Page 2 of 4 · complaints 51–100 of 175

2003 Dodge Ram complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA about this vehicle, newest first and reproduced as filed. They are unverified accounts: one proves nothing, and a pattern across many is the thing worth reading. Back to the full 2003 record →

Structure
Filed Jul 14, 2010SC

2003 RAM 1500 UPPER AND LOWER DASH IS FALLING APART. I HAVE TAKEN CARE OF THIS TRUCK SENSE I PURCHASED IT OFF THE LOT. CHRYSLER SHOULD LOOK INTO THIS BECAUSE I KNOW FOR A FACT THAT IT IS HAPPENING ON MOST OF THE TRUCKS OUT THERE. *TR

Structure1 injured
Filed Jun 23, 2010100,500 milesIL

I WAS GETTING INTO MY PICKUP TRUCK WHILE IN THE PROCESS OF LEAVING WORK TO GO HOME FOR DAY. I REACHED IN AND GRAB THE GRAB HANDLE LOCATED ON THE "A-PILLAR" AND STARTED TO PULL MY SELF INTO MY VEHICLE. THE "A-PILLAR" GRAB HANDLE BROKE, CAUSING ME TO FALL BACKWARD STICKING MY HEAD ON THE DRIVERS DOOR AND THEN THE GROUND AS I CONTINUED THE FALL TO THE GROUND. AS A RESULT OF THIS FALL I DEVELOPED A SUBDURAL HEMATOMA AND ALMOST DIED TWICE AS A RESULT OF THIS DEFECTIVE PART. BOTH THE DRIVERS SIDE "A-PILLAR" GRAB HANDLE AND "B-PILLAR" GRAB HANDLE FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE ARE IN THE HANDS OF A FORENSIC ENGINEER WHO HAS DETERMINED THAT BOTH PARTS WERE SUBSTANDARD. THE PASSENGER SIDE WAS ALSO CRACKED AROUND HOLD DOWN BOLTS AND READY TO FAIL. PICKUP TRUCK WAS A 2003 DODGE QUAD CAB 1500 4X4 ON FACTORY 20" TIRES. CHRYSLER LLC. IS WELL AWARE THAT THIS PROBLEM EXISTS BUT HAS CHOSEN TO DO NOTHING! IN 2003 WHEN MOTOR TREND TESTED THE DODGE QUAD CAB FOR THEIR " TRUCK OF YEAR AWARD" THE PART FAILED ON MOTOR TREND MAGAZINE. THERE HAVE BEEN NUMEROUS SERIOUS INJURIES REPORTED PERTAINING TO THESE DEFECTIVE PARTS, BUT CHRYSLER HAS DECIDED THAT THEIR BOTTOM LINE WAS MORE IMPORTANT THAN THEIR CUSTOMERS HEALTH. A RECALL NEEDS TO BE MADE FOR THESE PARTS TO STOP THESE INJURIES. I ENDED UP MISSING 3.5 MONTHS OF WORK AND MY HEALTH INSURANCE COMPANY ENDED UP PAYING OUT OVER $350,000.00 FOR THESE INJURIES. I BOUGHT THIS TRUCK IN 2003 NEW AND I DID SO IN GOOD FAITH. CHRYSLER NEEDS TO ACT IN GOOD FAITH AND REPL

Structure1 injured
Filed Jun 4, 2010100,847 milesIL

ON MARCH 23, 2003 I WAS IN THE PROCESS OF GETTING IN MY 2003 DODGE 1500 QUAD CAB. THE "A-PILLAR" WITH THE GRAB HANDLE ON IT CAME LOOSE FROM THE TRUCK(THE PLASTIC CRACKED AND WENT OVER THE BOLTS HOLDING IT ON.) I FELL BACK AND STRUCK MY HEAD ON THE DRIVERS DOOR AND THEN AGAIN STRUCK MY HEAD ON THE GROUND. I SUFFERED A SUBDURAL HEMATOMA AND WAS FLOWN BY HELICOPTER TO ST. LOUIS FOR SURGERY. MY FAMILY WAS TOLD TO TELL ME BYE ON TWO DIFFERENT OCCASIONS BECAUSE E DOCTORS THOUGHT I WAS GOING TO DIE. I MADE IT BUT RAN UP HUGH MEDICAL AND THERAPY BILLS. WHEN RESEARCHING THIS ON THE INTERNET, I FOUND THAT THIS GRAB HANDLE FAILURE HAS HAPPENED MANY TIMES CAUSING SOME INJURIES TO MAJOR INJURIES. I ALSO FOUND OUT THAT CHRYSLER HAS BEEN AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM IN 2003. MOTOR TREND MAGAZINE EXPERIENCE THIS SAME FAILURE IN 2003 WHEN THEY WERE TESTING THIS VEHICLE. DODGE DID NOTHING AND WHEN YOU'VE GONE THROUGH WHAT I HAVE THAT JUST. *TR

Visibility › Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System
Filed May 15, 2010IN

THE AIR PRESSURE COMING OUT OF THE VENTS WAS MINIMAL WHILE DRIVING AND JUST ABOVE MINIMAL WHEN IN PARK. THIS IS AN ALL THE TIME SITUATION. WAS TOLD IT COULD BE A FEW THINGS: BLEND DOOR, CIRCULATION OR VACUUM ISSUE. I STARTED SEARCHING THE ISSUE ONLINE AND FOUND ENTIRE FORUMS DEVOTED TO THESE ISSUES. IT WAS RECOMMENDED THAT PEOPLE FILE A COMPLAINT BECAUSE IT WAS AGREED THAT A RECALL WAS OR SHOULD BE IN ORDER ON THAT PARTICULAR PART OR HOUSING. *TR

Structure
Filed Mar 16, 201065,000 milesTX

2003 DODGE RAM QUAD CAB.....CRACKS IN DASHBOARD CAUSED AC MALFUNCTION. PIECES OF DASHBOARD BLOCKED AIR DAMPER DOOR AND BURNED OUT MOTOR.. COST $1100.00 OUT OF MY POCKET TO FIX.... *TR

Structure
Filed Dec 30, 200955,000 milesAZ

2003 DODGE RAM QUAD CAB 2WD CRACKED DASH FROM WINDSHEILD TO MIDDLE OF DASH. *TR

Structure
Filed Nov 24, 2009114,885 milesOK

DASHBOARD JUST ABOVE AIRBAG HAS A CRACK 1 INCH FROM THE FRONT ALL THE WAY TO THE REAR. NO ACCIDENT EVER IN THIS VEHICLE, FIRST OWNER. *TR

Electrical System
Filed Oct 20, 2009200,000 milesMI

POOR RELIABILITY OF ELECTRICAL CONTROL AND DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM CAUSES NUMEROUS AND SOMETIMES INTERMITTENT FAILURES OF EXTERIOR SAFETY-RELATED LIGHTING SUCH AS HEADLAMPS (LOW BEAM AND HIGH BEAM), TAILLAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, BRAKE LAMPS, AND TRAILER LAMPS. PROBLEMS SEEM TO BE EXACERBATED IF VEHICLE IS NOT OPERATED FOR A FEW WEEKS. DEALER IS QUOTING REPAIR COST IN EXCESS OF $2000 FOR REPLACEMENT OF THE POWER DISTRIBUTION CENTER, WHICH IS REPORTEDLY NOT A SERVICEABLE UNIT. THIS HIGH REPAIR COST WILL UNDOUBTEDLY CAUSE OWNERS TO "TAKE THEIR CHANCES" AND CONTINUE OPERATING VEHICLES IN AN UNSAFE CONDITION BECAUSE THE REPAIR IS SO COSTLY AND THE PROBLEMS ARE INTERMITTENT. SOME USERS HAVE REPORTED NEEDING TO COMPLETE THIS REPAIR MORE THAN ONCE OVER THE VEHICLE LIFETIME, WHICH FURTHER CONFIRMS THERE IS AN INHERENT RELIABILITY PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE'S ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. OTHER USERS REPORT SIMILAR ISSUES WITH WINDSHIELD WIPERS REPORTEDLY DUE TO THE SAME UNIT FAILURE. BECAUSE DODGE RAM PICKUP TRUCKS HAVE AT LEAST TEN DIFFERENT MODEL CATEGORIES AND MULTIPLE MODEL YEARS FOR REPORTING IN THE NHTSA ONLINE REPORTING STRUCTURE, THE COMPLAINTS ARE SPREAD OUT AND THE CONCENTRATION OF PROBLEMS ENDEMIC TO THIS VEHICLE MAY NOT BE READILY APPARENT TO ODI INVESTIGATORS. COMPLAINTS MAY BE REPORTED UNDER "1500", "2500", "3500", "RAM", "RAM 1500", "RAM 2500", "RAM 3500", "RAM QUAD CAB", "RAM PICKUP", "DODGE TRUCK", ... , ALL DUE TO THE SAME MODULE FAILURE. COMPLAINTS ARE ALSO SPREAD OUT AMONG MANY DIFFERE

Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Oct 19, 200970,000 milesNC

WHILE HAVING NEW TIRES INSTALLED THE MECHANIC AND I HEARD SOUNDS FROM UNDER TRUCK AS IF THE LIFT WAS CRUSHING A RUSTY MUFFLER. ONCE THE TRUCK WAS UP IN THE AIR IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE BOTTOM SIDE OF THE FRAME ON THE DRIVERS SIDE UNDER THE REAR SEAT HAD ROTTED COMPLETELY THROUGH. A CANCER HOLE ABOUT 6" LONG BY 1" WAS VISIBLE. THE LIFT, POSITIONED ABOUT 4" BEHIND THIS HOLE HAD COLLAPSED THE FRAME UNDER THE WEIGHT OF THE ELEVATED TRUCK. *TR

Structure
Filed Sep 12, 200965,000 milesLA

THE DASH IN MY 2003 DODGE RAM IS CRACKED AND CRUMBLING. YOU CAN BREAK OFF CHUNKS WITH 2 FINGERS. ITS THAT BRITTLE. NOW THAT I SEARCHED FOR THE PROBLEM I HAVE FOUND MANY PEOPLE THAT HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. *TR

Visibility
Filed Apr 23, 2009148,000 milesNY

THE FACTORY EQUIPPED HEATING AND DEFROSTING SYSTEM FAILS TO REGULATE FROM DASH BOARD HEAT TO THE DEFROSTERS THAT DIRECTS THE HEAT TO THE FRONT WINDSHIELD, THUS CAUSING THE FRONT WINDSHIELD TO FOG UP AND IN MOST CASES OF THE WINTER MONTHS BUILD UP WITH ICE TO CAUSE UNSAFE DRIVING CONDITIONS. IN NOT WINTER MONTHS WHERE THE WEATHER IS COOL OR RAINY FOG FORMS ON THE INSIDE OF THE WINDSHIELD BLOCKING VISIBILITY. WITH THE WINDOWS DOWN OR UP THE PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. THE ACCIDENTS WERE LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE DUE TO THE FRONT WINDSHIELD BEING FROZEN AND NOT BEING ABLE TO SEEN THROUGH. ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS THE VEHICLE HEADED INTO ON COMING TRAFFIC. THE EVENTS LEADING TO THE FAILURE WOULD BE NORMAL DAILY DRIVING. THE FAILURE OCCURS %100 OF THE TIME. AT THIS TIME NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. *TR

Power Train
Filed Apr 15, 200955,000 milesTN

I TOOK MY 03 RAM IN FOR SERVICE AND THE SERVICE ADVISER FOUND A CLIP THAT HAD BROKEN IN THE REAR END. TOTAL COST TO REPAIR UP TO $2000.00. I WAS TOLD THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE RAM. SHOULD BE A RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM BEFORE SOMEONE HAS A REAR END TO LOCK UP AND CAUSE A ACCIDENT. *TR

Structure
Filed Dec 31, 200895,000 milesCA

DASHBOARD HAS LARGE CRACKS IN IT WHICH HAVE EXPOSED WIRES AND CAUSED ISSUES WITH THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM IN MY TRUCK. *TR

Structure
Filed Dec 30, 2008NV

2003 DODGE RAM 1500, THE DASH STARTED CRACKING IN 2007. I FIGURED IT WAS DUE TO THE HIGH HEAT IN VEGAS, THE CRACKS HAVE CONTINUED AND ARE GETTING BIGGER. STARTED LOOKING INTO GETTING A REPLACEMENT AND CAME ACROSS THOUSANDS THAT HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. THIS IS MY FIRST AND LAST PRODUCT FROM THIS COMPANY. THE PAINT HAS FADED COMPLETELY ON THE ROOF AND HOOD. IT IS NOW FADING ON THE DOORS AND BED OF THE TRUCK. I HAVE ALSO HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE BRAKE SYSTEM. BUT THAT'S ANOTHER LONG STORY. *TR

Electrical System
Filed Oct 22, 200828,150 milesMA

FOR 2 YEARS MY TRUCK HAS HAD ISSUES WITH THE LIGHTS ON THE DASHBOARD TURNING ON AND OFF FOR NO REASON. NOW THE LAMP OUT, ABS AND BRAKE LIGHT ARE ON ALL THE TIME. LEAVING MY LEFT TURN SIGNAL UNABLE TO WORK. WHEN THE DASHBOARD DIES, NOTHING WILL WORK. THIS INCLUDES THE LIGHTS, WINDSHIELD WIPERS, SPEEDOMETER, AND ALL OTHER GAUGES ON THE DASHBOARD. I HAVE BROUGHT IT IN ON A FEW OCCASIONS TO BE FIXED AND WAS TOLD THEY COULD NOT FIX THE PROBLEM BECAUSE THEY DO NOT KNOW WHAT'S CAUSING IT. IF DRIVING THE TRUCK AT NIGHT OR ON A RAINY DAY, THIS COULD BE VERY DANGEROUS FOR OBVIOUS REASONS. I HAVE READ OTHER COMPLAINTS ON THIS WEBSITE FOR THE SAME THING. SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE BEFORE SOMEONE GETS KILLED! *TR

Tires
Filed Aug 11, 2008NY

WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD VEHICLE VIOLENTLY STARTED TO PULL TO THE RIGHT AND BECAME HARD TO CONTROL. DROVE TRUCK OFF TO THE SIDE OF ROAD TO GET STOPPED. REPLACED TIRE WITH A SPARE AND DROVE HOME. THIS SAME THING HAPPENED TO DRIVERS SIDE 350 MILES LATER AND PASSENGERS SIDE REAR 250 MILES AFTER THAT. THE FINAL TIME IT HAPPENED WAS THIS WEEK ON 4/8/08 APPROXIMATELY 2000 MILES LATER. *TR

Steering › ColumnFire
Filed Jul 21, 2008110,000 milesTX

MY 2003 DODGE RAM 1500 QUAD CAB HAS A DEFECT IN THE UNDER DASH CONTROL UNIT ATTACHED TO THE STEERING COLUMN. THE DEFECT HAS CAUSED A SHORT CIRCUIT THAT HAS CAUSED SEVERAL WIRES TO BURN. THE DEFECT IS EXACTLY THE SAME AS ISSUE 03V078000 (RECALL FOR DODGE RAM 2002). THIS RESULTS IN 1. FAN INOPERABLE 2. FAN TURNS ON AFTER THE KEY IS REMOVED AND CONTINUES TO RUN DRAINING THE BATTERY 3. THE WIRES BURNING IS A POTENTIAL FIRE HAZARD 4. TILTING THE WHEEL RESULTS IN SPARKING OF THE WIRING ASSEMBLY. MY VEHICLE HAS MANUFACTURED IN THE US AND SOME OF THE PARTS ARE ONLY LISTED FOR 2002 MODELS. WHEN I PURCHASED 2003 ROTORS, THEY DID NOT FIT BUT THE 2002 ROTORS WHERE AN EXACT MATCH. I BELIEVE MY 2003 DODGE TRUCK IS A 2002 IN DISGUISE. I CALLED DODGE TO GET ANSWERS AND THEY HAVE NOT CALLED ME BACK. *TR

Structure
Filed Jun 21, 200843,000 milesTX

MY 2003 DODGE RAM QUAD CAB, LARAMIE DASH STARTED CRACKING AND NOW HAS 3 CRACKS. I THOUGHT I WAS ONLY ONE WITH THIS PROBLEM UNTIL TODAY. ONE SIGHT ALONE HAD 103 REPORTS OF THE SAME CRACKS WHERE THEY STARTED AND IN THE SAME ORDER AS HOW MINE STARTED. DODGE RECOGNIZES THIS AS A DEFECT BUT ARE NOT WILLING TO RECALL. AT THIS POINT IT IS CUSTOMER SATISFACTION ISSUE AS WELL AS SAFETY ISSUE. WITH THE AIRBAGS INSTALLED IN THE DASH, WHAT HAPPENS IF THE CRACKS CONTINUE AND CAUSE AN AIRBAG TO DEPLOY WITHOUT A CRASH. IS IT GOING TO TAKE SOMEONE GETTING KILLED BEFORE THE COMPANY RECOGNIZES THEY NEED TO RECALL SUCH AS FORD DID SEVERAL YEARS AGO WITH THE DEFECTIVE TIRES, THEY WAITED UNTIL PEOPLE DIED, I JUST DO NOT UNDERSTAND WHY A COMPANY WOULD REPRESENT THEMSELVES FALSELY, DODGE PROMOTES THEIR PRODUCTS AS QUALITY AND TOP OF THE LINE. I BEG TO DIFFER, ANY ASSISTANCE IN THIS MATTER WILL HELP THOSE FAMILIES DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD IN THESE UNSAFE VEHICLES. *TR

Steering
Filed Jun 17, 200831,000 milesWI

2003 DODGE RAM 1500 QUAD CAB 4X4 POWER STEERING RACK BEGAN LEAKING AT 35MONTHS/31,000 MILES. REPLACED BY DEALER, PART NOT AVAIL. NO NOTICEABLE EFFECT AS FLUID WAS KEPT UP. BEGAN LEAKING AGAIN AT 47MONTHS/36,000MILES. REPLACED AGAIN, PART NOT AVAIL. NO NOTICEABLE EFFECT AS FLUID WAS KEPT UP BEGAN LEAKING AGAIN AT 56 MONTHS/44,000 MILES. DEALER ISN'T HELPING. *TR

Structure
Filed Jan 7, 200850,000 milesTX

CRACK IN PASSENGER SIDE DASH, 7" LONG, WINDSHIELD TOWARD SEAT, IN THE LOW SPOT ON TOP OF DASH AND SPREADING. SENT DEALER AN EMAIL ASKING ABOUT ANY RECALLS, OF COURSE HAVE NOT HEARD BACK FROM THEM. *TR

Structure › Body
Filed Dec 31, 200739,000 milesNV

I BOUGHT MY 2003 DODGE RAM QUAD CAB 1500 IN JANUARY 2007 WITH ABOUT 38,000 MILES ON IT. AT THE TIME THE PAINT JOB ON THE TRUCK WAS FINE BUT STARTING AROUND APRIL OR MAY THE CLEAR COAT ON THE TRUCK STARTED TO DELAMINATE. I CALLED UP DODGE AND EVEN WENT BY MY LOCAL DODGE DEALER TO COMPLAIN ABOUT THE PAINT JOB BUT I WAS TOLD BECAUSE I'M NOT THE ORIGINAL OWNER AND THAT THE TRUCKS 3 YEAR 36,000 MILE WARRANTY HAS RUN OUT NO ONE WILL FIX MY TRUCK. I'VE BEEN TOLD BY MY LOCAL DODGE DEALER THAT IT IS A FACTORY PROBLEM WITH MY PAINT BUT I'M OUT OF LUCK WHEN IT COMES TO DODGE REPAINTING MY TRUCK. *TR

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Rotor
Filed Dec 21, 20071,200 milesCA

WITHIN THE FIRST YEAR OF OWNING THIS TRUCK I HAD TO HAVE THE ROTORS RESURFACED TWICE AND WITHIN THE FIRST 18 MONTHS HAD TO HAVE THE ROTORS AND CALIPERS REPLACED. DEALER DENIED WARRANTY COMPLETELY (NOT COVERED) CALLED CHRYSLER SOMEONE NAMED MIKE SAID THEY DIDN'T HAVE ANYTHING TO DO WITH IT. IT WAS PROBABLY THE WAY I DRIVE. *TR

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Dec 13, 200710,000 milesID

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE RAM. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HIS VEHICLE HAS A JAKE BRAKE MECHANISM THAT LEAKS WHILE IDLING OR DECELERATING. HE HEARD THE LEAK NEAR THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE DEALER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND STATED THAT IT WAS AN EXHAUST LEAK CAUSED BY THE JAKE BRAKE SYSTEM, BUT STATED THAT THIS WAS A NORMAL OCCURRENCE FOR THE VEHICLE. CARBON MONOXIDE FUMES ARE ALSO ENTERING THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT HAS NOT FILED A COMPLAINT WITH THE MANUFACTURER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 34,000.

Exterior Lighting1 injured
Filed Dec 4, 2007MO

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE RAM. THE CONTACT PARKED THE VEHICLE IN HER DRIVEWAY. SHE EXITED THE VEHICLE AND LEFT THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR OPEN. SHE THEN HEARD A LOUD POP AND NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS MOVING. SHE WAS UNABLE TO ENTER AND STOP THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS STRUCK SEVERAL TIMES BY THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR. SHE WAS PINNED BETWEEN A METAL POST AND THE DOOR OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO FREE HERSELF AND SUSTAINED INJURIES TO HER MIDRIFF, BACK, AND HEAD. THE POWERTRAIN, SPEED, AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 46,900. UPDATED 01/17/08 *BF THE DEALER STATED THE RIGHT BRAKE LAMP IS INOPERABLE. THE CONSUMER HAS PROVIDED ALL MEDICAL DOCUMENTATION AND REPAIR INVOICES PERTAINING TO THE INCIDENT. UPDATED 01/17/08 *TR

Suspension › Front › Wheel Bearing
Filed Nov 27, 200760,300 milesKY

BOTH FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS ON MY 2003 DODGE RAM 1500 FAILED AT 60,300 MILES. I WAS INFORMED BY THE DEALER AND CHRYSLER THAT THE POWER TRAIN WARRANTY DOES NOT COVER WHEEL BEARINGS / HUB ASSEMBLIES. THE 2006 VERSION OF THIS VEHICLE HAS A NATIONAL RECALL ON THE SAME ASSEMBLY / PART DUE TO INSUFFICIENT LUBRICATION. THIS TRUCK IS NOT USED FOR COMMERCIAL OR TOWING, IT IS PRIMARILY A PASSENGER VEHICLE. *TR

Structure
Filed Aug 24, 200752,000 milesCA

2003 DODGE RAM 1500-CRACKED MAIN DASH PANEL. *TR

Power Train › Driveline › Differential Unit1 injured
Filed Jul 30, 200737,500 milesNJ

THE REAR END IN MY 2003 DODGE RAM BURNED UP. I FIRST NOTICED A BURNING SMELL LIKE PROPANE GAS WHICH STARTED TO MAKE ME AND THE FAMILY SICK. PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD FOUND NOTHING. THEN AFTER DRIVING 20 MINUTES LONGER THE ABS LIGHT CAME ON. NEXT I OBSERVED ORANGE SPARKS COMING FROM THE BACK OF THE TRUCK. PULLED OVER AGAIN AND CLIMBED UNDER TRUCK AND BURNT MY ARM INSTANTLY WHEN TOUCHING THE REAR PUMPKIN. SAT ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD FOR 3 HOURS TO LET COOL DOWN. THEN DROVE TO THE DEALER 30 MILES AWAY. ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND SPEEDOMETER GAUGE WAS JUMPING ALL OVER THE PLACE. TRUCK WAS ALSO SHIFTING IMPROPERLY. DEALER SAID THE REAR GOT SO HOT THAT IT MELTED THE REAR ABS SENSOR AND THE SPEEDOMETER SENSOR. *JB

Structure
Filed Jul 9, 200731,000 milesCA

THE DASHBOARD ON THE 2003 RAM QUAD CAB WAS CRACKED AFTER I GOT IN IT TO HEAD HOME FROM WORK. THE TRUCK HAS 31000 MILES, AND HAS BEEN BABIED FROM DAY ONE BY ME. CRACK IS DEFINITELY A DESIGN FLAW, AND WAS NOT CAUSED BY SUN OR ENVIRONMENTAL DAMAGE.*AK

Tires › Sidewall
Filed May 18, 200753,000 milesFL

I BOUGHT THE 04 NISSAN MAXIMA IN DECEMBER 2004, AND IN SEPTEMBER . 2005 I TOOK THE CAR TO HAVE THE TIRES ROTATED. I WAS INFORMED BY THE LOCAL GOODYEAR TIRE DEALER THAT TWO OF THE TIRES HAD CRACKS IN THE SIDEWALLS. BECAUSE THE CAR HAD ONLY 10,000 MILES GOODYEAR REPLACED THESE TWO TIRES UNDER THE ORIGINAL WARRANTY. NOW, IN 2007 WITH 40,000 MILES ON THE CAR THE OTHER TWO ORIGINAL TIRES HAVE SIDEWALL CRACKS. OF COURSE GOODYEAR WILL ONLY GIVE ME CREDIT FOR THE WEAR LEFT ON THE TIRES , AND A NEW TIRE COST $300. WE HAVE DECIDED FOR SAFETY REASONS WE WERE NOT GOING TO REPLACE THESE TIRES WITH THE GOODYEAR EAGLE SIZE 245/45R18V. THIS SEEMED TO BE A SIMILAR PROBLEM AS FORD AND FIRESTONE HAD WITH THE EXPLORER SEVERAL YEARS AGO. WHY HAS THE PUBLIC NOT BEEN INFORMED ABOUT THE NISSAN/GOODYEAR TIRE PROBLEM. MY CONCLUSION WAS FEWER OF US OWN MISSING THAN FORDS. SO, IF THE TIRES CAUSE A COUPLE OF US TO HAVE WRECKS THAT WAS JUST THE PRICE OF DOING BIG BUSINESS. *AK

Suspension
Filed May 15, 200749,500 milesNY

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE RAM. WHILE PERFORMING AN OIL CHANGE, THE DEALER STATED THAT ALL FOUR LOWER BALL JOINTS WERE LOOSE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS, 10MPH THE STEERING WHEEL BEGAN SHAKING. THE FAILURE OCCURRED AT 49500 MILES. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 52000. THE ENGINE SIZE IS NOT AVAILABLE.

Structure
Filed May 14, 200748,500 milesGA

A CRACK IN THE DASH ON THE PASSENGER SIDE NEAR THE WINDSHIELD WAS NOTICED BACK IN JANUARY BUT WE ARE UNCERTAIN EXACTLY HOW LONG IT HAD BEEN THERE. AFTER SEVERAL MONTHS, THE CRACK AGGRESSIVELY SPREAD THROUGH THE DASHBOARD. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT SUSTAINED DAMAGE TO CAUSE THE CRACK AT ANY TIME. THE DASHBOARD HAS ALWAYS BEEN MAINTAINED WITH CONDITIONERS, AND THERE WERE NO OTHER AREAS WITH PROBLEMS.*AK

Structure
Filed May 8, 2007FL

8 INCH CRACK ON PASSENGER SIDE OF DASHBOARD IN A 2003 DODGE RAM TRUCK. LOCAL NEWS REPORT DONE INVOLVING DODGE TRUCK DASHBOARDS COLLASPING, FALLING IN LIKE A SINKHOLE. STARTED WITH JUST CRACKS LIKE ON MY DODGE. *AK

Structure
Filed May 1, 200790,000 milesFL

NOT SURE WHAT LEAD TO THE FAILURE, BUT MY 03 DODGE RAM PICK UP DASH IS CRACK FROM NEAR WINDSHIELD SIDE TO NEAR THE GLOVE COMPARTMENT ON THE OTHER SIDE IT HAS NOT GOTTEN TO BE DANGEROUS YET OR CAUSE OTHER FAILURES YET THAT I KNOW OF. DODGE DEALER SAID THAT SINCE IT IS SIMPLY COSMETIC THEY WILL NOT REPLACE IT AND IF THEY DO IT WILL COST OVER 1,000.00. *TR

Structure
Filed Apr 10, 200740,000 milesTX

2003 1500 QUAD CAB WITH A CRACKED DASHBOARD. DODGE HAS AGREED TO PAY FOR PART, BUT I HAVE TO PAY FOR LABOR. $250.00. NO WAY! $30,000 TRUCK SHOULD HOLD UP BETTER. DODGE NEEDS TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS PROBLEM. *AK

Structure › Body
Filed Apr 10, 200763,600 milesAZ

A-PILLAR-MOUNTED INGRESS HANDLE ON PASSENGER SIDE. I OWN A 2003 RAM 1500 QUAD CAB PICKUP. I BOUGHT THIS TRUCK NEW IN OCTOBER 2003. TODAY, I WAS TRYING TO GET IN THE TRUCK THROUGH THE PASSENGER'S SIDE AND STOOD UP TO TO CLEAN THE WINDSHIELD AND THE A-PILLAR-MOUNTED INGRESS HANDLE CAME OFF. THIS TRUCK HAS 4X4 SO IT IS TALLER THEN THE REGULAR TRUCK. YOU HAVE TO USE THAT HANDLER TO KEEP YOUR BALANCE. LUCKILY ,I DIDN'T GET HURT BECAUSE I USED THE SEAT AND THE DOOR TO AVOIDE FALLING. I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP, AND UNFORTUNATELLY THEY WON'T BE ABLE TO DO ANYTHING TO REPLACE THE A-PILLAR-MOUNTED INGRESS HANDLE BECAUSE THE TRUCK WAS OUT OF WARRANTY. THE TRUCK HAS OVER 60,000 MILES AND I'VE HAD IT 36 MONTHS. MY COMPLAINT WAS WHY DON'T THEY BUILLD THIS HANDLES STRONGER. THEIR PURPOSE WAS TO HELP THE PERSONS GET INTO THE VEHICLES. SHOULDN'T THEY BE ABLE TO HOLD AT LEAST AN AVERAGE SIZE PERSON?*AK

Vehicle Speed Control › Cables
Filed Feb 3, 200790,000 milesIL

I HAVE A 2003 DODGE RAM 1500 QUAD CAB WITH THE 4.7 LITER ENGINE. IT HAS APPROXIMATELY 94,000 MILES ON IT. IN THE BEGINNING OF DECEMBER (AT ABOUT 90,000 MILES), THE THROTTLE CABLE BEGAN STICKING IN COLD WEATHER (ABOUT 25F AND BELOW). MY WIFE AND I PURCHASED THE TRUCK IN SEPTEMBER OF 2003 WHEN IT HAD APPROXIMATELY 6,000 MILES ON IT. I DID NOT HAVE ANY PROBLEMS WITH THE THROTTLE CABLE UNTIL DECEMBER OF 2006. AS THE ENGINE WARMED UP, THE CABLE WOULD STOP STICKING. ON VERY COLD MORNINGS, EVEN AFTER THE ENGINE WARMED UP, THE CABLE WOULD START TO STICK WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. I WOULD PULL OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND AFTER A FEW MINUTES, THE CABLE WOULD FREE UP. I REPLACED THE THROTTLE CABLE AND HAVE NOT HAD A PROBLEM WITH IT SINCE. I REPLACED THE CABLE ON 1/21/07. IT HAS BEEN VERY COLD HERE LATELY AND IT HAS BEEN WORKING FINE. THIS PROBLEM COULD CAUSE INCREASED BRAKING DISTANCES OR INABILITY TO STOP THE VEHICLE IF THE THROTTLE IS STUCK AT NEAR WIDE OPEN THROTTLE. I DO STILL HAVE THE THROTTLE CABLE THAT I REMOVED FROM THE VEHICLE. *NM

Structure
Filed Jan 20, 20077,000 milesOK

03 1500 RAM QUAD CAB WIND NOISE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY THE WIND NOISE IS SO BAD THAT YOU THINK THERE IS A WINDOW DOWN ESPECIALLY ON THE PASSENGER SIDE, I HAD TO TAKE THE TRUCK BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP NUMEROUS TIMES THEY REPLACED WEATHER STRIPING ON BOTH SIDES BUT THE VEHICLE STILL HAS A VERY BAD WIND NOISE ON THE RIGHT SIDE. DEALER KEEPS SAYING (COULD NOT DUPLICATE COMPLAINT) I AM A RETIRED MECHANIC AND KNOW BETTER BECAUSE I RIDE IN THE PASSENGER SEAT WHEN MY WIFE DRIVES AND IT WILL DRIVE YOU CRAZY I KNOW THAT THE WIND NOISE IS NOT A NORMAL CONDITION YOU CAN LOOK AT THE REAR DOORS ON BOTH SIDES AND SEE THEY NEED TO BE ADJUSTED DOWN BUT IT'S OUT OF FACTORY WARRANTY NOW BUT IT WAS IN IT AT THE TIME OF (COMPLAINT'S) SO I GUESS I WILL HAVE TO REPAIR IT MYSELF. I HAVE RIDDEN IN OTHER TRUCKS WITH QUAD CABS AND THEY ARE SO MUCH QUIETER SO WHAT IS THE DEAL ! ( IT TAKES 2 PEOPLE IN THE VEHICLE TO DIAGNOSE THE COMPLAINT) YOU CAN HEAR IT FROM THE DRIVER'S SEAT BUT NOT AS BAD. PERSONALLY I THINK THEY ONLY SEND 1 PERSON WHEN THEY TRY TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM. SO I GUESS ILL HAVE TO DIG OUT MT TOOL BOX AND FIX IT PROPERLY MYSELF. I AM A VERY DISGUSTED DODGE QUAD CAB 1500 OWNER! *JB

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Jan 19, 200751,567 milesMS

TL* - ON 09/05/05 WHILE DRIVING ON A MAJOR ROAD, THE CONTACT STATED THAT HIS 2003 DODGE RAM WAS UNABLE TO SHIFT OUT OF A LOW GEAR STAYING AT A SPEED OF 25 MPH. THE CONTACT TOOK HIS VEHICLE TO ALLEN SAMUELS IN HOUSTON, TX AND THEY STATED THAT THEY COULDN'T DETECT ANY FAILURE ON THE VEHICLE. ON 10/28/06 WHILE DRIVING DOWN A HILL PULLING A 30 FT TRAVEL TRAILER AT 50 MPH, THE CONTACT TRIED TO DOWN SHIFT, BUT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT CHANGE GEARS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE COULDN'T USE THE EMERGENCY BRAKE TO ASSIST IN STOPPING THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT TOOK VEHICLE TO HIS LOCAL DEALER( DUB HERRING IN PICAYUNE, MS) AND THEY COULDN'T DETECT ANY FAILURES WITH THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT CAN PROVIDE COPIES OF THE INVOICE REPAIR IF NEEDED. *NM UPDATED 03/14/07. *JB

Steering
Filed Aug 30, 200657,600 milesSC

MY TRUCK ALL OF THE SUDDEN WHEN DRIVING THE NIGHT BEFORE WAS UNABLE TO TURN TO THE RIGHT (VERY DIFFICULT..NO PROPER STEERING TO THE RIGHT). TO THE LEFT IT WAS FINE. IT CONTINUED TO HAVE THE PROBLEM WHEN I TRIED DRIVING AGAIN TODAY. I TOOK IT TO THE DODGE DEALERSHIP TODAY (NEXT MORNING) AND THEY TOLD ME THE TRUCK NEEDED A NEW POWER STEERING PUMP, RACK, & PINION. THE VEHICLE IS ONLY 3 YEARS OLD WITH JUST OVER 50,000 MILES ON IT...IT HAS BEEN EXTREMELY WELL TAKEN CARE OF SINCE PURCHASING IT FROM DODGE DEALER LAST FALL. THIS IS THE 2ND MAJOR REPAIR IN THE LAST FEW MONTHS (I JUST HAD A REAR SEAL OR SOMETHING LIKE THAT REPLACED AS WELL). AS OF RIGHT NOW THE TRUCK IS STILL AT THE DEALERSHIP UNTIL I DECIDE WHAT TO DO. THEY SAY IT IS NOT COVERED UNDER ANY WARRANTIES FOR THIS ISSUE OR ANY RECALLS. IT IS VERY UPSETTING THAT THIS NEW OF A VEHICLE HAVE SUCH MAJOR ISSUES ALREADY. *JB

Fuel System, Other › Delivery › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings
Filed Aug 13, 200659,378 milesNM

THE TRUCK WAS TAKEN IN TO BE LOOKED AT BECAUSE THERE WAS A VIBRATION. I TOLD THEM IT WAS A U-JOINT OR BEARING GOING OUT. THE TRUCK HAD BEEN IN THE SAME SHOP 4 TIMES, FOR THE SAME THING -THE U-JOINT OR BEARING. THE MECHANIC AT THE SHOP SAID THAT THE TIRES NEEDED TO BE BALANCED BUT THEY DID NOT DO THAT AT THIER SHOP. I TOKK IT TO ANOTHER PLACE, THEY LOOKED AT IT AND SAID THE TIRES DID NOT NEED TO BE BALANCED,BUT THEY BALNCED THEM ANYWAYS. SO I HAD TWO OPINIONS ON THE TRUCK. THE NEXT NIGHT I PICKED UP THE GUYS I WORK WITH AND WE WENT TO WORK. ON THE WAY HOME THE DRIVE SHAFT, DRIVE LINE,YOLK, AND TRANSFERCASE CAME APART AND TRIED TO COME UP THROUGH THE FLOORBOARD, CAUSING HOLES IN THE FLOORBOARD, AND IT PULLED THE ELECTRICAL WIRING OUT WHICH CAUSED ALL THE WARNING LIGHTS TO COME ON. ANYONE COULD HAVE BEEN HURT. I GOT THE THE TRUCK TO A NEARBY CONVIENENT STORE AND I CALLED A TOW TRUCK TO TOW MY TRUCK TO THE SHOP. I CALLED MY WIFE AND WE WENT AND PICKED UP ALL THE PARTS OFF THE HIGHWAY. THE TRUCK, WHICH IS STILL UNDER WARRANTY. THEY TOOK PICTURES AND SENT THEM TO THEIR REPS. THEIR REPS IN ANOTHER STATE SAID IT WAS IN 4 WHEEL DRIVE IN 4 LOW UNDER EXTENSIVE TORQUE IN A MUD HOLE. IT HAD NOT RAINED HERE IN OVER A MONTH. SO THE DIRT ROAD I WAS ON WAS DRY AND SMOOTH. I DID NOT HAVE IT IN FOUR WHEEL DRIVE. WHY BUY A 4 WHEEL DRIVE IF YOU ARE NOT GOING TO USE IT. THEY SAID I WAS DRIVING FAST CAUSING EXTENSIVE TORQUE!? I WAS DRIVING THE SPEED LIMIT AND PEOPLE DRIVE FAST AND THEIR VEHICLES DO

Steering › Column
Filed Aug 3, 2006IL

ON JULY 30, 2006 MY CABIN CONTROLS (A/C, DEFROST, VENT AND WINDOW WIPERS) WOULD NOT WORK. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO MY LOCAL MECHANIC WHO IDENTIFIED THE PROBLEM IN THE WIRING HARNESS IN THE STEERING COLUMN. MY LOCAL MECHANIC MADE AN ATTEMPT TO FIX THE PROBLEM BUT WHEN HE CONTACTED DODGE FOR A REPLACEMENT PART THEY REFUSED TO SELL IT TO THEM DUE TO A RECALL ON THE MODEL YEAR BEFORE MINE (2002). I HAD TO TAKE MY VEHICLE TO DAVE CROFT MOTORS IN COLLINSVILLE, IL FOR REPAIR COSTING ME APPROX 2X'S MORE THAN MY LOCAL SHOP. DAVE CROFT SAID THE WIRING HARNESS AND IGNITION SWITCH WAS BAD DUE TO THE FAULTY PART. WHEN I QUESTION DODGE ABOUT THIS HARNESS AND THE RECALL THEY WOULD NOT PROVIDE ME ANY INFORMATION. DAVE CROFT FIXED THE PROBLEM AS OF THIS DATE HOWEVER, I AM STILL WAITING TO HEAR FROM DODGE IF THEY WILL COVER THIS REPAIR. (RECALLED PART IN 2002 DODGE IS THE SAME PART IN MY 2003). *JB

Fuel System, Other › Delivery › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and FittingsCrash1 injured
Filed Jul 10, 2006PA

2003 DODGE RAM FUEL LINES ROTTED RESULTING IN A SEVERE LEAK. *KB ***NAR*** THE CONSUMER STATED THE MANUFACTURER CANNOT OR WILL NOT PRODUCE A REPLACEMENT FUEL LINE. THE CONSUMER STATED WHILE THE TRUCK WAS SITTING IN IDLE, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO MOVE BACKWARDS. THE CONSUMER ATTEMPTED TO STOP THE VEHICLE WITH NO SUCCESS. THE VEHICLE ROLLED DOWN A HILL AND INTO A TREE. THE CONSUMER RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE AFTER HE EXPERIENCED THE FAILURE WITH THE TRANSMISSION. *JB

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Rotor
Filed Jun 23, 200650,027 milesTX

I WAS REQUIRED TO PAY $198.03 TO THE DEALERSHIP TO RESURFACE THE FRONT ROTORS OF MY 2003 DODGE 1500 LONESTAR PICKUP. THE SERVICE TECH VERIFIED THAT I STILL HAVE 8MM OF ORIGINAL BRAKE ON THE FRONT AND 10MM OF ORIGINAL BRAKE ON THE BACK. SINCE I AM PAST THE 12000 MILES REQUIRED BY CHRYSLER THEY FEEL THAT THIS IS A NORMAL WEAR PROBLEM. BECAUSE OF THE BRAKES PULSATING EACH TIME I APPLIED THEM I HAD NO CHOICE BUT TO HAVE THE PROBLEM CORRECTED AS IT WAS BECOMING WORSE. I FAIL TO SEE THIS AS NORMAL WEAR IF MY BRAKES ARE IN SUCH GOOD CONDITION. I FEEL THAT IT IS A POOR DESIGN OR MATERIAL PROBLEM THAT NEEDS TO BE CORRECTED BY CHRYSLER AND NOT THE OWNER OF THE VEHICLE. I HAVE VIEWED WEB SITES THAT SHOW MANY OWNERS OF 2003/2004 DODGE 1500 WITH THIS SAME PROBLEM AND THE SERVICE TECH STATED THE SAME THING. *NM

Steering
Filed Mar 29, 20068,768 milesTX

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED AT 60 MPH THE VEHICLE TURNED LEFT AND RIGHT WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER WHERE THE STEERING GEAR WAS REPLACED. UPDATED 05/063/06. *JB

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer
Filed Mar 28, 2006CA

I TOOK MY '03 DODGE RAM TO MCPEEK DODGE DEALERSHIP IN ANAHEIM, CA FOR WARRANTY WINDSHIELD WIPER REPAIR WORK. THE TRUCK WAS IN PERFECT CONDITION EXCEPT FOR THE WIPERS. LATER IN THE DAY THE SERVICE PERSON CALLED ME TO LET ME KNOW THE WORK WAS COMPLETED, BUT "BY-THE-WAY, WE NOTICED YOUR CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON - DO YOU WANT US TO CHECK THIS OUT?" I REPLIED FIRST OF ALL THE LIGHT WAS NOT ON WHEN I BROUGHT IT IN AND SECOND I WAS NOT GOING TO PAY ANY DIAGNOSTIC FEE AND I EXPECT IT TO BE CORRECTED WHEN I PICK IT UP. IT WAS NOT CORRECTED AND DELIVERED BACK TO ME. OBVIOUSLY, DEALERSHIPS (ESPECIALLY BIG 3 MANUFACTURERS) ARE TRYING TO RECOUP LOSSES THROUGH FRAUDULENT / UNNECESSARY SERVICE DUE TO THE MINIMAL MARGINS AND VOLUME OF SALES OF NEW VEHICLES. I AM A MECHANIC AND UNDERSTAND THE SALES PITCH - WHILE I WAS SITTING IN THE WAITING ROOM I FELT SORRY FOR A LITTLE OLD LADY THAT THE SERVICE GUY PREYED ON. SHE JUST WANTED A OIL CHANGE, BUT ENDED UP HAVING HER BRAKES INSPECTED AND PROBABLY REPLACED ONLY BECAUSE "HE NOTICED THEY WERE SQUEAKING". ANYWAY BACK TO MY STORY - IT TOOK ME ALL OF 5 MINUTES WHEN I GOT HOME TO POP THE HOOD AND FIND A WIRE TO THE AIR CLEANER SENSOR THAT THE MECHANIC HAD DISCONNECTED PROBABLY INTENTIONALLY SINCE THIS HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH THE WIPERS. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WENT OFF. I FOUND OUT THAT THE MANAGEMENT AT THIS DEALERSHIP HAS INSTRUCTED THE STAFF TO MAKE SURE TO UP-SELL EVERY CUSTOMER AND MAKE SURE SOME OTHER WORK IS FOUND BESIDES ANYTHING THAT THE VEHICL

Suspension › FrontCrash2 injured
Filed Dec 10, 2005GA

ON 7-16-03 I WAS A RESTRAINED PASSENGER IN A DODGE RAM 1500 4X4 QUAD CAB. WE WERE RETURNING FROM A SHORT TRIP TO THE STORE. WHILE DRIVING ON A PERFECTLY STRAIGHT DRY ROAD, WITH COMPLETELY CLEAR VISIBILITY AT APPROX 3 PM AFTERNOON WITH VERY LIGHT TRAFFIC WE UNEXPECTEDLY FELT A HARD BUMP, AS IF WE HAD HIT A POT HOLE. IT WAS SO HARD I WAS THROWN FORWARD IN MY SEAT. THE DRIVER IMMEDIATELY YELLED THAT THE STEERING HAD LOCKED. HE WAS ALSO TRYING DESPERATELY TO HIT THE BRAKES, BUT THEY TOO WERE NOT WORKING. THE DRIVER STRUGGLED WITH ALL HIS MIGHT TO TRY AND GAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, BUT WASN'T ABLE TOO. WE DROVE DIRECTLY INTO THE LANE OF ONCOMING TRAFFIC. WE THEN LEFT THE LANE AND PROCEEDED INTO A PARKING AREA OF A CONVENIENCE STORE, WHERE WE STRUCK A PARKED VEHICLE. AFTER STRIKING THE PARKED VEHICLE WE WERE REDIRECTED BACK INTO THE LANE OF ONCOMING TRAFFIC. IT WAS AT THAT TIME WE WERE STRUCK HEAD ON BY A SEMI TRUCK. THE SEMI DROVE COMPLETELY OVER THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE DODGE TRUCK CRUSHING ME INSIDE AND ROLLING THE SEMI. THE POLICE REPORT STATES THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER WHEEL WAS FOUND SEVERAL HUNDRED YARDS AWAY FROM THE SCENE OF THE WRECK. IN THE AREA WE NOTED THE INITIAL BUMP. THE VEHICLE WAS INVESTIGATED AND IT WAS FOUND THE FRONT PASSENGER BALL JOINT HAD BEEN BROKEN COMPLETELY IN HALF; HOWEVER, THE INVESTIGATED STATED THAT THE DAMAGE WAS TOO SEVERE TO MAKE A DETERMINATION AS TO WHETHER THE BALL JOINT FAILED BEFORE, OR WAS BROKEN DURING THE COLLISION. THERE WAS APPROXIMATE

Visibility › Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System
Filed Dec 6, 200578,000 milesNY

DT: THE CONTACT STATED DEFOGGER SYSTEM STOPPED WORKING DUE TO THE DESIGN. THE INNER ROUTING FLAP BROKE, ALLOWING THE HEAT TO GO TO THE AIR CONDITIONING VENTS INSTEAD OF THE WINDSHIELD DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER BLOWER. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER HOWEVER, NO REPAIRS HAVE BEEN MADE DUE TO EXCESSIVE EXPENSE. *AK

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Nov 30, 200584,400 milesGA

SEPT. 2004 BOUGHT 2003 DODGE QUAD CAB W/HEMI. HAD APPROXIMATELY 34,000 MILES ON IT. TRUCK WAS IN GREAT SHAPE,RAN GOOD,DROVE GOOD. THEN IN OCT,2005,HAD A VALVE SPRING BREAK ON LEFT SIDE OF MOTOR,CAUSING MOTOR TO LOCK-UP. AT THIS TIME THE TRUCK HAD 84,400 MILES ON IT. WE LIVE 30 MILES FROM OUR JOBS,SO WE PUT A LOT OF MILES ON OUR VEHICLES. I CALLED DAIMLER-CHRYSLER TO SEE IF THEY WOULD EITHER FIX THE TRUCK,OR AT LEAST HELP WITH THE REPAIRS(AFTER ALL,YOU WOULD THINK THAT A HEMI MOTOR SHOULD BE GOOD FOR A LOT LONGER THAN 80,000 MILES).DAIMLER-CHRYSLER SAID THAT THEY WOULD NEED "A CERTIFIED DODGE DEALERSHIP"TO CHECK OUT THE TRUCK TO SEE WHAT EXACTLY HAPPENED AND WHY IT HAPPENED. I HAD THE TRUCK TOWED TO THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP(SAVANNAH DODGE,SAVANNAH,GA).THEY CONFIRMED THE BROKEN VALVE SPRING AND BROKEN VALVE. THE MECHANIC AT THE DEALERSHIP SAID THAT HE HAS SEEN A FEW OF THESE SAME PROBLEMS,AND THE FIX IS TO REPLACE THE HEAD(IT WAS DAMAGED)USE NEW VALVES AND VALVE SPRINGS(WITH NEW"HEAVY-DUTY" VALVE SPRINGS).HE ALSO SUGGESTED THAT I REPLACE THE VALVE SPRINGS ON THE OTHER HEAD WITH THESE NEW"HEAVY-DUTY"VALVE SPRINGS. I CALLED DAIMLER-CHRYSLER AGAIN AND TOLD THEM WHAT THEIR FIVE-STAR DEALERSHIP SAID. AFTER CALLING DAIMLER-CHRYSLER SEVERAL MORE TIMES,THEY SAID THAT THEY(DAIMLER-CHRYSLER)WOULD CALL THE DEALERSHIP AND THEN DECIDE IF THEY WOULD OR COULD HELP WITH THE REPAIRS. NEEDLESS TO SAY,I HAD TO CALL DAIMLER-CHRYSLER BACK(THEY DO NOT RETURN PHONE CALLS)THEY SAID THAT THEY WOULD NOT HEL

Power Train › Driveline › Differential Unit
Filed Oct 4, 200592,505 milesTN

WE HAVE HAD THE REAR END OF OUR 2003 DODGE RAM 1500 REPLACED IN OUR VEHICLE THREE TIMES IN THE 2 YEARS. THE RING AND PINION WAS SHATTERED THE FIRST TIME WE TOOK IT IN. THE REPLACEMENT PARTS DID NOT SOLVE THE PROBLEM AND HAD TO BE REPLACED AGAIN IN MAY 05. WE HAD TO PAY 219.00 AND AGAIN THE REAR END WENT OUT IN AUG 05. *NM

Power Train › Driveline
Filed Sep 11, 20052,038 milesMI

I HAVE A TERRIBLE LAUNCH SHUDDER IN THE DRIVE LINE OF MY TRUCK, WHICH THE DEALER HAS BEEN UNABLE TO REPAIR. I BOUGHT THE TRUCK SEPT 03 AND RETURNED IT TO THE DEALER MAY 04 WITH 2027 MILES ON IT. THE TRUCK WOULD SHAKE AT APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH ON A HARD ACCELERATION THE DEALER SAID HE WENT BACK TO THE DEALER SEVERAL MORE TIMES FOR THE SAME COMPLAINT BUT THEY COULDN'T DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM SO THERE WAS NO FIX. FINALLY, ON JULY 25, 2005, AT 9028 MILES A SERVICE TECH WENT FOR A RIDE WITH ME AND FELT THE SHUDDER. THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE DRIVESHAFT AND SAID THE VEHICLE WAS FIXED. I DROVE OFF THE DEALER PARKING LOT AND THE SHUDDER STARTED AS SOON AS I HIT THE PUBLIC STREET. I DROVE RIGHT BACK INTO THE DEALERSHIP AND TOLD THEM THE PROBLEM HASN'T BEEN CORRECTED. THE DEALER HAS SINCE REMOVED AND REINSTALLED THE EXHAUST SYSTEM, REMOVED AND REPLACED 2 BEARING IN THE REAR END, AN ENTIRE REAR AXLE ASSEMBLY AND THE ENGINE MOTOR MOUNTS. NONE OF THESE HAVE WORKED. JEFF KOSIBA, FROM CHRYSLER ENGINEERING, COMPANY PHN# 313-493-3359, CALLED THE DEALER AND TOLD HIM THAT THE REAR BRAKES WERE HANGING UP AT WILL AND THAT THE FOLLOWING SHOULD BE REMOVED AND REPLACED: THE REAR BRAKE HUBS, BRAKE PADS, CALIPERS AND ROTORS. THIS REPAIR HASN'T BEEN COMPLETED AS OF THIS DATE. PLEASE INVESTIGATE ASAP, THIS IS A DANGEROUS VEHICLE. *NM

Reading these

NHTSA publishes every complaint as the owner wrote it and investigates only a fraction. Spelling, capitalisation and judgement are the filer’s own. What carries weight is repetition: the same component failing the same way across many filings, and whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

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