2004 Dodge RAM petrol: common problems and MOT failures
What MOT testers find on the petrol Dodge RAM first registered in 2004 (petrol cars only): we looked at the 312 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Small sample: there were only 312 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.
What goes wrong more than usual on a 2004 Dodge RAM petrol?
Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2004 Dodge RAM petrol than on all cars registered in 2004.
- Ball joint dust cover2.4× usualDodge RAM11.5% All 2004 cars4.7%
Failed outright at MOT: 3.2%, against 1.8% of all 2004 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanicAt the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.
Engine oil leaks: 6.4% here, against 14.7% of all 2004 cars. Tyre condition: 6.7% here, against 14.6% of all 2004 cars.
Common 2004 Dodge RAM petrol MOT failures and advisories
The share of 2004 Dodge RAM petrol MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Brakes30% of testsRough price £150–£350
At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.
- Suspension28% of testsRough price £120–£400
At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.
- Lights and electrics19% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Steering12% of testsRough price £100–£450
At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Feel for play or knocking when turning.
- Tyres11% of testsRough price £70–£150
At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.
- Oil and fluid leaks8% of testsRough price £80–£600
At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.
Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2004 Dodge RAM petrol
Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.
- Any recent work on the ball joint dust cover? (Flagged at MOT 2.4× as often on the 2004 Dodge RAM petrol as on other cars the same age.)
- Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?
Looking at a Dodge RAM?
Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.
Other years
Every year of the Dodge RAM compared
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 110 | Lights and electrics 20% |
| 2014 | 112 | Suspension 26% |
| 2006 | 154 | Suspension 29% |
| 2005 | 274 | Brakes 27% |
| 2003 | 213 | Suspension 30% |
| 2002 | 119 | Suspension 33% |
| 2001 | 102 | Suspension 36% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, counting the MOTs of Dodge RAM cars first registered in 2004. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score