Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, springs).
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 contact owns a 2003 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that while the vehicle was being driven by a friend at 45 MPH, the rear axle detached. The driver was stranded by the roadside. The vehicle was towed to the driver's residence. There were no warning lights illuminated. An unknown local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 300,000.
Rear fenders are rusted such that wiring harness falls off from underside if fenders and rubs on tires. Middle of frame rusted through on right and left side and dealer's floor lift went about half-way through both sides when the technician. tried to raise truck to check wiring under truck. The lift only crunched about halfway through near the middle of the frame. That was the point when the technician noticed the truck was lifting unevenly and making a crunching sound when he started trying to lift it. He left the truck as it was - with two wheels on the floor and two wheels about an inch off the floor He hollered for th shop supervisor to look at, who came and got me in the waiting room to show me what happened. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Dodge Ram 1500. While driving at an unknown speed, the vehicle shook abnormally and a grinding noise was heard. The contact stated that the wheel hubs became detached while driving at a low speed. In addition, the contact stated that the rear glass shattered after being involved in a minor rear end collision. A police report was not filed and there were no injuries. The dealer and manufacturer were not contacted. The VIN was invalid. The failure mileage was approximately 145,000.
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!
Rear differential failure. On sept 14, 2015 I was pulling out of a parking lot when I heard a loud bang. My truck stop moving causing me to apply the brake. When I tried to put the truck in park it would not engage. There was a person walking in the parking lot and informed me that my rear end was leaking fluid. I was on a slight incline so I was able to coast in a parking space and apply the parking brake. When I got out of the truck I seen the fluid pouring out. At this time I called aaa and had a tow truck sent to this area. When the tow truck arrived the driver was loading the truck onto the flat bed and that's when myself and the tow truck driver seen a silver dollar size hole on the front side of the pumpkin just below the drive shaft. I contacted my mechanic and told him about this incident and let him know I would be sending the truck to him for further inspection. …
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 down the road I felt my entire truck shudder. Pulled over as soon as possible and saw driveshaft laying on the ground. Had truck towed back to my residence, where I inspected threat end and saw that the pinion but had backed off and cause driveshaft to come undone from rear differential my entire rear end is locked up and needs to be rebuilt. There is currently a recall for 2004 and 2005 for this same issue. However the recall states this could happen. Unfortunately it did happen to me and currently my vehicle is not on the list. 2003 Ram 1500 has 9.25 rear end, same as the recalled vehicles. I've been told by Chrysler that I should get vehicle repaired and hold onto receipt in case a recall arises with my vehicle. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Dodge Ram 1500. While driving at an unknown speed, black smoke emitted from the rear of the vehicle without warning. In addition, when the brake pedal was depressed, an abnormal sound emitted from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the brakes, calipers, and rotors needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the hub bearing, wheel hub, axle shaft assembly, and driveshaft needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. Lastly, the front driver side headlight failed to operate. The head lamp was replaced. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 201,281. Updated 06/29/16
Tl contact owns a 2003 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH on a gravel road the rear suspension bounced causing the vehicle to crash in an embankment and roll over. The vehicle was destroyed. There were two other occupants in the vehicle who were bruised and sustained back injuries. Everyone in the vehicle was wearing a seat belt when the crash occurred. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed by the insurance company. The manufacturer had an adjuster inspect the vehicle; however, the manufacturer did not advise him of the results. The failure mileage was 58,004. Updated 06/16/11 updated 06/24/11
Suspension complaints in other Ram 1500 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are suspension problems on the 2003 Dodge Ram 1500?
NHTSA has 57 complaints about the suspension of the 2003 Dodge Ram 1500, 5% of the model year's 1,171 complaints. The component named most often is rear (7 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2003 Dodge Ram 1500 suspension problems?
No. NHTSA lists no suspension 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 suspension problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 70,000 miles, and 23% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 10 crashes, 1 fire and 5 injuries to suspension 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.