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2003 Dodge Ram 3500 Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 286 complaints with NHTSA about the 2003 Dodge Ram 3500, most often about the air bags (28% of complaints, typically around 102,500 miles). It is the 2nd most complained-about Ram 3500 model year since 2000 and has 6 recalls.
⚠ Safety advisory1 recall for this car came with a do-not-drive warning. See below and check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Most common 2003 Dodge Ram 3500 problems
Air bags
80 complaints · 28%Half of these problems showed up before 102,500 miles. Parts named most often: frontal.
The dashboard on my 2003 Dodge 3500 quad cab had developed cracks which has split the dash into pieces directly in front of the passenger seat and directly over the passenger side airbag. The cracks and broken dash pieces will not allow the passenger side airbag to deploy properly in the event of a crash and not only…
The contact owns a 2003 Dodge Ram 3500. The contact stated that the VIN was included in NHTSA campaign number: 14v770000 (air bags) however, the dealer refused to honor the recall because the dashboard was damaged. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The approximate…
Body and structure
53 complaints · 19%Half of these problems showed up before 85,000 miles. Parts named most often: body, frame and members.
I have a 03 Dodge and my dashboard is cracking, Dodge will do nothing to rectify the problem of which they know they have. Once it begins cracking if you are in a wreck the plastic pieces will act as a flying projectile and could harm someone.
Dash just suddenly started cracking was cleaning dash and a fingers went through it cutting my finger now dash a over 20 cracks and holes in it. If I were to get into an accident I think splinters of dash would impale me.
Steering
37 complaints · 13%Half of these problems showed up before 80,000 miles. Parts named most often: linkages, gear box (other than rack and pinion), hydraulic power assist system.
The death wobble has happen several times- the last time was aug 2nd, 2009 on the freeway going 75mph passing a semi trailer, we hit a bump in the road the truck began to shake violently, my husband was trying to control this shake while going 75mph- it would not stop until we slowed down and pulled off to the side of…
As with many of the other complaints about 2003 Dodge Ram 3500's this Ram 3500 has had all suggested steering component upgrades and recall upgrades (change steering to 2008 steering) and the tie rod recall for the 2008 steering. The 2008 steering upgrade seemed to exacerbate the tire wear issue. Additionally, ball…
Suspension
32 complaints · 11%Half of these problems showed up before 65,500 miles. Parts named most often: front, rear.
2003 3500 drw 4x4 diesel while traveling on improved roads/hiways above 40 MPH vehicle hits pothole, expansion joint or uneven roadway, front end starts to jump violently, whole vehicle rattles and shakes until brakes are applied, service tech. From Dodge dealer was present during duplication of event, has been in…
Tl contact owns a 2003 Dodge 3500. The contact stated that there was a recall regarding the steering linkages on her vehicle. The dealer will only perform half of the repair for free and the contact must pay $700 for the other half. The vehicle is currently at the dealer waiting to be repaired. The contact will call…
Transmission
26 complaints · 9%Half of these problems showed up before 51,000 miles. Parts named most often: automatic transmission, manual transmission, driveline, axle assembly.
Dt: the contact owns a 2003 Dodge Ram 3500 one ton. The warning lights kept coming on. The dashboard lights came on and off. The contact cited a recall on manual transmissions, and his vehicle had automatic transmission. He noticed this on 9-13-05.
- the contact owns a 2003 Dodge Ram 3500. The vehicle was serviced for recall 05v46200 concerning the power train automatic transmission. The dealer installed an out of park alarm system. The alarm system will activate if the vehicle door is open while reverse gear was engaged. The alarm caused the horn to blow, and…
Wheels and tires
20 complaints · 7%Half of these problems showed up before 38,000 miles. Parts named most often: sidewall, pressure monitoring and regulating systems, valve, rim.
Goodyear wrangler rsa 235/80r17 load range e. Dot# [VIN]. Rapid air loss due to the sidewall cracks which have developed with half an inch of the rim. Now the sidewall has failed. Provide further details.
I would like to report a problem with goodyear tires. My vehicle is equipped with goodyear wrangler lt235/80r17 all terrain tires. My tire dealer indicates that these tires are less than 4 years old based on the manufacturers code date, yet all 6 tires have splits in the side wall due to "rotting" according to my tire…
Other or unspecified
17 complaints · 6%Half of these problems showed up before 97,500 miles.
The dash in my 2003 Dodge Ram 3500 has cracked in two places. The truck had 95,602 miles at the time. Low mileage for the model but I only live 3 miles from my job. I use a sunscreen when the truck is not in use and I do not believe this is sun damage. Now little pieces of plastic, foam and fiber looking material are…
Noticed the dashboard had a small crack in it, used a dash protector mat and when I took it off to clean the entire dashboard was cracked into pieces. This dashboard looks worse than a jigsaw puzzle. While driving down the road pieces just break off and fall into the dash!
Fuel system
12 complaints · 4%Half of these problems showed up before 93,500 miles. Parts named most often: delivery, fuel injection system.
When towing with the vehicle it does not respond when pressing the gas pedal. Have to pullover let truck rest for about 5 to 10 minutes before truck will move when gas pedal is pressed.
Failure of 2003 Dodge Ram 3500 with ho diesel engine and manual 6 speed transmission - engine turns over but fails to start. Been to crown in nitro and courts in hurricane a total of 7 times. Dealerships fail to fix. Have spent approx. $2500 and still not fixed. Can stall at intersection or railroad crossing causing…
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2003 Dodge Ram 3500 recalls
Air bags: inflator module
Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passengerâs frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
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.
Full defect summary
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.
Steering: 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.
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.
Full defect summary
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.
Steering: 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.
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.
Full defect summary
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.
Transmission: 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.
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.
Full defect summary
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.
Wheels and tires: hubcap/cover
Risk: This could cause a loss of vehicle control and result in a crash without warning.
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.
Full defect summary
Certain heavy duty pickup trucks, the aluminum wheels may have excessive porosity in the center hub area which can cause a wheel to crack.
Speed control: vehicle speed control
Risk: This can result in unintended acceleration and a reduction in braking effectiveness, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
Full defect summary
Certain pickup trucks, equipped with cummins diesel engines and manual transmissions, may experience an elevated idle speed after extended cruise control use.
Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.
NHTSA defect investigations
Desiccated air bag inflator rupture
Summary
From 2000 through 2017, takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("psan") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004l. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 blomquist report at www.NHTSA.gov/sites/NHTSA.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substa
Air bag inflator rupture
Summary
The office of defects investigation (odi) opened pe14-016 in june 2014 based on six inflator rupture incidents involving consumer owned vehicles produced by five vehicle manufacturers.all six vehicles were operated in florida or puerto rico at the time of the rupture and for the majority of their service life, and were equipped with inflators produced by takata, a tier-one supplier of automotive air bag systems.during the course of pe14-016, odi determined that five additional vehicle manufacturers used inflators of a similar design and vintage also supplied by takata. No evidence of field failures was found in vehicles produced by these five additional manufacturers.nonetheless, at odi's in
Chrysler's execution of 13v-528 & 529
Summary
Rmd opened this audit query (aq) investigation in order to better understand and evaluate chrysler's process(es) for timely and efficient execution of its safety recall campaigns, including its oversight and management of its parts division mopar.prior to opening this investigation, rmd had raised concerns with the company related to its execution of two safety recalls, 13v-528 and 13v-529, both of which involved safety defects that could cause the involved vehicles, fca?s heavier dodge ram trucks, to lose steering control suddenly and without warning.specifically, rmd inquired about the availability of parts for recall repairs, by email and phone on january 15, 2014 and february 19, 2014, d
Air bag inflator rupture
Summary
The office of defects investigation (odi) opened pe14-016 in june 2014 based on six inflator rupture incidents involving consumer owned vehicles produced by five vehicle manufacturers.all six vehicles were operated in florida or puerto rico at the time of the rupture and for the majority of their service life, and were equipped with inflators produced by takata, a tier-one supplier of automotive air bag systems.during the course of pe14-016, odi determined that five additional vehicle manufacturers used inflators of a similar design and vintage also supplied by takata. No evidence of field failures was found in vehicles produced by these five additional manufacturers.nonetheless, at odi's in
False park
Summary
The subject vehicles are heavy duty pickup trucks with diesel engines and automatic transmissions commonly used for commercial and work purposes.a column mounted shift lever is used for gear selection and an electronic prndl on the instrument panel provides gear position information to the driver.the subject vehicles are also equipped with a brake-transmission shift interlock that prevents the shift lever from being moved from the park position (when the engine is on) unless the brake pedal is depressed and an ignition-shift interlock that prevents key removal unless the transmission is in the park position.complainants generally report that the vehicle was being operated in a forward gear a
False park
Summary
There have been 50 complaints to odi and daimlerchrysler alleging incidents of reverse powered rollaway in subject vehicles that were parked with the engine running and the parking brake disengaged.the incidents are alleged to have resulted in 42 crashes and 3 injuries. According to daimlerchrysler, incident vehicle inspections have not identified any misadjusted or broken parts.a typical incident is believed to involve the following set of conditions:(1) with the vehicle on a relatively level surface, an attempted shift into park inadvertently places the transmission in a position between the reverse and park gear detents; (2) the driver exits the vehicle with the key in the ignition, the e
Questions about the 2003 Dodge Ram 3500
- What are the most common problems with the 2003 Dodge Ram 3500?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: air bags (80 complaints, typically around 102,500 miles); body and structure (53 complaints, typically around 85,000 miles); steering (37 complaints, typically around 80,000 miles).
- How many recalls does the 2003 Dodge Ram 3500 have?
- 6 recalls listed by NHTSA, the latest from May 26, 2015 (air bags). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which ones are still open on your car.
- Is the 2003 a bad year for the Dodge Ram 3500?
- It is the 2nd most complained-about Ram 3500 model year since 2000, with 286 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.