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2003 Dodge RAMProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 53 owner complaints about the 2003 Dodge RAM, most often about the engine and engine cooling. It is covered by 2 safety recalls.

2003 Dodge RAM
54
CarFlaw IndexSolid year14% below the RAM median · #11 of 22 years by complaints
Safety recalls2Free fix at dealersOwner complaints5312 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage17kEngine and engine cooling, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through August 27, 2012. Updated daily. Photo: Greg Gjerdingen from Willmar, USA, CC BY 2.0.

Complaints by system

Where the 2003 Dodge RAM has problems

53 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Engine and engine cooling80
Structure82
Power train62
Visibility40
Air bags44
Electrical system41
Service brakes, hydraulic40
Steering41
Suspension30
10 other systems174

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

2 recalls

2003 Dodge RAM 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.

–no report yet

Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: control unit/module

Recall 04V-185 · Apr 12, 2004 · 44,588 vehicles

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

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–no report yet

Vehicle speed control

Recall 03V-033 · Feb 5, 2003 · 19,500 vehicles

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

Problem, fix and repair progress →

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.

Best & worst years

2003 vs. every other RAM 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 median. How we score

'88'89'90'91'92'93'94'95'96'97'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
NHTSA crash tests

2003 Dodge RAM safety ratings

2003 Dodge Ram 1500 Regular Cab in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.

  • Stability control: No
  • Forward collision warning: No
  • Lane departure warning: No
1 investigation

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal investigations that included the 2003 Dodge RAM, and the recalls they led to.

  1. FALSE PARKEA04025 · closed Dec 22, 2005
    Led to recall 05V-462
In owners' words

What RAM owners report

Recent engine and engine cooling complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT APPEARED ON THE DASHBOARD AND REMAINED ON. THEN, VEHICLE STALLED. CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO RESTART VEHICLE, AND IT WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK
Complaint 10103548 · Dec 10, 2004
WHEN DRIVING 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. PLEASE PROVIDE MORE INFORMATION. **JB
Complaint 10097227 · Oct 20, 2004 · 28,000 miles
WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A STOP VEHICLE WOULD ONLY GO 5-10 MPH. CONSUMER WOULD HAVE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE TO TEMPORARILY FIX THE PROBLEM. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK
Complaint 10081965 · Jul 14, 2004 · 16,900 miles

Own a 2003 RAM?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.