Most common 2003 Dodge Ram problems
Share of the 189 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Dodge Ram complaints by model year
Best Ram years: 2011, 2009, 2007. Years to avoid: 1996, 1998, 2001, 1997, 1999. Compare all years →
2003 Dodge Ram recalls (2)
Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip › Control unit/module
On certain van and wagon vehicles equipped with 4-wheel antilock brake systems (ABS), aftermarket batteries May leak electrolyte onto the ABS control module connector, which can compromise sealing integrity of the connector.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the ABS control module connector for electrolyte damage and replace the connector as necessary. The recall will begin on September 27, 2004. Owners should contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Vehicle speed control
Certain pickup trucks, equipped with cummins diesel engines and manual transmissions, May experience an elevated idle speed after extended cruise control use.
Remedy: Dealers will reprogram the software in the cummins engine controller. Owner notification began on March 10, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive…
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2003 Dodge Ram:
FALSE PARK
The subject vehicles are heavy duty pickup trucks with diesel engines and automatic transmissions commonly used for commercial and work purposes.a column mounted shift lever is used for gear selection and an electronic PRNDL on the instrument panel provides gear position information to the driver.the subject vehicles are also equipped with a brake-transmission shift interlock that prevents the shift lever from being…
What 2003 Dodge Ram owners say
Body & structure all 56 →
2003 Dodge Ram quad cab 4x4 had vehicle towed and when tow truck driver hooked chains to frame rails to winch vehicle on to tow truck the chains ripped the steel out of the bottom of the frame do to the frame being rotted I have uploaded photos. This is a real safety concern do to the fact the frame is enclosed and there is no real warning or signs of the integrity of the remaining structure of the frame. It is in my opinion this needs to be addressed and frame should be recalled there are many other people with the same trucks even a lot newer than this one but same frame as mine and the same problem there is no reason other than poor engineering and prep of this frame I own many old pieces of equipment that are 30+ years older than this truck and no rot issues like this wear and tear is one thing body rot ect is normal but this is a real safety issue that gives no warning many of …
There is a entry grab handle mounted to the interior door post near the windshield intended as an assist handle. My truck is equipped with running board to make entry easier into the truck cab. I used the assist handle while getting into the truck cab, it pulled loose from the pillar causing me to nearly fall from the truck. I was able to gain my balance and step down from the running boards without doing any injury. I am of average height and weight appropriate. When I examined the handle I was shocked to see the only mounting involved was plastic with a bolt through it screwed to the door frame. This in no way should be classified as an appropriate assist handle to aid one in the entry of the vehicle.
Brakes all 26 →
I drive a Dodge Ram 1500 quad cab slt 4x4. An electrical fire was observed in the wiring harness leading from ABS control unit. In the past, I have had two problems with the ABS sensor and wiring harness. On one occasion, the harness was replaced along with the sensor. On the first occasion, only the sensor was replaced. In a documented diagnosis, the dealer's mechanic stated that there was moisture present in the wiring harness necessitating replacement. The vehicle is currently at the dealer awaiting authorization for repair. I had found a recall notice on autorecalls.org (NHTSA number 04v18500), but apparently my vehicle's VIN is not covered under this recall.
I own a 2003 Dodge Ram 1500 4x4 quad cab slt VIN 1d7-hu18n53s-188168 assembly point, warren, michigan. The truck stalled while in traffic making a 10-15 MPH right turn. The second occurence was july15, 2004. Very close call here. I was in the smokey mountains camping. The six hour drive home towing my popup was nerve racking to say the least. Especially, since my 13, 6 and 3 year old were in the truck. I mentioned that the truck runs extremely rough intermittently to the dealer morgan Dodge durham north carolina on at least two occasions. I am also experiencing an intermittent shudder that seems to be coming from the transmission, also mentioned to the dealer on at least two occasions. The dealer simply said that they could not reproduce the shudder or stall. I also had a severe brake pulsation. They did replace front pads and calipers and cut rotors. …
Transmission & drivetrain all 21 →
(rear axle sheared) at 4:00 pm on March 19th 2005, I was driving this vehicle south bound on california state highway 71. When all of a sudden the right side rear axle sheared, causing the vehicle to go into a forced left handed 360 degree spin. I tried to correct the spin, but the vehicle would not respond or stop. The vehicle crashed into the center median. Also, the engine RPM's went up when the axle shaft broke. The insurance company said the vehicle is a total loss. The dealer would not repair it or admit to the defect. However an employee at the dealership showed me another shaft from a crashed 2003 truck. The axle shaft was identical to mine, the center part of the axle shaft was crystalized. See odi 10116454 also. Dsy.
(rear axle shear), t 4:00 pm on March 19th 2005, I was driving this vehicle south bound on california state highway 71. When all of a sudden the right side rear axle sheared, causing the vehicle to go into a forced left handed 360 degree spin. I tried to correct the spin, but the vehicle would not respond or stop. The vehicle crashed into the center median. Also, the engine RPM's went up when the axle shaft broke. The insurance company said the vehicle is a total loss. The dealer would not repair it or admit to the defect. However an employee at the dealership showed me another shaft from a crashed 2003 truck. The axle shaft was identical to mine, the center part of the axle shaft was crystalized. See odi 10116455 also.
2003 Dodge Ram engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.9L 6-cyl | 3-speed automatic | RWD | 13 / 15 / 14 |
| 5.2L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 13 / 15 / 14 |
| 5.9L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 12 / 17 / 14 |
EPA ratings. Class: Van.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2003 Dodge Ram a good car?
Based on 189 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2003 Ram rates use caution: 1.6× as many complaints as a typical year of the Ram at the same age. It is one of the Ram years we suggest avoiding. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2003 Dodge Ram?
The body & structure — 56 complaints, 30% of all complaints for this model year, most often about body. Next are the brakes (26) and transmission & drivetrain (21).
How many recalls does the 2003 Dodge Ram have?
There are 2 recalls for the 2003 Dodge Ram, the most recent from April 12, 2004 (control unit/module). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Dodge Ram?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2011, 2009 and 2007. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 1996, 1998, 2001, 1997 and 1999. See the full Dodge Ram years comparison.
At what mileage do 2003 Dodge Ram problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 50,000 miles; 50% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 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.