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 2500Problems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 661 owner complaints about the 2003 Dodge RAM 2500, most often about the steering. It is covered by 6 safety recalls, and for recall 15V-312 the manufacturer reports only 20% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through July 9, 2025. Updated daily. Photo: SsmIntrigue, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2003 Dodge RAM 2500 has problems
661 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
159Steering8 crash/fire/injury
146Structure12 crash/fire/injury
138Air bags7 crash/fire/injury
122Suspension4 crash/fire/injury
55Power train11 crash/fire/injury
36Visibility
26Electrical system
15Engine and engine cooling
13Exterior lighting
9420 other systems12 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Steering | 159 | 8 |
| Structure | 146 | 12 |
| Air bags | 138 | 7 |
| Suspension | 122 | 4 |
| Power train | 55 | 11 |
| Visibility | 36 | 1 |
| Electrical system | 26 | 2 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 15 | 0 |
| Exterior lighting | 13 | 0 |
| 20 other systems | 94 | 12 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
6 recalls
2003 Dodge RAM 2500 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.
repaired · 2015 Q1
Linkages: tie rod assembly
Risk. A failure of the tie rod assembly may result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
no report yet
Linkages: tie rod assembly
Risk. THIS CONDITION COULD RESULT IN THE POTENTIAL LOSS OF DIRECTIONAL STABILITY IN THE LEFT HAND FRONT WHEEL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
no report yet
Lever and linkage: column shift
Risk. THIS ERROR IS AN UNINTENDED ACTION THAT MAY RESULT IN A LACK OF TRANSMISSION PARK PAWL ENGAGEMENT AND POSSIBLY DELAYED REARWARD MOVEMENT OF THE VEHICLE.
Show 2 more recalls
no report yet
Wheels: hubcap/cover
Risk. THIS COULD CAUSE A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL AND RESULT IN A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
no report yet
Vehicle speed control
Risk. THIS CAN RESULT IN UNINTENDED ACCELERATION AND A REDUCTION IN BRAKING EFFECTIVENESS, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
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 steering problems start?
83kmiles, median
Based on the odometer reading in 124 steering complaints. 58% were reported before 100,000 miles.
17under 30k miles72under 100k miles52100k miles or more
Best & worst years
2003 vs. every other RAM 2500 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 2500 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
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
6 investigations
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2003 Dodge RAM 2500, and the recalls they led to.
- Chrysler's execution of 13V-528 & 529No recall
- FALSE PARKLed to recall 05V-462
- Air Bag Inflator RuptureLed to recall 22V-945
- Desiccated Air Bag Inflator RuptureOpen
- FALSE PARKNo recall
- Air Bag Inflator RuptureLed to recall 14V-772
In owners' words
What RAM 2500 owners report
Recent steering complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
The contact owns a 2003 Dodge Ram 2500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 09E001000 (Steering), 13V528000 (Steering) and 15V312000 (Air Bags) however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the…
We have a 2003 Dodge Ram 2500 Diesel crew cab pickup that occasionally after hitting a bump or on rough roads the steering mechanism or suspension develops an uncontrollable harmonic vibration with one or the other front wheels bouncing. The only way to stop the vibration is to come to a complete…
I was driving on I55 this morning and all of a sudden my truck started vibrating really bad, the steering wheel was veering, I had to constantly fight to keep in my lane. And when I touched my brakes it veered. Riding really rough, and has power loss. I took it to the nearest shop and they said my…
Own a 2003 RAM 2500?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.