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Acceleration & cruise control

2003 Dodge Ram Acceleration problems

Owners have filed 26 complaints about the 2003 Dodge Ram's acceleration & cruise control with NHTSA - 2% of all its complaints, most recently on December 6, 2019. They describe 6 crashes, 0 fires and 2 injuries. Unintended acceleration, surging, throttle problems and cruise or adaptive cruise faults.

Complaints
26
Recalls
1
Crashes
6
Fires
0
Injuries
2
Deaths
0

Acceleration recalls for the 2003 Dodge Ram

Vehicle speed control

03V03300019,500 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.

Acceleration complaints

Acceleration & cruise 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 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...

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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!!

Filed Incident Vehicle speed controlNHTSA 11287510
Engine & coolingAirbagsAcceleration & cruise control

2003 Dodge ram 1500. Consumer writes in regards to passenger airbag recall replacement parts still on back order. Vehicle has multiple recalls that relates to steering, lighting, visibility, electrical, engine issues and requests loaner vehicle. *Smd the consumer stated the additional recalls, would probably explain, why he had to replace the thermostat, vehicle speed control and the radiator three times. *Jb

Filed Incident Engine and engine cooling · Air bags · Vehicle speed controlNHTSA 10876146
Transmission & drivetrainAcceleration & cruise controlEngine & cooling

When I was pulling on the highway from entry I was depending on my cars engine when I was trying to accelerate car first jump then shut of completely and as a busy highway route 80 I was almost got run over by a trailer good thing I'm experience driver car stall out and didn't start for easy 1 minuet at this time I was on side of the road after that day car randomly stalls out I try to understand what's the problem it doesn't give me any related code also cruise control is when u set a speed and you slow down with the button but sometimes car will take off faster engine has multiple design errors that makes the engine fail out of nowhere. *Tr

Filed Incident Power train · Vehicle speed control · EngineNHTSA 10576074
Acceleration & cruise control

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 dodge ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 mph, the vehicle lost power as the engine throttle warning light illuminated. The contact mentioned that the failure recurred twice. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer for diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 127,000 and the current mileage was 133,000.

Filed Incident Vehicle speed controlNHTSA 10559584
Acceleration & cruise controlEngine & cooling

Vehicle cut off while making a right turn, no power steering, no engine response. *Tr

Filed Incident Vehicle speed control · EngineNHTSA 10547491
Transmission & drivetrainAcceleration & cruise controlCrash2 injuries

While reverse parking at approximately 10 mph; the accelerator stuck to bottom of vehicle floor (sending vehicle to speed exceeding 70 mph) and it accelerated out of control. In an attempt to stop and avoid hitting pedestrians and building behind me; I hit the brakes, but the brakes would not stop the vehicle. I was forced to place the vehicle in park shift position while hitting brake, in order to stop vehicle. At first the shift control stopped in 'd' and the vehicle shot forward, but I kept hitting the brakes. And eventually; I managed to get it in the park position and it stopped the vehicle. *Tr

Filed Incident Power train · Vehicle speed controlNHTSA 10519773
Acceleration & cruise control

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 dodge ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle accelerated independently. The failure recurred numerous times and intermittently. The vehicle was taken to a dealer for diagnosis and the contact was informed that the throttle position sensor would need to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The failure and the current mileage was 95,396.

Filed Incident Vehicle speed controlNHTSA 10508053
Acceleration & cruise control

I purchased a used 2003 dodge ram 1500 last week. While driving to work yesterday I accelerated and the truck would not stop. It continued to accelerate at speeds above 70 mph and I stomped on the brake, but it didn't slow the truck down at all. The gas pedal was on the floor, so I stomped on it as hard as I could and then it seemed to release and raise back up to normal position. Luckily it was 0445 in the morning and there was nobody else on the road. *Tr

Filed Incident Vehicle speed controlNHTSA 10503325
Acceleration & cruise 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.

Filed Incident Vehicle speed controlNHTSA 10464043
Acceleration & cruise control

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 dodge ram 1500. The contact stated while driving down hill at approximately 30 to 35 mph, the vehicle lost power and the engine throttle light illuminated. The contact turned the vehicle off for a moment and the vehicle returned to normal function. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The failure and current mileage was 70,000. Updated 08/15/11 *bf the consumer stated the problem didn't occur only when driving downhill. The consumer stated he was...

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coming down from 8,000 elevation, mostly coasting, applying the brakes and throttle occasionally as needed per road requirements. Upon reaching flatland, he applied the throttle as normal. Within 10 minutes, the engine began to lose power. The throttle was non-responsive and the throttle control light illuminated. The consumer re-started the vehicle and there has been no problems since. Updated 08/24/11

Filed Incident Vehicle speed controlNHTSA 10415362
Acceleration & cruise controlCrash

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 dodge ram 1500. The contact was attempting to reverse from a residential driveway traveling 2 mph when the vehicle abnormally accelerated causing the contact to crash into a nearby vehicle. There were no injuries. The vehicle was diagnosed or repaired for the failure. The current and failure mileage was 67,000.

Filed Incident Vehicle speed controlNHTSA 10356133
Acceleration & cruise control

Tl*the contact owns a 2003 dodge ram 1500. The contact stated that at times when the vehicle was started, the rpm's increased excessively. The contact had to shut off the engine and restart the vehicle in order for it to idle normally. The dealer informed the contact that the vehicle was functioning properly. The dealer also stated that the rpm's would not increase while the vehicle was in gear. While in a parking lot the rpm's increased to 3500 which made the back tire move without applying the accelerator...

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pedal. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer to have the computer reprogrammed. Since having the vehicle repaired, the rpms have increased twice. The dealer advised the contact that there was nothing that they could do. The failure mileage was 18,000. Updated 4/7/2010 *cn updated 06/04/10.

Filed Incident Vehicle speed controlNHTSA 10315787
Acceleration & cruise control

Tl*- the contact owns a 2003 dodge ram 1500. The contact stated that while idling he would experience a spontaneous surge forward. As a consequence of the non-warranted acceleration he considered that the risk of serious injury and crash are increased. He took the vehicle to the dealer and a technician speculated that the gas cap was the cause of the failure, but no repairs were made. The failure mileage was unknown. The current mileage was 175,000.

Filed Incident Vehicle speed controlNHTSA 10266579
Engine & coolingAcceleration & cruise control

Tl*the contact owns a 2003 dodge ram 1500. While the vehicle was at a complete stop, the accelerator pedal extended to the floor without being depressed. The vehicle spontaneously accelerated. The engine warning indicator was illuminated at the time of the failure. The contact had to remove the key from the ignition to stop the vehicle. He is in the process of notifying the dealer to determine the cause of the failure. The failure and current mileages were 116,000.

Filed Incident Engine and engine cooling · Vehicle speed controlNHTSA 10260797
AirbagsAcceleration & cruise controlCrash

1. Unintended (sudden) acceleration; 2 feet on the brakes* brakes worked,have pictures-1/2 inches into pavement. Filed report with police. 2. Air bag did not deploy- hit hydro pole, 55 km/hr, speed limit is 60 km/hr. *Tr

Filed Incident Air bags · Vehicle speed controlNHTSA 10191891
Acceleration & cruise control

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...

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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

Filed Incident Vehicle speed controlNHTSA 10181495
Acceleration & cruise controlCrash

Dt: while driving and approaching an intersection the truck sped up on its on. Managed to get truck back home without incident. Drove the truck for a few days without anything happening. Went to pull into the garage and hit the side of the garage. While driving in a shopping center truck sped up again and went into a wooden fence and into a person's yard. Took vehicle to dealer and had problem fixed. Dealer found iac motor out of range. But the same thing recurred. *Ak

Filed Incident Vehicle speed controlNHTSA 10121665
Acceleration & cruise control

While stopped at a red light the throttle stuck open . The consumer was unable to stop the vehicle but did not have an accident. The consumer had to turn the vehicle off the truck to get the vehicle to stop. This was the only time anything like this had happened. The vehicle was taken tot he dealer and driven for 10 miles . After the test drive the dealer indicated that eh problem could not be duplicated and no repairs were made. *Nm

Filed Incident Vehicle speed controlNHTSA 10119919
BrakesTransmission & drivetrainLightsAcceleration & cruise controlCrash

10/25/02-Bought new 2003 dodge 1500 extended cab. 11/26/02, Abs light and brake light on. Dealership said "connection at cab had water in it, and dried off and sealed." 12/19/02, 3685 Miles, took back because of abs and brake light on. Short in brake switch and replaced the brake switch. 12/20/02 Returned with abs light and brake light on. Brake switch and rear abs sensor shorted. Replaced both sensors and found water in the wiring connector. Disconnected, cleaned, dried and sealed. Returned to me on...

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12/24. 12/30/02, 4339 Miles, abs/brake lights on/rpm spiked. 8-Way plug had water in it. "Contacted star and was told to cut out plug and solder wires." Truck returned to me on 01/02/03. 01/24/03, 5864 Miles, abs and brake lights on/speedometer spiking at idle. Dealership checked codes, checked wiring, rear abs sensor, connector, abs controller connector, cleaned, sealed connector. Truck returned to me on 01/28/03. 08/20/03, 19775 Milest, transmission wouldn't kick out of passing gear until 80 mph and when it did, made loud popping noise. Dealership said "transmission not upshifting, flash program transmission control." 10/11/03, 23180 Miles, I was driving, power steering pump came out and caused me to lose control/run into ditch. Damage to bumpers and tailpipe. I had also noticed that day before the wreck that the transmission was kicking into passing gear at 40 mph. Had towed to nearest dealership on 10/13/03. Would not give me a rental-i had bought the truck from a different dealership. Dodge sat on this truck for five months leaving me without a vehicle, saying that they were sending an inspector out to look at it, inspector would be there any day. Dodge would not replace bumpers and did not fix/return to me until 03/09/04. Truck was still not right/acted like it was going to quit running when started. 09/09/04, Abs and brake lights on again/speedometer spiking. Over 36,000 miles, have extended warranty, going back to dealership tomorrow. *Ak

Filed Incident Service brakes, hydraulic · Power train · Exterior lighting · Vehicle speed controlNHTSA 10090734
Acceleration & cruise control

While driving 65 mph throttle control failed. As a result, vehicle lost acceleration. No impact reported. *Ak

Filed Incident Vehicle speed controlNHTSA 10067002
Acceleration & cruise controlCrash

Unintentional acceleration with ineffective braking resulting in a crash into guard rail and fence at a fast speed. Left 30 feet of skid marks trying to stop the truck. The guard rail wrapped around the truck but the chain link fence finally stopped the truck. *Jb

Filed Incident Vehicle speed controlNHTSA 10054965
Transmission & drivetrainAcceleration & cruise control

Vehicle accelerated to a higher speed without accelerator pedal being depressed. When in second or third gear, and driver released the clutch, vehicle accelerated by itself. When parked, but idling the rmps were high. *Ak

Filed Incident Power train · Vehicle speed controlNHTSA 10051645
Acceleration & cruise control

After stopping at a red light vehicle began to go out of control, the dash lights were blinking, and engine began to race like it was going to take off. Dealer has been contacted. *Ak

Filed Vehicle speed controlNHTSA 10050567
Acceleration & cruise control

Purchased a dodge ram 1500 w/hemi engine on 5-29-03. On july 4, 2003 at approximately 2030 hrs the throttle on the veh became stuck at aprroximately 1750 miles. The veh could not accelerate or decelerate and the electronic throttle control indicator was flashing. Veh was travelling approximately 15 mhp at 1500 rpm and it would not slow down or accelerate. On 7-5-03 at approximately 0830 hrs, veh's throttle got stuck again, this time it got stuck at a much higer speed, approximately 30 mhp.*Ak

Filed Incident Vehicle speed controlNHTSA 10028611
Acceleration & cruise control

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

Filed Incident Vehicle speed controlNHTSA 10007256

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

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