2003 Dodge Ram 1500 problems
The Ram pickup (marketed as the Dodge Ram until 2010) is a full-size pickup truck manufactured by Stellantis North America (formerly Chrysler Group LLC and FCA US LLC) and marketed from 2010 onwards under the Ram Trucks brand. The current fifth-generation Ram debuted at the 2018 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan, in January of that year.
Previously, Ram was part of the Dodge line of light trucks. The name Ram was first used in 1981 model year Dodge Trucks in October 1980, following the retiring and rebadging of the Dodge D series pickup trucks as well as B-series vans, though the company had used a ram's-head hood ornament on some trucks as early as 1933.
Ram trucks have been named Motor Trend magazine's Truck of the Year eight times; the second-generation Ram won the award in 1994, the third-generation Ram heavy-duty won the award in 2003, the fourth-generation Ram Heavy Duty won in 2010 and the fourth-generation Ram 1500 won in 2013 and 2014, and the current fifth-generation Ram pickup became the first truck in history to win the award three times, winning in 2019, 2020, and 2021.
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Common 2003 Dodge Ram 1500 problems
The 2003 Dodge Ram 1500 has several common problems that owners have reported. These issues range from engine and transmission problems to interior accessories and body paint concerns.
- Transmission Problems: The 2001 Dodge Ram has a known issue with its transmission, which may fail before reaching 100,000 miles. Replacing the transmission can cost thousands of dollars.
- Interior Accessories Problems: The 2003 Dodge Ram 1500 has experienced issues with interior accessories, with 573 problems reported. This category includes complaints about the dashboard, which is prone to cracking and shattering, with no recalls issued for this problem. The estimated repair cost is between $500 and $600.
- Body/Paint Problems: Numerous drivers have reported that the clear coat on the 2003 Dodge Ram has peeled away, leading to bubbling and cracking paint. Repainting a car can cost between $1,500 and $3,500, depending on the extent of the work required.
- Rust and Corrosion: The 2003 Dodge Ram has a unique problem with rust and corrosion in the vehicle body. This early rusting can seriously weaken the stability of the vehicle's frame, posing a safety hazard for passengers. The cost of welding repairs can easily total $1,500 or more.
- Airbag Problems: Airbags have been the truck's biggest problem to date, with around one third of the Ram's 1,343 driver complaints being for airbag issues, with a major recall on file and two investigations still open at present.
- Suspension Problems: Suspension problems are becoming more common as the truck gets older, with drivers reporting that the vehicle may rock violently from side to side after hitting curbs or while going down bumpy roads.
- Seat Belts/Air Bags Problems: There have been 469 complaints related to seat belts and airbags, indicating potential safety concerns for the 2003 Dodge Ram 1500.
These common problems with the 2003 Dodge Ram 1500 can lead to significant repair costs and safety hazards if not addressed promptly. Regular maintenance and inspections can help identify and prevent these issues, ensuring the longevity and safety of the vehicle.
How many miles will a 2003 Dodge Ram 1500 last?
between 250,000 and 350,000 miles
Compared to other used trucks for sale, the Ram 1500 has an exceptional lifespan, lasting between 250,000 and 350,000 miles depending on how well it is maintained. With this being said, if you are browsing used Ram 1500s for sale near you, you should avoid anything that is close to or within the above mileage range.
Are 2003 Dodge Rams reliable?
The average rating is a 4.5 out of 5 stars. The 2003 Dodge Ram 1500 Reliability Rating is 3.5 out of 5. It ranks 19th out of 32 for all car brands.
What is the most common problem with Dodge Ram 1500?
RAM 1500 engines fail for a variety of reasons. However, the most common issue appears to be related to a defective transmission. Dodge RAM 1500 engine replacement costs can range widely, with a replacement estimate of as much as $13,000.
What are the bad years for Ram 1500?
Here Are the Dodge RAM 1500 Years to Avoid and Why
- 2003 Dodge RAM 1500. There are a lot of complaints about the engine problems with the RAM 1500. ...
- 2010-2013 Dodge RAM 1500 (5.7-liter V8) The most common issues are engine problems. ...
- 2014 Dodge RAM 1500. ...
- 2015 Dodge RAM 1500. ...
- 2016 Dodge RAM 1500.
What is the problem with the 2003 Dodge Ram 1500?
Dodge first issued a recall for the 2003 Ram 1500 in 2015 after reports that faulty Takata airbags could explode in a crash and spray metal shrapnel into the vehicle cabin, killing or severely injuring occupants.
Are 2003 Dodge Rams reliable?
The average rating is a 4.5 out of 5 stars. The 2003 Dodge Ram 1500 Reliability Rating is 3.5 out of 5. It ranks 19th out of 32 for all car brands.
What is the most common problem with Dodge Ram 1500?
RAM 1500 engines fail for a variety of reasons. However, the most common issue appears to be related to a defective transmission. Dodge RAM 1500 engine replacement costs can range widely, with a replacement estimate of as much as $13,000.
How many miles will a 2003 Dodge Ram 1500 last?
between 250,000 and 350,000 miles
Compared to other used trucks for sale, the Ram 1500 has an exceptional lifespan, lasting between 250,000 and 350,000 miles depending on how well it is maintained. With this being said, if you are browsing used Ram 1500s for sale near you, you should avoid anything that is close to or within the above mileage range.
2003 Dodge Ram 1500 complaints
The NHTSA has received 0 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2003 Dodge Ram 1500.
You can leave your car complaint via the special form below.
2003 Dodge Ram 1500 recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 5 recalls for different components of the 2003 Dodge Ram 1500.
- Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US LLC)
- Park It: 1
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
- Summary: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2003 Dodge Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500 trucks manufactured August 29, 2002, to July 25, 2003 to address a safety defect in the passenger side frontal air bag inflator which may produce excessive internal pressure causing the inflator to rupture upon deployment of the air bag. This recall addresses both the passenger side frontal air bags that were originally installed in the vehicles, as well as replacement air bags that may have been installed as replacement service parts. A replacement air bag may have been installed, as one example, if a vehicle had been in a crash necessitating the replacement of the passenger side frontal air bag.
- Consequence: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passengers frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
- Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy is completed. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag, free of charge. The recall began on March 16, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R26. Note: This recall partially supersedes recall 14V770.
- Manufacturer: FEDERAL-MOGUL CORPORATION
- Components: WHEELS:HUB
- Summary: FEDERAL-MOGUL IS RECALLING CERTAIN CARQUEST, NATIONAL, AND PERCISION BRAND WHEEL HUB ASSEMBLIES, P/NOS 515073 AND 515073, SOLD FOR USE AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT ON MODEL YEAR 2002 THROUGH 2008 DODGE RAM 1500 PICKUP TRUCKS. THE INBOARD ROLL FORM USED TO MAINTAIN THE HUB ASSEMBLY CAN FATIGUE RESULTING IN NOISE AND/OR WHEEL SEPARATION ON THE TWO WHEEL DRIVE (2WD) APPLICATIONS. THE RISK OF THESE ISSUES DO NOT OCCUR ON THE FOUR WHEEL DRIVE (4WD) APPLICATIONS, AND INSTALLATION ON THE 4WD APPLICATIONS ARE NOT PART OF THIS RECALL.
- Consequence: A VEHICLE CRASH CAN OCCUR IF THE WHEEL SEPARATES FROM THE VEHICLE.
- Remedy: FEDERAL-MOGUL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS OF RECORD AND TECHNICIANS WILL REPLACE THE AFFECTED HUB ASSEMBLIES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 15, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FEDERAL-MOGUL AT 1-877-489-6659.
- Manufacturer: FABTECH MOTORSPORTS
- Components: STEERING:GEAR BOX:SHAFT PITMAN
- Summary: FABTECH IS RECALLING CERTAIN AFTERMARKET REPLACEMENT PITMAN ARMS, P/NOS. FTS93001 AND FT44039, INSTALLED FOR USE ON CERTAIN 2003 THROUGH 2008 DODGE 2500 4WD, 3500 4WD, AND 1500 4WD MEGA CAB VEHICLES. THE PITMAN ARM CAN FRACTURE AND BREAK AWAY FROM THE STEERING BOX CAUSING TOTAL LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL.
- Consequence: STEERING LOSS COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH POSSIBLY RESULTING IN PROPERTY DAMAGE, INJURY OR DEATH.
- Remedy: FABTECH WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND AUTHORIZED INSTALLERS WILL INSPECT FOR DEFECTIVE PITMAN ARM AND REPLACE IF NECESSARY FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 24, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FABTECH AT 1-877-432-2832.
- Manufacturer: SAFELITE FULFILLMENT, INC.
- Components: VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR
- Summary: CERTAIN CURVED TEMPERED REPLACEMENT GLASS MANUFACTURED BY HANGZHOU SAFETY GLASS LTD AND SUPPLIED TO SAFELITE BY AUTO TEMP INC., IDENTIFIED AS DOT-430, AND SOLD FOR USE ON CERTAIN DOMESTIC AND FOREIGN VEHICLES MAY NOT BREAK INTO SMALL PIECES AS EXPECTED OF TEMPERED GLASS AND FAILS TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 205, "GLAZING MATERIALS."
- Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE OCCUPANT(S) MAY BE SERIOUSLY INJURED BY SHATTERED GLASS.
- Remedy: SAFELITE WILL NOTIFY ITS RETAIL CUSTOMERS AND REPLACE THE GLASS FREE OF CHARGE. RETAIL CUSTOMERS CAN CONTACT SAFELITE TOLL FREE AT 1-888-843-2906. SAFELITE WILL NOTIFY ITS WHOLESALE CUSTOMERS AND REIMBURSE WHOLESALE CUSTOMERS FOR CURRENT INVENTORY AND AT A SPECIFIED RATE FOR REPLACING THEIR CUSTOMER'S GLASS. WHOLESALE CUSTOMERS CAN CONTACT SAFELITE'S WHOLESALE DIVISION, SERVICE AUTOGLASS TOLL FREE AT 1-888-246-6298. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 15, 2008.
- Manufacturer: K&N ENGINEERING, INC.
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: CERTAIN REPLACEMENT K&N FUEL PERFORMANCE KITS, P/NOS. 57-1509, 57-1511, 57-1511-1, 57-1517, 57-1517-1, 57-1527, AND 57-1530. ALSO, A SMALL PERCENTAGE OF THESE KITS WERE SOLD UNDER THE MOPAR PERFORMANCE PARTS BRAND NAME (P/NOS. P5007069 AND P5007070). ALL KITS WERE MANUFACTURED FROM APRIL 20, 1999, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 23, 2004. THESE ASSEMBLIES WERE MANUFACTURED AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR CERTAIN DODGE PICKUP TRUCKS AND SUVS. A SMALL PIECE OF MATERIAL FROM THE TUBE WALL COULD BE SUCKED INTO THE ENGINE THROTTLE BODY, WHICH COULD CAUSE THE THROTTLE TO BECOME JAMMED IN THE OPEN POSITION.
- Consequence: A JAMMED OPEN THROTTLE COULD CAUSE UNINTENDED ACCELERATION OF THE VEHICLE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH OR INCREASED STOPING DISTANCES WHEN BRAKING.
- Remedy: K&N WILL PROVIDE OWNERS WITH A FREE REPAIR KIT ALONG WITH REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 20, 2006.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2003 Dodge Ram 1500 problems:
2003 Dodge Ram Common Issues - DodgeForum.com
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Feb 20, 2023 ... Guess I just want to know what are some common problems to look out for on the 3rd gen. For context, I own a 99' and do most of the work ...
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Dec 24, 2022 ... The 2003 Dodge Ram-1500 is reliable. Considering this vehicle is 16 years old now, it has impressed us with its durability and longevity. I feel ...
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