Vehicle safety record

2003 Dodge Ram 3500 Problems, complaints & recalls

Owners have filed 286 complaints about the 2003 Dodge Ram 3500 with NHTSA, most often about the airbags (80) and the body, doors & structure (53). Those complaints describe 9 crashes, 1 fire and 6 injuries. It is covered by 9 recalls, the latest in May 2015 for the inflator module. For comparison, the 2002 has 44 and the 2004 has 214.

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NHTSA data checked 2 days ago

6/100Safety Index

FFar more problems than a typical Ram 3500 year, for its age

#51 most complained-about 2003 vehicle

Complaints: 286
Recalls: 9
Crashes: 9
Fires: 1
Injuries: 6
Deaths: 0

Most common 2003 Dodge Ram 3500 problems

Share of all 286 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.

2003 Dodge Ram 3500 recalls 9

Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do

Air bags: inflator module

15V312000May 27, 2015385,686 vehicles affected

Do not drive

The problem: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2003 Dodge Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500 trucks manufactured August 29, 2002, to July 25, 2003 to address a safety defect in the passenger side frontal air bag inflator which may produce excessive internal pressure causing the inflator to rupture upon deployment of the air bag. This recall addresses both the passenger side frontal air bags that were originally installed in the vehicles, as well as replacement air bags that may have been installed as replacement service parts. A replacement air bag may have been installed, as one example, if a vehicle had been in a crash necessitating the replacement of the passenger side frontal air bag.
The risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passengers frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy is completed. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag, free of charge. The recall began on March 16, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R26. Note: This recall partially supersedes recall 14V770.

Steering: tie rod assembly

13V528000Nov 6, 2013706,664 vehicles affected

The problem: Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2003-2008 Dodge RAM 2500 4x4 and 3500 4x4, model year 2007-2008 Dodge RAM 3500 4x2 Cab Chassis and model year 2006-2008 Dodge RAM 1500 Mega Cab 4x4 trucks manufactured February 12, 2002, through February 13, 2008. The left tie rod assembly may break.
The risk: A failure of the tie rod assembly may result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Chrysler notified owners and launched its recall campaign in January 2014. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N62.

Steering: tie rod assembly

11V350000Jul 6, 2011242,780 vehicles affected

The problem: Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2008-2011 dodge ram 2500/3500 4x4, manufactured from february 14, 2008, through march 28, 2011; model year 2008-2011 dodge ram 3500 cab chassis 4x2, manufactured from february 14, 2008, through march 28, 2011; and model year 2008 dodge ram 1500 mega cab 4x4, manufactured from february 14, 2008, through august 15, 2008, because the left tie rod ball stud may fracture. This condition tends to occur during low speed parking lot type maneuvers when the customer is making a tight turn. Additionally, model year 2003-2008 dodge ram 2500/3500 vehicles may have received the affected tie rod assembly as a replacement part during normal service.
The risk: This condition could result in the potential loss of directional stability in the left hand front wheel, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the tie rod ends for relative orientation and replace the left outer tie rod as required and perform a front end toe alignment as needed. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on october 3, 2011. Owners may contact chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.

Steering: shaft pitman

10E013000May 3, 20101,500 vehicles affected

The problem: Fabtech is recalling certain aftermarket replacement pitman arms, p/nos. Fts93001 and ft44039, installed for use on certain 2003 through 2008 dodge 2500 4wd, 3500 4wd, and 1500 4wd mega cab vehicles. The pitman arm can fracture and break away from the steering box causing total loss of steering control.
The risk: Steering loss could result in a vehicle crash possibly resulting in property damage, injury or death.
The fix: Fabtech will notify owners and authorized installers will inspect for defective pitman arm and replace if necessary free of charge. The safety recall began on may 24, 2010. Owners may contact fabtech at 1-877-432-2832.

Visibility: glass, side / rear

07E104000Dec 11, 20071,657 vehicles affected

The problem: Certain curved tempered replacement glass manufactured by hangzhou safety glass ltd and supplied to safelite by auto temp inc., Identified as dot-430, and sold for use on certain domestic and foreign vehicles may not break into small pieces as expected of tempered glass and fails to conform to federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 205, "Glazing materials."
The risk: In the event of a vehicle crash, the occupant(s) may be seriously injured by shattered glass.
The fix: Safelite will notify its retail customers and replace the glass free of charge. Retail customers can contact safelite toll free at 1-888-843-2906. Safelite will notify its wholesale customers and reimburse wholesale customers for current inventory and at a specified rate for replacing their customer's glass. Wholesale customers can contact safelite's wholesale division, service autoglass toll free at 1-888-246-6298. The recall began on january 15, 2008.

Suspension

07E009000Feb 1, 20073,350 vehicles affected

The problem: Certain lki enterprises, inc., Brand name superlift suspension, pitman arms sold as replacement equipment for 2003-2007 dodge ram 2500 and 3500 4x4 light trucks. Due to inadequate heat treatment during production, the affected pitman arms may develop cracks in the upper splined attachment attachment to the steering output shaft. Movement between the pitman arm and the output shaft may deform splines, resulting in premature wear and fatigue failure of the affected pitman arm.
The risk: Pitman arm wear or failure may lead to loss of vehicle control, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.
The fix: Lki will notify owners and replace the pitman arm, if necessary. The recall began on march 12, 2007. Owners may contact lki at 1-800-551-4955.

Power train: column shift

05V462000Oct 6, 2005250,433 vehicles affected

The problem: On certain pickup trucks equipped with diesel engines and automatic transmissions, in an attempt to exit the vehicle quickly without shutting off the engine and removing the key, the driver may inadvertently leave the automatic transmission shift control in indicated reverse.
The risk: This error is an unintended action that may result in a lack of transmission park pawl engagement and possibly delayed rearward movement of the vehicle.
The fix: Dealers will perform a software modification to equip these vehicles with an out-of-park alarm. Owners may contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.

Wheels: hubcap / cover

03V212000Jun 5, 20031,086 vehicles affected

The problem: Certain heavy duty pickup trucks, the aluminum wheels may have excessive porosity in the center hub area which can cause a wheel to crack.
The risk: This could cause a loss of vehicle control and result in a crash without warning.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the wheels and replace them if necessary. Owner notification is expected to begin june 17, 2003.. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-992-1997.

Vehicle speed control

03V033000Feb 5, 200319,500 vehicles affected

The problem: Certain pickup trucks, equipped with cummins diesel engines and manual transmissions, may experience an elevated idle speed after extended cruise control use.
The risk: This can result in unintended acceleration and a reduction in braking effectiveness, increasing the risk of a crash.
The 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.

What owners say

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286 complaints about the 2003 Dodge Ram 3500

Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 12.

Suspension

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

Body, doors & structure

Frame rusted through in several places. Service provider had problems placing truck on lift due to frame integrity to replace brake lines. Upon my inspection frame is rusted through in several places. Cannot determine if truck is safe to drive. *Tr

Airbags

AIR BAN LIGHT IS ON

Body, doors & structure

DASH BOARD IS CRACKING AND CAVEING IN.

Transmission & drivetrain

Had to replace carring bearing and sleeve bushing on drive shaft had a lot of wable in steering

Airbags

"Takata recall" my vehicle has been recalled twice over this issue, each time the repair has been completed. The current problem with my vehicle relates to the air bag module. My air bag warning light came on about a month ago at which time I took it to my local dodge dealership thinking the airbags had gone bad again. I was advised the airbags were fine but the control module had failed. Then I was told that chrysler dodge no longer makes the replacement module and they would have to seek one from a salvage...

Read the full complaint

company they do business with. My question is simple, how can a manufacture decide to stop making a crucial component to the air bag system. I was advised that in the event of a crash the air bags would not inflate. It has been over a month now and the dealership still hasn't located a module but are continuing to search for one. I have a low milage 2003 ram 3500 heavy duty truck sitting in my driveway that is totally worthless. What can I do?

Wheels & tires

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 dodge ram 3500 equipped with general ameri-trac tr tires, size: 235/80/17 (na). While driving 70 mph, the contact felt a vibration coming from the front driver's side of the vehicle. The contact mentioned that the tire thread separated from the tire and damaged the vehicle. The tire was swapped with a spare tire. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the tire was replaced. The tire was the original equipment. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate vehicle failure mileage was 120,000 and the tire failure mileage was 5,500.

Steering

When driving the truck around 65 mph & I hit a bump I get a severe death wobble. This has happened several more times & it's very dangerous

Steering

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 dodge ram 3500. While driving 25 mph, the steering wheel was loose and became inoperable without warning. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The vin was unknown. The failure mileage was 210,000.

AirbagsCrash1 injury

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 dodge ram 3500. The contact stated that while driving at 25 mph, the vehicle suddenly crashed into the rear of another vehicle. The air bags failed to deploy. The front passenger sustained bruises and cuts that required medical attention. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic but was not diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 42,000. The vin was not available.

Airbags

The dash is completely fractured and broken into shards of sharp hard plastic that should the takata airbag ever deploy will be propelled like shrapnel through the passenger compartment at explosive speeds. It's like driving a car with broken class covering the dashboard. This issue, the dash fracturing and splitting into pieces as a result of sun exposure and age seems to be a known problem on almost all of the online forums I went to to discover if this was unique to me. I cannot understand how such an obvious and common hazard experienced by so many, is allowed to persist.

Other & unknown

Dash cracked, broken, pieces completely broken away, missing, sharp edges, vents grills gone items can fall into the heat, defroster. All dodge trucks I've seen have seen of this year, mod and similar defects.

Electrical system

The truck will not shut off. After stopping and turning off the ignition and removing the key, the truck remains running. Sometimes, after about five minutes idling it will shut off on its own. Other times we have had to remove a fuse.

Other & unknown

Was driving down the road and went to shift gears and the shifter lever arm broke off at the bottom.

Other & unknown

The dash is cracking and deteriorating producing small sharp objects in the cab that come lose and are a hazzard to all occupants.

Airbags

Takata recall I have received 3 recall notices,i have called the dealer and they say that there are no parts available for this repair last call was on 3/2017

Other & unknown

The dashboard of my dodge ram truck is cracked. When I say cracked I don't mean a small crack but cracks all over the entire dashboard. It is cracked so badly that I fear pieces of the hard plastic are going to break off during our travels and cause injury to me ,my passengers or my grandchildren. I am also concerned that if we were in an accident that the cracks would fly off and cause severe injury or death to the driver, passengers or my grandchildren. This is a problem in a lot of the dodge ram trucks. It is not a cosmetic problem but a danger to the life of people in the vehicle.

LightsVisibility & wipers

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 dodge ram 3500. The contact stated that the headlights failed intermittently without warning. In addition, the windshield wipers failed intermittently and worked only at the slow setting. The dealer diagnosed that the tipm module failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired because the part was on back order. The vin was not included in nhtsa campaign numbers: 06e023000 (exterior lighting) and 09e009000 (visibility). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 230,000. Updated 08/14/2017*js

Other & unknown

Dash cracked creating a safety hazard if ever involved in an accident. Also small fragments of the dash have gotten into the vents blowing into drivers face which my cause an accident if struck in eye. Stationary, motion what type of roadway does not matter. Defective parts used!!!!

Airbags

2003 Dodge ram. Consumer writes in regards to replacement parts not available to repair passenger airbag inflator recall notice. *Smd

Other & unknown

DASH BOARD FALLING APART

Visibility & wipers

Wiper only functions when washer mode in pushed. Then only make 1 swipe. Have replaced wiper motor and transmission, repaced multifunction switch, repaced wiper relay in fuse box. Still no wipers.

Other & unknown

Dash is cracking and I am afraid that if I were to get in an accident there would be sharp pieces of plastic sent into the occupants of the cab specifically my children. The dashes should be recalled.

Airbags

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 dodge ram 3500. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 15v312000 (air bags); however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

AirbagsBody, doors & structure

Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2003 dodge ram 3500. The contact stated that there was premature cracking and deterioration of the dashboard. The dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure and provided no solution other than for the contact to replace the part. The dealer stated that to complete nhtsa campaign number: 15v312000 (air bags), the dashboard would also need to be replaced. The parts had not been available for an extended period of time so the contact was uncertain of when the recall repair would be completed. The failure mileage was unknown. Parts distribution disconnect. Updated 01/27/17*lj

Dodge Ram 3500: every year compared

1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2862003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2012

Year	Complaints	Recalls	Crashes	Fires	Top problem	Grade
2007	210	14	14	14	Steering	F
2006	258	11	15	4	Steering	F
2005	196	7	23	6	Steering	F
2004	214	7	42	4	Transmission & drivetrain	F
2003	286	9	9	1	Airbags	F
2002	44	1	2	0	Body, doors & structure	C
2001	0	1	0	0	-	A
2000	58	1	4	5	Suspension	D
1999	0	1	0	0	-	A

All Ram 3500 years

2003 Dodge Ram 3500 vs rivals

Vehicle	Complaints	Recalls	Crashes	Grade
2003 Dodge Ram 3500	286	9	9	F
2003 Dodge Ram 2500	661	9	30	F	Compare
2003 Ford F-250	116	7	6	F	Compare
2003 Ford F-350	0	3	0	C	Compare
2003 Chevrolet Silverado 2500	0	2	0	B	Compare
2003 Chevrolet Silverado 3500	0	1	0	A	Compare
2003 GMC Sierra 2500	0	3	0	B	Compare
2003 Dodge Ram	1,359	7	92	F	Compare
2003 Dodge Ram Van	1,239	0	83	F	Compare

More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.

Questions about the 2003 Dodge Ram 3500

Does the 2003 Dodge Ram 3500 have any recalls?

Yes - NHTSA lists 9 recalls for the 2003 Dodge Ram 3500: inflator module (May 2015); tie rod assembly (November 2013); tie rod assembly (July 2011); shaft pitman (May 2010) and more. Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.

What are the most common problems with the 2003 Dodge Ram 3500?

By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the airbags (80), body, doors & structure (53), steering (37).

How many complaints has the 2003 Dodge Ram 3500 had?

286 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on February 6, 2003 and the latest on July 25, 2024. Of these, 9 describe a crash and 1 a fire, and together they report 6 injuries and 0 deaths.

Is the 2003 Dodge Ram 3500 a reliable vehicle?

Its Safety Index is 6 out of 100 (grade F: far more problems than a typical Dodge Ram 3500 year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.

Which Dodge Ram 3500 years have the most complaints?

2003 (286), 2006 (258), 2004 (214). See every Dodge Ram 3500 year compared.

What should I do if my 2003 Dodge Ram 3500 has a problem?

If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked 2 days ago. Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data

2003 Dodge Ram 3500 Problems, complaints & recalls

Most common 2003 Dodge Ram 3500 problems

2003 Dodge Ram 3500 recalls 9

What owners say

286 complaints about the 2003 Dodge Ram 3500

Dodge Ram 3500: every year compared

2003 Dodge Ram 3500 vs rivals

Own a 2003 Dodge Ram 3500? Share your experience.

Questions about the 2003 Dodge Ram 3500