2003 Dodge Ram 1500

Do not drive

Owners filed 1,171 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the airbags. It has been recalled 5 times.

Not among the Dodge Ram 1500 years to avoid. Which Dodge Ram 1500 years to avoid →

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
70,000 milesMedian miles at failure

658 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 60,000–75,000 miles.

Most common 2003 Dodge Ram 1500 problems

452 of the 1,171 complaints (39%) are about the airbags.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Air Bags · airbags442
26139
Structure · body and frame141
002
Structure › Body · body and frame64
206
Power Train · transmission57
612
Unknown or Other52
032
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Rotor · brakes41
100
Electrical System34
211
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine · engine22
010
Suspension20
200
Engine and Engine Cooling · engine18
000

2003 Dodge Ram 1500 airbags problems

39% of all complaints

452 of the 1,171 complaints are about the airbags. This is what owners describe:

  • shows an airbag warning light7% · 30
  • sets off warning lights on the dash5% · 24
  • did not deploy its airbags in a crash5% · 24

Share of the 452 airbags complaints whose text describes each symptom. One complaint can describe several.

Typical mileage
113,000 mi
median of 89 reports
Peak year of filing
2015
198 airbags complaints that year
Crashes · fires · injuries
33 · 1 · 46
in these complaints
Recalls on the airbags
“Takata recalls. On 10/05/2016 took my 2003 dodge ram 1500 into gerry wood auto group, salisbury, nc, to replace a recalled air bag along with additional work. 10/07/2026 vehicle was return ed to me. 10/05 1017 took my vehicle back to gerry wood because the warning airinf air bag light was on. A check found the squib circuit and air bag shorted.”
Owner complaint, filed Nov 16, 2017
“The takata recall air bag light in my truck is on I call the dodge dealer and the said that is a recall on the air bags.I call them more the 4 times to see if the air bag is back and last friday 10/27/17 they said they dont have any more air bagas and they wasnt going to fix my truck to continue driving like that I said to the guy and if I have an accident whats going to happen to me ?? He said I don't know ????”
Owner complaint, filed Nov 2, 2017

Complaints and recalls over time

By year of filing
2002: 1 complaints, 0 about the airbags'022003: 56 complaints, 1 about the airbags2004: 72 complaints, 3 about the airbags2005: 49 complaints, 1 about the airbags2006: 34 complaints, 1 about the airbags'062007: 42 complaints, 2 about the airbags2008: 41 complaints, 1 about the airbags2009: 39 complaints, 5 about the airbags2010: 59 complaints, 1 about the airbags'102011: 53 complaints, 1 about the airbags2012: 37 complaints, 1 about the airbags2013: 39 complaints, 5 about the airbags2014: 39 complaints, 5 about the airbags'142015: 275 complaints, 198 about the airbags2016: 196 complaints, 166 about the airbags2017: 75 complaints, 46 about the airbags2018: 19 complaints, 4 about the airbags'182019: 13 complaints, 2 about the airbags2020: 8 complaints, 3 about the airbags2021: 2 complaints, 0 about the airbags2022: 7 complaints, 2 about the airbags'222023: 8 complaints, 2 about the airbags2024: 2 complaints, 0 about the airbags2025: 2 complaints, 0 about the airbags2026: 3 complaints, 2 about the airbags'26Recall 06E024000 (engine)Recall 07E104000 (visibility)Recall 10E013000 (steering)Recall 10E040000 (wheels)Recall 15V312000 (airbags)NHTSA investigation EA21002NHTSA investigation EA15001NHTSA investigation PE14016
All complaintsAbout the airbagsRecall (red: the airbags)NHTSA investigation opened

Complaints about the 2003 Ram 1500 peaked in 2015, with 275 filed that year. Owners had filed 71 complaints about the airbags before the first recall that covers it, 15V312000 in May 2015; 381 more have come in since. In 2026 owners filed 3 so far.

5 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module15V312000Do not drive
Filed May 26, 2015385,686 vehiclesChrysler (FCA US LLC)

Defect. Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2003 Dodge Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500 trucks manufactured August 29, 2002, to July 25, 2003 to address a safety defect in the passenger side frontal air bag inflator which may produce excessive internal pressure causing the inflator to rupture upon deployment of the air bag. This recall addresses both the passenger side frontal air bags that were originally installed in the vehicles, as well as replacement air bags that may have been installed as replacement service parts. A replacement air bag may have been installed, as one example, if a vehicle had been in a crash necessitating the replacement of the passenger side frontal air bag.

Risk. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger’s frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy. Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy is completed. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag, free of charge. The recall began on March 16, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R26. Note: This recall partially supersedes recall 14V770.

Wheels › Hub10E040000
Filed Aug 23, 201034,604 vehiclesFederal-Mogul Corporation

Defect. FEDERAL-MOGUL IS RECALLING CERTAIN CARQUEST, NATIONAL, AND PERCISION BRAND WHEEL HUB ASSEMBLIES, P/NOS 515073 AND 515073, SOLD FOR USE AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT ON MODEL YEAR 2002 THROUGH 2008 DODGE RAM 1500 PICKUP TRUCKS. THE INBOARD ROLL FORM USED TO MAINTAIN THE HUB ASSEMBLY CAN FATIGUE RESULTING IN NOISE AND/OR WHEEL SEPARATION ON THE TWO WHEEL DRIVE (2WD) APPLICATIONS. THE RISK OF THESE ISSUES DO NOT OCCUR ON THE FOUR WHEEL DRIVE (4WD) APPLICATIONS, AND INSTALLATION ON THE 4WD APPLICATIONS ARE NOT PART OF THIS RECALL.

Risk. A VEHICLE CRASH CAN OCCUR IF THE WHEEL SEPARATES FROM THE VEHICLE.

Remedy. FEDERAL-MOGUL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS OF RECORD AND TECHNICIANS WILL REPLACE THE AFFECTED HUB ASSEMBLIES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 15, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FEDERAL-MOGUL AT 1-877-489-6659.

Steering › Gear Box › Shaft Pitman10E013000
Filed May 3, 20101,500 vehiclesFabtech Motorsports

Defect. FABTECH IS RECALLING CERTAIN AFTERMARKET REPLACEMENT PITMAN ARMS, P/NOS. FTS93001 AND FT44039, INSTALLED FOR USE ON CERTAIN 2003 THROUGH 2008 DODGE 2500 4WD, 3500 4WD, AND 1500 4WD MEGA CAB VEHICLES. THE PITMAN ARM CAN FRACTURE AND BREAK AWAY FROM THE STEERING BOX CAUSING TOTAL LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL.

Risk. STEERING LOSS COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH POSSIBLY RESULTING IN PROPERTY DAMAGE, INJURY OR DEATH.

Remedy. FABTECH WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND AUTHORIZED INSTALLERS WILL INSPECT FOR DEFECTIVE PITMAN ARM AND REPLACE IF NECESSARY FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 24, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FABTECH AT 1-877-432-2832.

Visibility › Glass, Side/Rear07E104000
Filed Dec 11, 20071,657 vehiclesSafelite Fulfillment, Inc.

Defect. CERTAIN CURVED TEMPERED REPLACEMENT GLASS MANUFACTURED BY HANGZHOU SAFETY GLASS LTD AND SUPPLIED TO SAFELITE BY AUTO TEMP INC., IDENTIFIED AS DOT-430, AND SOLD FOR USE ON CERTAIN DOMESTIC AND FOREIGN VEHICLES MAY NOT BREAK INTO SMALL PIECES AS EXPECTED OF TEMPERED GLASS AND FAILS TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 205, "GLAZING MATERIALS."

Risk. IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE OCCUPANT(S) MAY BE SERIOUSLY INJURED BY SHATTERED GLASS.

Remedy. SAFELITE WILL NOTIFY ITS RETAIL CUSTOMERS AND REPLACE THE GLASS FREE OF CHARGE. RETAIL CUSTOMERS CAN CONTACT SAFELITE TOLL FREE AT 1-888-843-2906. SAFELITE WILL NOTIFY ITS WHOLESALE CUSTOMERS AND REIMBURSE WHOLESALE CUSTOMERS FOR CURRENT INVENTORY AND AT A SPECIFIED RATE FOR REPLACING THEIR CUSTOMER'S GLASS. WHOLESALE CUSTOMERS CAN CONTACT SAFELITE'S WHOLESALE DIVISION, SERVICE AUTOGLASS TOLL FREE AT 1-888-246-6298. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 15, 2008.

Engine and Engine Cooling06E024000
Filed Mar 15, 200644,386 vehiclesK&n Engineering, Inc.

Defect. CERTAIN REPLACEMENT K&N FUEL PERFORMANCE KITS, P/NOS. 57-1509, 57-1511, 57-1511-1, 57-1517, 57-1517-1, 57-1527, AND 57-1530. ALSO, A SMALL PERCENTAGE OF THESE KITS WERE SOLD UNDER THE MOPAR PERFORMANCE PARTS BRAND NAME (P/NOS. P5007069 AND P5007070). ALL KITS WERE MANUFACTURED FROM APRIL 20, 1999, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 23, 2004. THESE ASSEMBLIES WERE MANUFACTURED AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR CERTAIN DODGE PICKUP TRUCKS AND SUVS. A SMALL PIECE OF MATERIAL FROM THE TUBE WALL COULD BE SUCKED INTO THE ENGINE THROTTLE BODY, WHICH COULD CAUSE THE THROTTLE TO BECOME JAMMED IN THE OPEN POSITION.

Risk. A JAMMED OPEN THROTTLE COULD CAUSE UNINTENDED ACCELERATION OF THE VEHICLE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH OR INCREASED STOPING DISTANCES WHEN BRAKING.

Remedy. K&N WILL PROVIDE OWNERS WITH A FREE REPAIR KIT ALONG WITH REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 20, 2006.

All 5 campaigns on file, newest first.

NHTSA investigations

Office of Defects Investigation

Before a recall there is often an investigation: NHTSA opens one when complaints or manufacturer data point to a safety defect. 3 name the 2003 Ram 1500.

Desiccated Air Bag Inflator RuptureEngineering analysis EA21002Open
Opened Sep 17, 2021airbags

From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at …

Air Bag Inflator RuptureEngineering analysis EA15001Open
Opened Feb 24, 2015Led to recall 14V668airbags

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE14-016 in June 2014 based on six inflator rupture incidents involving consumer owned vehicles produced by five vehicle manufacturers.All six vehicles were operated in Florida or Puerto Rico at the time of the rupture and for the majority of their service life, and were equipped with inflators produced by Takata, a tier-one supplier of automotive air bag systems.During the course of PE14-016, ODI determined that five additional vehicle manufacturers used inflators of a similar design and vintage also supplied by Takata. No evidence of field …

Air Bag Inflator RupturePreliminary evaluation PE14016Closed
Opened Jun 11, 2014Closed Mar 2, 2015Led to recall 13V172000airbags

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE14-016 in June 2014 based on six inflator rupture incidents involving consumer owned vehicles produced by five vehicle manufacturers.All six vehicles were operated in Florida or Puerto Rico at the time of the rupture and for the majority of their service life, and were equipped with inflators produced by Takata, a tier-one supplier of automotive air bag systems.During the course of PE14-016, ODI determined that five additional vehicle manufacturers used inflators of a similar design and vintage also supplied by Takata. No evidence of field …

Technical service bulletins

28 on file

Repair instructions the manufacturer sent its dealers for the 2003 Ram 1500. Not recalls: the fix is usually free only while the car is under warranty.

equipment 10engine 7body and frame 4electrical system 3transmission 2suspension 1steering 1

What owners reported

Newest filings
Air Bags
Filed Oct 5, 2026NY

Brought my 2003 dodge ram 1500 to Romeo dodge to have a Passenger Airbag Recall Repair on [XXX] and I was called one hour later and told my airbag replacement was finished and I could pick up my truck. So i picked up my truck and drove it from Romeo dodge [XXX] to [XXX] where I live I parked the truck . We were sick for a few days after we parked the truck home it wasnt moved at all until a few days later I tried to start my truck and it would not start , so i tried again and the truck started briefly and the gauges were going crazy and truck started bogging badly and shut off and wouldn't start again so I complained to Romeo dodge about this and the service manager Jason said the truck drove home to my house fine and that whatever is wrong is not romeo dodge's responsibility . So i called back and asked to speak with general manager and I spoke to Chad general manager and he said the same at first. Then finally he sent a tow truck to pick up my truck and bring it back to the service center and re-evaluate what they did to my truck and brought me a loaner car after hours of disputing the facts .. a few hours later Chad called me back and said my truck starts and I can come pick it up. So i drove to kingston again and when I got there my truck was not finished so I waited and then I got inside my truck to start it up to get ready to leave and put into reverse and truck wouldnt move unless I pressed the gas all the way down. Then we put it in park and called for the technician

Air Bags
Filed Jul 23, 2026NY

The contact owns a 2003 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that the vehicle was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V312000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be repaired; however, the contact was informed that the part to do the recall repair was on back order. The contact stated that the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles(DMV) had placed a hold on the registration of the vehicle, preventing the contact from being able to operate the vehicle on public roadways. The contact stated that the manufacturer had failed to provide the remedy within a reasonable amount of time. The contact had not experienced a failure.

Suspension › Rear
Filed Feb 9, 2026300,000 milesAL

The contact owns a 2003 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that while the vehicle was being driven by a friend at 45 MPH, the rear axle detached. The driver was stranded by the roadside. The vehicle was towed to the driver's residence. There were no warning lights illuminated. An unknown local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 300,000.

Suspension
Filed Dec 11, 2025180,000 milesTN

The contact owns a 2003 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that the steering wheel and the front wheels were uncontrollable. While driving from Georgia to Memphis, there was an unknown object loose by the wheel. The ball joint suspension was replaced by an independent mechanic. The low tire pressure warning light was illuminated. The contact was unable to control the vehicle and had the vehicle towed to an unstated location. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 180,000.

Structure › Body
Filed Feb 4, 2025WI

Rear fenders are rusted such that wiring harness falls off from underside if fenders and rubs on tires. Middle of frame rusted through on right and left side and dealer's floor lift went about half-way through both sides when the technician. tried to raise truck to check wiring under truck. The lift only crunched about halfway through near the middle of the frame. That was the point when the technician noticed the truck was lifting unevenly and making a crunching sound when he started trying to lift it. He left the truck as it was - with two wheels on the floor and two wheels about an inch off the floor He hollered for th shop supervisor to look at, who came and got me in the waiting room to show me what happened. The dealership could not repair the frame, but said there was a welding shop a couple of miles away down a back road in Zachow, WI where I could safely drive to if I went really slow. I don't know when the frame started rusting or the date the dealer's hydraulic lift broke through the frame. The truck's rear fenders were starting to significantly rust when it was about 3-4 years old. It was purchased new. I don't know how badly the frame had rusted at that time. I'm fairly certain the truck had less that 100,000 miles on it when the dealer found that the frame was rusted through. It's 22 years old now and was bought new in 2003. It has 147,000 miles on it today. Assuming that the miles/year were roughly the same at 6,682, and the tail lights started acting "funny" (

Unknown or Other
Filed Dec 21, 2024NJ

A few years ago, while driving down a rural road, I saw a tire rolling behind my truck. I stopped to remove it from the road and it turned out to be my spare tire.. The cross brace that is connected to the support cable rusted and folded to allow the tire to drop free. I replaced the cross brace and added heavy duty straps to be a backup support so as to assure this incident would not happen again. Last month my friend's son was injured due to an accident involving what appears to be a Pick-Up truck spare tire lost on a state highway. The tire size and a rusted cross brace led the responding police officer to conclude that it came from a Pick-up truck. Perhaps, pick up truck manufacturers should inspect and install a secondary/back up safety strap?

Structure › Body
Filed Oct 2, 2024WI

The frame/chasis rusted through and dealer could not raise truck because lift went through frame. If it had not been noticed at dealership, we and others could have been killed if the frame had broken through on the highway. The dealership and repair shop can confirm. The box and other body components are severely rusted. The body around the gas filler cap is so rusty that I have to hold the gas dispenser just so as to prevent gas leakage from the filler apparatus going into the gas tank. The gas tank fell off the truck twice and the truck was towed into the dealer to be fixed. The truck has less than 150,000 miles, and was purchased new. The incidents occurred between 2004 and 2020 - approx. No police reports or injuries, but no help from dealer.

Tires › Temporary/Emergency Spare Tire
Filed Oct 26, 202399,600 milesCA

The contact owns a 2003 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, there was an abnormal thump, prompting the contact to look through the review mirror, where he observed that the spare tire was on the roadway. After a visual inspection, the contact observed that the spare tire hoist cable had detached, allowing the spare tire to fall from the spare tire compartment. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 99,600. The VIN was not available.

Power Train › Driveline › Driveshaft
Filed Oct 20, 2023230,000 milesCO

The contact owns a 2003 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at slow speeds, the driveshaft detached. Due to the failure, the gear oil and rear differential fluid leaked out of the vehicle. The contact was able to temporarily repair the driveshaft. The dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure but offered no assistance. Additionally, the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V312000 (Air Bags) however, the contact was informed that due to a crack in the dashboard, he would be charged for the repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 230,000.

Electrical System
Filed Jul 23, 2023AL

UNKNOWN Everything will stop operating as I'm driving and after coming to a stop will start Right back up. I had one repair shop tell me that it has something to do with the fuel but the problem continue, the second repair shop said it was a brain box issue, if this was safety issue or problem can I get reimbursed.

Power Train
Filed Jul 14, 2023CA

The driveshaft to pinion gear at the differential comes loose during normal driving. I have replaced the bit numerous times, but it keeps coming loose. There is a recall on same truck but different years. The exact problem the other Rams have is exact issue with mine. When it comes loose, the car grinds to a halt.

Air Bags
Filed Jul 12, 2023OK

The reason the owners of these Dodges is that the dealers break the already brittle dash boards and REFUSE to repair or replace the dashboard. So most wont have the recall performed. So until the dealers are forced to repair/replace the brittle dashes when they perform these recalls then people will not have it addressed. Also i have owned my Dodge since October 2022. Truck is registered with dodge on the website and yet to receive a recall notice in the mail. Now if i go and look it shows the recall on my truck but many do not register their vehicles with the manufacturers website. All in all the EXPENSIVE dashboards being broke by dealerships performing the recall is why owners wont go thru it. Many have paid thousands in getting the dashes fixed. Also id think brittle dashboards that turn sharp daggers would be a safety hazard as well but yet no recall. My dash is missing HUGE pieces. Leaving sharp jagged edges that will be knives in an accident. I mean if the dashes bust just by replacing an airbag inflator or just sun exposure. Imagine being in an accident.

Power Train
Filed Jun 1, 2023FL

Rear end of my ram 1500 pickup model year 2003 locked up doing 60 MPH on the interstate broke the drive shaft and the front of the rear end and yoke off. This is the third rear end I have put in this truck. This has been reported all over the internet thousands and thousands of times over about these Dodge ram 1500 pickup truck rear ends having catastrophic failure causing injury and near fatalities yet Chrysler Dodge Jeep still has not issued a recall for the 2003 model year ram 1500 rear end. It is the same exact rear end as the model year 2005 which has the same recall and other years that they have issued recalls for. I cannot understand how this has gone on for years with so many reports and incidences of this happening and still nothing being done of it. Again this is the third rear end I have put in my truck. My truck only has 120,000 miles on it first rear end went out well under 100,000 mi. It was also brought to the dealership to have pinion seal and nut fixed under warranty at 30,000 miles. I have paperwork proving that there was an issue starting at 30,000 miles with this truck. I really hope somebody will finally do something about this issue that has plagued hundreds of thousands of people and their trucks. A simple internet search will show thousands and thousands of people all having the same issues with their 2003 Dodge ram 1500 pickup trucks. You can see in two of the pictures the skid marks from the rear end locking up on the road and I buy a miracle manage

Unknown or OtherFire
Filed Feb 18, 2023CA

I just bought this car with a smog certificate of less than 90 days ago from today and it caught on fire while I was driving it not even going over 55 miles an hour. I seen a potential recall that would cause a fire like that for the make and model of my vehicle but when I put my vin in it says it wasn’t effected. To be clear my vehicle wasn’t leaking any fluids either.

Air Bags
Filed Jan 27, 2023OH

The contact owned a 2003 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V312000 (Air Bags) and requested to be removed from the recall distribution list as she no longer owns the vehicle. The local dealer and manufacturer were not contacted.

Air Bags
Filed Dec 7, 2022CA

THE PASSENGER AIRBAG INFLATOR HOUSING MAY RUPTURE, DUE TO EXCESSIVE INTERNAL PRESSURE, DURING NORMAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT EVENTS. THIS CONDITION IS MORE LIKELY TO OCCUR IF YOUR VEHICLE HAS BEEN EXPOSED TO HIGH LEVELS OF ABSOLUTE HUMIDITY FOR EXTENDED PERIODS OF TIME.

Unknown or OtherFire
Filed Sep 15, 2022IN

This vehicle had last been started and driven 7 hrs prior and exploded in the driveway, caught the house on fire and nearly killed my son who was near the inside wall of the house. The engine blew and then the front tires. Three explosions in all before the fire department was able to stop the fire. Luckily they were only a mile away. This was an older but well running vehicle.

Structure › Body1 injured
Filed Aug 7, 2022FL

2003 DODGE RAM 1500 DASHBOARD CRACKED ALL OVER. IF INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT THE SHARP PCS OF HARD PLASTIC WOULD DEFINITELY IMPALE THE OCCUPANTS. DODGE STATES ITS ONLY A FEW TRUCKS BUT I HAVE NOT SEEN ONE 2003 DODGE RAM WITH A DASHBOARD ON ONE PC. ONCE I WAS FORCED TO BRAKE HARD AND MY PASSENGER REACTED BY SLAMMING HER HAND ON THE DASH AND A SHARP POINT OF A BROKEN PC STABBED INTO HER PALM WHICH BEGAN BLEEDING. DEFINITELY NEED TO LOOK INTO THIS MATTER AS IT'S A REAL HAZARD THAT COULD MOST PROBABLY RESULT IN A DEATH IF SOMEONE WERE TO GET IN AN ACCIDENT.

Air Bags
Filed Jul 30, 2022OH

Frame damage where steering box separates

Structure › Body
Filed Jul 30, 2022WI

The truck was brought in to dealer to inspect/repair wiring for trailer outlet. When they and began raising the vehicle, the rear lift arms broke through the frame on both sides. When I drove it short way to the repair shop (about 5 miles), the frame on the left broke and sagged and I nearly lost control. The repair shop was in sight and I was able to make it at under 10 mph. The road between the dealer and repair shop was an old country road and I never exceeded 45mph. The rusted frame was first noticed by Witt Ford in Pulaski and the frame was reinforced/surrounded by welded plate steel. There was no warning of the defect. If I had been travelling at highway speed and this failure occurred, I would have lost control, the left side of the truck would have been dragging as well as fuel tank. There would have been a crash and probably a fire.

Electrical System
Filed Feb 16, 2022CA

When driving the truck the vehicle randomly shuts down and I have to pull over or put it in neutral to restart it I believe there might be a problem with the tipm that dodge has had a ongoing problem for years and ignored the issue

Power TrainCrash
Filed Jan 5, 2022PA

Around midday of November 25, 2021, a clear day with no precipitation, while operating the 2003 Dodge Ram 1500 with about 155k miles on it at approximately 35 MPH, the drive train locked up causing the vehicle to go into a skid and a spin that sent the vehicle into a telephone pole. We could have slid into oncoming traffic, fortunately, we did not. The vehicle was totaled. While loading the vehicle onto the tow truck, responders noted that the axle was sheared at the back due to the rear differential locking up unexpectedly. There was a noise, like a whistle or a whine for a few minutes leading up the incident, but not anything that I would associate with this kind or failure, no grinding, roughness, or clunking.

Unknown or Other
Filed Apr 30, 202110,000 milesMO

2003 RAM 1500: CONCERNS ABOUT CRACKED DASHBOARD BECOMING PROJECTILES

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Feb 10, 2021136,788 milesMI

FUEL TANK STRAP IS ROTTED AND TANK IS FALLING OUT

Structure › Body
Filed Nov 15, 202085,000 milesGA

DASH IS CRACKED AND PIECES ARE FLYING EVERYWHERE WHEN THE AC IS TURNED ON. VERY UNSAFE.

Power Train
Filed Oct 7, 2020129,545 milesFL

DIFFERENTIAL GRINDING NOISE WHEN DRIVING DOWN THE STREET WHEN GRINDING NOISE STARTED

Air BagsCrash3 injured
Filed Aug 25, 2020163,000 milesSC

ON AUGUST 1 2020, MY 2 ADULT CHILDREN AND ANOTHER PASSENGER WAS IN A CRASH AND MY TRUCK FLIPPED SEVERAL TIMES FROM FRONT TO BACK AND ALL PASSENGERS WERE BADLY INJURED AND NOT ONE OF THE AIR BAGS WERE DEPLOYED. THE TRUCK WAS HIT FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE CAUSING THE TRUCK TO AIR LIFT AND FLIP.

Power Train
Filed Aug 19, 2020160,000 milesCA

I WAS DOING 65 ON FREEWAY WHEN WHEN MY DRIVELINE AND PINION BOLT CAME OFF REAR END IN 1 PIECE AND THE REAR TIRES LOCKED UP AND I SLID TO A STOP

Structure › Body
Filed Jun 3, 2020120,000 milesWI

TRUCK BODY RUSTED THROUGH AROUND REAR WHEEL WELLS STARTING IN 2005. RUSTED COMPLETELY THROUGH IN 2007 (DEALER WOULDN'T REPAIR UNDER 7-YEAR RUST-THROUGH WARRANTY, AND APPEARED MUCH THE SAME AS IN RECENT PHOTO. IN 2019 THE FRAME ON BOTH SIDES IN THE REAR WERE NOTED TO BE RUSTED ALL THE THROUGH AND REINFORCING PATCHES NEEDED TO BE WELDED ON AS SEEN IN PHOTO. *TR

Power TrainCrash
Filed Feb 11, 2020160,000 milesMD

THE STEERING IS VERY LOOSE, WHEN GOING OVER A BUMP THE VEHICLE IS PULLED INTO ANOTHER DIRECTION AND YOU TEMPORARILY LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE 4X4 WAS NOT OPERATING PROPERLY, SO THE TRANSFER CASE WAS REPLACED. UPON REPLACING TRANSFER CASE THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL LOCKED UP AND THE REAR WHEELS WON'T MOVE. THIS SEEMS TO BE A VERY COMMON ISSUE WITH THIS VEHICLE. ALL OF THESE ISSUES ARE COMMON AMONG DODGE RAM 1500S OF THIS YEAR( 2003) THESE ISSUES SHOULD BE RECALLED!

Air Bags
Filed Jan 27, 2020GA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE RAM 1500. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V312000 (AIR BAGS). THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO LOCAL DEALER HAYES CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM OF GAINESVILLE LOCATED AT 3115 FRONTAGE RD, GAINESVILLE, GA 30504, WHERE SHE WAS INFORMED THAT THE DASHBOARD NEEDED TO BE REPLACED BEFORE THE RECALL REPAIR COULD COMPLETED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN INFORMED OF FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

Air Bags
Filed Jan 9, 202070,000 milesTN

HEATER VENTS CONTROL FLAP STOPED FUNCINING.

Structure › Body
Filed Sep 4, 2019160,000 milesIN

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE RAM 1500. -FRAME CORRODED -VEHICLE UNSAFE TO BE DRIVEN.( BY INDEPENDENT MECHANIC ) -RUST -THE CONTACT HAD THE VEHICLE DIAGNOSED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC THAT DETERMINED THE FRAME WAS SEVERELY RUSTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSTIC. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000.

Structure › Body
Filed Sep 4, 2019170,000 milesIN

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE RAM 2500. -THE FRAME WAS SEVERELY CORRODED. -VEHICLE UNSAFE TO BE DRIVEN ( DIAGNOSTIC BY INDEPENDENT MECHANIC ) -RUST -THE CONTACT DROVE THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, THEY DETERMINED VEHICLE NOT SAFE TO BE DRIVEN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSTIC. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 170,000.

Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Aug 16, 2019174,000 milesCA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2003 DODGE RAM 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 40-50 MPH, THE TRUCK IN FRONT COLLIDED WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE AS A RESULT THE TRUCK BOUNCED BACK COLLIDING WITH THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A SMALL FACIAL FRACTURE AND ORAL LACERATIONS WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT TO HIS KNOWLEDGE THERE WERE NO OTHER INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A TOW LOT WHERE IT WAS DEEMED A TOTAL LOSS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 174,000.

Structure › Body
Filed Aug 2, 2019260,000 milesWI

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE RAM 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE WAS ROTTING. THE CONTACT CALLED MILLER MOTOR SALES (LOCATED AT 1196 MILWAUKEE AVE, BURLINGTON, WI 53105, (888) 449-0974) AND INFORMED THEM OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 260,000.

Structure › Body
Filed Jul 19, 201966,000 milesFL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE RAM 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT CRACKS WERE PRESENT ON THE DASHBOARD. ALSO, WHILE OPERATING THE AIR BLOWER, DEBRIS BLEW INTO THE CABIN AND DISTRACTED THE DRIVER. FURMAN DODGE (24252 STATE RD 54, LUTZ, FL) AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE, BUT NO ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 66,000.

Structure › Body
Filed Jul 15, 2019159,000 milesIN

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE RAM 1500. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A LARGE THUMP. THE CONTACT PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND FOUND THAT THE FUEL TANK HAD DETACHED FROM THE BODY OF THE VEHICLE. THE POLICE WAS PRESENT, BUT NO REPORT WAS FILED. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT AND HAZMAT UNIT WERE ALSO AT THE SCENE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO KAHLO CHRYSLER DODGE (9900 PLEASANT ST, NOBLESVILLE, IN 46060), BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 159,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

Structure › Body
Filed Jul 1, 2019NJ

THANKS FOR REVIEWING. I BOUGHT NOT JUST ONE BUT TWO 2003 DODGE RAM 1500 SLT LARAMIE OFF ROAD 4/4. AFTER ONLY 6-7 YEARS OF SERVICE THE TRUCK STARTED TO RUST. I WENT FOR MAINTENANCE AND WHEN RAISING THE VEHICLE THE TECHNICIAN GOT EXCITED AND STOPPED HE CALLED ME OVER TO SHOW ME MY DRIVER SIDE FRAME RAIL WAS SO DETERIORATED HE WAS UNSURE HE COULD SAFELY RAISE THE VEHICLE. I WAS SHOCKED. BECAUSE I HAD THE TRUCK FROM THE DEALER BRAND NEW AND KNEW THE CARE IN WHICH THE TRUCK RECEIVED. THE TRUCK IS UNSAFE AND THOUGHT I COULD JUST BUY A REPAIR. THE REPAIR COST AS MUCH AS BUYING A DIFFERENT TRUCK WHICH I DID. SAME ONE. AND GUESS WHAT THE SAME PROBLEM. RUST OVER THE WHEEL, BUMPER AND YES THE FRAME RAIL. I COULD POKE MY FINGER THOUGHT IT AND IT WOULD FALL APART. I CALLED DODGE TO EXPRESS MY CONCERN FOR THE AMOUNT OF TRUCKS LIKE THIS ON THE ROAD. THEY TOLD ME MY TRUCK WAS OLD AND THAT'S WHY. FOR A COMPANY TO ADVERTISE THEIR TRUCKS BEING THE TOUGHEST ON THE PLANT I DON'T THINK SO. THE PROBLEM I HAVE IS MY SON HAS A 1986 FORD TRUCK WHICH EVERYTHING FELL OFF EXCEPT THE FRAME, ON THE OTHER HAND, I HAVE A TRUCK WHICH ALL WORKS AND I CAN'T DRIVE. I'M SURE A LITTLE INVESTIGATION YOU WILL FIND 100000S OF THESE BROKEN FRAME TRUCKS THAT MOST DON'T EVEN KNOW IT'S HAPPENING. IT'S UNSAFE TO HAVE CONFIDENCE IN A VEHICLE TO PROVIDE PROTECTION IN CASE OF THE UNTHINKABLE. BUT DODGE HANDED OUT A BUNCH OF TRUCKS THAT HAVE TICKING TIME BOMBS IN THEM. I IMAGINE THE VEHICLE RESPONDING MUCH DIFFERENTLY IF IN A

Air BagsCrash5 injured
Filed May 3, 2019KS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2003 DODGE RAM 1500. WHILE THE CONTACT'S FIANCE WAS DRIVING 50 MPH, HE SWERVED TO AVOID A SKUNK AND LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A DITCH AND ROLLED OVER MULTIPLE TIMES. ALL THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED INJURIES TO HIS RIBS, LEFT LEG, RIGHT KNEE, AND HEAD. THE OTHER TWO FRONT SEAT PASSENGERS SUSTAINED BRUISES AND CUTS. THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE OCCUPANT SUSTAINED CUTS AND BRUISES. THE REAR MIDDLE SEAT PASSENGER WAS EJECTED OUT THE BACK DRIVER'S SIDE WINDOW. ALL THE PASSENGERS WERE TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL VIA AMBULANCE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE TWO FRONT PASSENGER SEAT BELTS WERE LATCHED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A TOW LOT AND THEN THE INSURANCE COMPANY TOWED IT TO THEIR LOCAL TOW LOT WHERE IT WAS CONSIDERED A TOTAL LOSS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.*DT PHOTOS ATTACHED *JB

Power Train
Filed Apr 15, 2019174,000 milesNJ

TRAVELING AT ABOUT 40MPH, DRIVESHAFT FELL OFF. AFTER FURTHER INVESTIGATION, I SAW THE PINION LOOSE HANGING INSIDE THE DIFFERENTIAL. I TOOK COVER OFF DIFFERENTIAL AND THE PINION AND GEAR WERE DESTROYED. THE PINION NUT WAS OFF . THAT BEING SAID, NUT CAME LOOSE, CAUSING PINION TO DROP INTO GEAR BOX , DESTROYING IT. HOWEVER, MY VIN WAS NOT RECALLED. MULTIPLE ISSUES LIKE THIS ON THIS YEAR ALSO.

Unknown or Other
Filed Apr 14, 2019OH

WAS DOING SOME REGULAR MAINTENANCE ON MY TRUCK CLIMBED UNDER MY TRUCK TO DO MY OIL CHANGE AND A PORTION OF MY FRAME ON THE DRIVER SIDE ABOUT HALF WAY OF THE CAB IS RUSTED OUT. IT WAS NOT LIKE THIS BOUT 4 MONTHS AGO WHEN I DID MY LAST OLD CHANGE.

Steering
Filed Mar 11, 2019CA

MY TRUCK HAS HAD THE DEATH WOBBLE FROM DAY 1. COUNTLESS TRIPS TO FIX WHAT I NOW KNOW HAS BEEN A KNOWN ISSUE. THE TRUCKS FRONT END GOES INTO MASSIVE SHAKING OUT OF THE BLUE

Visibility/Wiper
Filed Jan 31, 2019MA

DRIVER SIDE HEAT NOT WORKING OR DEFROST

Power Train › Driveline › Driveshaft
Filed Jan 8, 2019240,000 milesGA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE RAM 1500. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO VIBRATE VIOLENTLY. THE CONTACT COASTED THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND NOTICED THAT THE DRIVESHAFT WAS DETACHED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT CALLED MIKE PATTON CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM AT (706) 882-0600 (LOCATED AT 1408 LAFAYETTE PKWY, LAGRANGE, GA 30241) AND WAS INFORMED TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT WITH A LOCAL DEALER. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 240,000.

Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Dec 15, 2018161,000 milesPA

DUE TO A MEDICAL CONDITION I WAS NOT EVEN AWARE OF I PASSED OUT WHILE DRIVING. UNCONSCIOUS I DROVE INTO A DITCH, CAME OUT AIRBORNE (ACCORDING TO AN EYEWITNESS), PROCEEDED ON STRAIGHT INTO A TREE. MY AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY RESULTING IN MY HEAD BEING THROWN INTO THE STEERING WHEEL, RESULTING IN KNOCKING OUT 5 TEETH REQUIRING ORAL SURGERY, A GASH ON THE CHIN REQUIRING STITCHING AND AN ON GOING JAW ISSUE. I HAD NO OTHER BODILY INJURIES. HAD THE AIRBAG DEPLOYED I MAY HAVE BEEN INJURY FREE. *DT*JB

Electrical SystemCrash
Filed Nov 17, 2018163,240 milesTX

BLOWER MOTOR WIRING HARNESS FAILED. IT BURNS UP IN STEERING COLUMN. IT IN TURN CAUSES BLOWER MOTOR TO NOT WORK . WHEN YOU ARE DRIVING WINDSHIELD FOGS UP YOU CAN NOT GET DEFROST TO COME ON. HTTP://DODGERAM.INFO/TSB/RECALLS/C11.HTM

Air Bags
Filed Nov 4, 2018TX

I GOT A RECALL LETTER MULTIPLE TIMES. EVERYTIME I TRY TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT WITH MY LOCAL DEALER THEY SAID THEY DONT HAVE THE PART AVAILABLE. IT HAS BEEN MORE THAN 2 YEARS SINCE I OWNED MY VEHICLE AND THREE DEALERS SAID THEY WILL CALL ME BACK WHEN THEY HAVE THE PART AVAILABLE. I EVEN TRIED CALLING A DEALER FROM A DIFFERENT STATE BECAUSE I MOVED. NO SUCCESS. RECALL CODE R26

Engine
Filed Oct 9, 2018125,000 milesPA

WHILE DRIVING, TRUCK STALLS, HAPPENED TWICE. NO WARNING LIGHTS, NO CODES, FIRST TIME AT STOP SIGN, SECOND WHILE ON STRAIGHT RUN

Power Train
Filed Sep 21, 2018130,000 milesAZ

AS I WAS DRIVING TO MY DRS APPOINTMENT IN A CITY STREET AT 40 MPH. I HEARD A POPPING NOISE FROM THE REAR OF MY TRUCK AND I IMMEDIATELY LOST POWER ,I WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND FOUND MY DRIVE SHAFT LAYING ON THE ROAD ,MY REAR AXLE LOCKED UP , I HAD TO HAVE MY TRUCK TOWED HOME , AFTER FARTHER INSPECTION I FOUND OUT THAT THE PINION NUT CAME OFF .I RESEARCH THE AND FOUND OUT MANY COMPLAINS OF THIS PROBLEM WITH DODGE TRUCKS OF THIS YEAR ,WITH NO RESPONSE FROM DODGE .WHAT IS GOING TO TAKE A FATALITY BEFORE DODGE ISSUE A RECALL .

Complaints 1-50 of 1,171, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2005
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20141000Routine
20126987100Above average
2011689470Above average
2010488430Above average
2009670220Above average
2008554860Do not drive
2007517780Do not drive
20067921281Do not drive
20051,1737165Do not drive
20041,0998291Do not drive
2003 — this page1,1715126Do not drive
20028156141Fatalities reported
20011,1123351Fatalities reported
2000513380Above average
19996101191Fatalities reported
19985201168Fatalities reported
19973611141Fatalities reported
19962981174Fatalities reported
19952131140Above average
1994116170Routine
19936010Routine
19920100Routine
19917000Routine

Compare every Ram 1500 year →

2003 Dodge Ram 1500: questions buyers ask

Is the 2003 Dodge Ram 1500 a good car?

It is not among the Ram 1500 years to avoid. Owners filed 1,171 complaints, against about 610 for a typical Ram 1500 year. The most common complaint is about the airbags (39%).

What is the most common problem with the 2003 Dodge Ram 1500?

The airbags: 452 of the 1,171 complaints (39%) are about it. Owners most often say it shows an airbag warning light (7%), sets off warning lights on the dash (5%) and did not deploy its airbags in a crash (5%). The typical report comes at 113,000 miles.

How many recalls does the 2003 Dodge Ram 1500 have?

5 safety recalls on file with NHTSA, the most recent filed May 26, 2015. 1 of them carries a do-not-drive or park-outside warning. The largest, 15V312000, covered 385,686 vehicles. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

At what mileage do 2003 Dodge Ram 1500 problems start?

Half of the complaints that record an odometer reading came in before 70,000 miles. For the airbags the midpoint is 113,000 miles.

Has NHTSA investigated the 2003 Dodge Ram 1500?

Yes, 3 times. The latest, EA21002 ("Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture"), was opened Sep 17, 2021 and is still open. 2 investigations are open.

Are there service bulletins for the 2003 Dodge Ram 1500?

The manufacturer filed 28 technical service bulletins and other notices for it with NHTSA, most of them about the engine (7), the body and frame (4) and the electrical system (3). A bulletin is a repair instruction to dealers, not a recall: the fix is usually free only under warranty.

Reading this record

NHTSA has issued a do-not-drive warning for a recall on this vehicle.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: May 26, 2015. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.