2003 Dodge Ram 3500

Do not drive

Owners filed 286 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the airbags. It has been recalled 9 times.

Avoid One of the Dodge Ram 3500 years to avoid: 2.2× the complaints of a typical Ram 3500 year. Which Dodge Ram 3500 years to avoid →

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
76,258 milesMedian miles at failure

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

Most common 2003 Dodge Ram 3500 problems

79 of the 286 complaints (28%) are about the airbags.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Air Bags · airbags76
202
Structure · body and frame35
002
Steering29
100
Unknown or Other14
000
Structure › Body · body and frame11
000
Suspension8
000
Power Train › Automatic Transmission · transmission8
200
Tires7
000
Power Train · transmission7
000
Tires › Sidewall6
000

2003 Dodge Ram 3500 airbags problems

28% of all complaints

79 of the 286 complaints are about the airbags. This is what owners describe:

  • sets off warning lights on the dash4% · 3
  • shows an airbag warning light4% · 3
  • did not deploy its airbags in a crash4% · 3

Share of the 79 airbags complaints whose text describes each symptom. One complaint can describe several.

Typical mileage
104,500 mi
median of 9 reports
Peak year of filing
2016
39 airbags complaints that year
Crashes · fires · injuries
3 · 0 · 3
in these complaints
Recalls on the airbags
“"takata recall" my vehicle has been recalled twice over this issue, each time the repair has been completed. The current problem with my vehicle relates to the air bag module. My air bag warning light came on about a month ago at which time I took it to my local dodge dealership thinking the airbags had gone bad again. I was advised the airbags were fine but the control module had failed.”
Owner complaint, filed Sep 14, 2018 at 142,630 miles
“Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2003 dodge ram 3500. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 15v312000 (air bags); however, the parts to do the recall repair were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue.”
Owner complaint, filed Mar 21, 2016

Complaints and recalls over time

By year of filing
2003: 13 complaints, 0 about the airbags'032004: 22 complaints, 0 about the airbags2005: 15 complaints, 0 about the airbags'052006: 15 complaints, 2 about the airbags2007: 11 complaints, 0 about the airbags'072008: 10 complaints, 0 about the airbags2009: 16 complaints, 0 about the airbags'092010: 17 complaints, 1 about the airbags2011: 12 complaints, 1 about the airbags'112012: 12 complaints, 0 about the airbags2013: 9 complaints, 0 about the airbags'132014: 20 complaints, 0 about the airbags2015: 48 complaints, 30 about the airbags'152016: 45 complaints, 39 about the airbags2017: 12 complaints, 4 about the airbags'172018: 6 complaints, 1 about the airbags2019: 0 complaints, 0 about the airbags'192020: 2 complaints, 1 about the airbags2021: 0 complaints, 0 about the airbags'212022: 0 complaints, 0 about the airbags2023: 0 complaints, 0 about the airbags'232024: 1 complaints, 0 about the airbagsRecall 03V033000 (throttle and acceleration)Recall 03V212000 (wheels)Recall 05V462000 (transmission)Recall 07E009000 (suspension)Recall 07E104000 (visibility)Recall 10E013000 (steering)Recall 11V350000 (steering)Recall 13V528000 (steering)Recall 15V312000 (airbags)NHTSA investigation EA21002NHTSA investigation EA15001NHTSA investigation AQ14003NHTSA investigation PE14016NHTSA investigation EA04025NHTSA investigation PE04039
All complaintsAbout the airbagsRecall (red: the airbags)NHTSA investigation opened

Complaints about the 2003 Ram 3500 peaked in 2015, with 48 filed that year. Owners had filed 8 complaints about the airbags before the first recall that covers it, 15V312000 in May 2015; 71 more have come in since. In 2024 owners filed 1 so far.

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.

All 9 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. 6 name the 2003 Ram 3500.

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 …

Chrysler's execution of 13V-528 & 529Audit query AQ14003Closed
Opened Oct 20, 2014Closed May 16, 2016steering

RMD opened this audit query (AQ) investigation in order to better understand and evaluate Chrysler's process(es) for timely and efficient execution of its safety recall campaigns, including its oversight and management of its parts division Mopar.Prior to opening this investigation, RMD had raised concerns with the company related to its execution of two safety recalls, 13V-528 and 13V-529, both of which involved safety defects that could cause the involved vehicles, FCA?s heavier Dodge Ram trucks, to lose steering control suddenly and without warning.Specifically, RMD inquired about the …

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 …

FALSE PARKEngineering analysis EA04025Closed
Opened Aug 26, 2004Closed Dec 22, 2005Led to recall 05V462000transmission

The subject vehicles are heavy duty pickup trucks with diesel engines and automatic transmissions commonly used for commercial and work purposes.a column mounted shift lever is used for gear selection and an electronic prndl on the instrument panel provides gear position information to the driver.the subject vehicles are also equipped with a brake-transmission shift interlock that prevents the shift lever from being moved from the park position (when the engine is on) unless the brake pedal is depressed and an ignition-shift interlock that prevents key removal unless the transmission is in …

FALSE PARKPreliminary evaluation PE04039Closed
Opened Apr 13, 2004Closed Aug 26, 2004transmission

There have been 50 complaints to odi and daimlerchrysler alleging incidents of reverse powered rollaway in subject vehicles that were parked with the engine running and the parking brake disengaged.the incidents are alleged to have resulted in 42 crashes and 3 injuries. According to daimlerchrysler, incident vehicle inspections have not identified any misadjusted or broken parts.a typical incident is believed to involve the following set of conditions:(1) with the vehicle on a relatively level surface, an attempted shift into park inadvertently places the transmission in a position between …

Technical service bulletins

30 on file

Repair instructions the manufacturer sent its dealers for the 2003 Ram 3500. Not recalls: the fix is usually free only while the car is under warranty.

engine 10equipment 6body and frame 6electrical system 5transmission 1steering 1

What owners reported

Newest filings
Suspension
Filed Jul 25, 2024225,000 milesMI

The contact owns a 2003 Dodge Ram 3500. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, there was a clunking sound coming from underneath the vehicle. The contact who is a certified mechanic, inspected the vehicle. Upon expecting the vehicle, the contact determined that both upper control arms had completely rusted and needed to be replaced. The upper and lower ball joints and suspension had been replaced by the contact. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 225,000. The VIN was unavailable.

Structure › Body
Filed Jun 26, 2020116,000 milesCT

FRAME RUSTED THROUGH IN SEVERAL PLACES. SERVICE PROVIDER HAD PROBLEMS PLACING TRUCK ON LIFT DUE TO FRAME INTEGRITY TO REPLACE BRAKE LINES. UPON MY INSPECTION FRAME IS RUSTED THROUGH IN SEVERAL PLACES. CANNOT DETERMINE IF TRUCK IS SAFE TO DRIVE. *TR

Air Bags
Filed Feb 11, 2020FL

AIR BAN LIGHT IS ON

Structure › Body
Filed Nov 16, 2018NY

DASH BOARD IS CRACKING AND CAVEING IN.

Power Train
Filed Nov 15, 2018OK

HAD TO REPLACE CARRING BEARING AND SLEEVE BUSHING ON DRIVE SHAFT HAD A LOT OF WABLE IN STEERING

Air Bags
Filed Sep 14, 2018142,630 milesAZ

"TAKATA RECALL" MY VEHICLE HAS BEEN RECALLED TWICE OVER THIS ISSUE, EACH TIME THE REPAIR HAS BEEN COMPLETED. THE CURRENT PROBLEM WITH MY VEHICLE RELATES TO THE AIR BAG MODULE. MY AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT CAME ON ABOUT A MONTH AGO AT WHICH TIME I TOOK IT TO MY LOCAL DODGE DEALERSHIP THINKING THE AIRBAGS HAD GONE BAD AGAIN. I WAS ADVISED THE AIRBAGS WERE FINE BUT THE CONTROL MODULE HAD FAILED. THEN I WAS TOLD THAT CHRYSLER DODGE NO LONGER MAKES THE REPLACEMENT MODULE AND THEY WOULD HAVE TO SEEK ONE FROM A SALVAGE COMPANY THEY DO BUSINESS WITH. MY QUESTION IS SIMPLE, HOW CAN A MANUFACTURE DECIDE TO STOP MAKING A CRUCIAL COMPONENT TO THE AIR BAG SYSTEM. I WAS ADVISED THAT IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH THE AIR BAGS WOULD NOT INFLATE. IT HAS BEEN OVER A MONTH NOW AND THE DEALERSHIP STILL HASN'T LOCATED A MODULE BUT ARE CONTINUING TO SEARCH FOR ONE. I HAVE A LOW MILAGE 2003 RAM 3500 HEAVY DUTY TRUCK SITTING IN MY DRIVEWAY THAT IS TOTALLY WORTHLESS. WHAT CAN I DO?

Tires › Tread/Belt
Filed Aug 29, 2018120,000 milesNC

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE RAM 3500 EQUIPPED WITH GENERAL AMERI-TRAC TR TIRES, SIZE: 235/80/17 (NA). WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE CONTACT FELT A VIBRATION COMING FROM THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE TIRE THREAD SEPARATED FROM THE TIRE AND DAMAGED THE VEHICLE. THE TIRE WAS SWAPPED WITH A SPARE TIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND THE TIRE WAS REPLACED. THE TIRE WAS THE ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE VEHICLE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000 AND THE TIRE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5,500.

Steering
Filed Feb 8, 2018110,000 milesOH

WHEN DRIVING THE TRUCK AROUND 65 MPH & I HIT A BUMP I GET A SEVERE DEATH WOBBLE. THIS HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL MORE TIMES & IT'S VERY DANGEROUS

Steering
Filed Jan 22, 2018210,000 milesMI

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE RAM 3500. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL WAS LOOSE AND BECAME INOPERABLE WITHOUT WARNING. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 210,000.

Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Nov 21, 201742,000 milesCA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE RAM 3500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE FRONT PASSENGER SUSTAINED BRUISES AND CUTS THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 42,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

Air Bags
Filed Oct 27, 2017TX

THE DASH IS COMPLETELY FRACTURED AND BROKEN INTO SHARDS OF SHARP HARD PLASTIC THAT SHOULD THE TAKATA AIRBAG EVER DEPLOY WILL BE PROPELLED LIKE SHRAPNEL THROUGH THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT AT EXPLOSIVE SPEEDS. IT'S LIKE DRIVING A CAR WITH BROKEN CLASS COVERING THE DASHBOARD. THIS ISSUE, THE DASH FRACTURING AND SPLITTING INTO PIECES AS A RESULT OF SUN EXPOSURE AND AGE SEEMS TO BE A KNOWN PROBLEM ON ALMOST ALL OF THE ONLINE FORUMS I WENT TO TO DISCOVER IF THIS WAS UNIQUE TO ME. I CANNOT UNDERSTAND HOW SUCH AN OBVIOUS AND COMMON HAZARD EXPERIENCED BY SO MANY, IS ALLOWED TO PERSIST.

Unknown or Other
Filed Oct 23, 201770,000 milesSC

DASH CRACKED, BROKEN, PIECES COMPLETELY BROKEN AWAY, MISSING, SHARP EDGES, VENTS GRILLS GONE ITEMS CAN FALL INTO THE HEAT, DEFROSTER. ALL DODGE TRUCKS I'VE SEEN HAVE SEEN OF THIS YEAR, MOD AND SIMILAR DEFECTS.

Electrical System
Filed Sep 25, 201730,000 milesWA

THE TRUCK WILL NOT SHUT OFF. AFTER STOPPING AND TURNING OFF THE IGNITION AND REMOVING THE KEY, THE TRUCK REMAINS RUNNING. SOMETIMES, AFTER ABOUT FIVE MINUTES IDLING IT WILL SHUT OFF ON ITS OWN. OTHER TIMES WE HAVE HAD TO REMOVE A FUSE.

Unknown or Other
Filed Sep 19, 2017289,000 milesWV

WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND WENT TO SHIFT GEARS AND THE SHIFTER LEVER ARM BROKE OFF AT THE BOTTOM.

Unknown or Other
Filed Aug 18, 2017145,000 milesSC

THE DASH IS CRACKING AND DETERIORATING PRODUCING SMALL SHARP OBJECTS IN THE CAB THAT COME LOSE AND ARE A HAZZARD TO ALL OCCUPANTS.

Air Bags
Filed Apr 6, 2017NY

TAKATA RECALL I HAVE RECEIVED 3 RECALL NOTICES,I HAVE CALLED THE DEALER AND THEY SAY THAT THERE ARE NO PARTS AVAILABLE FOR THIS REPAIR LAST CALL WAS ON 3/2017

Unknown or Other
Filed Apr 5, 2017AL

THE DASHBOARD OF MY DODGE RAM TRUCK IS CRACKED. WHEN I SAY CRACKED I DON'T MEAN A SMALL CRACK BUT CRACKS ALL OVER THE ENTIRE DASHBOARD. IT IS CRACKED SO BADLY THAT I FEAR PIECES OF THE HARD PLASTIC ARE GOING TO BREAK OFF DURING OUR TRAVELS AND CAUSE INJURY TO ME ,MY PASSENGERS OR MY GRANDCHILDREN. I AM ALSO CONCERNED THAT IF WE WERE IN AN ACCIDENT THAT THE CRACKS WOULD FLY OFF AND CAUSE SEVERE INJURY OR DEATH TO THE DRIVER, PASSENGERS OR MY GRANDCHILDREN. THIS IS A PROBLEM IN A LOT OF THE DODGE RAM TRUCKS. IT IS NOT A COSMETIC PROBLEM BUT A DANGER TO THE LIFE OF PEOPLE IN THE VEHICLE.

Visibility/Wiper
Filed Mar 30, 2017230,000 milesMI

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE RAM 3500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS FAILED INTERMITTENTLY WITHOUT WARNING. IN ADDITION, THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS FAILED INTERMITTENTLY AND WORKED ONLY AT THE SLOW SETTING. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE TIPM MODULE FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED BECAUSE THE PART WAS ON BACK ORDER. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 06E023000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING) AND 09E009000 (VISIBILITY). THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 230,000. UPDATED 08/14/2017*JS

Unknown or Other
Filed Mar 3, 2017NC

DASH CRACKED CREATING A SAFETY HAZARD IF EVER INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT. ALSO SMALL FRAGMENTS OF THE DASH HAVE GOTTEN INTO THE VENTS BLOWING INTO DRIVERS FACE WHICH MY CAUSE AN ACCIDENT IF STRUCK IN EYE. STATIONARY, MOTION WHAT TYPE OF ROADWAY DOES NOT MATTER. DEFECTIVE PARTS USED!!!!

Air Bags
Filed Feb 16, 2017AZ

2003 DODGE RAM. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO REPLACEMENT PARTS NOT AVAILABLE TO REPAIR PASSENGER AIRBAG INFLATOR RECALL NOTICE. *SMD

Unknown or Other
Filed Feb 4, 2017150,000 milesOH

DASH BOARD FALLING APART

Visibility/Wiper
Filed Dec 8, 2016150,000 milesIL

WIPER ONLY FUNCTIONS WHEN WASHER MODE IN PUSHED. THEN ONLY MAKE 1 SWIPE. HAVE REPLACED WIPER MOTOR AND TRANSMISSION, REPACED MULTIFUNCTION SWITCH, REPACED WIPER RELAY IN FUSE BOX. STILL NO WIPERS.

Unknown or Other
Filed Dec 3, 2016WA

DASH IS CRACKING AND I AM AFRAID THAT IF I WERE TO GET IN AN ACCIDENT THERE WOULD BE SHARP PIECES OF PLASTIC SENT INTO THE OCCUPANTS OF THE CAB SPECIFICALLY MY CHILDREN. THE DASHES SHOULD BE RECALLED.

Air Bags
Filed Nov 15, 2016AZ

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE RAM 3500. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V312000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

Air Bags
Filed Nov 4, 2016GA

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE RAM 3500. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 05V462000 (POWER TRAIN), 09E001000 (STEERING), 13V528000 (STEERING), AND 15V312000 (AIR BAGS). THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIRS WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIRS. THE CONTACT CALLED THE SAME DEALER EVERY TIME SINCE 2006. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT. UPDATED 01/05/2017*CT UPDATED 7/3/18*JB

Air Bags
Filed Nov 4, 2016FL

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE RAM 3500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS PREMATURE CRACKING AND DETERIORATION OF THE DASHBOARD. THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED NO SOLUTION OTHER THAN FOR THE CONTACT TO REPLACE THE PART. THE DEALER STATED THAT TO COMPLETE NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V312000 (AIR BAGS), THE DASHBOARD WOULD ALSO NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE PARTS HAD NOT BEEN AVAILABLE FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME SO THE CONTACT WAS UNCERTAIN OF WHEN THE RECALL REPAIR WOULD BE COMPLETED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT. UPDATED 01/27/17*LJ

Air Bags
Filed Oct 10, 2016CA

TAKATA RECALL- IN MARCH OF 2016, A RECALL WAS ISSUED FOR THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG. I HAVE CONTACTED TWO DIFFERENT DEALERSHIPS, LITHIA MOTORS IN GRANTS PASS OR.IN AUGUST OF 2016 AND RANCHO CHRYSLER JEEP DODGE IN SAN DIEGO, ON OCT 10, 2016. BOTH DEALERSHIPS ADVISED THAT REPLACEMENT PARTS ARE NOT AVAILABLE AND NEITHER LOCATION HAS RECEIVED ANY NOR DO THEY KNOW WHEN THEY WILL RECEIVE ANY. DO YOU HAVE ANY INFORMATION WHEN THIS SITUATION WILL BE RESOLVED?

Air Bags
Filed Sep 13, 2016OK

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE RAM 3500. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V312000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

Air Bags
Filed Aug 25, 2016AK

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE RAM 3500. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V312000 (AIR BAGS). THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME FRAME TO SCHEDULE THE RECALL REPAIR AND THE CONTACT CALLED TWO DEALERS. THE DEALER DID NOT GIVE A SPECIFIC DATE FOR WHEN THE PART WOULD BECOME AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER COULD NOT PROVIDE AN ESTIMATED DATE FOR WHEN THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WOULD RECEIVE THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

Air Bags
Filed Aug 18, 2016AL

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE RAM 3500. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V312000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

Air Bags
Filed Jul 14, 2016OK

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE RAM 3500. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V312000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

Air Bags
Filed Jun 3, 2016AK

TAKATA RECALL. RECV'D R26/NHTSA 15V-312. I LIVE ON AN ISLAND WITH NO MFG DEALERS. FCA WILL NOT AUTHORIZE NON-DODGE DEALER TO PERFORM RECALL REPAIR. FCA SAYS THEY WILL NOT PAY SHIPPING COST ($756)TO SHIP VEHICLE BY FERRY TO NEAREST DEALER. RECALL STATES "MORE LIKELY TO OCCUR...IF EXPOSED TO HIGH LEVELS OF ABSOLUTE HUMIDITY..." RESIDENCE IS IN MARINE ENVIRONMENT THAT HAS AVERAGE ANNUAL HUMIDITY OF 77%. WHAT OPTIONS ARE AVAILABLE TO GET VEHICLE REPAIRED.

Air Bags
Filed May 31, 2016WA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE RAM 3500. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V312000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART FOR THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT. ....UPDATED 07/05/16 *BF

Power Train
Filed May 19, 2016125,000 milesKY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE RAM 3500. WHILE TOWING A TRAILER AT 70 MPH, THE TRANSMISSION SEIZED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRAILER JACK-KNIFED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 125,000.

Air Bags
Filed Apr 25, 2016250,000 milesCA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE RAM 3500. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V286000 (AIR BAGS). THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 250,000.

Air Bags
Filed Apr 21, 2016AL

2003 DODGE RAM 3500. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO REPLACEMENT PARTS STILL NOT AVAILABLE TO REPAIR RECALL NOTICES 14V-770 & 15V-312. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED IT HAS BEEN OVER A YEAR, SINCE HE RECEIVED THE RECALL. *JB

Air Bags
Filed Apr 14, 2016GA

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE RAM 3500. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V312000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

Air Bags
Filed Apr 13, 2016AL

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE RAM 3500. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V312000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

Air Bags
Filed Apr 8, 2016AL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 RAM 3500. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V312000 (AIR BAGS) AND STATED THAT THE PART NEEDED WAS UNAVAILABLE TO PERFORM THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

Air Bags
Filed Apr 8, 2016FL

I HAVE RECEIVED AT LEAST FOUR RECALLS FROM FCA (THE SAME PROBLEM ALL FOUR TIMES PASSENGER AIRBAG INFLATOR) EVERY TIME I GO INTO THE DEALER TO GET THE PROBLEM FIXED THEY TELL ME THAT THEY DO NOT HAVE THE PARTS AND THEY WILL CONTACT ME WHEN THE PARTS COME IN.DODGE HAS NEVER CALLED I ROUGHLY GUESS THAT THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR A COUPLE OF YEARS. PLEASE HELP

Air Bags
Filed Apr 6, 2016VA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE RAM 3500. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V312000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

Air Bags
Filed Apr 6, 2016KY

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE RAM 3500. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V312000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

Air Bags
Filed Mar 31, 2016AL

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE RAM 3500. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V312000 (AIR BAGS) AND STATED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME FRAME TO SCHEDULE THE RECALL REPAIR. THE DEALER DID NOT GIVE A SPECIFIC DATE FOR WHEN THE PART WOULD BECOME AVAILABLE BUT INDICATED THAT THE CONTACT WAS PLACED ON A WAITING LIST. THE CONTACT WAS NOT EXPERIENCING A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

Air Bags
Filed Mar 28, 2016FL

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE RAM 3500. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V312000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT. UPDATED 06/15/16*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE AIR BAG WERE REPLACED IN TWO DAYS, AFTER GOING TO ANOTHER DEALER. UPDATED 06/20/16.*JB

Air Bags
Filed Mar 28, 2016FL

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE RAM 3500. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15312000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PARTS FOR THE RECALL WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

Air Bags
Filed Mar 21, 2016TX

"TAKATA RECALL" NONE REPAIR FROM OVER A YEAR AGO ON 3/12/2015 I FIRST TOOK MY VEHICLE, 2003 DODGE RAM 3500, TO SUNLAND PARK DODGE DEALERSHIP ON 950 CROCKET ST EL PASO, TX 799222 (915) 584-9393 FOR THE SAFETY RECALL #P78 /NHTSA 14V-770, THE PASSENGER AIRBAG INFLATOR HOUSING MAY RUPTURE AND WAS GIVEN A SERVICE #CBDZP403AA. I WAS ADVISED THAT PART NEEDS TO BE ORDERED AND I WOULD BE CALLED FOR THE REPAIR. THROUGHOUT THE YEAR OF 2015, I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP AND THE PART DID NOT COME IN. ON 3/08/2016 I TOOK IN MY VEHICLE FOR THE SAME RECALL, OF THE PASSENGER AIRBAG INFLATOR MAY RUPTURE, BUT IT NOW HAD A DIFFERENT RECALL #R26 /NHTSA 15V-312. THIS NEW RECALL NUMBER STILL INDICATED IT WAS FOR THE SAME PROBLEM OF THE PASSENGER AIRBAG INFLATOR HOUSING MAY RUPTURE. I WAS ADVISED BY THE SERVICE RECEPTIONIST, CATALINA, THAT CHRYSLER STILL HAS NOT MADE THESE PARTS. THE SERVICE ADVISOR, ALEX FERNANDEZ, CONFIRMED ONLY THAT THEY HAVE NOT RECEIVED THE PART. AFTER BRINGING IT TO HIS ATTENTION THAT I FIRST BROUGHT IN THE VEHICLE OVER 1 YEAR AGO FOR THIS RECALL OF THE PASSENGER AIRBAG INFLATOR HOUSING; HE JUST SHRUGGED HIS SHOULDERS. MY VEHICLE HAS BEEN KEPT IN EXCELLENT CONDITION IN BOTH SERVICE AND LOOKS. I STILL PLAN ON KEEPING THIS VEHICLE. THIS VEHICLE HAS BEEN IN THE CALIFORNIA COASTAL AND TEXAS COASTAL AREAS IN EXPOSURE TO HIGH LEVELS OF HUMIDITY FOR SEVERAL 6 TO 8 MONTHS OF THE YEAR.

Air Bags
Filed Mar 21, 2016TX

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE RAM 3500. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V312000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

Air Bags
Filed Mar 1, 2016OR

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE RAM 3500. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V312000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED TO PERFORM THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

Air Bags
Filed Feb 18, 2016NC

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE RAM 3500. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V312000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS UNAVAILABLE.

Air Bags
Filed Feb 18, 2016MI

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE RAM 3500. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V312000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT AWARE OF THE ISSUE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

Complaints 1-50 of 286, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2012
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
2012366980Above average
2011225550Above average
2010150940Do not drive
2009105520Do not drive
200817311140Do not drive
200721014140Do not drive
20062581142Do not drive
2005196761Fatalities reported
2004214740Above average
2003 — this page286910Do not drive
200244100Routine
2001130130Routine
200058151Fatalities reported
1999104161Fatalities reported
19981051100Routine
19971251120Routine
19961241100Routine
1995108160Routine
199470170Routine
199320000Routine
199210000Routine
19914000Routine

Compare every Ram 3500 year →

2003 Dodge Ram 3500: questions buyers ask

Is the 2003 Dodge Ram 3500 a good car?

Going by the federal record, it is one of the Ram 3500 years to avoid: owners filed 286 complaints, 2.2 times as many as a typical Ram 3500 year. The most common complaint is about the airbags (28%).

What is the most common problem with the 2003 Dodge Ram 3500?

The airbags: 79 of the 286 complaints (28%) are about it. Owners most often say it sets off warning lights on the dash (4%), shows an airbag warning light (4%) and did not deploy its airbags in a crash (4%). The typical report comes at 104,500 miles.

How many recalls does the 2003 Dodge Ram 3500 have?

9 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, 13V528000, covered 706,664 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 3500 problems start?

Half of the complaints that record an odometer reading came in before 76,258 miles. For the airbags the midpoint is 104,500 miles.

Has NHTSA investigated the 2003 Dodge Ram 3500?

Yes, 6 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 3500?

The manufacturer filed 30 technical service bulletins and other notices for it with NHTSA, most of them about the engine (10), the body and frame (6) and the electrical system (5). 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.