Is the '06 really a "clunker" ??

bighor · Nov 24, 2016

I'm looking for a pickup for the sole purpose of transporting my dirt bike to riding spots. Was looking for a Tacoma but my dad's colleague is selling his 2006 big horn edition with a 5.7L Hemi or $9k. It has 130,000 miles on it. I've been doing some research and found that a lot of people complain this model year has a problem where it randomly shuts off while driving (2006 Dodge Ram 1500 Engine Stalls/Dies While Driving: 14 Complaints). This seems to be the most severe issue, and carcomplaints.com categorizes it as a clunker. The thought of the truck randomly shutting on a highway at high speeds is frightening. Should I avoid this year and keep looking for another model?? I've attached pics of the truck

Harley Harrold · Nov 24, 2016

MADDOG · Nov 24, 2016

Nope they aren't clunkers. The third gen trucks, by 2006, had most of the kinks worked out that came up after their introduction in late 2002 as a 2003 model. My 2007 5.7L equipped MegaCab ran like a champ and had very few failures to deal with.

Several things contribute to the stalling and stopping issue which are all maintenance or repair related.

1. Dirty throttle body
2. Failing EGR - normally a cold idle issue and EGR problems usually throw a code.
3. Vacuum leak - Any one of them can cause the problem but it's usually the fuel evap system. There is a line that goes to the cannister and one on top of the cannister that seem to be the most common failure.

My point is all these issues can be fixed. They are not fatal flaws and any vehicle can suffer from these issues as they get older.

As far as this truck, inspect it as you normally would any used vehicle. Try to get a service history and check it over for rust, leaks, oil in the water, etc...

quietpeen · Nov 24, 2016

Here is my thought. The truck is 10 years old and has 130,000 miles on it. Did the guy own it from new? If so would he have kept it this long if it was a clunker?

blackbeautyhemi · Nov 24, 2016

I bought my 2006 in 2010 with 48k miles on and it now has 110k miles on it. Only issue I've had other than normal wear and tear was a solenoid pack in the transmission went bad. Other than that it's been a great truck. Its still in great shape and runs like a beast.

usaf2006 · Nov 24, 2016

I've had my 06 for over two years. No issues except my water pump a few weeks ago. Runs great.

Ramunit · Nov 24, 2016

You are worried about 14 people complaining about stalling out of hundreds of thousands sold? Go for it!

SilverStreak88 · Nov 24, 2016

MADDOG said:
Vacuum leak - Any one of them can cause the problem but it's usually the fuel evap system. There is a line that goes to the cannister and one on top of the cannister that seem to be the most common failure.

Did this throw a code for small EVAP leak?

bighor · Nov 24, 2016

i think he's the second owner. 14 ppl who register complaints on that website probably represent hundreds of overall cases. when i opened the page of this forum i noticed another user posted a thread complaining of a similar issue, so i got the impression that this issue was a common thing. it's good to hear everyone's input, thanks, and keep them coming.

bighor · Nov 24, 2016

here's the thread: http://www.ramforum.com/f45/died_while_driving-90331/

of the 7 posts, 5 different users mentioned their trucks had randomly shut off

JRG18 · Nov 24, 2016

bighor said:
here's the thread: http://www.ramforum.com/f45/died_while_driving-90331/

of the 7 posts, 5 different users mentioned their trucks had randomly shut off

People generally gravitate to forums when they are experiencing problems and meet up with those with the same problems. However, my take is that after 10 years and thousands of trucks later and there is only 14 complaints online then you're pretty safe, especially after that many miles and no problems.

MADDOG · Nov 24, 2016

SilverStreak88 said:
Did this throw a code for small EVAP leak?

Yes normally this would throw a lean code due to the leak. It will even indicate a evap system low performance issue.

MADDOG · Nov 24, 2016

Yeah and they all had different failures. what's not posted there is how many miles they had on their trucks.

As I said, there are several potentials but if you throw a code then it leads you to the cause of the fault.

justin13703 · Nov 24, 2016

bighor said:
here's the thread: http://www.ramforum.com/f45/died_while_driving-90331/

of the 7 posts, 5 different users mentioned their trucks had randomly shut off

They were all seperate issues and all minor such as a fuel pump, crank sensor or throttle position sensor. Pretty much every vehicle ever made can have these same parts fail. There is no inherent flaw with the truck that will cause it to shut off. There were over 1 million 06-08 rams made. Even if there were 10,000 cases of them shutting off while driving, you're still talking less than 1% chance of it happening. And there are nowhere near 10,000 cases of this happening.

So in short, don't worry about it and buy the truck. It's not too bad of a deal.

SilverStreak88 · Nov 24, 2016

MADDOG said:
Yes normally this would throw a lean code due to the leak. It will even indicate a evap system low performance issue.

Okay, I have something similar going and I get small EVAP leak and gas cap.

Rustycowl69 · Nov 25, 2016

If you are that worried, just buy a AAA membership.

Black06ram · Nov 29, 2016

no stalling or shutting off issues with mine. I bought it two years ago and it now has 42,000 miles on it. It is my daily driver.

ST-8 · Nov 29, 2016

Only thing I've heard 06 specific is sometimes the clusters will read 0-300 rpm while in idle which isn't right cause it would stall an that the seats sucked

jslowell · Dec 5, 2016

I purchased my '06 with the 5.7L hemi with 116,000miles on the clock. It now has 176,000. After purchase, I completely serviced the vehicle. It runs like a champ. Does not use any oil between changes (every 6,000 miles). The MDS makes a clunking sound when switching. I spoke to a Dodge mechanic. He said that it was just the nature of the beast and not to worry about it. I tow a 7,500 pound 5th wheel with it. Granted, the diesel works better but I have no complaints. I get around 20mpg using the recommended 89 octane when not towing and around 12mpg when towing. No knocks nor pings. A great truck. :favorites13:

Rzrman328 · Dec 7, 2016

jslowell said:
.... I tow a 7,500 pound 5th wheel with it.....:

any pics of this?

Is the '06 really a "clunker" ??

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