What are the most common problems with the 2003 Dodge RAM?

Owners have filed 53 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is engine and engine cooling (8 complaints), followed by structure (8).

How many 2003 Dodge RAM complaints mention a crash or fire?

6 of 53 complaints report a crash and 1 a fire; 5 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

2003 Dodge RAM recalls and problems

2 recalls and 53 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2003 Dodge RAM.

recalls

owner complaints

complaints mentioning a crash

mentioning a fire

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 recalls

Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, control unit/module

NHTSA campaign 04V185000 · reported April 12, 2004 · DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION · 44,588 vehicles potentially affected

The problem: 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.
The risk: This may allow development of a short circuit in the connector, which could eventually lead to a fire.
The fix: 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.

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.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

Engine and engine cooling8
Structure8
Power train6
Air bags4
Electrical system4
Service brakes, hydraulic4
Steering4
Visibility4
Suspension3
Vehicle speed control3

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Aug 27, 2012 · Visibility · 65,000 miles
THE VENTILATION SYSTEM FAILED AS IS COMMON WITH THESE VEHICLES. DUE TO WEAL PARTS, THE, "DOORS" THAT CONTROL AIR FLOW THROUGH THE VENTILATION DUCTS BROKE. I HAVE SLOWLY REPLACE EACH OF THE FOUR DOORS AS THEY FAILED. AS THEY WENT OUT IT AFFECTED EVERY ASPECT OF VENTILATION, INCLUDING THE DEFROST. AFTER DOING SOME…

Jul 3, 2012 · Vehicle speed control · 168,000 miles
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE RAM. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH AND ATTEMPTING TO BRAKE, THE VEHICLE HESITATED TO COME TO A FULL STOP. THE CONTACT RELEASED THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY. THE ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONTROL WARNING LIGHT WAS ALSO ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS…

May 13, 2012 · Structure · 116,960 miles
PASSENGER SIDE GRAB HANDLE FAILED WHILE ENTERING VEHICLE. PASSENGER LOST BALANCE AND FELL TO THE GROUND.

Feb 15, 2012 · Structure · 70,000 miles
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE RAM 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DASHBOARD WAS FRACTURED, CAUSING SMALL FRAGMENTS TO FALL INTO THE VENTS. ONCE THE VENTILATION SYSTEM WAS ACTIVATED, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THOSE SMALL FRAGMENTS WOULD FLY OUT OF THE VENTS AND INTO HER EYES. THE DEALER DID NOT OFFER ANY…

Feb 1, 2012 · Structure
DASH BOARD ON 2003 DODGE RAM 2500 IS CRACKED IN MULTIPLE AREAS. WINDSHIELD DEFROSTER VENT PANELS HAVE CRUMBLED AND FALLEN INTO THE AIR HANDLER SYSTEM CAUSING DEFROSTER TO STOP FUNCTIONING.

RAM model years compared

Year	Recalls	Complaints	Crashes	Fires
2000	6	147	31	6
2001	9	318	53	9
2002	2	116	14	3
2003	2	53	6	1
2004	1	58	9	0
2005	0	40	5	1
2006	0	25	1	1

Across all years, the 2001 RAM has the most complaints (318). All Dodge RAM years →

Questions

Does the 2003 Dodge RAM have any recalls?: Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2003 Dodge RAM, the most recent reported on April 12, 2004 (Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, control unit/module). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2003 Dodge RAM?: Owners have filed 53 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is engine and engine cooling (8 complaints), followed by structure (8).
How many 2003 Dodge RAM complaints mention a crash or fire?: 6 of 53 complaints report a crash and 1 a fire; 5 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received August 27, 2012.