Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power windows, windshield, wipers, mirrors, sunroof).
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).
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that upon entering the vehicle, the doors on the front passenger and the rear passenger side failed to open. Also, the contact mentioned that the windows and the locks would not operate. The contact stated that this was a recurring failure. The vehicle was driven to an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. The technician stated that the vehicle was working up to specifications. The vehicle was not repaired. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle was involved in a crash and the air bags failed to deploy. No further details of the crash were provided. The vehicle was towed to the independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The approximate failure mileage was 43,000. The VIN was not available.
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.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that the front windshield defroster failed to operate whenever activated. The heater and air conditioner system would not circulate the air flow properly through the entire air vents whenever activated. Also, the heat and air conditioner would not blow the correct desired temperature. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who informed that the actuator motors, heater core and flap door actuator would need to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 15,000.
Tl-the contact owns a 2003 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that the vehicle defroster/defogger system windshield blower failed making it difficult to view outside the vehicle during cold weather conditions. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the defrost/defogger system needed to b e replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 61,500. Djr
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that cracks were present on the dashboard. Also, while operating the air blower, debris blew into the cabin and distracted the driver. Furman Dodge (24252 state rd 54, lutz, fl) and the manufacturer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was 66,000.
Dash has just fallen apart shards are all over the place. Ac re circulation door has broken off so can not divert flow from vents to defrost so I can not defog the inside of my windshield. The ac quit getting power do to ignition wires getting hot in connection.
Blend doors in this year and model vehicle are known to break causing no heat to be diverted to the defroster causing a safety issue because the windshield can not be properly defrosted. This can cause visibility concerns which can result in a crash.
Dodge Ram 2002 has a recall that could cause a serious electrical fire and foggy windows. This problem also occurs on the 2003 model that I own as well and they do not want to repair it. I have photographs of the heat that has been caused by the under sized wiring harness to become bare and could cause a fire. I have repaired the truck my self with no help from Dodge using the same repair kit for the 2002. Some dealerships will not sell me the item, one finally did. To help me out ***************** 10, 2003 | recall id# 21715 recall reason steering:column recall date mar 10, 2003 model affected Ram 1500 potential units affected 287725 recall summary on certain pickup trucks, the electrical connector at the bottom of the steering column contains an under-sized terminal for the HVAC blower motor circuit. …
During freezing temp the windshield fogs up or has ice on it and the air does not blow up to the window or down on the floor just straight out of the dash. This is very dangerous andd after having the vehicle run for over 45 min the window is still not defrosted maybe just a small patch and after trying to see out of a small patch of the windshield I'am so surprised there are not many recks caused from this I have friends that have dodges and I know of 7 other Dodge trucks that have this same issue. And it is very expensive to get it fixed, out of the 7 I know there is 1 that has gotten it fixed so how many other drivers are out there with this issue that can not see?
While driving down the interstate, it started to rain, I turned on my windshield wipers and they did not work, neither did my turn signals and hazard flashers. I pulled over and after a while they started working, now there are times when the windshield wipers and turn signals do not work, and then sometimes you turn the left turn signal on and the right one flashes and vise versa. I am taking it into the dealership Monday this issue doesn't happen all the time, I would guess about fifty percent of the time.
Window & Wiper complaints in other Ram 1500 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are window & wiper problems on the 2003 Dodge Ram 1500?
NHTSA has 25 complaints about the windows, wipers & sunroof of the 2003 Dodge Ram 1500, 2% of the model year's 1,171 complaints. The component named most often is power window devices and controls (2 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2003 Dodge Ram 1500 window & wiper problems?
No. NHTSA lists no windows, wipers & sunroof 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 window & wiper problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 85,000 miles, and 5% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 fires and 1 injury to windows, wipers & sunroof 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.