Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2003 Dodge Ram 1500 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
This vehicle had last been started and driven 7 hrs prior and exploded in the driveway, caught the house on fire and nearly killed my son who was near the inside wall of the house. The engine blew and then the front tires. Three explosions in all before the fire department was able to stop the fire. Luckily they were only a mile away. This was an older but well running vehicle.
When driving the truck the vehicle randomly shuts down and I have to pull over or put it in neutral to restart it I believe there might be a problem with the tipm that dodge has had a ongoing problem for years and ignored the issue
On 12/19/15 I was driving i75 north,140 miles before atalanta ga my truck made a big bang and the engine just stopped on the spot including everything, steering. I made it safely to the side of the road don't know how. There was no indication, check engine light nothing just a bang. My car insurance won't fix it Dodge will not be accountable either part malfunction they say, I guess I am responsible for it since I build the truck right. I am out of a truck I still pay on it, no car or transportation I tuck care of my truck I guess I am to post to be held responsible for a part I did not manufactured right . I am happy to be alive at this point. There is a big whole in my engine the mecanic sad a part in the engine came loose and bolted out and left a big whole in it great http://www.torquenews.com/397/two-fatal-flaws-ruining-Chrysler-engines-catastrophic-breakdowns
Incident occurred while driving on the 91 freeway in ca. All of a sudden the engine cut out, and ground to a halt. I repeatedly tried to restart the truck but to no avail. The engine would not turn over.I was trapped in the fast lane unable to make my way to the soft shoulder. Fortunately the hazard warning lights were functional and I was able to apply these to warn other drivers. Eventually a tow truck was deployed to get my out of harms way. It was a very scary moment and I was very fortunate not to be hit. The following day I got the truck towed to a garage where they checked it over and the only thing they could find wrong was a fuse had blown that controlled ignition unlock/run start function. The garage was not able to find what would cause such a failure and now I am reluctant to travel on the freeway. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
While driving on the freeway at night the headlights, tail lights, blinkers, 4-ways, brake lights, and tail lights went out and when slowing down to pull over the engine stalled. The engine started back up to get to the side of the road and stalled again with no warning. The truck now stalls at all stop lights and stop signs and is not giving any codes. The truck now has a large draw and kills the battery shortly after turning the truck off. The truck is still in the shop and so far the fcm, pdc and some wiring has been replaced but the power draw persists and the engine stalling still persists. Researching the issue on the internet this is a common problem on this vehicle and has been for quite some time. This is a very dangerous issue and needs to be addressed.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Dodge Ram 1500. While driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle vibrated. Additionally, the steering wheel independently moved left to right and the contact had to hold the steering wheel firmly in order to steer the vehicle properly. The contact also stated that the vehicle stalled and was able to restart. The contact stated that the anti-freeze warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 14V770000 (air bags) however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacture was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 150,000.
Dt: the contact stated after the vehicle was parked for eleven hours he turned the key in the ignition and heard a loud backfire noise coming from the engine. The passenger compartment filled with smoke , and he exited the vehicle. The parking attendant extinguished the fire and there was minimal fire damage. Eleven days later the vehicle was towed to the insurance company's salvage lot. Upon inspection the insurance company determined it was a mechanical problem. The vehicle was towed to a Dodge dealership, and although the dealership stated the vehicle needed to be taken apart to correctly diagnose it, the dealership claimed that the intake manifold exploded. No repairs have been made. Updated 2/7/2006 -
Vehicle loses power completely or goes into idle "creep" mode when driving in temps of -15 or colder. Loss of acceleration and power steering. When vehicle dies will not restart for 15-20 minutes. Currently has 160K miles. Has occurred last 3 winters. Looked at by private mechanic the first time. Removed ice from pcv valve. This fall had mechanic look into the problem. He spoke with Dodge dealer and they recommended replacing the pcv valve. Replaced pcv valve and throttle body. Problem continues to occur. Died while driving 45 MPH, 2 outside temp. Will typically die in these circumstances when no longer engaging throttle, ie slowing for traffic or preparing to turn.
Tl* Takata recall. The contact owns a 2003 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that the vehicle shifted gears abnormally. The check engine warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that an o2 sensor malfunctioned and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 15V312000 (air bags), but the part to do the repair was not available. The manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 130,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Dodge Ram 1500. While driving various speeds, the vehicle experienced a loss of engine power without warning. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the cam shaft sensor was defective and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer for diagnostic testing or repairs. The manufacturer was notified. The failure mileage was 319,000.
Engine complaints in other Ram 1500 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2003 Dodge Ram 1500?
NHTSA has 77 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2003 Dodge Ram 1500, 7% of the model year's 1,171 complaints. The component named most often is engine (23 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2003 Dodge Ram 1500 engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2003 Dodge Ram 1500, though it has 1 recall for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2003 Dodge Ram 1500 engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 63,000 miles, and 30% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 2 fires and 0 injuries to engine & cooling problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.