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 2500 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl* Takata recall. The contact owns a 2003 Dodge Ram 2500. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign numbers: 05V462000 (power train) and 15V312000 (air bags); however, the parts to do the repairs were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect. Updated 08/17/16 the consumer stated the transmission failed at 2,500 miles. The ball joints and water pump failed and the windshield leaked. Updated 10/26/16.
At 70 MPH the engine turns off as if a switch was flipped. This has happened multiple times, always on the interstate and always with cruise control on and active. It occurs more frequently in the hot summer months (110+ f). The warning light for the throttle control circuit sometimes illuminates. While still moving, selecting neutral, turning the ignition off and then back on allows the engine to restart. This can occur as frequently as every 60 miles, but the average occurrence would be around 150 miles.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Dodge Ram 2500. The contact stated that the engine was inoperable. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 99,000.
Truck has the same electrical issues as the recalled newer trucks. It melted the fuse box and the truck wont run. I have replaced the fuse box, computer, all coils, all plugs, all wires, throttle body over 3,000.00 and the truck still does not run. Only has 81,000 miles on it. It was towed to a Chrysler dealership and towed back out of the dealership because they could not tell us what is wrong with it. After 3,000.00 of lets try this I can not afford any more lets try this or that. This is a common problem and most people think they broke a valve in the Hemi motor. I have run a compression test and this is not the case. My issue is electrical and I don't feel as thou I should have to spend any more money trying to figure it out when the dealership cant. The truck was under warranty the first time it was brought in for an electrical issue. …
I was driving down the road at approximate 45mph, when I was on a bank and noticed that the truck was hard to steer, the truck had stalled. The truck started back up, thankfully I have a manual, that I did not have to pull off the road (its hard to control a 3/4 ton truck with no power steering), and could just push the clutch in to start the truck. When I got the truck started, it died on me again, started it up, and drove less than a mile, and died again. I went to the store, on my way home had the same issue, as soon as I would slow, the truck would die, thankfully it only happened once on the way home. Ran it for a little in my driveway, and revved the engine, and it die, three times. Did some research and seems the issue May be faulty fuel control actuator ( or known as mprop).
Ohara motors - 5 star Dodge dealership in falmouth ma. Cannot fix my defective 03 Hemi Ram. Truck was bought new from them last year, and has been back to the dealership twice for the sme 2 problems - and each time I have had to take the truck back with the problem not being fixed. Truck has had a ticking sound that has gotten so loud, it now sounds like a sewing machine at idle. Also, truck has a driveline vibration that has gone from subtle, to extremely and obnoxiously bad. Ohara says that Chrysler May have a solution in 90 days or so, and that I have to live with this! I want my money back, I have lost time at work, money, and lots of aggravation. I feel with a 7 yr.70K warranty, I should not have to 'live' with this problem. Please help me!
The fumes from the exhaust pipe entered the cabin of the vehicle from the climate control system. The fumes were coming from the blow down pipe which comes off the crank casing of the engine. When the cooling fan was in use it blew the fumes into the climate control , thus blowing it into the cabin of the vehicle. The dealership has installed a rubber pipe on the end of the blow down pipe, that leads under the main cab of the vehicle, so now when the vehicle is at a complete stop, with the window open, the fumes are coming through the window. Also at 15,000, when the brake pedal is depressed while driving at high speeds, the vehicle jerks forward and the fails to stop immediately. This occurred because the brake rotors were warped.
The engine misfires and almost stalls. I have to pull into safe area and rev engine to restore power. This is not always convenient, like when it happened going up the mississippi river bridge on I-10 in heavy traffic with an eighteen wheeler behind me doing 70 MPH. I have reported problem to dealer but they unable to help because no codes are generated by the computer. They claim that they are not familiar with this type of problem and my experience is unique. On a related/unrelated matter, the muffler has turned blue from overheating and they have told me that this is normal even though it appears like there is a restriction/obstruction in the muffler.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Dodge Ram 2500 diesel. The contact was driving 55 MPH when the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact stated that when the failure occurred, he was unable to engage the power steering or brakes. The contact believed that the failure was a safety hazard. The contact stated that he experienced the same failure on a 2004 Ram 2500 and it was found that the fuel pump had failed and that caused the vehicle to stall sporadically. The vehicle was not inspected for the failure. The failure and current mileages were 70,000.
I have a 2003 Dodge Ram 2500 with the cummins diesel engine. With the air conditioning system off, but the ventilation (heat or just cool outside air) on, I have diesel exhaust fumes entering the cab of the vehicle when idling or moving at very slow speeds. The condition goes away with the A/C on or with the vents in the "recirculate" position - I.e. Not drawing outside air in. The smell and gasses are dangerous for any extended period of time and could cause an accident if I breathe them for a long period of time and then attempt to drive.
Engine complaints in other Ram 2500 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2003 Dodge Ram 2500?
NHTSA has 20 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2003 Dodge Ram 2500, 3% of the model year's 661 complaints. The component named most often is engine (5 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2003 Dodge Ram 2500 engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2003 Dodge Ram 2500, though it has 6 recalls 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 2500 engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 29,000 miles, and 42% before 25,000 miles.
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.