2006 Dodge RAM 3500 Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 2%of 258 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 85,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2006 Dodge RAM 3500, 2% of the 258 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 85,000 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Truck began having troubles running, giving off black smoke intermittently, and sometimes an engine shutter would be present. The vehicle was a Dodge RAM 3500 1 ton dually, 5.9 deisel with automatic transmission. According to the Dodge dealer, the computer recognized the truck key as an invalid key. We had the truck for a few months with no problem. The computer had rewritten a new key code. The Dodge dealer said that he had experienced 4 vechicles with the same problem within the last two weeks. All had the original key code rewritten with a new code(the same in all four vechicles). …”
NHTSA complaint #10155086, filed 2006-04, 5,269 miles“The contact owns a 2006 Dodge RAM 3500. While driving at 55 MPH, the contact heard a noise and the vehicle veered to the right. In addition, the steering wheel seized. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the fan belt and other multiple parts needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The VIN was included in NHTSA campaign numbers: 13v528000 (steering), 14v795000 (electrical system), and 14v817000 (air bags); however, the parts needed to repair the vehicle were unavailable. …”
NHTSA complaint #10715350, filed 2015-05, 160,000 miles“The contact owns a 2006 Dodge RAM 3500. The contact stated that the vehicle vibrates when driving and he hears a noise coming from the engine compartment. He took the vehicle to the dealer and they informed him that the flywheel wheel failed. He discovered that other vehicles were experiencing the same failures and he feels that they are caused by a manufacturer defect. The failure mileage was 85,000. Updated 02-04-08.”
NHTSA complaint #10198278, filed 2007-08, 85,000 miles“The contact owns a 2006 Dodge RAM 3500. The exhaust manifold was cracking and caused the gasket to fail. Exhaust fumes entered the vehicle, which allowed for unhealthy driving conditions. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and they stated that the exhaust manifold overheats and shrinks, which causes the exhaust to crack. They further stated that it was not a manufacturer defect and was supposed to operate in that manner. The dealer refused to make any repairs. The failure mileage was 220,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10226663, filed 2008-05, 220,000 miles“2006 Dodge 3500 with shutter launch and turbo making loud noise. Consumer stated the mechanic replaced the angle on the driveshaft. The turbo charger was making a loud noise. The vehicle also shook real bad when it had a load. The consumer stated the vibration was no longer constant.”
NHTSA complaint #10210588, filed 2007-11Related service bulletins
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Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 10 | 3% |
| 2011 | 4 | 2% |
| 2010 | 6 | 4% |
| 2009 | 1 | 1% |
| 2008 | 13 | 8% |
| 2007 | 17 | 8% |
| 2006 | 6 | 2% |
| 2005 | 10 | 5% |
| 2004 | 6 | 3% |
| 2003 | 4 | 1% |
| 2002 | 2 | 5% |
| 2001 | 5 | 4% |
| 2000 | 5 | 9% |
| 1999 | 12 | 12% |
| 1998 | 7 | 7% |
| 1997 | 6 | 5% |
| 1996 | 7 | 6% |
| 1995 | 3 | 3% |
| 1994 | 3 | 4% |
Other parts of the 2006 Dodge RAM 3500
75 complaintsElectrical system
53 complaintsExterior lighting
44 complaintsAir bags
33 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
31 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
22 complaintsSuspension
20 complaintsBrakes
13 complaintsFuel system
13 complaintsTires
8 complaintsEngine
6 complaintsOther or unknown
6 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2006 Dodge RAM 3500
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology