2003 Dodge Ram 2500

Do not drive

Owners filed 661 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the steering. It has been recalled 9 times.

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k

460 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 120,000150,000 miles; the median is 77,200 miles.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Air Bags131
406
Steering104
605
Structure88
004
Suspension36
200
Structure › Body35
005
Unknown or Other30
000
Suspension › Front20
000
Electrical System20
010
Power Train › Automatic Transmission19
500
Visibility15
000

9 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.

Steering › Linkages › Tie Rod Assembly13V528000
Filed Nov 6, 2013706,664 vehiclesChrysler Group Llc

Defect. Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2003-2008 Dodge RAM 2500 4x4 and 3500 4x4, model year 2007-2008 Dodge RAM 3500 4x2 Cab Chassis and model year 2006-2008 Dodge RAM 1500 Mega Cab 4x4 trucks manufactured February 12, 2002, through February 13, 2008. The left tie rod assembly may break.

Risk. A failure of the tie rod assembly may result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy. Chrysler notified owners and launched its recall campaign in January 2014. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N62.

Steering › Linkages › Tie Rod Assembly11V350000
Filed Jul 6, 2011242,780 vehiclesChrysler Group Llc

Defect. CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008-2011 DODGE RAM 2500/3500 4X4, MANUFACTURED FROM FEBRUARY 14, 2008, THROUGH MARCH 28, 2011; MODEL YEAR 2008-2011 DODGE RAM 3500 CAB CHASSIS 4X2, MANUFACTURED FROM FEBRUARY 14, 2008, THROUGH MARCH 28, 2011; AND MODEL YEAR 2008 DODGE RAM 1500 MEGA CAB 4X4, MANUFACTURED FROM FEBRUARY 14, 2008, THROUGH AUGUST 15, 2008, BECAUSE THE LEFT TIE ROD BALL STUD MAY FRACTURE. THIS CONDITION TENDS TO OCCUR DURING LOW SPEED PARKING LOT TYPE MANEUVERS WHEN THE CUSTOMER IS MAKING A TIGHT TURN. ADDITIONALLY, MODEL YEAR 2003-2008 DODGE RAM 2500/3500 VEHICLES MAY HAVE RECEIVED THE AFFECTED TIE ROD ASSEMBLY AS A REPLACEMENT PART DURING NORMAL SERVICE.

Risk. THIS CONDITION COULD RESULT IN THE POTENTIAL LOSS OF DIRECTIONAL STABILITY IN THE LEFT HAND FRONT WHEEL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE TIE ROD ENDS FOR RELATIVE ORIENTATION AND REPLACE THE LEFT OUTER TIE ROD AS REQUIRED AND PERFORM A FRONT END TOE ALIGNMENT AS NEEDED. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 3, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

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.

Suspension07E009000
Filed Feb 1, 20073,350 vehiclesL.k.i. Enterprises, Inc.

Defect. CERTAIN LKI ENTERPRISES, INC., BRAND NAME SUPERLIFT SUSPENSION, PITMAN ARMS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR 2003-2007 DODGE RAM 2500 AND 3500 4X4 LIGHT TRUCKS. DUE TO INADEQUATE HEAT TREATMENT DURING PRODUCTION, THE AFFECTED PITMAN ARMS MAY DEVELOP CRACKS IN THE UPPER SPLINED ATTACHMENT ATTACHMENT TO THE STEERING OUTPUT SHAFT. MOVEMENT BETWEEN THE PITMAN ARM AND THE OUTPUT SHAFT MAY DEFORM SPLINES, RESULTING IN PREMATURE WEAR AND FATIGUE FAILURE OF THE AFFECTED PITMAN ARM.

Risk. PITMAN ARM WEAR OR FAILURE MAY LEAD TO LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy. LKI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE PITMAN ARM, IF NECESSARY. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 12, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT LKI AT 1-800-551-4955.

Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Lever and Linkage › Column Shift05V462000
Filed Oct 6, 2005250,433 vehiclesDaimlerchrysler Corporation

Defect. ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH DIESEL ENGINES AND AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS, IN AN ATTEMPT TO EXIT THE VEHICLE QUICKLY WITHOUT SHUTTING OFF THE ENGINE AND REMOVING THE KEY, THE DRIVER MAY INADVERTENTLY LEAVE THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SHIFT CONTROL IN INDICATED REVERSE.

Risk. THIS ERROR IS AN UNINTENDED ACTION THAT MAY RESULT IN A LACK OF TRANSMISSION PARK PAWL ENGAGEMENT AND POSSIBLY DELAYED REARWARD MOVEMENT OF THE VEHICLE.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL PERFORM A SOFTWARE MODIFICATION TO EQUIP THESE VEHICLES WITH AN OUT-OF-PARK ALARM. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

Wheels › Hubcap/Cover03V212000
Filed Jun 5, 20031,086 vehiclesDaimlerchrysler Corporation

Defect. CERTAIN HEAVY DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS, THE ALUMINUM WHEELS MAY HAVE EXCESSIVE POROSITY IN THE CENTER HUB AREA WHICH CAN CAUSE A WHEEL TO CRACK.

Risk. THIS COULD CAUSE A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL AND RESULT IN A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE WHEELS AND REPLACE THEM IF NECESSARY. OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN JUNE 17, 2003.. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-992-1997.

Vehicle Speed Control03V033000
Filed Feb 5, 200319,500 vehiclesDaimlerchrysler Corporation

Defect. CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS, EQUIPPED WITH CUMMINS DIESEL ENGINES AND MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS, MAY EXPERIENCE AN ELEVATED IDLE SPEED AFTER EXTENDED CRUISE CONTROL USE.

Risk. THIS CAN RESULT IN UNINTENDED ACCELERATION AND A REDUCTION IN BRAKING EFFECTIVENESS, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE SOFTWARE IN THE CUMMINS ENGINE CONTROLLER. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON MARCH 10, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Visibility/Wiper
Filed Jul 9, 2025AL

DEFROST DOESNT WORK DUE TO DOOR BEAKING IN HOUSING, ALLOWS ICEING IN FREEZING CONDITIONS AS CANNOT DEFROST WINDSHIELD. WELL KNOW PROBLEM WITH THESE YEAR MODEL DODGE TRUCKS

Tires › Sidewall
Filed Feb 6, 2024SC

Travelstar ecopath a/t size LT265/70R17 a large bubble developed on sidewall. about 3 inches in diameter. tire only had about 5000 miles on it. i was on a trip with my truck camper mounted on bed of truck. returned from trip and noticed the bulge. truck is single rear axle with one tire on each side. travel speed was 55 to 60 mph. if tire had blown out truck and camper would have flipped over. i called manufacturer of tire, was told to contact walmart where i purchased tire. contacted walmart, was told to contact manufacturer. classic runaround.

Steering
Filed Jul 17, 2023WI

The contact owns a 2003 Dodge Ram 2500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 09E001000 (Steering), 13V528000 (Steering) and 15V312000 (Air Bags) however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

Electrical System
Filed Apr 9, 2023IL

After driving in heavy rain. During the following day started having electrical issues the parking lights would stay on even when the switch was turned off the driver's side headlight would also come on. and the parking lights would either turn off or flash when the high beams were turned on this happened with front and back parking lights the only way to fully get them to stay off was to pull the relay or disconnect the battery. The problem is with the power distribution center and front control module the poor design allows them to corrode damaging the copper tracing and causing shorts in the system this is a common problem as there are several online forums dedicated to these problems with a lot of people having the same issues so I'm not sure why there hasn't been a recall for this since it is a major safety problem when it affects lights, windshield wipers and several other things that could cause accidents. my brother's truck is also having sign's of the pdc and fcm being bad. and at over $1000 to replace both for a manufacturing defect it's not right that dodge customer's should have to pay that bill. I'll be attaching a picture of another board but the damage is the same and in the same spot

Steering
Filed May 18, 2022NE

We have a 2003 Dodge Ram 2500 Diesel crew cab pickup that occasionally after hitting a bump or on rough roads the steering mechanism or suspension develops an uncontrollable harmonic vibration with one or the other front wheels bouncing. The only way to stop the vibration is to come to a complete stop. In heavy traffic it could be a serious safety issue. The condition is well known to Chrysler and is commonly called a "Death Wobble". The first incidence on our vehicle was around ten years ago, but newer pickups are reported to have the condition. By replacing just the shock absorbers then it seemed to have helped, but that fix may have been fortuitous. The Dodge service center at that time did know of or maybe did not admit to the issue. Recently we have had the return of a couple episodes of the Death Wobble. The internet has many aftermarket brackets available for the Death Wobble, so, I assume, the condition is well known. Chrysler now has replacement that I was told are stronger (and maybe of a better design), but any pickup of this model without the upgrade is potentially a very dangerous safety hazard. I assume there should have been a recall for this problem, but, from your website, there are no recalls listed for this vehicle. As a side note, the Jeep SUVs have also been reported to have a Death Wobble, but I have no information on whether the wobble with them is caused by the same defect with the steering or suspension systems.

Unknown or Other
Filed Nov 10, 2021FL

Because the OE blend doors are defective, my defroster does not work. I have to constantly use a squeegee while driving to remove fog from the inside windshield, which is extremely unsafe. Occasionally the heater will kick in, and even though I live in Florida, it does get quite cold during the winter months.

Tires › Tread/Belt
Filed Oct 13, 2021VA

265/70/17- busted belts in 2 tires, liner separation in another. available for inspection removed all 4 due to safety concerns

Power Train
Filed Jun 2, 2021AR

I was driving on I55 this morning and all of a sudden my truck started vibrating really bad, the steering wheel was veering, I had to constantly fight to keep in my lane. And when I touched my brakes it veered. Riding really rough, and has power loss. I took it to the nearest shop and they said my driveshaft was very loose, and that it is affecting everything that I described. The center driveshaft support bearing is also failing.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jan 30, 2021135,000 milesNJ

ON A 35MPH STREET, TRUCK SUDDENLY BUCKING AS IF IT WAS GOING TO STALL, AND THE RPM'S WERE ERRATIC. I PUT IT IN N PULLED OVER AND SHUT IT OFF. IT RESTARTED WITH NO ISSUES. I DROVE ABOUT 9 MILES, PULLED INTO MY DRIVEWAY AND WAS COASTING UP IT, WHEN SUDDENLY THE TRUCK ACCELERATED. I DEPRESSED THE BRAKE, NOTHING. I SLAMMED IT IN PARK AND SHUT IT OFF. IT HAPPENED A FEW TIMES WHILE IDLING, OR MOVING AT A SLOW RATE. I WAS STOPPED AT A LIGHT WHEN IT SUDDENLY ACCELERATED INTO A 50MPH, 4 LANE MAIN THOROUGHFARE. I STEPPED ON PARKING BRAKE, TURNED IT OFF AND THANKED GOD THAT I WAS UNHARMED. I STARTED BACK UP, PUT IT IN D, DEPRESSED THE GAS PEDAL (LIGHT TURNED GREEN) AND IT WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. I TOOK MY FOOT OFF THE GAS, THEN IT BUCKED A FEW TIMES AND ACCELERATED ON IT'S OWN. I DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL, BUT IT KEPT REVVING UP AND ACCELERATING. AGAIN, I DEPRESSED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE AND SHUT IT OFF. IT JUST HAPPENED AGAIN AS I WAS COMING UP MY SUBURBAN 35MPH STREET. I GOT TO APPROXIMATELY 20MPH WHEN IT WOULDN'T ACCELERATE FURTHER. I BUCKED AND CHOKED, RPM'S JUMPING UP AND DOWN THE LAST 100 YARDS. I TURNED INTO MY DRIVEWAY AT AN IDLING RATE AND IT TOOK OFF LIKE A SHOT. I PRESSED THE BRAKE AND IT STILL KEPT ACCELERATING. IF I HADN'T TURNED THE WHEEL, I WOULD HAVE DRIVEN THROUGH MY GARAGE. THIS IS NOT AN ISOLATED INCIDENT. I SUFFER FROM IDIOPATHIC CARDIOMYOPATHY AND CKD, THESE INCIDENTS HAVE CAUSED ME TO BE UNABLE TO BREATHE AS MY HEART WAS BEATING SO FAST. THIS MUST BE ADDRESSED IMMEDIATE

Engine
Filed Dec 2, 2020195,000 milesNV

AT 70 MPH THE ENGINE TURNS OFF AS IF A SWITCH WAS FLIPPED. THIS HAS HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMES, ALWAYS ON THE INTERSTATE AND ALWAYS WITH CRUISE CONTROL ON AND ACTIVE. IT OCCURS MORE FREQUENTLY IN THE HOT SUMMER MONTHS (110+ F). THE WARNING LIGHT FOR THE THROTTLE CONTROL CIRCUIT SOMETIMES ILLUMINATES. WHILE STILL MOVING, SELECTING NEUTRAL, TURNING THE IGNITION OFF AND THEN BACK ON ALLOWS THE ENGINE TO RESTART. THIS CAN OCCUR AS FREQUENTLY AS EVERY 60 MILES, BUT THE AVERAGE OCCURRENCE WOULD BE AROUND 150 MILES.

Air BagsCrash4 injured
Filed Jul 29, 2020195,000 milesID

VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A COLLISION GOING 50 MPH ON A HIGHWAY AND ANOTHER VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP AT A STOP SIGN AT A CROSS ROAD AND WE STRUCK THEM WITH THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE ON THEIR PASSENGER DOOR. AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY CAUSING 2 OF THE PASSENGERS IN THE VEHICLE TO HIT THEIR HEAD/FACE ON THE DASH AND WINDSHIELD.*DT*JB

Air Bags
Filed Jul 12, 2020220,000 milesKY

3D7KU26633G8[XXX] REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *CC

SteeringCrash
Filed Aug 8, 2019199,600 milesAZ

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE RAM 2500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HIS DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING AT 3 MPH, THE TIE ROD DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE AND THE STEERING WHEEL WAS LOOSE. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE CURB. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THERE WERE NO REPORTED INJURIES AND NO POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO PLANET CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM FIAT OF FLAGSTAFF (5190 N TEST DR, FLAGSTAFF, AZ 86004 (928) 433-6787) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TIE ROD KIT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT A TIE ROD KIT WAS INSTALLED PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THE ALIGNMENT AND INSTALLATION WOULD BE AT THE OWNERS EXPENSE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 199,600.

Power Train
Filed Jul 15, 2019LA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE RAM 2500. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 05V462000 (POWER TRAIN). THE CONTACT CALLED MARK DODGE AT 337-474-2640 (LOCATED AT 3777 GERSTNER MEMORIAL BLVD, LAKE CHARLES, LA) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND WAS NOT ABLE TO CONFIRM WHEN THE PARTS WERE TO BECOME AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed May 16, 2019175,000 milesTN

I WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT ON MAY 3RD 2019 WHERE I STRUCK A VEHICLE THAT HAD JUST ENTERED THE TWO LANE HIGHWAY FROM THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD AND CROSSED IN FRONT OF ME. I HIT HER AT 45 MPH RESULTING IN HEAVY FROM END DAMAGE WHICH I'M STILL WAITING ON THE INSURANCE COMPANY TO DECIDE IF IT WILL BE REPAIRED OR TOTALED OUT. I'M FEARING IT'S TOTALED. ANYWAY I'M CONTACTING YOU BECAUSE MY AIRBAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY. I'M IN NO MANNER AN AUTOMOTIVE ENGINEER SO I CAN'T EXPLAIN WHY THY DIDN'T DEPLOY I'M JUST WANTING YOU TO KNOW THEY DIDN'T. THE VEHICLE I HIT WAS DIAGONAL TO ME,

Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Lower Ball Joint
Filed May 1, 2019162,000 milesTX

I WAS TRAVELING AT ABOUT 20 MPH, SLOWING DOWN TO MAKE A TURN WHEN I HEARD A LOUD CRACKING SOUND. I PULLED OVER BUT COULD NOT DETERMINE THE SOURCE OF THE SOUND. I DECIDED TO RETURN TO THE HOUSE TO INVESTIGATE FURTHER. ON MY WAY HOME, I STOPPED AT A COFFEE SHOP AND WHEN TRIED TO BACK UP INTO A PARKING SPACE, THE PASSENGER FRONT WHEEL BROKE OFF. IT COMPLETELY FELL OFF!! I AM VERY HAPPY WE WERE MOVING AT ABOUT 1-2 MPH INSTEAD OF THE 40MPH ON THE ROAD. TRUCK WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE I WAS TOLD THAT THE BOTTOM BALL JOINT HAD BROKEN OFF. THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS ISSUE. PEOPLES LIVES ARE AT STAKE HERE. I AM THE ONLY OWNER OF THIS VEHICLE AND HAVE ALL THE REPAIR/ MAINTENANCE RECORDS. THE REPAIR FOR THIS IS OVER $3000.00. WHY HASN'T THE MANUFACTURER RECOGNIZED THIS AS A PROBLEM? *DT *DT CONSUMER PICKED UP THE TRUCK AFTER GETTING IT FIXED ABOUT 7 MILES DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY THE TRUCK BROKE DOWN AGAIN. IT WAS TOWED AND REPAIRED SECOND TIME AROUND.*JB

Steering
Filed Mar 18, 201988,000 milesNE

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE RAM 2500. WHILE DRIVING 75 MPH OVER A POTHOLE, THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE SHOOK VIOLENTLY AND VIBRATED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. JANSSEN DODGE (3101 S. JEFFERS DR, NORTH PLATTE, NE) AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED, BUT NO ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 88,000. *TT *TR

Unknown or Other
Filed Jan 20, 201960,000 milesOR

I HAVE A 2003 DODGE RAM 2500 THAT THE DASH BOARD IS CRACKING AND FALLING APART FOR KNOW REASON. MY TRUCK IS IN LIKE NEW CONDITION THE DASH STARTED CRACKING AT ABOUT 60,000 THE TRUCK NOW HAS 112,000 MILES ON IT AND THE DASH IS IN PIECES. NHTSA NEEDS TO TAKE THIS MATER SERIOUSLY AND MAKE DODGE TAKE CARE IS THIS PROBLEM AT NO COST TO THE TRUCK OWNER. DODGE KNOWS THERE WAS A DEFECT WITH THE PLASTIC THAT WAS USED IN THE DASH AND NEEDS TO TAKE CARE OF IT OR BE MADE TO FIX IT. THIS IS A DANGER TO ME THE DRIVER AND MY WIFE AND KIDS THAT RIDE IN MY TRUCK.

Air Bags
Filed Mar 22, 2018NY

TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER THEY STATED IT NEEDED A AIR BAG CONTROL MODULE WHICH WAS 3 YEARS AGO PART IS STILL ON ORDER AND HAS NOT BEEN INSTALLED

Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › LatchCrash1 killed
Filed Jan 8, 2018130,000 milesCA

TAKATA ?- ON 7/15/2017 MY SON WAS INVOLVED IN A SINGLE VEHICLE ACCIDENT AS HE DROVE HOME ON THE FREEWAY. LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE RESULTING IN THE VEHICLE SPINNING AND IMPACTING A GUARD RAIL POST , EJECTING HIM FROM THE VEHICLE ON TO THE FREEWAY WHERE HE DIED. UPON EXAMINATION OF VEHICLE NO AIRBAGS IN THE CABIN DEPLOYED. *BF * *TR

20 of 661 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2006
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20122835120Above average
2011297460Above average
2010236440Above average
2009214530Do not drive
2008317980Do not drive
20073611192Do not drive
2006669940Do not drive
2005422981Do not drive
2004582974Fatalities reported
2003 — this page661922Do not drive
2002155211Fatalities reported
20014692110Above average
2000211250Above average
1999313220Above average
1998225230Above average
19972131140Above average
19962911150Above average
19952671130Above average
1994168160Routine
199339000Routine
199232020Routine
199116000Routine

Compare every Ram 2500 year →

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.