Model year record

2003 Dodge Ram recalls & problems

The 2003 Dodge Ram has 7 safety recalls and 53 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is structure (8 complaints).

Recalls7safety recalls

Complaints53filed by owners

Crashes · fires6 · 1reported in complaints

Injuries · deaths5 · 0reported in complaints

2003 Dodge Ram in an NHTSA crash test — NHTSA crash test

Safety recalls

Exterior lightingApr 7, 2009

Exterior lighting

Recall 09E01200016,270 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (OVSC)

Problem: SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Fix: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.

VisibilityMar 13, 2009

Windshield wiper/washer

Recall 09E0090001,364 vehicles

Problem: CHRYSLER IS RECALLING 1,364 WINDSHIELD WIPER MODULES, P/N 55077098AJ, SOLD DURING THE 2008 AND 2009 CALENDAR YEAR FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT ON MY 2002-2009 DODGE RAM PICKUP TRUCKS. THESE WIPER MODULE ASSEMBLIES MAY BE SUSCEPTIBLE TO WATER INTRUSION THAT COULD RESULT IN PARTIAL OR COMPLETE LOSS OF WINDSHIELD WIPER CAPABILITY.
Risk: WHEN THE WIPER SYSTEM FAILS, THE OPERATOR WILL HAVE REDUCED VISIBILITY WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE WIPER MODULE ASSEMBLIES WITH VENTED WIPER MOTOR HOUSINGS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

SteeringJan 13, 2009

Linkages

Recall 09E00100018,000 vehicles

Problem: CHRYSLER IS RECALLING 18,000 AFTERMARKET STEERING LINKAGES USED FOR SERVICE ON SOME MY 2003 THROUGH 2008 DODGE RAM HEAVY DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS. THE SUBJECT LINKAGES MAY EXPERIENCE DRAG LINK INNER TIE ROD TO PITMAN ARM BALL STUD FRACTURE, ALSO, THE STEERING LINKAGE DAMPER ATTACHING BRACKET MAY YEILD AND SHIFT ON THE LINKAGE. THE PART NUMBERS OF THE AFFECTED ASSEMBLIES IS 52122362AA THROUGH 52122362AD.
Risk: THIS COULD RESULT IN A LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL AND THE RESTRICTED ABILITY TO TURN THE VEHICLE IN ONE DIRECTION INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE STEERING LINKAGE DRAG LINK INNER TIE ROD END ASSEMBLY, AND INSPECT THE STEERING LINKAGE DAMPER BRACKET FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 6, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

EquipmentAug 28, 2007

Electrical

Recall 07E066000175 vehicles

Problem: CERTAIN CEQUENT 90 DEGREE 7-WAY RIGHT ANGLE ADAPTORS SOLD BY DISTRIBUTORS IN TOW PACKAGES FOR AFTERMARKET SALES TO TOW 5TH WHEEL RV TRAVEL TRAILERS. DUE TO INCORRECT WIRING OF THE HARNESS, THE TRAILER LIGHTS MAY NOT OPERATE PROPERLY.
Risk: IF THE TRAILER LIGHTS ARE NOT WORKING PROPERLY, A VEHICLE CRASH CAN OCCUR.
Fix: ALL OF THE DEFECTIVE TOW PACKAGES ARE STILL AT THE DISTRIBUTOR LEVEL AND HAVE NOT BEEN SOLD TO ANY CONSUMERS.

Exterior lightingMay 24, 2006

Exterior lighting

Recall 06E04900027,176 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (OVSC)

Problem: CERTAIN CK MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION HEADLIGHTS, CLEAR CORNER, BUMPER, AND SIDE MARKER LIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Risk: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Fix: CK MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE NONCOMPLIANT LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CK MOTORSPORT AT 1-909-610-7211.

Service brakes, hydraulicApr 12, 2004

Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip › Control unit/module

Recall 04V18500044,588 vehicles

Problem: ON CERTAIN VAN AND WAGON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 4-WHEEL ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEMS (ABS), AFTERMARKET BATTERIES MAY LEAK ELECTROLYTE ONTO THE ABS CONTROL MODULE CONNECTOR, WHICH CAN COMPROMISE SEALING INTEGRITY OF THE CONNECTOR.
Risk: THIS MAY ALLOW DEVELOPMENT OF A SHORT CIRCUIT IN THE CONNECTOR, WHICH COULD EVENTUALLY LEAD TO A FIRE.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE ABS CONTROL MODULE CONNECTOR FOR ELECTROLYTE DAMAGE AND REPLACE THE CONNECTOR AS NECESSARY. THE RECALL WILL BEGIN ON SEPTEMBER 27, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

Vehicle speed controlFeb 5, 2003

Vehicle speed control

Recall 03V03300019,500 vehicles

Problem: 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.
Fix: 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.

Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

Crash test ratings

2003 Dodge Ram 1500 Regular Cab

OverallNot Rated

Frontal crash	Not Rated
Side crash	Not Rated
Rollover	Not Rated

2003 Dodge Ram 1500 4-DR.

OverallNot Rated

Frontal crash	Not Rated
Side crash	Not Rated
Rollover	★★★★★

2003 Dodge Ram 1500 Wagon

OverallNot Rated

Frontal crash	Not Rated
Side crash	Not Rated
Rollover	Not Rated

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.

What owners report

Problem area	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Injuries	Typical mileage*
StructureBody › Door; Frame and members	8	0	0	2	65,000 mi
Engine and engine coolingEngine; Engine › Gasoline	8	0	0	0	16,900 mi
Power trainAutomatic transmission; Driveline › Driveshaft	6	1	0	2	—
Service brakes, hydraulicFoundation components › Disc › Rotor; Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip	5	0	0	0	—
Air bagsFrontal	4	4	0	1	—
Electrical system	4	0	1	0	137,000 mi
SteeringHydraulic power assist › Hose, piping, and connections; Hydraulic power assist › Power steering fluid	4	1	0	0	—
VisibilityDefroster/defogger/hvac system; Windshield wiper/washer	4	0	0	0	65,000 mi
Vehicle speed controlAccelerator pedal; Linkages	3	0	0	0	—
SuspensionFront › Wheel bearing	3	0	0	0	—
Fuel system, otherStorage › Tank assembly › Mounting; Delivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings	2	1	0	1	—
Seat beltsFront; Front › Retractor	2	1	0	1	—

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Visibility › Defroster/defogger/hvac system
THE VENTILATION SYSTEM FAILED AS IS COMMON WITH THESE VEHICLES. DUE TO WEAL PARTS, THE, "DOORS" THAT CONTROL AIR FLOW THROUGH THE VENTILATION DUCTS BROKE. I HAVE SLOWLY REPLACE EACH OF THE FOUR DOORS AS THEY FAILED. AS THEY WENT OUT IT AFFECTED EVERY ASPECT OF VENTILATION, INCLUDING THE DEFROST. AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH IT IS EVIDENT DODGE WAS FULLY AWARE OF THIS ISSUE BUT MADE NO IMPROVEMENTS TO THE SYSTEM, CONTINUING TO SELL THESE VEHICLES TO AN UNSUSPECTING PUBLIC FOR SEVERAL YEARS. *TR
Aug 14, 2008 · 65,000 miles
Vehicle speed control
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE RAM. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH AND ATTEMPTING TO BRAKE, THE VEHICLE HESITATED TO COME TO A FULL STOP. THE CONTACT RELEASED THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY. THE ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONTROL WARNING LIGHT WAS ALSO ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A MECHANIC WHO ADVISED THAT THE FAILURE WAS RELATED TO THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL THROTTLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE HOWEVER NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CURRENT AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 168,000.
Jun 30, 2012 · 168,000 miles
Structure › Body › Door1 injury
PASSENGER SIDE GRAB HANDLE FAILED WHILE ENTERING VEHICLE. PASSENGER LOST BALANCE AND FELL TO THE GROUND. *TR
May 12, 2012 · 116,960 miles
Structure1 injury
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE RAM 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DASHBOARD WAS FRACTURED, CAUSING SMALL FRAGMENTS TO FALL INTO THE VENTS. ONCE THE VENTILATION SYSTEM WAS ACTIVATED, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THOSE SMALL FRAGMENTS WOULD FLY OUT OF THE VENTS AND INTO HER EYES. THE DEALER DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE MANUFACTURER FAILED TO OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE EITHER SINCE THERE WERE NO RECALLS ADDRESSING THE FAILURE. NO REPAIRS WERE PERFORMED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 180,000.
Jan 1, 2006 · 70,000 miles
Structure
DASH BOARD ON 2003 DODGE RAM 2500 IS CRACKED IN MULTIPLE AREAS. WINDSHIELD DEFROSTER VENT PANELS HAVE CRUMBLED AND FALLEN INTO THE AIR HANDLER SYSTEM CAUSING DEFROSTER TO STOP FUNCTIONING. *TR
Feb 1, 2010
Structure
THE DASHBOARD IN MY 2003 HAS ALOT OF CRACKS AND NOW PIECES ARE FALLING INTO THE VENTS. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD TO HAVE PIECES OF THE DASHBOARD BREAKING OFF,IT'S JUST A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE THE ENTIRE DASHBOARD CAVES IN. *TR
Jan 4, 2010 · 60,000 miles
Equipment
MY 2003 DODGE RAM HAS A CRACKED DASHBOARD. *TR
May 1, 2011
Electrical systemFire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE RAM. THE CONTACT STATED THE WIRE CONNECTING THE IGNITION WIRE MELTED CAUSING THE WINDSHIELD DEFROSTER TO MALFUNCTION. THE WIRE MELTED DUE TO THE SIZE OF THE TERMINALS TO THE CONNECTOR. THE LACK OF A DEFROSTER MADE DRIVING VERY DIFFICULT FOR THE CONTACT. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER STATED THE WIRE THAT CONNECT THE IGNITION TO THE BLOWER MOTOR NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE TO TO DRIVE DUE TO THE IMPAIRED VISION. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 137,000.
Aug 9, 2011 · 137,000 miles

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.

NHTSA defect investigations

FALSE PARKClosedLed to recall 05V462000
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 THE PARK POSITION.COMPLAINANTS GENERALLY REPORT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS BEING OPERATED IN A FORWARD GEAR AND BROUGHT TO A STOP THROUGH BRAKE APPLICATION ON ALEVEL SURFACE, AT WHICH TIME THE OPERATOR MOVED THE SHIFT LEVER TO ENGAGE THE PARK POSITION.THE OPERATOR THEN OPENED THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR AND,…
EA04025 · opened Aug 26, 2004 · closed Dec 22, 2005