2003 Dodge RAM
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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These records cover every 2003 Dodge RAM. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
7 recalls name the 2003 Dodge RAM. Newest first.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
Decreased lighting visibility may result in a vehicle crash.
Remedy
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.
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 and remedy
Risk
When the wiper system fails, the operator will have reduced visibility which could result in a crash.
Remedy
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.
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…
Risk and remedy
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.
Remedy
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.
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 and remedy
Risk
If the trailer lights are not working properly, a vehicle crash can occur.
Remedy
All of the defective tow packages are still at the distributor level and have not been sold to any consumers.
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 and remedy
Risk
Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash without warning.
Remedy
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.
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 and remedy
Risk
This may allow development of a short circuit in the connector, which could eventually lead to a fire.
Remedy
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.
Certain pickup trucks, equipped with cummins diesel engines and manual transmissions, may experience an elevated idle speed after extended cruise control use.
Risk and remedy
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.
Owner complaints
53 complaints6 involved a crash1 involved a fire5 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Electrical system · 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.…
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
- 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…
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.
- Structure › Body › Door
Passenger side grab handle failed while entering vehicle. passenger lost balance and fell to the ground. *tr
- Structure
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…
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.
- 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
- 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
- Equipment · Structure
My 2003 dodge RAM has a cracked dashboard. *tr
- Electrical system
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…
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.
- Electrical system · Exterior lighting
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…
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 different complaint categories, further diluting the recognition that there IS one fundamental root cause of a dozen or more different failure modes. *tr
- Service brakes, hydraulic
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…
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 lighting · Power train › Automatic transmission
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…
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
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
- Suspension
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.
- Power train › Automatic transmission
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…
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
- Fuel system, other › Delivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings · Power train › Automatic transmission
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…
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
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer
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…
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 vehicle IS brought in for. that's fine if something IS needed, but to intentionally damage a vehicle or replace parts unnecessary to make more money IS just not right. I saved $150, but am steaming mad! mcpeek dodge IS a crook. I will never by another vehicle there again and never service there. *jb
- Visibility › Defroster/defogger/hvac system
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
- Steering › Hydraulic power assist › Hose, piping, and connections
Dt: the problem was with the power steering gear box and pump. the vehicle was taken to the dealership and they remedied the problem(s). *ak *sc
- Visibility › Defroster/defogger/hvac system
The windows of the van will not clear of fog with the heater on hot and the blower on high. The dealer said that they can't fix the problem,that all vans of this year act the same. I have to drive with the rear window open. *ak
- Wheels
While driving, the right front passenger wheel completely disengaged from the vehicle causing an accident. *jb *sc
- Tires
Complaint received via e-mail.") I exchanged the 4TH tire off my pickup. It IS a goodyear lt235/80r17 with many side wall open wide, cracks. It was done at west tire, 4000 hwy 281 north,, marble falls ,tx78654 phone 830/693-0475,,fax 830/693-0602. It would be nice if you would impound that casing…
Complaint received via e-mail.") I exchanged the 4TH tire off my pickup. It IS a goodyear lt235/80r17 with many side wall open wide, cracks. It was done at west tire, 4000 hwy 281 north,, marble falls ,tx78654 phone 830/693-0475,,fax 830/693-0602. It would be nice if you would impound that casing for your examination and fact finding. There was no accident or hard hitting a curb involved , it just appeared the tire had 10./32nds rubber left of 15/32nds and was discovered at an oil change, surely these many failures are worth examining." *nm *tc
- Engine and engine cooling
The check engine light appeared on the dashboard and remained on. then, vehicle stalled. Consumer was unable to restart vehicle, and it was towed to the dealer. mechanic determined that the engine needed to be replaced. *ak
- Vehicle speed control › Linkages
2003 dodge diesel truck. The throttle linkage position failed while the cruise control was engaged going up a steep incline. T he sensor became stuck and the vehicle would not decelerate going down the hill. *jb
- Suspension
A loud clanking noise was heard coming from the front of the vehicle. the consumer was able to drive it to the dealer for inspection. the mechanic informed the consumer that both driver and passenger side axle u bolts needed to be replaced. please fill in additional information. *Jb
- Power train › Automatic transmission › Cooling unit and lines
While driving transmission failed while shifting. Consumer pulled over, and had the vehicle towed to the dealer for inspection. Mechanic determined that coolant line needed to be replaced. consumer informed the mechanic that this problem had not been resolved, it recurred. *ak
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- False park
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…
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, without verifying park engagement (e.g., prndl gear indication), securing the park brake, or turning the engine off, exited the vehicle.initially, no vehicle movement was apparent, however, a short time later, typically reported as 10 to 30 seconds, the vehicle moved rearward under engine power.the incident often ended in a vehicle crash, and sometimes involved serious injury.two fatalities are alleged.odi?s analysis of test vehicles and some incident vehicles found no evidence to indicate that a shift lever properly placed in park could unintentionally (i.e., without driver input) disengage from that position.however, odi did find that the shift lever could be inadvertently placed, and remain at rest, within an intermediate position between the park and reverse gear positions.when placed in such an intermediate position, the vehicle can experience a delayed pressurization of the reverse hydraulic circuit that IS sufficient to cause the vehicle to roll rearward under power.the delay period allows sufficient time for operators to exit the stationary vehicle without perceiving that the shifter IS not in park.the summary report discusses the technical analysis of this issue in greater detail and compares the frequency of these incidents in the subject vehicles to other peer vehicles that odi examined.as described in their october 4, 2005 letter to nhtsa, daimlerchrysler corporation (dcc) will conduct a safety recall (nhtsa recall no. 05V-462, dcc no. E17) to install an out-of-park alarm system in the subject vehicles.the alarm will provide audible and visual feedback to alert the driver, and others, if the driver attempts to exit the vehicle while the engine IS running and the shift lever IS not in the park position.the timing of dcc?s action has yet to be determined.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10033546Dodge: electronic fuel control actuator (fca) available for service/new diagnostics available for dtc p0251. Engine surges at idle or mil illumination. Further investigation may identify dtc p0251-cp3 pump regulator control-diesel. If p0251 IS present, follow the diagnostics in this sb. If other dtc's are present, repair as necessary before proceeding further. Model RAM truck.
- 10024083Positive crankcase ventilation (pcv) system freezes in extreme cold ambient temperatures -- involves installing revised pcv system components.
- 10021687Trailer towing mirror - new mirror glass locking tab - new removal procedure.
- 100214235.9L turbo - diesel engine system enhancements.
- 10021239Powertrain control module initialization.
- 10020919Front end shimmy on 4X4 vehicles when traveling over rough surfaces in the road.
- 100202135.9L turbo-diesel engine system enhancements.
- 10020139Rear suspension vibration while driving at highway speeds.
- 10019529Positive crankcase ventilation (pcv) system freezes in extreme cold ambient temperatures.
- 1001700045Rfe/545rfe trans - delayed engagement due to cooler return filter replacement.
- 10016021Cummins diesel diagnostics.
- 10016020Electronic fuel control (efc) actuator available for service.
- 10015075New water pump for 3.7L engine - no longer common with 4.7L. Advanced service information #05-002.
- 10015060Long crank times in ambient temperatures below freezing.
- 10013996Minimun rear rotor thickness.
- 10013994Stabilizer bar link nut torque specs changed.
- 10013731Powertrain control module initialization.
- 10013705Inactive throttle body in cold ambient temperatures. 2005 dodge RAM
- 10012262Mud or dirt may accumulate on the rocker panel causing customers to complain that their clothing gets dirty when they enter or exit the vehicle.
- 10011930Steering column snapping or ticking sound.
- 100105675.7L engine long block repair / replace procedures. Warranty planning & administration
- 10009242The 47RE service information has been accidentally omitted from the 2003 service manual, but IS included in the electronic version of the MDS2. Service information tuneups.
- 10009241Steering column service. Information. Service information tuneups.
- 10009240Powertrain diagnostic information. Service information tuneups.
- 10009239Missing diesel maintenance schedule for truck service manual. Service information tuneups.
- 10008044Axle whine.
- 10008043Launch shudder.
- 10006887Bug deflector loose/rattling.
- 10006005The powertrain control module (pcm) electrical connectors on certain trucks may allow water to enter into the connectors. Water and the resulting corrosion in a pcm connector can cause the speed control and/or transmission overdrive function to become inoperative. Customer satisfaction notification no C42.
- 10006004Customer satisfaction no. C44. Transmission cooler line on certain vehicles can transmit high pressure pulses when the vehicle IS operated at heavy loads.
- 10005990Growling sound on acceleration.
- 10005989Low engine oil pressure at start up in temperatures below freezing.
- 10005984Poor air conditioner performance, slow fuel gauge response, and diagnostic trouble codes (dtc's) p0341 and p1757.
- 10005601Bug deflector wind whistle.
- 10005294Brake shudder or vibration.
- 10004541Malfunction indicator lamp illumination, erroneous diagnostic trouble code (dtc) p0116, p2172, p2173.
- 10004538Generic cummins engine control module (pcm) procedure. This bulletin replaced 18-030-03. This bulletin replaced 18-030-03a dated 10/17/03. To also include 2005 RAM truck.
- 10004537Water may enter the powertrain control module (pcm) connector causing corrosion of electrical terminals on the pcm. Sets malfunction indicator light.
- 10003544Generic cummins engine control module (pcm) procedure.
- 10002447Service action 03-002 - inoperative software, service bulletin #18-005-03 rev a, flash: transmission shift/speed control improvements/possible malfunction indicator lamp (mil) illumination.
Every Dodge RAM model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.