VehicleVerdict

2003 Dodge Ram 3500 airbags problems

The 2003 Dodge Ram 3500 has 80 airbags complaints filed with NHTSA — 24% of the year's total, and up sharply from the prior model year.

80

Airbags complaints

24%

Share of year

3

Crash-involved

1

Related recalls

Airbags complaints by year

Related recalls

15V312000AirbagsMay 26, 2015 · 385,686 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger’s frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy

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.

What owners report

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE REAR ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE WHILE TRAVELING 45 MPH AND THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE DRIVER HIT THE STEERING WHEEL CAUSING A BLOODY LIP. THE NON-SERVICE DEALER EXPRESSED THAT THE AIRBAGS SHOULD HAVE DEPLOYED. THERE WAS A POLICE REPORT TAKEN.

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · November 23, 2006 · crash

Common questions

How many airbags complaints does the 2003 Dodge Ram 3500 have?

NHTSA has 80 complaints about the 2003 Dodge Ram 3500 airbags — 24% of all complaints filed for that model year.

Are there recalls for the 2003 Dodge Ram 3500 airbags?

Yes — 1 NHTSA recall campaign for this model year is tied to the airbags: 15V312000.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.