2003 Dodge RAM Quad Cab
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Dodge › RAM Quad Cab › 2003
These records cover every 2003 Dodge RAM Quad Cab. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Owner complaints
122 complaints8 involved a crash2 involved a fire16 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Vehicle speed control
While driving at different speeds over 30 and usually temps below 50, the engine light will come on and will immediately lose throttle. "Dead pedal" sometimes the throttle will surge then drop off other times when slowing the trans (automatic) will start to chatter as if a manual,. I use a store…
While driving at different speeds over 30 and usually temps below 50, the engine light will come on and will immediately lose throttle. "Dead pedal" sometimes the throttle will surge then drop off other times when slowing the trans (automatic) will start to chatter as if a manual,. I use a store purchased obd computer to reset. Get codes 2121, 2123 sometimes 0700. This sometimes takes 2-3 times to reset. Very unsafe and dangerous. This has been happening for years, numerous times, usually in winter at highway speeds. Sometimes at intersection while accelerating. Have been looking for solution for years!! See many others on net with same problem. Why isn't this fixed by dodge and or cummins. Again very unsafe!!
- Unknown or other
The dashboard IS falling apart with sharp pieces falling inside under the dash which may cut wires or even the air bag. It IS very brittle. It can be moving or stationary.
- Visibility/wiper
Wipers do what they want to, no- off dont seat stop in middle of windshield
- Air bags
Takata recall / I received the nhtsa campaign number: 15v312000 (airbags) frontal passenger air bag inflator however, in order to repair the vehicle the dashboard would have to be removed and the dealer stated that they would not be able to remove the existing dashboard without damaging the…
Takata recall / I received the nhtsa campaign number: 15v312000 (airbags) frontal passenger air bag inflator however, in order to repair the vehicle the dashboard would have to be removed and the dealer stated that they would not be able to remove the existing dashboard without damaging the dashboard further. Dodge stated they will not cover the parts nor labor to replace the dashboard. The dealer contacted was national dodge chrysler jeep RAM located at 2223 n marine blvd, jacksonville, nc 28546. I believe that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair and should be responsible for any damage to the vehicle caused in the complete of the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the issue and contacted the dealer. see attached emails/pictures.
- Unknown or other
Cracked dashboard for no reason. Car was parked. Opened vehicle to find cracked dash. told by dealership not their problem. never had any vehicle ever do this before. have purchased dodges for years, but now will not purchase another if they don't own up to their obligations.
- Structure › Body
2003 dodge RAM quad cab 4X4 had vehicle towed and when tow truck driver hooked chains to frame rails to winch vehicle on to tow truck the chains ripped the steel out of the bottom of the frame do to the frame being rotted I have uploaded photos. This IS a real safety concern do to the fact the…
2003 dodge RAM quad cab 4X4 had vehicle towed and when tow truck driver hooked chains to frame rails to winch vehicle on to tow truck the chains ripped the steel out of the bottom of the frame do to the frame being rotted I have uploaded photos. This IS a real safety concern do to the fact the frame IS enclosed and there IS no real warning or signs of the integrity of the remaining structure of the frame. It IS in my opinion this needs to be addressed and frame should be recalled there are many other people with the same trucks even a lot newer than this one but same frame as mine and the same problem there IS no reason other than poor engineering and prep of this frame I own many old pieces of equipment that are 30+ years older than this truck and no rot issues like this wear and tear IS one thing body rot ect IS normal but this IS a real safety issue that gives no warning many of these trucks drive down the road such as mine hauling equipment ect imagine 20K lbs driving down the road and the truck splits in half do to the internal frame rot how many people will die before this issue I'D recalled by chrysler? Toyota did it to there trucks why shouldn't dodge please don't let dodge ignore this it could be someone in your family that gets seriously hurt or dies driving one of these trucks or from someone else driving one of these trucks. Fyi I had the pittman arm joint snap on my truck with out warning it was a scary moment when u lose steering I was lucky and didn't crash and no one got hurt .
- Air bags
So many of these trucks have dashboards that are literally falling apart and the recall on the airbags can't be done without the dashboards being replaced which IS above $1400.00! My 2004 toyota 4runner dashboard did the same thing, only not as extreme as falling apart like my dodge RAM 1500.…
So many of these trucks have dashboards that are literally falling apart and the recall on the airbags can't be done without the dashboards being replaced which IS above $1400.00! My 2004 toyota 4runner dashboard did the same thing, only not as extreme as falling apart like my dodge RAM 1500. Toyota did the right thing and recalled the dashboard! This truck was just purchased for my son and now they can't and won't replace the airbag unless we pay to have the dashboard replaced? If the manufacturer of dodge doesn't do the same and I or one of my passengers IS hurt because of the recall airbag, you best believe there will be a huge lawsuit coming their way!
- Structure › Body · Visibility/wiper
The dashboard and hvac system has cracked to pieces causing the defrosters to be inoperable most of the time and constantly blows pieces of plastic and foam out of the vents occasionally getting in the driver's eyes and nose causing sneezing and distracting irritation.
- Engine
While driving the valve spring broke and dropped the valve into the cylinder causing engine damage. This IS a common problem on the 5.7 hemi engine . One that dodge IS well aware of . There should be some sort of favor given on the matter . Out of all the engines I have owned as well as worked on this IS the only that has had this as a common failure and it really needs to be addressed.
- Air bags
TL* the contact owned a 2003 dodge RAM quad cab. While driving approximately 50-55 mph, the contact attempted to avoid crashing into a deer and lost control of the vehicle. As a result, the vehicle crashed into a corn field. The air bags did not deploy. the contact sustained injuries that required…
TL* the contact owned a 2003 dodge RAM quad cab. While driving approximately 50-55 mph, the contact attempted to avoid crashing into a deer and lost control of the vehicle. As a result, the vehicle crashed into a corn field. The air bags did not deploy. the contact sustained injuries that required medical attention. A police report was filed and the vehicle was destroyed. The vin was included in nhtsa campaign number: 15v312000 (air bags). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
- Structure › Body
There IS a entry grab handle mounted to the interior door post near the windshield intended as an assist handle. my truck IS equipped with running board to make entry easier into the truck cab. I used the assist handle while getting into the truck cab, it pulled loose from the pillar causing me…
There IS a entry grab handle mounted to the interior door post near the windshield intended as an assist handle. my truck IS equipped with running board to make entry easier into the truck cab. I used the assist handle while getting into the truck cab, it pulled loose from the pillar causing me to nearly fall from the truck. I was able to gain my balance and step down from the running boards without doing any injury. I am of average height and weight appropriate. when I examined the handle I was shocked to see the only mounting involved was plastic with a bolt through it screwed to the door frame. this in no way should be classified as an appropriate assist handle to aid one in the entry of the vehicle.
- Air bags · Unknown or other · Visibility/wiper
The windshield appears weak having many pock marks in it. this causes the windshield wipers to need to be replaced often. The dash IS severely cracked and we are afraid that this IS going to cause the air bag to rupture on the passenger side (besides the fact that it IS coming apart).
- Steering · Suspension
I have a 2003 dodge quad cab 1500 4X2 that I bought new and has only 71,000 original miles. I have noticed some noise and vibration coming from the steering and suspension coming from the front end. I've researched and found that chrysler/dodge has issued a recall (N49, N62 and nhtsa 13-v528) that…
I have a 2003 dodge quad cab 1500 4X2 that I bought new and has only 71,000 original miles. I have noticed some noise and vibration coming from the steering and suspension coming from the front end. I've researched and found that chrysler/dodge has issued a recall (N49, N62 and nhtsa 13-v528) that does not include my vehicle but should be included after further inspections. The part in question IS the left tie rod and steering linkage. New parts (cbuen491aa. Cbuen492aa) apparently are readily available prior to january 2014 but my truck has not been included in the recall and repair. Do I have to wait for the part to snap off causing injury and death to anyone especially members of my family before a recall IS issued for this model year? we've been fortunate for now that nothing has happened but why does the consumer have to experience a loss first before the manufacturer takes honorable responsibility? Another issue as previously reported by other truck owners IS that the dash board deteriorates and cracks and materials fall into the air/defrost ducting. I hope for action soon rather than re-action after the fact and the prevention of loss to life or injuries.
- Air bags
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 dodge RAM 2500. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 14v354000 (airbag) however, the part needed 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.
- Structure
Driver was using grab bar to pull self up into vehicle when the grab bar broke suddenly and pulled out of the vehicle without warning. this caused driver to fall and suffer a fractured hamate bone in the wrist and chronic shoulder pain. injuries require surgery and are not yet healed. *tr
- Structure
The dash IS falling apart. It began last summer and pieces are falling into the air conditioner vents. cheap material used for the dash board. *tr
- Electrical system
My passenger doors, front and rear, will not function with the power lock and the windows can only be rolled down from the drivers controls. this IS a safety concern to me as it will make it difficult or impossible for someone to quickly get out of the vehicle if they need to bail out, or get out…
My passenger doors, front and rear, will not function with the power lock and the windows can only be rolled down from the drivers controls. this IS a safety concern to me as it will make it difficult or impossible for someone to quickly get out of the vehicle if they need to bail out, or get out in the event of an accident. if the driver became ill had a medical emergency, passengers would be unable to get out of the vehicle. the electrical wires in the door harnesses have broken and caused the issue to occur. *tr
- Seat belts
The plastic tension device on the seat belts (buckle end) are breaking off. this IS of most importance with my child safety seats. it does not allow for the seats to stay in place as they loosen up in just one short trip. this affects the safety, security and life of my children. this needs to be repaired right away. *tr
- Air bags · Structure · Visibility/wiper
The dash board on this vehicle IS cracking all over. it has cracked around the passenger airbag and pieces have fallen into the airbag compartment. this has not caused injury yet, but if involved in an accident, the broken pieces will definitely cause injury and I hope that they do not affect the…
The dash board on this vehicle IS cracking all over. it has cracked around the passenger airbag and pieces have fallen into the airbag compartment. this has not caused injury yet, but if involved in an accident, the broken pieces will definitely cause injury and I hope that they do not affect the airbag deployment. pieces blow into your face while running the defrost which if struck in the eye could cause an accident. *tr
- Structure
My dashboard started cracking up and large shards of the plastic became airborne while driving the vehicle and struck me in the face . This IS definitely a safety issue in my opinion and I have a $50000.00 driveway ornament as I do not feel safe driving the vehicle anymore. *tr
- Structure › Body
Dash and defroster grill shattered . Only 60,000 miles on truck this seems to be a factory default and should be replaced by dodge with better materials. I purchased this truck new with the 5 year extended warranty. *tr
- Structure
The dash IS falling apart. it begin last summer and pieces are falling into the air conditioner vents and blocking the air flow and causing it to freeze up.. I have had a piece fall under the accelerator and cause me to be unable to accelerate in interstate highway traffic. now a piece has…
The dash IS falling apart. it begin last summer and pieces are falling into the air conditioner vents and blocking the air flow and causing it to freeze up.. I have had a piece fall under the accelerator and cause me to be unable to accelerate in interstate highway traffic. now a piece has fallen off causing the steering to jam. part of the dash has fallen on the wiring and I'm afraid it IS going to catch fire. *tr
- Structure
Back in 2009 my dash one day just cracked....and has progressively gotten worse. I didn't know it was such a huge dodge again. *tr
- Steering · Suspension
I got wind of the recall around dec 2013 & figured it didn't apply to my truck since I had spent close to $2000 rebuilding the front suspension with oem & after market parts. I finally received recall notice N62 at the end of jan 2014. I took my truck to my dealership & they confirmed my truck was…
I got wind of the recall around dec 2013 & figured it didn't apply to my truck since I had spent close to $2000 rebuilding the front suspension with oem & after market parts. I finally received recall notice N62 at the end of jan 2014. I took my truck to my dealership & they confirmed my truck was indeed included in the recall since the parts I used were defective & being recalled. The service writer told me it would be at least another year or longer before the parts needed to repair my truck would arrive at the dealership. I asked what would happen if the tie rod ball stud failed at hwy speeds(i already knew the answer) & was told it wouldn't be pretty. if the part did fail I would lose all steering ability & more then likely end up in a vehicle accident. my truck weighs in at 8600 lbs + or -,unloaded, what ever I run into/hit if the tie rod ball stud failed would certainly cause injuries or death. what are we supposed to do? park our trucks until dodge/chrysler ships the parts in another year or so? most folks who own HD pickups use them to make a living & can't afford to have their truck parked for a couple days much less a year. Would be nice if owners of the trucks affected would be reimbursed by dodge/chrysler if we purchased aftermarket parts making our trucks safe to drive, rather then waiting to who knows when. I know that won't happen, *tr
- Structure
Vehicle dash IS coming apart in pieces. *tr
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.
- 10229256KEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC level part number. The "AB" NIC level will not program to these platforms. For all other platforms, if the "AB" NIC level will not program to the vehicle, use the "AC" NIC level part and submit a part warranty.
- 10229181Part Description: 5.7L Long Block Issue Description: This 5.7L Long Block Assembly is compatible with both EGR and Non-EGR applications. An EGR Block-Off Plate (53032739AA) must be ordered when installing this Long Block Assembly in a Non-EGR application. Unless, the EGR Block-Off Plate is being transferred from the old engine.
- 10223854Service - Four Piece Oil Pan Gasket All Cummins Equipped Vehicles ONLY - The replacement oil pan gasket can be a four piece gasket rather than a single piece gasket. This applies to Cummins 5.9L and 6.7L engines only. Installation: 1. Clean the oil pan T-joints.~ 2. Fill the T-joint between the pan rail/gear housing and pan rail/rear seal retainer with sealant. Use Mopar Silicone Rubber Adhesive Sealant or equivalent. 3. Apply a 2-mm [0.063-in] bead of Mopar Engine Sealant RTV Silicone Rubber Adhesive, to the oil pan flange.~ 4. The four piece gasket will need to be assembled to make a complete oil pan gasket. 5. Lay the oil pan gasket(s) onto the oil pan flange.~ 6. Ensure the oil pan gasket segment joints are properly aligned. 7. Apply a 2-mm [0.063-in] bead of Mopar Engine Sealant RTV Silicone Rubber Adhesive, to the top of the oil pan gasket.~ 8. Install the oil pan. Starting from the center and working outward, tighten the oil pan bolts to 28 Nm [21 ft. lbs.].
- 10223602Part Description: 5.7L Long Block Issue Description: This 5.7L Long Block Assembly is compatible with both EGR and Non-EGR applications. An EGR Block-Off Plate (53032739AA) must be ordered when installing this Long Block Assembly in a Non-EGR application. Unless, the EGR Block-Off Plate is being transferred from the old engine.
- 10221686KEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC level part number. The "AB" NIC level will not program to these platforms. For all other platforms, if the "AB" NIC level will not program to the vehicle, use the "AC" NIC level part and submit a part warranty.
- 10220995Part Description: Insulator on Lever Assy Manual Valve - Valve Body - RWD Transmission Issue Description: The manual valve insulator, attaching rivet and instruction sheet are now available as a kit. If the insulator requires replacement please order kit 68253161AA. Insulator only used on Auto-RWD transmission Note: The color of the insulator is not relevant for service.
- 10220101Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.
- 10220099Use of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts.
- 10220097Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
- 10191460Valve Body. These may cause over drive cycling.
- 10191455Cummins Equipped Vehicles ONLY - The replacement oil pan gasket can be a four piece gasket rather than a single piece gasket. This applies to Cummins 5.9L and 6.7L engines only.
- 10175743Disinfectant Solution Recommended for COVID-19
- 10175735Charging System, Battery Diagnostic Tools and Warranty This information only bulletin discusses using the correct test equipment for testing batteries and charging systems, and also warranty reimbursement when battery replacements are necessary.
- 10169249Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.
- 10169247Use of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts.
- 10169245Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
- 1013900968069384A$, R8069384A$, 68086182A$, R8027067A$, RL002012A$ - Gasket, Cylinder Head Cover Before replacing injectors for Diagnostic Trouble Codes P0201, P0202, P0203, P0204, P0205, and/or P0206, please make sure that the wiring loom and/or connector in the valve cover gasket is not the root cause to your concern. In addition, make sure that the wiring attaching nuts are torqued to their proper value.~
- 1012900882212076, 82203694 - Fabric Cleaner This "fabric cleaner" is not intended for sale in California, the otc states (Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Washington dc), and some ladco states (Illinois, Michigan, and Ohio). Mopar offers an alternative product (82213192) which is a water based product approved for sale in the aforementioned states.~ ~ Please inform the customer & your prep dept that spraying excessive amounts of the fabric protector on load floors will result in the breaking down of the adhesive (glue) that is used to create the bond between the fabric (carpet) and the load floor. This will apply to any vehicles equipped with rear load floors such as WK, WD, PM, MK, KA, KK. The carpet will appear to be loose, wrinkly, or bunch up~
Every Dodge RAM Quad Cab model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.