Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2003 Dodge Ram owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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. …
Front brakes on 2003 Dodge Ram 1500 quad cab developed major pulsation and decreased stopping ability at 6500 miles. Returned vehicle to dealer and was informed that the front rotors were indeed warped and replaced under warranty. Seems to be an all to common problem with the complaints seen on this site and beleive that the NHTSA should look very hard into these problems before someone gets seriously injured or killed. How many complaints does it take to get involved? After the new car warranty is up at 12K miles it will become the owners expense for these "wear items" and strongley urge NHTSA to investigate these sub-standard components and demand Dodge to correct the problem and extend warranty period to at least 36,000 miles and prorate the difference for all subsequent brake jobs for existing new car purchasers based on what they publish for brake service mileage.
I was required to pay $198.03 to the dealership to resurface the front rotors of my 2003 Dodge 1500 lonestar pickup. The service tech verified that I still have 8mm of original brake on the front and 10mm of original brake on the back. Since I am past the 12000 miles required by Chrysler they feel that this is a normal wear problem. Because of the brakes pulsating each time I applied them I had no choice but to have the problem corrected as it was becoming worse. I fail to see this as normal wear if my brakes are in such good condition. I feel that it is a poor design or material problem that needs to be corrected by Chrysler and not the owner of the vehicle. I have viewed web sites that show many owners of 2003/2004 Dodge 1500 with this same problem and the service tech stated the same thing.
I have had problems with the brake on my 2003 Ram 1500, at 14000 miles had front calipers replaced, new front rotors and they turned the rear rotors. This was all because of warped rotors I now have 23000 miles on teh truck and will again be taking it in to have the rotor replaced. I can't believe that there are so many complaints filed and nothing has been done. Maybe we need to contact the media. I know that when more people start die from this problem the media will be all over it. Just like the tires problems on Ford SUV's. Please do some thing before it is to late.
I have a 2003 Dodge Ram, 1500 quad cab with a Hemi engine. I only have 7500 miles on it and I have taken it in twice to have the front rotors turned down because of severe warpage of them. I am being told that they now have to replace the calipers and brake pads but it has now been over a month because there is a national back-order on the parts. They stated that they have no idea when the parts will be in so I have been driving a truck that severly vibrates the steering when I apply the brakes. They refer to TSB 05-008-03 for the problem.
Tl contact owns a 2003 Dodge Ram. The contact stated that his vehicle has a jake brake mechanism that leaks while idling or decelerating. He heard the leak near the engine compartment. The dealer inspected the vehicle and stated that it was an exhaust leak caused by the jake brake system, but stated that this was a normal occurrence for the vehicle. Carbon monoxide fumes are also entering the vehicle. The contact has not filed a complaint with the manufacturer. The failure mileage was 10,000 and current mileage was 34,000.
Front brake pulsation. Rotors machined at 13000, 18000 and problem keeps recurring. Dodge will not admit any problems and will not repair under warranty as it is a wear item. This truck is less than a year old and only sees highway miles, not stop and go driving. The brakes are pulsating again at 22000 miles. What is the solution to this problem Dodge? I've worked on cars for 15 years at GM. Let me know what the problem is and I'll fix it myself if need be.
Vehicle: 2003 Dodge Ram 1500 2wd, purchased with 6000 miles from carmax. The disc brake rotors were slightly warped. They were promptly turned (carmax) and now at 16K miles with no extraordinary use have warped again. In my opinion, this brings the design/material used in these components into question. I have spoken with a local Dodge dealer and received no credible answers, mitigation, or satisfaction, whatsoever.
Normal brake usage with no aggressive driving. A few panic stops where the anti lock brake system was used. Severe brake shudder causes suspension hop - unsafe to drive especially in wet - or winter conditions. Replaced front pads and rotors twice. 1st replacement at 21.5K miles under TSB. 2cd replacement at 29.3K miles was purchased by owner (warranty would not be honored). 2003 truck has 29K miles.
Related recalls
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.
Brake complaints in other Ram years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 2003 Dodge Ram?
NHTSA has 26 complaints about the brakes of the 2003 Dodge Ram, 14% of the model year's 189 complaints. The component named most often is foundation components › disc › rotor (16 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2003 Dodge Ram brake problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 04V-185 (control unit/module, Apr 12, 2004). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2003 Dodge Ram brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 12,000 miles, and 79% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 1 fire and 0 injuries to brakes 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.