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2003 Dodge Ram Steering problems

Owners have filed 60 complaints about the 2003 Dodge Ram's steering with NHTSA - 4% of all its complaints, most recently on December 11, 2025. They describe 5 crashes, 1 fire and 4 injuries. Loss of power steering, stiff or loose steering, wandering, column and rack problems.

Complaints
60
Recalls
1
Crashes
5
Fires
1
Injuries
4
Deaths
0

Steering recalls for the 2003 Dodge Ram

Steering: linkages

09E00100018,000 vehicles affected

The 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.
The 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.
The 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.

Steering complaints

SteeringSuspensionWheels & tires

The contact owns a 2003 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that the steering wheel and the front wheels were uncontrollable. While driving from Georgia to Memphis, there was an unknown object loose by the wheel. The ball joint suspension was replaced by an independent mechanic. The low tire pressure warning light was illuminated. The contact was unable to control the vehicle and had the vehicle towed to an unstated location. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 180,000.

Filed Incident Steering · Suspension · TiresNHTSA 11704481
SteeringSuspensionAirbags

Frame damage where steering box separates

Filed Incident Steering · Suspension · Air bagsNHTSA 11476656
SteeringSuspensionTransmission & drivetrainCrash

The steering is very loose, when going over a bump the vehicle is pulled into another direction and you temporarily lose control of the vehicle. The 4x4 was not operating properly, so the transfer case was replaced. Upon replacing transfer case the rear differential locked up and the rear wheels won't move. This seems to be a very common issue with this vehicle. All of these issues are common among dodge ram 1500s of this year( 2003) these issues should be recalled!

Filed Incident Steering · Suspension · Power trainNHTSA 11308629
SteeringSuspension

My truck has had the death wobble from day 1. Countless trips to fix what I now know has been a known issue. The trucks front end goes into massive shaking out of the blue

Filed Incident Steering · SuspensionNHTSA 11186001
SteeringEngine & coolingFuel system

While driving, truck stalls, happened twice. No warning lights, no codes, first time at stop sign, second while on straight run

Filed Incident Steering · Engine · Fuel / propulsion systemNHTSA 11139348
SteeringTransmission & drivetrain

While driving the vehicle on a flat, paved road a sudden small grinding noise was detected. Without warning, the rear axle froze and the rear wheels locked up. As the vehicle slid to a stop, a loud noise was heard. After the vehicle stopped moving a quick visual inspection revealed that the drive shaft had broken off and was hanging down. A large amount of viscous fluid was spilled on the road. The truck was not able to move forward or backward at this point due to the locking of the rear wheels and lack of a...

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functioning drive shaft. The vehicle was on a blind curve on a well traveled road and the police were called. It was necessary for the officer to remain and direct traffic around the vehicle due to the dangerous situation. The vehicle was towed to a local dodge dealer and a claim (# 32479801) was filed via the dodge customer care hotline.

Filed Incident Steering · Power trainNHTSA 11030088
SteeringAirbags

Takata recall my steering wheel is bulged out and the light flashed then goes off? I can be driving then it flashes then disapers and you can feel and see the bulge . Steering issue : I have had over 8 alignments done in the past month and all new parts tires n rims installed and the steering wheel is still sideways ? Its alighned for no more then a day then it starts loosing the straight drive and pulling left or right ? Of had it at multiple places and they can't figure it out.

Filed Incident Steering · Air bagsNHTSA 10863375
SteeringBody, doors & structure

Conversion van --while parking at children's school heard a very loud snap-noticed front wheels turned outward. Van towed to shop. Told by mechanic that pitman arm snapped off at frame--can not be repaired due to extensive frame rot. Snapped at mounting bracket bolts missing . Nothing left of frame to attach new parts .Purchased 11 months ago and driven approx. 6000 Miles. Mileage at purchase only 63,052. Sitting at repair shop not drivable will need extensive costly frame repair. Dealership unwilling to help.

Filed Incident Steering · StructureNHTSA 10825097
SteeringElectrical systemBrakes

All of a sudden the truck started shutting off, whether in idle or on the freeway. It would happen multiple times during the day. When shutting off, the truck would loose power steering and brakes. Took to multiple dealerships and mechanics who couldn't find anything wrong with the truck, would never throw any codes, finally spoke with a mechanic who talked to a computer person who stated that we needed to have the computer fixed but it wouldn't be available for 3-6 weeks due to it being on national back order....

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This needs to be recalled, due to safety issues. You are unable to control the vehicle when you lose power steering and brakes. National back order tells me that there is a problem and dodge knows about it.

Filed Incident Steering · Electrical system · Service brakesNHTSA 10775305
SteeringEngine & cooling

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 dodge ram 1500. While driving approximately 60 mph, the vehicle vibrated. Additionally, the steering wheel independently moved left to right and the contact had to hold the steering wheel firmly in order to steer the vehicle properly. The contact also stated that the vehicle stalled and was able to restart. The contact stated that the anti-freeze warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number:...

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14v770000 (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 manufacture was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 150,000.

Filed Incident Steering · EngineNHTSA 10767376
SteeringSuspension

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...

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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.

Filed Incident Steering · SuspensionNHTSA 10743761
SteeringTransmission & drivetrain

While driving home from work I started hearing this noise coming from the rear end at 81,000 I know it cant be the rear end, but yes its the rear end going out never pulled anything with the truck, fluids are changed on time and oil and rear end al ways change at the same time. The other problem is the steering I notice when I hit a dip in the hwy its hard too control but every time I take it buy the dealer ship they say its normal, never thought ill be giving up on dodge but now I see they just wont your money and they wont stand be hind there product. I am sure I'm wasting my time writing this but gotta know if dodge will respond back.

Filed Incident Steering · Power trainNHTSA 10732003
SteeringWheels & tires

My son was driving home from work turning left and the right front tire just came off. After looking at the part itself the medal just snapped off, broke clear, this is dangles

Filed Incident Steering · WheelsNHTSA 10717262
SteeringBrakes

Right front brake failed to operate properly veered off road off shoulder of highway power steering suction line came loose steering failed. *Tr

Filed Incident Steering · Service brakesNHTSA 10702022
SteeringEngine & cooling

Tl*the contact owns a 2003 dodge ram. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 45 mph, the steering wheel was difficult to maneuver when making a right turn. Additionally, when the brake pedal was depressed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The failure recurred several times. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 96,000.

Filed Incident Steering · EngineNHTSA 10682567
Steering2 injuries

My vehicle was in park and turned off and I got out to walk around and my 3 yr old grabbed shifter and it when into neutral and her father put it in park but got hit but door in process has leg swelling and I ran around and got hit by back of truck and dislocated shoulder but continued to run to drivers door and got it open and jumped in side while truck is rolling backwards down an incline at 15 mph head for a wall that drops 25 feet her father throwing it into park did not stop it so once I was in I steered it...

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the other way away from cliff and hit brakes and finally got it stopped and now at hospital with dislocated shoulder we had a family member die on the count of dodges defective parts this is ridiculous!!!!! This needs fixed I know of bunches of accidents that are involved because of dodge and there parking safety it's not supposed to go into ear unless brakes are pushed in!!!!!!!! I'm beyond pissed!!!!! Because of there laziness and cheap junk that they won't fix!!!! *Js

Filed Incident SteeringNHTSA 10598388
Steering

Steering rack (rack & pinion) leaking fluid premature failure of rack did not,but could have caused an accident replaced by local dodge dealer.However chrysler customer care does not consider it premature failure and therefore my problem at my expense filed claim with chrysler under non recall related expense for reimbursement,but was denied filed claim with auto bbb in auburn hills,mi and was directed to file complaint with nhsta. Chrysler case#[[redacted]] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.S.C. 552(B)(6) *js

Filed Incident SteeringNHTSA 10592166
SteeringElectrical system

The key fell out of the ignition switch while driving. I brushed up against the key and it flew out onto the passenger side floor board. The vehicle remained running without a key in the ignition. *Tr

Filed Incident Steering · Electrical systemNHTSA 10586826
Steering

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 dodge ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the power steering assist would suddenly malfunction and cause the steering wheel to become difficult to turn. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified . The failure mileage was 83,000.

Filed Incident SteeringNHTSA 10585761
SteeringSuspension

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...

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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

Filed Incident Steering · SuspensionNHTSA 10577442
SteeringSuspensionBody, doors & structure

The dash started to crack on my 2003 ram 1500 pickup, the cracks just get worse,and a pieace flew off while I was driving, and hit me in the eye, almost lost control of my truck, dodge needs to recall and fix these dashboards before some one is hurt or killed, afraid to let any one ride in the front seat. *Tr

Filed Incident Steering · Suspension · StructureNHTSA 10551625
SteeringWheels & tiresBrakesCrash2 injuries

While drive at the posted speed limit, the drivers side front wheel separated from the vehicle. I lost control of the vehicle. The vehicle crossed the center line, crossed over the on coming lane, hit a mailbox, went airborne, crossed a driveway, hit a tree, rolled, hit another smaller tree and came to rest on the drivers side door facing the opposite way I was originally traveling. At the time the hub assembly separated from the vehicle, I was traveling downhill. My daughter was able to crawl out of the...

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vehicle while I had to be cut out using the jaws of life. I was transported to a local trauma one hospital via life air medical rescue. My daughter was transported by ground. She had five chipped teeth while I sustained a tbi and broken knee cap. The vehicle was a total lost but there was no loss of life. *Tr

Filed Incident Steering · Wheels · Service brakesNHTSA 10550720
SteeringTransmission & drivetrain

My son (16) was driving his 2003 dodge ram 1500 up to a stop light before turning onto our street, when truck made a loud noise and it felt like someone ran into the back of the truck, he lost control of truck while all this going on, but managed to keep in the lane he was in. Truck finally stopped and when he got out the drive shaft had fallen off and the rear wheels are locked up. Some men pulled him off the main road and we called for a tow truck to tow us to our house, until I could find out where to take the...

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truck to on monday. The rear wheels just skid across the road while being pulled to a safe spot and I am hoping I don't need new tires, since the tires we have on were just bought in july/august 2013. *Tr

Filed Incident Steering · Power trainNHTSA 10548713
SteeringSuspension

HAS DEATH WOBBLE AT 60MPH HITTING BUMPS IN ROAD. *TR

Filed Incident Steering · SuspensionNHTSA 10519706
SteeringSuspension

Passenger side steering suspension bracket broke away from rusted out frame, on my handicapped van. Drivers side badly cracked, about to break. We were lucky it was not a fatal accident. Chrysler corp. Refuses to accept responsibility. This should be a recall before it becomes a fatal accident. I have a note from my insurance adjuster, that I can forward insurance does not cover. *Tr

Filed Incident Steering · SuspensionNHTSA 10511000

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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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