2003 Dodge Ram Quad Cab problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
A typical year for this model
The 2003 Dodge Ram Quad Cab sits mid-pack among Ram Quad Cab years: 158 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 158, with no recalls and one closed investigation. Complainants reported 16 injuries in total across these filings.
Body & Structure leads the complaint categories with 46 reports (29% of the total).
158
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
1
Investigations
9
Crash-involved
2
Fires reported
16
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 2003 compare to other Ram Quad Cab years?
What are the most common 2003 Dodge Ram Quad Cab problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Body & Structure | 46 | 29% | ▼ down |
| Brakes | 25 | 16% | — flat |
| Suspension | 13 | 8% | — flat |
| Electrical System | 11 | 7% | ▼ down |
| Steering | 11 | 7% | ▼ down |
| Transmission | 11 | 7% | ▼ down |
| Airbags | 10 | 6% | — flat |
| Visibility & Wipers | 8 | 5% | — flat |
| Engine | 6 | 4% | ▼ down |
| Other | 4 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Lighting | 3 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Tires & Wheels | 3 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Fuel System | 3 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Speed Control | 2 | 1% | — flat |
| Seat Belts | 1 | 1% | — flat |
| Seats | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“NOT SURE WHAT LEAD TO THE FAILURE, BUT MY 03 DODGE RAM PICK UP DASH IS CRACK FROM NEAR WINDSHIELD SIDE TO NEAR THE GLOVE COMPARTMENT ON THE OTHER SIDE IT HAS NOT GOTTEN TO BE DANGEROUS YET OR CAUSE OTHER FAILURES YET THAT I KNOW OF. DODGE DEALER SAID THAT SINCE IT IS SIMPLY COSMETIC THEY WILL NOT…”
“BRAKE FAILURE HAD 2 ACCIDECTS BECAUSE OF THIS AND DODGE WILL NOT TAKE RESPONSIBILITY I HAVE HAD THIS TRUCK FOR ONLY 6 MONTHS AND ALREADY HAVE A BRAKE FAILURE ”
“ON 7-16-03 I WAS A RESTRAINED PASSENGER IN A DODGE RAM 1500 4X4 QUAD CAB. WE WERE RETURNING FROM A SHORT TRIP TO THE STORE. WHILE DRIVING ON A PERFECTLY STRAIGHT DRY ROAD, WITH COMPLETELY CLEAR VISIBILITY AT APPROX 3 PM AFTERNOON WITH VERY LIGHT TRAFFIC WE UNEXPECTEDLY FELT A HARD BUMP, AS IF WE…”
“WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, INTERMITTENTLY STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP/ BRAKES FAILED, AND TURN SIGNAL WAS NOT WORKING. DEALER HAD INSPECTED VEHICLE 3 TIMES; FIRS T TIME BATTERY CABLE, SECOND TIME DEALER KEPT VEHICLE 1 DAY AND COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM, AND THIRD TIME INSTALLED A MONITOR FOR TEN…”
“MY 2003 DODGE RAM 1500 QUAD CAB HAS A DEFECT IN THE UNDER DASH CONTROL UNIT ATTACHED TO THE STEERING COLUMN. THE DEFECT HAS CAUSED A SHORT CIRCUIT THAT HAS CAUSED SEVERAL WIRES TO BURN. THE DEFECT IS EXACTLY THE SAME AS ISSUE 03V078000 (RECALL FOR DODGE RAM 2002). THIS RESULTS IN 1. FAN INOPERABLE…”
2003 Dodge Ram Quad Cab — common questions
Is the 2003 Dodge Ram Quad Cab reliable?
It is close to typical for the Ram Quad Cab: 158 NHTSA complaints, 0 recalls, and 1 investigation on file.
What are the most common 2003 Ram Quad Cab problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are body & structure (46 complaints), brakes (25 complaints), suspension (13 complaints).
Does the 2003 Dodge Ram Quad Cab have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2003 Dodge Ram Quad Cab.
Is the 2003 Dodge Ram Quad Cab under NHTSA investigation?
NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.
Which Dodge Ram Quad Cab years should you avoid?
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Ram Quad Cab years to avoid are 2002. The cleanest record among Ram Quad Cab years belongs to 2001.
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.