ owner reports, the 2005-2005 Dodge Ram 1500 has 3 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: 46RE/47RE Automatic Transmission Failure, Exhaust Manifold Bolt Breakage (V8 Engines), Dashboard Cracking from Sun Exposure. Of these, 1 is rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Dodge Ram 1500 reliable?

The 2005-2005 Dodge Ram 1500 has 3 known issues documented across 450+ owner reports. 1 issue is rated critical: 46RE/47RE Automatic Transmission Failure. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common Dodge Ram 1500 problems?

Repair costs for known Dodge Ram 1500 issues range from $80 to $3,500, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, 46RE/47RE Automatic Transmission Failure, typically costs $150-$3,500 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What is the 1996-2008 Dodge Ram 1500 46RE/47RE Automatic Transmission Failure?

The 46RE (V8 gas) and 47RE (diesel) 4-speed automatic transmissions in Ram 1500 trucks are prone to premature failure, particularly the overdrive unit, governor pressure solenoid, and torque converter lockup. These transmissions are based on the venerable A727/A518 Torqueflite de… Repairs typically run $150-$3,500. Severity: high.

What is the 1994-2008 Dodge Ram 1500 Exhaust Manifold Bolt Breakage (V8 Engines)?

Exhaust manifold bolts break due to heat cycling, causing exhaust leaks with a ticking sound on cold start that diminishes as the engine warms up. The 5.7L Hemi and 5.9L Magnum are both affected. Repairs typically run $200-$800. Severity: medium.

What is the 2002-2008 Dodge Ram 1500 Dashboard Cracking from Sun Exposure?

The dashboard material cracks extensively from UV exposure and heat cycling, especially in southern climates. Cracks typically start near the defroster vents and spread across the entire dash surface. Repairs typically run $80-$600. Severity: low.

2005 Dodge Ram 1500 Problems: 3 Issues Every Owner Should Know

All 3 Known Issues

1996-2008 Dodge Ram 1500: 46RE/47RE Automatic Transmission Failure#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

What Owners Are Using

Research This Issue

1994-2008 Dodge Ram 1500: Exhaust Manifold Bolt Breakage (V8 Engines)#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

What Owners Are Using

Research This Issue

2002-2008 Dodge Ram 1500: Dashboard Cracking from Sun Exposure#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

What Owners Are Using

Research This Issue

Other Dodge Models

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Dodge Ram 1500 problems?

Is the Dodge Ram 1500 reliable?

How much does it cost to fix common Dodge Ram 1500 problems?

What is the 1996-2008 Dodge Ram 1500 46RE/47RE Automatic Transmission Failure?

What is the 1994-2008 Dodge Ram 1500 Exhaust Manifold Bolt Breakage (V8 Engines)?

What is the 2002-2008 Dodge Ram 1500 Dashboard Cracking from Sun Exposure?