repaired · 2017 Q3
Passenger side: inflator module
Do not driveRisk. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passengers frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle…
2003 Dodge RAM 1500Problems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 1,171 owner complaints about the 2003 Dodge RAM 1500, most often about the air bags. It is covered by 1 safety recall, and for recall 15V-312 the manufacturer reports only 20% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through October 5, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: Greg Gjerdingen from Willmar, USA, CC BY 2.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2003 Dodge RAM 1500 has problems
1,171 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
458Air bags35 crash/fire/injury
237Structure14 crash/fire/injury
125Power train26 crash/fire/injury
62Electrical system
62Service brakes, hydraulic
57Suspension
56Engine and engine cooling
44Steering
24Visibility
15719 other systems24 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Air bags | 458 | 35 |
| Structure | 237 | 14 |
| Power train | 125 | 26 |
| Electrical system | 62 | 10 |
| Service brakes, hydraulic | 62 | 3 |
| Suspension | 57 | 11 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 56 | 1 |
| Steering | 44 | 5 |
| Visibility | 24 | 2 |
| 19 other systems | 157 | 24 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
1 recall
2003 Dodge RAM 1500 recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Dodge.
Mileage at failure
When do air bags problems start?
113kmiles, median
Based on the odometer reading in 94 air bags complaints. 44% were reported before 100,000 miles.
6under 30k miles41under 100k miles53100k miles or more
Best & worst years
2003 vs. every other RAM 1500 year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the RAM 1500 median. How we score
'92'93'94'95'96'97'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'14
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
3 investigations
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2003 Dodge RAM 1500, and the recalls they led to.
- Air Bag Inflator RuptureLed to recall 14V-668
- Desiccated Air Bag Inflator RuptureOpen
- Air Bag Inflator RuptureLed to recall 14V-770
In owners' words
What RAM 1500 owners report
Recent air bags complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
brought my 2003 dodge ram 1500 to Romeo dodge to have a Passenger Airbag Recall Repair on [XXX] and I was called one hour later and told my airbag replacement was finished and I could pick up my truck. So i picked up my truck and drove it from Romeo dodge [XXX] to [XXX] where I live I parked the…
The contact owns a 2003 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that the vehicle was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V312000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be repaired; however, the contact was informed that the part to…
The contact owns a 2003 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at slow speeds, the driveshaft detached. Due to the failure, the gear oil and rear differential fluid leaked out of the vehicle. The contact was able to temporarily repair the driveshaft. The dealer and the manufacturer…
Own a 2003 RAM 1500?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.