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 2500 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
We have a 2003 Dodge Ram 2500 Diesel crew cab pickup that occasionally after hitting a bump or on rough roads the steering mechanism or suspension develops an uncontrollable harmonic vibration with one or the other front wheels bouncing. The only way to stop the vibration is to come to a complete stop. In heavy traffic it could be a serious safety issue. The condition is well known to Chrysler and is commonly called a "Death Wobble". The first incidence on our vehicle was around ten years ago, but newer pickups are reported to have the condition. By replacing just the shock absorbers then it seemed to have helped, but that fix may have been fortuitous. The Dodge service center at that time did know of or maybe did not admit to the issue. Recently we have had the return of a couple episodes of the Death Wobble. …
I was driving on I55 this morning and all of a sudden my truck started vibrating really bad, the steering wheel was veering, I had to constantly fight to keep in my lane. And when I touched my brakes it veered. Riding really rough, and has power loss. I took it to the nearest shop and they said my driveshaft was very loose, and that it is affecting everything that I described. The center driveshaft support bearing is also failing.
While driving my 2003 Dodge Ram 2500 quad cab 4x4 cummins diesel at approximately 35 MPH, my right front tire came off causing me to lose control of my vehicle. Exact cost of repair is yet to be decided, but damage was more than moderate. The lug nuts did not fall off. The hub bolts sheered off without warning. Damage is in that tire, the rotor, brake system, front right quarter panel, right side front passenger's door, and suspension system. The police officer said we were lucky to be going so slow around a curve with a 40 foot embankment drop-off. I have read nhsta bulletins and Dodge forum websites and found that this problem is more than common. My truck did have a slight vibration on bumps which I was told was normal. However, after this incident and reading hundreds of other complaints, this issue needs to be handled now...with sole responsibility lying on Dodge corporation. …
While driving down the expressway in chicago in heavy, high speed traffic, the vehicle drove through a small pothole, which caused the vehicle to shake \ wobble violently from the front end and cause impossible steering. The only way to stop this shaking \ wobble was to immediately slow down to below 20 MPH crossing 2 lanes of traffic into the soft shoulder. It has been replicated multiple times from speeds of 40 MPH and up. After taking this vehicle, a 2003 Dodge Ram 2500 quad cab, 5.7 engine, stock with all current recalls up to date (except the air bag recall which no one has parts for), to multiple repair shops and Dodge dealerships, no exact caused has been located including FCA (Dodge) stating there is no issue. Thousands of dollars have been spent on this in the last 3 weeks to solve the problem as it cannot be resolved yet. …
I was traveling at about 20 MPH, slowing down to make a turn when I heard a loud cracking sound. I pulled over but could not determine the source of the sound. I decided to return to the house to investigate further. On my way home, I stopped at a coffee shop and when tried to back up into a parking space, the passenger front wheel broke off. It completely fell off!! I am very happy we were moving at about 1-2 MPH instead of the 40mph on the road. Truck was towed to the dealer where I was told that the bottom ball joint had broken off. This is a very serious issue. Peoples lives are at stake here. I am the only owner of this vehicle and have all the repair/ maintenance records. The repair for this is over $3000.00. Why hasn't the manufacturer recognized this as a problem? …
This has happened multiple times since I bought it, starting on the day I bought it (used) in 2008. Made it go away for some years, don't know how. Combination of tire pressure adjustment, alignment, toe angle? Limited myself to driving less than 55 MPH. Problem happens when you hit a bump just right and it sends one wheel up, and the other down. That wheel then gets bounced up, and sends the other down. It's like dribbling two basketballs, and the whole front end shakes violently. Since this happens at highway speeds, it happens on the highway, and the truck is completely uncontrollable during this time. The only way to make it stop is to slow down (remember, you're on the highway) to 40-30 MPH. Last time I came back from queens, it happened seven times. It just happened again today, 8/14/15. …
At approx. 55-60 MPH, the truck began to shake very violently. Applied brake, to attempt to get truck under control; we ended up in the ditch. Myself and my daughter were injured. Luckily, neither of us were injured bad, just bumps and bruises. I had a mechanic look at the truck; he stated there is a problem with all Dodge trucks from 2002-2008. The steering gear box and front suspension are at fault. I contacted a local Dodge dealer. They informed me, "Dodge is not at fault and there are no need for any recalls". They did say they could fix the problem, at almost $2700. They would put a new front suspension and steering box. I feel if they will fix the problem, then they know about the problem. I have searched on the internet about the problem and there are hundreds of complaints. I am asking the ntsb to fully investigate this matter.
While driving at about 55 MPH, I hit a minor bump in the freeway and the truck started shaking violently,steering wheel shaking side to side. The only way it stopped was I had to reduce my speed to complete stop , the problem was I was towing a 16' trailer with a 4000 lb load on it, I was in front of a semi truck with a full load, it was a very scary and dangerous situation. . It happen again while driving at about 65 MPH on freeway next day without the trailer I hit a minor bump in the roadway and the truck started shaking violently. The only way it stopped was I had to reduce my speed and stop. I think this problem should be investigated as some one is going to get killed by this happening to them
The 'bump' associated with an overpass expansion joint on highway I-515 induced 'death wobble' into the truck causing a loss of control. The loss of control almost caused an impact with other vehicles that were close. The dealer nor the manufacture will assist in correcting the issue. The dealer service manager says that install the 'upgraded' linkage package cures this most of the time (for $1,600.00). This appears to be a know safety issue that NHTSA and Dodge are ducking. Dodge upgraded the linkage in 2009 and totally redesigned the system in 2014. The vehicle is all original and in good working order. Help.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Dodge Ram 2500. The contact stated that the dashboard was falling apart. When the air conditioner was activated, there were particles flying out of the vents. While driving approximately 10 MPH over a bump, the steering wheel seized and something on the front end felt loose. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The technician diagnosed that the upper ball joint and stabilizer bar needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired and the dashboard was replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 60,000.
Suspension complaints in other Ram 2500 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are suspension problems on the 2003 Dodge Ram 2500?
NHTSA has 122 complaints about the suspension of the 2003 Dodge Ram 2500, 18% of the model year's 661 complaints. The component named most often is front (27 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2003 Dodge Ram 2500 suspension problems?
No. NHTSA lists no suspension 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 suspension problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 79,000 miles, and 11% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 4 crashes, 0 fires and 2 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.