Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.
2003 Dodge RAM 3500 recalls
Air bags: frontal, passenger side, inflator module
NHTSA campaign 15V312000 · reported May 26, 2015 · Chrysler (FCA US LLC) · 385,686 vehicles potentially affected
- The problem
- Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2003 Dodge Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500 trucks manufactured August 29, 2002, to July 25, 2003 to address a safety defect in the passenger side frontal air bag inflator which may produce excessive internal pressure causing the inflator to rupture upon deployment of the air bag. This recall addresses both the passenger side frontal air bags that were originally installed in the vehicles, as well as replacement air bags that may have been installed as replacement service parts. A replacement air bag may have been installed, as one example, if a vehicle had been in a crash necessitating the replacement of the passenger side frontal air bag.
- The risk
- In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passengers frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
- The fix
- Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy is completed. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag, free of charge. The recall began on March 16, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R26. Note: This recall partially supersedes recall 14V770.
Steering: linkages, tie rod assembly
NHTSA campaign 13V528000 · reported November 6, 2013 · Chrysler Group LLC · 706,664 vehicles potentially affected
- The problem
- Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2003-2008 Dodge RAM 2500 4x4 and 3500 4x4, model year 2007-2008 Dodge RAM 3500 4x2 Cab Chassis and model year 2006-2008 Dodge RAM 1500 Mega Cab 4x4 trucks manufactured February 12, 2002, through February 13, 2008. The left tie rod assembly may break.
- The risk
- A failure of the tie rod assembly may result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
- The fix
- Chrysler notified owners and launched its recall campaign in January 2014. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N62.
Steering: linkages, tie rod assembly
NHTSA campaign 11V350000 · reported July 6, 2011 · CHRYSLER GROUP LLC · 242,780 vehicles potentially affected
- The problem
- Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2008-2011 dodge ram 2500/3500 4x4, manufactured from february 14, 2008, through march 28, 2011; model year 2008-2011 dodge ram 3500 cab chassis 4x2, manufactured from february 14, 2008, through march 28, 2011; and model year 2008 dodge ram 1500 mega cab 4x4, manufactured from february 14, 2008, through august 15, 2008, because the left tie rod ball stud may fracture. This condition tends to occur during low speed parking lot type maneuvers when the customer is making a tight turn. Additionally, model year 2003-2008 dodge ram 2500/3500 vehicles may have received the affected tie rod assembly as a replacement part during normal service.
- The risk
- This condition could result in the potential loss of directional stability in the left hand front wheel, increasing the risk of a crash.
- The fix
- Dealers will inspect the tie rod ends for relative orientation and replace the left outer tie rod as required and perform a front end toe alignment as needed. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on october 3, 2011. Owners may contact chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Power train: automatic transmission, lever and linkage, column shift
NHTSA campaign 05V462000 · reported October 6, 2005 · DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION · 250,433 vehicles potentially affected
- The problem
- On certain pickup trucks equipped with diesel engines and automatic transmissions, in an attempt to exit the vehicle quickly without shutting off the engine and removing the key, the driver may inadvertently leave the automatic transmission shift control in indicated reverse.
- The 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.
- The fix
- Dealers will perform a software modification to equip these vehicles with an out-of-park alarm. Owners may contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Wheels: hubcap/cover
NHTSA campaign 03V212000 · reported June 5, 2003 · DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION · 1,086 vehicles potentially affected
- The problem
- Certain heavy duty pickup trucks, the aluminum wheels may have excessive porosity in the center hub area which can cause a wheel to crack.
- The risk
- This could cause a loss of vehicle control and result in a crash without warning.
- The fix
- Dealers will inspect the wheels and replace them if necessary. Owner notification is expected to begin june 17, 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 1-800-992-1997.
Vehicle speed control
NHTSA campaign 03V033000 · reported February 5, 2003 · DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION · 19,500 vehicles potentially affected
- The problem
- Certain pickup trucks, equipped with cummins diesel engines and manual transmissions, may experience an elevated idle speed after extended cruise control use.
- The risk
- This can result in unintended acceleration and a reduction in braking effectiveness, increasing the risk of a crash.
- The fix
- 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.
What owners report
Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.
Jul 25, 2024 · Suspension · 225,000 miles
The contact owns a 2003 Dodge Ram 3500. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, there was a clunking sound coming from underneath the vehicle. The contact who is a certified mechanic, inspected the vehicle. Upon expecting the vehicle, the contact determined that both upper control arms had completely…
Jun 26, 2020 · Structure · 116,000 miles
FRAME RUSTED THROUGH IN SEVERAL PLACES. SERVICE PROVIDER HAD PROBLEMS PLACING TRUCK ON LIFT DUE TO FRAME INTEGRITY TO REPLACE BRAKE LINES. UPON MY INSPECTION FRAME IS RUSTED THROUGH IN SEVERAL PLACES. CANNOT DETERMINE IF TRUCK IS SAFE TO DRIVE.
Feb 11, 2020 · Air bags
AIR BAN LIGHT IS ON
Nov 16, 2018 · Structure
DASH BOARD IS CRACKING AND CAVEING IN.
Nov 15, 2018 · Power train
HAD TO REPLACE CARRING BEARING AND SLEEVE BUSHING ON DRIVE SHAFT HAD A LOT OF WABLE IN STEERING
Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received July 25, 2024.