VehicleVerdict

2003 Dodge Ram problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 65 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 1.9 times the median Ram year — the 2003 model ranks #13 of 33 Ram years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across engine (8), body & structure (8), and transmission (6), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

65

NHTSA complaints

7

Recalls

1

Investigations

9

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

8

Injuries

0

Deaths

NCAP overall

How does 2003 compare to other Ram years?

See all Ram years to avoid →

What are the most common 2003 Dodge Ram problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Body & Structure812%
Engine812%
Transmission69%
Brakes58%
Fuel System58%
Airbags46%
Electrical System46%
Steering46%
Visibility & Wipers46%
Suspension35%
Other35%
Speed Control35%
Tires & Wheels35%
Lighting23%
Seat Belts23%
Seats12%

Does the 2003 Dodge Ram have recalls?

7 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

09E012000LightingApril 7, 2009 · 16,270 units

Defect

SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Consequence

DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.

09E009000Visibility & WipersMarch 13, 2009 · 1,364 units

Defect

CHRYSLER IS RECALLING 1,364 WINDSHIELD WIPER MODULES, P/N 55077098AJ, SOLD DURING THE 2008 AND 2009 CALENDAR YEAR FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT ON MY 2002-2009 DODGE RAM PICKUP TRUCKS. THESE WIPER MODULE ASSEMBLIES MAY BE SUSCEPTIBLE TO WATER INTRUSION THAT COULD RESULT IN PARTIAL OR COMPLETE LOSS OF WINDSHIELD WIPER CAPABILITY.

Consequence

WHEN THE WIPER SYSTEM FAILS, THE OPERATOR WILL HAVE REDUCED VISIBILITY WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE WIPER MODULE ASSEMBLIES WITH VENTED WIPER MOTOR HOUSINGS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

09E001000SteeringJanuary 13, 2009 · 18,000 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

Remedy

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.

07E066000Electrical SystemAugust 28, 2007 · 175 units

Defect

CERTAIN CEQUENT 90 DEGREE 7-WAY RIGHT ANGLE ADAPTORS SOLD BY DISTRIBUTORS IN TOW PACKAGES FOR AFTERMARKET SALES TO TOW 5TH WHEEL RV TRAVEL TRAILERS. DUE TO INCORRECT WIRING OF THE HARNESS, THE TRAILER LIGHTS MAY NOT OPERATE PROPERLY.

Consequence

IF THE TRAILER LIGHTS ARE NOT WORKING PROPERLY, A VEHICLE CRASH CAN OCCUR.

Remedy

ALL OF THE DEFECTIVE TOW PACKAGES ARE STILL AT THE DISTRIBUTOR LEVEL AND HAVE NOT BEEN SOLD TO ANY CONSUMERS.

06E049000LightingMay 24, 2006 · 27,176 units

Defect

CERTAIN CK MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION HEADLIGHTS, CLEAR CORNER, BUMPER, AND SIDE MARKER LIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

Consequence

WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy

CK MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE NONCOMPLIANT LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CK MOTORSPORT AT 1-909-610-7211.

04V185000BrakesApril 12, 2004 · 44,588 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN VAN AND WAGON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 4-WHEEL ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEMS (ABS), AFTERMARKET BATTERIES MAY LEAK ELECTROLYTE ONTO THE ABS CONTROL MODULE CONNECTOR, WHICH CAN COMPROMISE SEALING INTEGRITY OF THE CONNECTOR.

Consequence

THIS MAY ALLOW DEVELOPMENT OF A SHORT CIRCUIT IN THE CONNECTOR, WHICH COULD EVENTUALLY LEAD TO A FIRE.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE ABS CONTROL MODULE CONNECTOR FOR ELECTROLYTE DAMAGE AND REPLACE THE CONNECTOR AS NECESSARY. THE RECALL WILL BEGIN ON SEPTEMBER 27, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

03V033000Speed ControlFebruary 5, 2003 · 19,500 units

Defect

CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS, EQUIPPED WITH CUMMINS DIESEL ENGINES AND MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS, MAY EXPERIENCE AN ELEVATED IDLE SPEED AFTER EXTENDED CRUISE CONTROL USE.

Consequence

THIS CAN RESULT IN UNINTENDED ACCELERATION AND A REDUCTION IN BRAKING EFFECTIVENESS, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

NUMEROUS PROBLEMS WITH 2003 DODGE RAM SINCE OWNERSHIP. *PH THE CONSUMER EXPERIENCED A STALLING PROBLEM THAT OCCURRED WHENEVER THE VEHICLE WAS COMING TO A STOP OR IDLING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO COULD NOT DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM. POWER STEERING FLUID LEAKED DUE TO FAULTY CLAMP. THE…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine

CONSUMER CALLED COMPLAINING ABOUT HIM JUST FOUND OUT ABOUT A PROBLEM WITH THE SUBFRAME ON THE VEHICLE AND HE JUST WANTS PEOPLE TO BE AWARE OF THIS PROBABLY WHICH IS THAT OF SOMEONE DRILLS OR INTENDS TO MAKE ANY TYPE OF HOLE ON THE TRUCK IT CAN FDAMGE THE STRUCTURE OF THE VEHICLE AND WILL…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure

2003 DODGE RAM FUEL LINES ROTTED RESULTING IN A SEVERE LEAK. *KB [REDACTED]NAR[REDACTED] THE CONSUMER STATED THE MANUFACTURER CANNOT OR WILL NOT PRODUCE A REPLACEMENT FUEL LINE. THE CONSUMER STATED WHILE THE TRUCK WAS SITTING IN IDLE, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO MOVE BACKWARDS. THE CONSUMER ATTEMPTED TO…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · April 21, 2006 · crash

WHILE APPLYING THE BRAKES A LOUD SQUEAKING NOISE WAS HEARD FROM THE FRONT. CONSUMER DROVE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT BOTH FRONT BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED DUE TO WARPED ROTORS. CONSUMER INFORMED THE MECHANIC THIS WAS THE SECOND TIME THAT…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · June 28, 2004

2003 DODGE RAM FUEL LINES ROTTED RESULTING IN A SEVERE LEAK. *KB [REDACTED]NAR[REDACTED] THE CONSUMER STATED THE MANUFACTURER CANNOT OR WILL NOT PRODUCE A REPLACEMENT FUEL LINE. THE CONSUMER STATED WHILE THE TRUCK WAS SITTING IN IDLE, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO MOVE BACKWARDS. THE CONSUMER ATTEMPTED TO…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · April 21, 2006 · crash

2003 Dodge Ram — common questions

Is the 2003 Dodge Ram reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 65 complaints put the 2003 model at #13 of 33 Ram years. It is one of the Ram years to avoid.

What are the most common 2003 Ram problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (8 complaints), body & structure (8 complaints), transmission (6 complaints).

Does the 2003 Dodge Ram have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 7 recall campaigns affecting the 2003 Dodge Ram. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2003 Dodge Ram under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Dodge Ram years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Ram years to avoid are 1996, 1995, 1998, 1994, 1997, 1999, 2001, 2000, 2002, 1992, 2004, 1993, 2003, 1991. The cleanest record among Ram years belongs to 2011.

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.