Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
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).
The contact owns a 2003 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that the steering wheel and the front wheels were uncontrollable. While driving from Georgia to Memphis, there was an unknown object loose by the wheel. The ball joint suspension was replaced by an independent mechanic. The low tire pressure warning light was illuminated. The contact was unable to control the vehicle and had the vehicle towed to an unstated location. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 180,000.
The steering is very loose, when going over a bump the vehicle is pulled into another direction and you temporarily lose control of the vehicle. The 4x4 was not operating properly, so the transfer case was replaced. Upon replacing transfer case the rear differential locked up and the rear wheels won't move. This seems to be a very common issue with this vehicle. All of these issues are common among Dodge Ram 1500s of this year( 2003) these issues should be recalled!
Note: I had to write down florida for the state, because there is no option for puerto rico. While driving in a mountanous area with curves(asphalted road), after a curve at approximately 10-20 MPH, I felt the truck lost the right side front tire, when I checked I had lost the part of the front suspension that holds the disc, caliper bearing, tire, ball joints and all other related parts. I recovered the assembly that included the above parts. I took the truck to the Chrysler dealer, they told me they had to wait for a Chrysler engineer to determine if it was a defect( the car was brand new and had about 1700 miles and three weeks old). The engineer arrived to puerto rico last Thursday March 20 2003, and in a couple of hours (2-3 hours) determined that it was all an accident( I am a mechanical engineer). I asked for this information in writing- I still haven't received it). …
While driving the vehicle on a flat, paved road a sudden small grinding noise was detected. Without warning, the rear axle froze and the rear wheels locked up. As the vehicle slid to a stop, a loud noise was heard. After the vehicle stopped moving a quick visual inspection revealed that the drive shaft had broken off and was hanging down. A large amount of viscous fluid was spilled on the road. The truck was not able to move forward or backward at this point due to the locking of the rear wheels and lack of a functioning drive shaft. The vehicle was on a blind curve on a well traveled road and the police were called. It was necessary for the officer to remain and direct traffic around the vehicle due to the dangerous situation. The vehicle was towed to a local Dodge dealer and a claim (# 32479801) was filed via the Dodge customer care hotline.
While drive at the posted speed limit, the drivers side front wheel separated from the vehicle. I lost control of the vehicle. The vehicle crossed the center line, crossed over the on coming lane, hit a mailbox, went airborne, crossed a driveway, hit a tree, rolled, hit another smaller tree and came to rest on the drivers side door facing the opposite way I was originally traveling. At the time the hub assembly separated from the vehicle, I was traveling downhill. My daughter was able to crawl out of the vehicle while I had to be cut out using the jaws of life. I was transported to a local trauma one hospital via life air medical rescue. My daughter was transported by ground. She had five chipped teeth while I sustained a tbi and broken knee cap. The vehicle was a total lost but there was no loss of life.
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.
All of a sudden the truck started shutting off, whether in idle or on the freeway. It would happen multiple times during the day. When shutting off, the truck would loose power steering and brakes. Took to multiple dealerships and mechanics who couldn't find anything wrong with the truck, would never throw any codes, finally spoke with a mechanic who talked to a computer person who stated that we needed to have the computer fixed but it wouldn't be available for 3-6 weeks due to it being on national back order. This needs to be recalled, due to safety issues. You are unable to control the vehicle when you lose power steering and brakes. National back order tells me that there is a problem and Dodge knows about it.
While driving home from work I started hearing this noise coming from the rear end at 81,000 I know it cant be the rear end, but yes its the rear end going out never pulled anything with the truck, fluids are changed on time and oil and rear end al ways change at the same time. The other problem is the steering I notice when I hit a dip in the hwy its hard too control but every time I take it buy the dealer ship they say its normal, never thought ill be giving up on Dodge but now I see they just wont your money and they wont stand be hind there product. I am sure I'm wasting my time writing this but gotta know if Dodge will respond back.
Dt: the contact complained about a steering linkage failure. Prior to the failure the contact heard a noise coming from the steering column. He took the vehicle to a service dealer, who was unable to duplicate the problem, and no repairs were made. Later, while entering a curve, the contact's vehicle steering failed, resulted in the vehicle crashing into a fence. Upon inspection he discovered the steering linkage lying on the ground underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to a service dealer. No repairs have been made. The vehicle was a Dodge, Ram van, 1500.
Conversion van --while parking at children's school heard a very loud snap-noticed front wheels turned outward. Van towed to shop. Told by mechanic that pitman arm snapped off at frame--can not be repaired due to extensive frame rot. Snapped at mounting bracket bolts missing . Nothing left of frame to attach new parts .purchased 11 months ago and driven approx. 6000 miles. Mileage at purchase only 63,052. Sitting at repair shop not drivable will need extensive costly frame repair. Dealership unwilling to help.
Steering complaints in other Ram 1500 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2003 Dodge Ram 1500?
NHTSA has 44 complaints about the steering of the 2003 Dodge Ram 1500, 4% of the model year's 1,171 complaints. The component named most often is rack and pinion (4 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2003 Dodge Ram 1500 steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering 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 steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 77,000 miles, and 15% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 4 crashes, 0 fires and 4 injuries to steering 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.