Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (doors, hood, frame, rust, paint and trim).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2003 Dodge Ram 3500 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Was changing oil on my 03 Dodge Ram 3500 and noticed the frame rail near cab mount on drivers side was completely rusted thru with a hole approximately 2 inches long and 1/4" wide. I'm afraid to haul my goose neck trailer under these conditions. I'm afraid that additional weight could cause the frame to collapse. I don't remember seeing a recall for this condition.
Frame rusted through in several places. Service provider had problems placing truck on lift due to frame integrity to replace brake lines. Upon my inspection frame is rusted through in several places. Cannot determine if truck is safe to drive.
The dashboard on my 2003 Dodge 3500 quad cab had developed cracks which has split the dash into pieces directly in front of the passenger seat and directly over the passenger side airbag. The cracks and broken dash pieces will not allow the passenger side airbag to deploy properly in the event of a crash and not only will the airbag harm the passenger, the broken pieces of dash will be dangerous as well. This vehicle has been properly maintained, and is in good condition. The dash cracked and broke as a result of normal driving; the vehicle has never been in an accident. The dealer said that the vehicle is out of warranty and will not pay to replace the dash. Not only will the airbag not deploy properly due to the cracked and broken dash and threaten the passenger, it could also deploy in a manner hazardous to the driver. …
While cleaning the truck, I noticed a crack had appeared that ran across the dashboard. The dashboard is always shaded by a sunscreen when the truck is parked. I called my local Dodge dealer to ask what could be done to repair the dashboard and they told me to call Chrysler/Dodge customer service and gave me the phone number. I called customer service, explained that the dashboard had unexpectedly cracked and they gave me a case number. They told me to take the truck to my local dealer where digital pictures would be taken and submitted for review. Five days later I received a letter from my local Dodge dealer stating that my claim was denied. I called Chrysler/Dodge customer service to follow up. They said that there is nothing that they can do and confirmed that the claim has been denied. …
2003 Dodge Ram 3500 pick up truck ... The dashboard is severely cracking. The dashboard starting cracking in nov 2009 starting off as a small crack. Now in March 2010 the dashboard is cracking everywhere. Was told by a dealership in 2009 the dash was $500. Now dealership in March 2010 saying dash n/a in the USA. Spoke w/ Dodge corp lodged a complaint. Told by dealership April 2010 that new dash is around $1800 because new dashboard and duct work area needed (that a new system of dash/duct are now being used.) this indicates that there is a problem on the dashes that Dodge corp is a ware of - but not enough concern to issue recall. This is a known problem with all rams from '98 to '03 - there are complaints listed on the internet and on the news (channel 6 news, orlando, fl 2007 and wlbt3, ms 5/2008). The cracking dashboard can act as shrapnel in an accident causing serious injury. …
2003 Dodge Ram 3500 dash cover has cracked and shattered. There have been not collisions, etc. With the truck, it just started cracking. Then the local dealership took it out 3-4 times to attempt to repair a heater core and A/C problem. Each remove/replace cycle resulted in additional damage. Currently, two completed cracks through the entire dash, running parallel with the frame. The forward portion with the defrost vents is also cracked and 5 of the 7 vents are damaged or totally missing. Nothing has ever been placed on this dash heavier than a baseball hat, it has no scratches of dings. The edges of the cracks and resulting holes in the dash are sharp and would cut any exposed skin that came into contact with them. I would hate to be in any collision with this vehicle as dash plastic would be flying everywhere. I repeat, there have been not collisions or crashes with this vehicle.
My dashboard has been disintegrating rapidly in the last couple years. Started with a large crack, then several cracks, then chunks. I never know when a chunk is going to let loose, I check every time I get into the truck for anything loose, but it never fails to startle me and I even got pulled over once on a suspected dui when a chunk flew off and hit me between the eyes. This has happened a few times to both me and any passenger I might be transporting. Chrysler says its a cosmetic issue, but I am here to tell you that it is a safety issue not only for the truck owner,but anyone else who happens to be on the road with one. Please lean on Chrysler to recall this and make the roads a bit safer for all. Thank you
On the date noted above I noticed a 10 inch long crack had developed on the passenger side front dashboard slightly to the right of center. In a collision where the front airbags are deployed, this will become razor sharp shrapnel causing severe injury or death. Dodge refuses to do anything to mitigate this flaw, which they have acknowledged is due to Dodge utilizing sub-standard materials when making the dashboards for the Ram truck series. There are hundreds, if not thousands, of complaints regarding the cracked dashes in Ram trucks from frustrated owners. Its only a matter of time until someone is injured or killed when one of these dashes explodes like a grenade when the airbag goes off during a collision.
Tl* Takata recall. The contact owns a 2003 Dodge Ram 3500. The contact stated that there was premature cracking and deterioration of the dashboard. The dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure and provided no solution other than for the contact to replace the part. The dealer stated that to complete NHTSA campaign number: 15V312000 (air bags), the dashboard would also need to be replaced. The parts had not been available for an extended period of time so the contact was uncertain of when the recall repair would be completed. The failure mileage was unknown. Parts distribution disconnect. Updated 01/27/17
I feel that the cracked plastic dashboard on my 2003 Dodge Ram 3500 4x4 laramie goes beyond a cosmetic issue into the realm of a possible major safety concern. The dash pieces that break off could fall down and pinch wiring, cause the fan to jam, etc which can cause a potential fire while driving down the road. This did not personally happen to me but I have read about Dodge trucks catching fire with no definite cause determined through investigation.
Body complaints in other Ram 3500 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are body problems on the 2003 Dodge Ram 3500?
NHTSA has 53 complaints about the body & structure of the 2003 Dodge Ram 3500, 19% of the model year's 286 complaints. The component named most often is body (14 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2003 Dodge Ram 3500 body problems?
No. NHTSA lists no body & structure recall for the 2003 Dodge Ram 3500, 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 3500 body problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 85,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 0 fires and 2 injuries to body & structure 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.