Problems with 2004 Dodge Ram 1500 SUSPENSION

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 dodge ram 1500. while driving various speeds, the contact heard an abnormal cracking and grinding noise coming from the rear axle. an independent mechanic diagnosed that the rear suspension and wheel bearings needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired and the failure recurred. jeff smith chrysler dodge jeep ram (100 iffie rd, perry, ga 31069, (478) 988-8444) was contacted and confirmed that the vin was not included in a recall. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure and did not assist. the failure mileage was approximately 180,000.

While driving approximately 50 miles per hour the rear end siezed up causing vehicle to come to a complete halt and throwing driveshaft from vehicle causing a two lane closure until drive shaft could be retrieved.

Tl* the contact owned a 2004 dodge ram 1500. while driving approximately 60 mph, the vehicle veered into the other lane, spun around, drove into a ditch, and crashed into a tree. the contact was injured and received medical attention. the vehicle was destroyed and towed. a police report was filed. the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 103,000. updated 01/06/17*lj consumer stated the rear axle broke and the right rear wheel broke off and was laying in the ditch by the truck! updated 7/12/18*jb

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 dodge ram 1500. while traveling approximately 65 mph, there was an abnormal noise coming from under the vehicle. the vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the axle was fractured and needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 130,000. updated 01/06/2017*ct the consumer stated the drive shaft disconnected from the rear axle. updated 03/06/17.*jb

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 dodge ram 1500. while driving 15 mph, a loud noise emitted from the vehicle. the contact pulled over and discovered that the drive shaft fractured from the vehicle. the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where the technician informed that the locking bolt of the drive shaft had disengaged and the outer seals, the bearings and rings needed to be replaced. the vehicle was repaired. the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. the failure mileage was unavailable.

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 dodge ram 1500. while driving at an unknown speed, the rear wheels seized without warning. the vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the rear axle pinion nut failed and needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the vin was not included in nhtsa campaign number: 14v796000 (power train). the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the failure mileage was approximately 130,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 dodge ram 1500. while driving approximately 20 mph, the driveshaft detached from the rear of the vehicle without warning and the rear axle locked up. the vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the pinion nut detached from the vehicle. the vehicle was not repaired. the vin was excluded from nhtsa campaign number: 14v796000 (power train). the manufacturer was notified. the approximate failure mileage was 150,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 dodge ram 1500. while driving 45 mph, the vehicle stalled and slid. the contact noticed that the rear pinion nut fractured and damaged the rear tires. the vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the failure mileage was 213,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 dodge ram 1500. while driving 60 mph, an abnormally loud noise emitted from the vehicle and the driveshaft dislodged locking the rear wheels. also, the contact mentioned that the pinion shaft went into the axle assembly housing and punctured a hole. the vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure and did not offer any assistance. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was 68,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 dodge ram 1500. the contact stated that while driving at a low speed and approaching a stop light, the front driver side wheel bearing seized and fractured. the front fender was damaged, the driver side hub assembly, and the front driver side tire were destroyed during the failure. the vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 71,000. parts distribution disconnect.

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 dodge ram 1500. the contact stated that the driver side lower ball joint fractured, which caused the wheel to collapse. the contact also noticed that the upper ball joint on the driver side was damaged due to the lower ball joint fracture. prior to the failure, the contact stated that the passenger side upper ball joint fractured that caused the wheel to collapse. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed the upper ball joint needed to be replaced. the vehicle was repaired. the technician also diagnosed that the driver side upper and lower ball joint needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. the failure mileage was 120,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 dodge ram 1500. while reversing the vehicle, the contact felt the steering wheel become constrictive and heard an abnormal noise. the vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the power steering unit failed and needed to be replaced. also, the front lower ball joint needed to be replaced. the vehicle was repaired. the manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. the failure mileage was approximately 120,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 dodge ram 1500. while driving approximately 50 mph, an abnormal noise emitted from the rear of the vehicle without warning and the rear of the vehicle seized. after inspecting the vehicle, the contact discovered that the driveshaft detached from the vehicle. the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the rear axle needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 128,000.

Was driving in my neighborhood at approx. 20mph when the front end fell out onto the road.

I was just made aware of the new buy back recall and fine, on similar dodge ram trucks like mine. the recall show 2004 dodge ram 2600, 3600, but not my 1600. the reason for the buy back with the other two models just also happened to my 1600. it is also on the left hand side, just like all the others. i would like my included in the buy back and get rid of this lemon. my vin # does not show anything but an airbag issue, that i not received any information on. vin # is: [xxx]. thank you, i still owe over eight thousand dollars on the vehicle which is about kelly blue book price here in hawaii. information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6). *tr

Popping and grinding in rear end popping in the cv axle front tires leaning in and wearing on inside with new tires and front end alignment have added new calipers rotors brakes 2 new cv axles and the problem still not fixed

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 dodge ram 1500. while driving at 35 mph, the contact heard a noise underneath the vehicle. the rear wheels seized and the vehicle spun around. upon further inspection, the contact noticed that the driveshaft fractured from the vehicle. the vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. the vehicle was inspected by a technician. the technician diagnosed that the u joint, rear axles, gear oil, differential, gasket, and multiple parts in the rear of the vehicle needed to be replaced. the vehicle was repaired by the contact and the technician. the manufacturer was notified of the failures. the failure mileage was 126,000.

Truck started squeaking then making a popping noise while turning in the driveway. the steering wheel makes a noise while turning. didn't know there was any recalls on this truck. i took it to the shop and the man said the wheel was about to come off. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 dodge ram 1500. while driving at 35 mph, the contact heard an abnormal noise and the rear end seized, which made the vehicle slide. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the driveshaft, the rear brake cables, and the rear passenger shocks needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 130,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 dodge ram 1500. while driving approximately 35 mph, a loud noise emitted from the rear of the vehicle and it came to a sudden stop without warning. the vehicle was towed to the dealer who diagnosed that the rear axle fractured and needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 115,000.

Tl*the contact owns a 2004 dodge ram 1500. the contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the rear wheels seized without warning. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the pinion nut needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. the failure mileage was 140,000.

Tl*the contact owns a 2004 dodge ram 1500. the contact stated that while driving at approximately 70 mph, a loud grinding noise emitted from underneath the truck as smoke started to come out of the outside of the vehicle. the vehicle was merged to the side of the road and upon inspection by the contact, it was noticed that the drive shaft was hanging loose. the contact mentioned that there were two puddles of oil and the drive shaft was bent. the vehicle became inoperative. the vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the rear axle was damaged and that the pinion nut came loose. the dealer determined that the rear axle and the carrier of the axle needed to be replaced. the contact was made aware of nhtsa campaign number: 14v796000 (power train) however, the vin was not included on the campaign. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. the failure mileage was 125,612. updated 8/10/15*cn

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 dodge ram 1500. while making a right turn at an unknown speed, an abnormal noise emitted from the vehicle. also, the contact stated that the exhaust was leaking. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. the technician diagnosed that the driver side spring was bent and the shocks needed to be replaced. the vehicle had not been repaired. the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. the vin was unavailable. the approximate failure mileage was 115,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 dodge ram1500. the contact stated that while driving 55 mph, a loud noise was heard from the rear of the vehicle. the contact later discovered that the rear shaft had become separated from the vehicle due a failed to pinion nut, which also caused the rear brakes to seize. the vehicle was towed to the contact's home and was not repaired. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. the current and failure mileage was 119,000. *tr

While driving saturday, 11/23/2013, i noticed a vibration and humming noise coming from the front of my vehicle. also, when i turned the car would croak or moan. i could tell something was wrong because my brake pedal became very spongy and had to be pressed in fully in order to stop the car. i began to head home with the truck as i did not want a safety hazard where i could not stop the vehicle. i also noticed that in order to steer straight, i had to hold my steering wheel approximately 30 degrees left. upon getting the truck home i immediately saw my problem. my front passenger tire was sitting in the wheel well on an angle. large amounts of smoke were pouring out of the undercarriage, and rubber goo was leaving a trail where i drove. i jacked the car and removed the wheel, and could see even more. my wheel hub assembly was separated and broken. this caused my tire to sit on the hub crooked and lean against my control arm. the heat from this friction was so intense that it melted my cv boot, which is why i had a rubber goo trail. it also melted the abs sensor on the wheel hub itself. causing my abs to go out. the hub itself had a piece completely fallen off, as if a weld broke. the heat also warped my rotor, and cracked my brake pads in that side. luckily, i did not have any wheel separation or total failure of the braking system, causing crash or injury. i was barely able to utilize braking and drive home at about 20mph with hazards on. the wheel hub assembly has been recalled in several year dodge ram 1500s, including 2004, 2006, and others, for bearing issues. however dodge claimed it was only a faulty part in 2wd applications. now we know this is not true. i have a 4wd ram that had the hub assembly fail and a partial braking failure. i am out of room, but i have pictures of the parts broken on the car, and pictures of the removed parts as well. *tr

Upper and lower ball joints on front suspension have deteriorated to the point that they must be replaced for concerns of safety. this is very low mileage for ball joints to fail. and since my 2wd truck has unitized ball joints (part of upper control arm, which also has to be replaced), they are very expensive. *tr

Hub assembly failed and brakes gave out which allowed vehicle which resulted in crashing into a tree. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 dodge ram 1500. the contact stated that while turning left at approximately at 10 to 15 mph, the driver front wheel and front axle separated. the vehicle was towed to the dealer to be inspected. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. the failure and current mileage was 81,762.

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 dodge ram 1500. the contact stated that while driving 35 mph, the rear driver and passenger side tires seized. the rear drive shaft and the rear deferential were also fractured. the contact was unable to continue driving and had the vehicle towed to the dealer. the vehicle was not inspected to determine the cause of the failure. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure, but offered no further assistance. the failure and current mileage was 140,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 dodge ram 1500. the contact stated that while replacing all of the tires on the vehicle, the mechanic found deterioration on the front and rear lower and upper ball joints, as well as the tie rod. the vehicle was taken for inspection to a private mechanic, who confirmed the failure. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. the failure and current mileage was 33,000.

The upper and low ball joint is make noise . does have no grease fiting. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 dodge ram 1500. while driving approximately 65 mph, the vehicle began to decelerate without warning and emitted a loud vibration sound. the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. the technician diagnosed that the rear pinion gear and axle shaft bearing needed to be replaced. the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 191,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 dodge ram 1500. while attempting to turn the steering wheel, an abnormal noise was heard. an independent mechanic stated that the front end axle was the cause of the failure. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. the failure mileage was approximately 150,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 dodge ram 1500. the contact stated that the front hub assembly broke and separated from the suspension while driving 10 mph. the hub assembly was brand new and was just purchase from an authorized dealer. the contact lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a curb, which caused damages to the suspension and front fender of the vehicle. no one was injured. the vehicle was towed to the contact's home. the insurance company was notified. the dealer was also notified and refused to acknowledge the defective parts. the manufacturer was not notified. the failure mileage was 187,000.

I was driving at freeway speed, around 70 mph. suddenly, i heard a noise from the rear of the truck and i noticed my speedometer went to zero. i was still moving at the same speed. the fault code identified a failure in the speed sensor in the rear differential. i was out of warranty, so i pulled the differential cover off and found what was left of the speed sensor in the bottom of the housing. i also found pieces of what was later identified as c clips from my lsd clutch assembly. the inductive portion of the speed sensor protrudes into the differential housing and was hit by the flying pieces of c clips. the carrier bearing also had a grove cut into it by these clips as they worked their way out. i am told that if i had not caught this, it would have resulted in carrier bearing failure and lock up of my rear axle. i removed all of the metal c clip pieces and removed the remaining c clips that had not yet fallen out. i don't know if there is any connection, but my left rear leaf spring cracked in half on the lower main leaf. i had to replace the spring assembly at my cost. i now have a permanent whine at low speeds and currently have 125,000 miles on my truck. i am certainly glad that i found these metal pieces when i did! there appears to be many complaints regarding this failure in my truck model, ranging from model years 2003 through 2006 ram 1500 equipped with the 5.7 hemi. at this time, chrysler has not acknowledged the patterned failures in these rear differentials. *tr

At 80,000 miles city driving both left and right hubs failed. left hub locked up almost sending me into center concrete wall. damage to ft end was extensive. called dealership to find out if i had 2 wheel or 4 wheel abs, give them my vin number.. looooooong story shot, the dealership could not tell me if i had 2 or 4 wheel abs. i had to pull apart to find out. its a shame the very people that make the truck, can't tell you whats on the truck. $500.00 later 2 wheel abs hubs left and right, replaced by myself. not to mention the under carriage damage done due to hub locking up. sent truck to auto shop to repair front end damage. beware..if you're hearing a noise in front that sounds like a big bolt in your tire and there is not, get the hubs looked at right away. this is how my issue and costly repairs started. *tr

Improperly installed suspension parts from factory grinding through right spring shackle. bushings installed with metal flange inboard,instead of outboard where pressure forces spring off bushing ,into shackle, causing failure. i have photos before the old bushing was replaced. it appears they may have run out of right spring assemblies on the line and use left on both sides,as other bushing look wrong also. i have seen people post online that rear springs have broken loose and went through bed of truck,causing control issues. would not be good at highway speeds with a 10,000 lb trailer attached i contacted dodge about issue as their are probably others out there with the same issue, and they said they would call me if their was a recall,hopefully before someone gets killed. repaired one bushing so far myself. *tr

Tl* the contact owns 2004 dodge ram 1500. the contact was driving approximately 10 mph when the vehicle exhibited an abnormal humming sound from the rear. the contact stated that the faster the vehicle was driven, the louder the sound would become. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the technician stated that the pinion bearing would need to be replaced. the dealer also advised that contact that the vehicle was unsafe to drive. the vehicle was not repaired. the approximate failure mileage was 129,600.

I have a 2004 dodge ram 1500 4x4 regular cab pickup w/ 20" wheels & oem goodyear wrangler hp tiers 5.7 hemi. vehicle is 100% stock and unmodified and maintained meticulously. at random intervals on the highway between 60 & 65 mph. the vehicle will abruptly develop a massive shaking sensation. violent enough to make it feel like it may loose control or have a flat tire. then if you slow down the truck ride smoothes as glass and will be fine till it starts to build again, or a bump sets it off. this problem is well known throwout the internet and commonly called "death wobble". this condition seems to affect primarily ram 1500-2500 from 2003-2008. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 dodge ram 1500. while the contact was driving approximately 35 mph into a curve, the steering wheel began to slightly vibrate with a noise coming from underneath the vehicle. the vehicle was driven to the side of the road and inspected. the contact was able to resume; however, the failure continued to occur intermittently whenever making a turn. the vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where both front wheel bearings were replaced under the service warranty. recently, the identical failures occurred and the vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired at the time of the complaint. the contact experienced similar related defects as mentioned in the safety recall on the 2006 dodge ram 1500; nhtsa campaign id number 07v038000 (suspension: front:wheel bearing ). the failure mileage was 80,000.

Around 6/2009 my passenger side wheel hub starting to make a cracking and popping noise at parking lot speeds, i took it to have replaced. it was replaced with a new part. now only a year later my driver side wheel hub is making the same cracking and popping noise. i believe the bearings are sub standard and need to be checked into. *tr

Both front hub/wheel-bearing assemblies have failed on my truck. my truck has 50k miles! the front wheel-bearing on both sides makes noises, sometimes sounds like it is catching or getting stuck. this has caused me to wreck in a ditch and is very dangerous. the noise starts out only once in a while, then seems to be constantly grinding. *tr

Tl* takata recall. the contact owns a 2004 dodge ram 1500. the contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 15v313000 (air bags) and the parts were not available within a reasonable time frame to schedule the repair. the vehicle was taken to a dealer who diagnosed that there was a failure with the rear differential which was replaced due to a faulty housing. the contact stated that recently while driving approximately 30 mph, the contact heard a loud abnormal noise in the rear, the rear differential fractured and the pinion nut detached. the vehicle was unable to be driven. the vehicle was towed to the dealer who indicated that the rear differential needed to be replaced again. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was awaiting a diagnosis. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 76,000.

2004 dodge ram 1500 4x4, 68,000 miles, not commercial use, never used for towing, never used to plow snow, no modifications made ever, driven on paved highways and city streets, and never driven off road. on december 11th 2009 i was driving to work on a smooth paved road when a humming began in the front of the truck. in a matter of 1-2 miles the passenger front wheel began vibrating hard and the vehicle started pulling hard to the right. this almost caused me to loose control. i checked the suspension the next day and found the passenger front hub bearing worn out and severely loose. i could rock the tire 1/4 inch each direction. upon inspecting the hub there were no dark spots indicating grease had leaked out. i disassembled the front hub and found it bone dry of grease and ruined. i believe this is the same bearing assembly, or very similar, as the 2006 ram 1500s. the failure was sudden with only a minor humming before severe vibration, wheel drag, and almost a loss of steering. the cost of parts alone cost me approximately $185 at an aftermarket parts store and $350 at chrysler. it is obvious that chrysler installed the same type of defective bearings in all the 04,05,06 and possibly newer ram 1500 pickups. nhtsa should enforce this recall through chrysler on all 04,05, and 06 models before a fatality occurs. below is the 2006 recall. 2006 dodge ram 1500 units affected: 86333 recall number: 07v038000 summary: on certain pickup trucks, the front wheel bearing may have received an insufficient quantity of grease during the manufacturing process. consequence: this could result in bearing degradation, and if subsequent noise and vibration are ignored, could result in hub assembly separation. this may result in a loss of vehicle control and cause a crash without warning. remedy: dealers will replace the front hub and bearing units. the recall began on february 26, 2007. owners may contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-140. *tr

My prior complaint about 2003 to 2006 dodge ram pickups having improperly greased factory wheel bearings causing bearing failure and tires to fall off the front axles has not been addressed by chrysler. nhtsa only demanded recalls on the 2006 models which is not the case, see recall # 07v038000. this is definitely a problem and life threatening issue. i have replaced my front wheel bearings myself at several hundred dollars out of pocket and actually saw the old bearings blued with heat and without grease. the replacements were also lacking grease and again need replaced after only 5,000 miles. please recall all 2003 to 2006 models for front bearing failure before someone is injured or killed. *tr

There is a recall for 2006 dodge ram 1500 trucks for the front wheel bearing, it wears out causing a lot of noise and vibration and the wheel can actually fall off, the campaign # for this incident is g02. my problem is i own a 2004 dodge ram 1500 with only 77000 kilometers and the exact situation happened to me and my right front wheel fell off from a worn front wheel bearing, luckily no damage occurred since i was only going 5 klms an hour at the time but the bearing ended up costing me 325.00 canadian with tax and with only 77,000 klms this should not occur ever. can someone get back to me please and thanks. *tr

The right front wheel assembly broke free from vehicle while driving at 40mph nice straight road st 933 going from notre dame to niles michigan. the assembly rotor calipers lug nuts suspension and rim with tire. as the assembly rolled under the truck is caused me to go airborne this happened at 1:30pm on a beautiful day. 08/25/09. after the truck came to a stop i got out and could not believe what just happen. it was just a matter of minutes before the state police arrived. his first question was am i ok do i need medical attention. his second q uestion where is the other vehicle i told him there is none. question 2 where is the rest of the truck. i said i do not know. my insurance is bent on getting the truck auction off trying to recoup some of there money. i got on your homepage and found a recall notice campaign id number 04v221000 affecting 6183 vehicles. the truck sits at copart salvage case exp.0001961. i also called the manufacture they said it must have gotten lost in the mail. thew recall was in 2004 two months after purchase of the truck they offered no help. what is there was some traffic that day there would have been many deaths including myself. *tr

My 2004 dodge ram 1500 truck has 26,000 miles on it. we have been told by a mechanic's shop that the front hub bearings are in dire need of being replaced. i see that 2006 models have been recalled by dodge for the same problem. i do not think that 26,000 miles warrants something of this nature failing and it seems apparent that this is a manufacturer's defect. *jb

On 2-23-07, i had occasion to drive my 2004 dodge, ram pu, 1500 4x4 approximately 400 miles from where i live in western ny. druing the trip we hear a slight humming noise coming from under the vehicle. due to heavy snow during the trip we thought it was snow build up under neat. however approx. 50 from returning home and upon entering a service area off the nys thruway, a definite grinding / crrunching noise was heard coming from somewheres under the front end. we continued to our destination in the buffalo, ny area. at this time besides the noises the steering wheel was jerking when traveling at a slow rate. subsequently the vehicle was left a west herr dodge, orchard park, ny where it had been purchased. the dealer ship was closed when left and contact was made with them the following day for them to check it and make repairs. on monday, 2-26-07 we were contacted and advised the vehicle had been repaired and the the problem had been the front left wheel bearing which they replace. upon picking the truck up i was told that there had not been any previous problems as such with these trucks. about 5 days later i happened to hear on our local tv that the 2006 model dodge ram pick up's had been recalled due to faulty front wheel bearings whcih was due to insufficient quanitity of grease. i am worried that my trucks bearings have the same problem as the 2006 and that the other side wheel bearing might go and could cause an accident.

Both front wheel bearings failed prematurely. (33,000 miles on odometer) the result of this failure, compromise steering, do to vibration. *nm