2003 Dodge Ram van problems
The Dodge Ram Van (also known as the Dodge B-series) is a range of full-size vans that were produced by Chrysler Corporation from the 1971 to 2003 model years. Replacing the Dodge A100, the Ram Van transitioned to a front-engine drivetrain configuration. Mostly offered as a cargo van and a passenger van, the model line was also initially offered as a cutaway van chassis.
The B-series van line was produced across 32 years of production, making it among the longest-lived platform designs in American automotive history. Much of the exterior and chassis underpinnings saw only gradual changes during their entire production, with three distinct generations developed. Alongside its use by Dodge, the full-size van range saw rebranding during the 1970s for both Fargo Trucks and Plymouth (marking the debut of the Plymouth Voyager nameplate).
For much of its entire production run, Chrysler produced B-platform vans at the now-demolished Pillette Road Truck Assembly plant in Windsor, Ontario, Canada; prior to 1980, the model line was also produced at Saint Louis North Assembly (Fenton, Missouri). In 2003, the Dodge Sprinter (a rebranding of its Mercedes-Benz namesake) was introduced, replacing the B-series van entirely from 2004 to 2009. Since 2014, the Ram division has offered the ProMaster to the full-size van market, a rebranded Fiat Ducato.
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Common 2003 Dodge Ram van problems
Based on the complaints from owners of the 2003 Dodge Ram Van, several common problems have been reported. These issues encompass various aspects of the vehicle, ranging from body and paint problems to transmission and drivetrain issues. Here is a detailed list of the common problems with the Dodge Ram Van 2003:
- Rusted from Frame to Steering Linkage:
- This problem involves rust affecting the frame of the vehicle, extending to the steering linkage. It has been reported by owners and can lead to structural integrity concerns and safety hazards.
- Peeling Paint:
- Owners have complained about the paint on the 2003 Ram Van peeling off. This not only affects the aesthetics of the vehicle but can also lead to further corrosion if left unaddressed.
- Transmission Slips:
- Transmission slipping is a significant issue reported by owners. This can result in poor vehicle performance, difficulty in shifting gears, and potential safety risks while driving.
- Cracked Dashboards (Additional Problem from the 3rd Generation Ram Van 1500):
- The dashboard cracking issue is prevalent in the 2002 Ram Van 1500. This problem can lead to safety concerns, affecting the functionality of dashboard components and potentially causing distractions while driving.
- Rust Holes in the Frame (Reported for the 2003 Ram Van 2500):
- Rust holes in the frame pose a serious structural problem, compromising the vehicle's stability and safety. This issue can lead to further corrosion and potentially affect the overall integrity of the vehicle.
- Stuck in Park (Reported for the 2003 Ram Van 2500):
- Being unable to shift the vehicle into reverse or drive is a critical issue that can hinder the vehicle's usability. This problem can stem from various mechanical issues within the transmission or gear shifting mechanism.
These common problems reported by owners of the Dodge Ram Van 2003 highlight significant concerns that can impact the vehicle's performance, safety, and overall driving experience. Addressing these issues promptly is crucial to ensure the longevity and reliability of the vehicle.
How many miles can a 2003 Dodge Ram last?
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.
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.
What was the worst year for the Dodge Ram?
The worst years
A few model years, in particular, have proven more problematic than others. Model years 2011 and 2012 stand out when it comes to bad years for the 5.7L HEMI, with 2012 being an especially lousy period for Ram pickups. The biggest issue with the 2012 Ram 1500 is the infamous "HEMI tick."
What is the mileage on a 2003 Dodge Ram 1500 van?
Based on data from 1 vehicles, 34 fuel-ups and 8,123 miles of driving, the 2003 Dodge Ram 1500 Van gets a combined Avg MPG of 12.95 with a 0.41 MPG margin of error. Below you can see a distribution of the fuel-ups with 2 outliers (5.56%) removed.
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.
How many miles can a 2003 Dodge Ram last?
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.
What is the mileage on a 2003 Dodge Ram 1500 van?
Based on data from 1 vehicles, 34 fuel-ups and 8,123 miles of driving, the 2003 Dodge Ram 1500 Van gets a combined Avg MPG of 12.95 with a 0.41 MPG margin of error. Below you can see a distribution of the fuel-ups with 2 outliers (5.56%) removed.
What was the worst year for the Dodge Ram?
The worst years
A few model years, in particular, have proven more problematic than others. Model years 2011 and 2012 stand out when it comes to bad years for the 5.7L HEMI, with 2012 being an especially lousy period for Ram pickups. The biggest issue with the 2012 Ram 1500 is the infamous "HEMI tick."
2003 Dodge Ram van car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Dodge Ram van problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Air bags problems
- Structure problems
- Power train problems
- Service brakes problems
- Electrical system problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2003 Dodge Ram van vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 2003 Dodge Ram van
The NHTSA has received 1233 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2003 Dodge Ram van. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 2003 Dodge Ram van vehicles.
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-05-14
- VIN: 1D7HU18D13S
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: The frame/chasis rusted through and dealer could not raise truck because lift went through frame. If it had not been noticed at dealership, we and others could have been killed if the frame had broken through on the highway. The dealership and repair shop can confirm. The box and other body components are severely rusted. The body around the gas filler cap is so rusty that I have to hold the gas dispenser just so as to prevent gas leakage from the filler apparatus going into the gas tank. The gas tank fell off the truck twice and the truck was towed into the dealer to be fixed. The truck has less than 150,000 miles, and was purchased new. The incidents occurred between 2004 and 2020 - approx. No police reports or injuries, but no help from dealer.
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-10-25
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: The contact owns a 2003 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, there was an abnormal thump, prompting the contact to look through the review mirror, where he observed that the spare tire was on the roadway. After a visual inspection, the contact observed that the spare tire hoist cable had detached, allowing the spare tire to fall from the spare tire compartment. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 99,600. The VIN was not available.
POWER TRAIN,AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-10-19
- VIN: 1D7HA18D63S
- Components: POWER TRAIN,AIR BAGS
- Summary: The contact owns a 2003 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at slow speeds, the driveshaft detached. Due to the failure, the gear oil and rear differential fluid leaked out of the vehicle. The contact was able to temporarily repair the driveshaft. The dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure but offered no assistance. Additionally, the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V312000 (Air Bags) however, the contact was informed that due to a crack in the dashboard, he would be charged for the repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 230,000.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-03-23
- VIN: 1D7HA18N53J
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: UNKNOWN Everything will stop operating as I'm driving and after coming to a stop will start Right back up. I had one repair shop tell me that it has something to do with the fuel but the problem continue, the second repair shop said it was a brain box issue, if this was safety issue or problem can I get reimbursed.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-05-23
- VIN: 1D7HA18D83S
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: The driveshaft to pinion gear at the differential comes loose during normal driving. I have replaced the bit numerous times, but it keeps coming loose. There is a recall on same truck but different years. The exact problem the other Rams have is exact issue with mine. When it comes loose, the car grinds to a halt.
AIR BAGS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-01-01
- VIN: 1D3HU18D53J
- Components: AIR BAGS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: The reason the owners of these Dodges is that the dealers break the already brittle dash boards and REFUSE to repair or replace the dashboard. So most wont have the recall performed. So until the dealers are forced to repair/replace the brittle dashes when they perform these recalls then people will not have it addressed. Also i have owned my Dodge since October 2022. Truck is registered with dodge on the website and yet to receive a recall notice in the mail. Now if i go and look it shows the recall on my truck but many do not register their vehicles with the manufacturers website. All in all the EXPENSIVE dashboards being broke by dealerships performing the recall is why owners wont go thru it. Many have paid thousands in getting the dashes fixed. Also id think brittle dashboards that turn sharp daggers would be a safety hazard as well but yet no recall. My dash is missing HUGE pieces. Leaving sharp jagged edges that will be knives in an accident. I mean if the dashes bust just by replacing an airbag inflator or just sun exposure. Imagine being in an accident.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-05-30
- VIN: 1D7HA18D83S
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: Rear end of my ram 1500 pickup model year 2003 locked up doing 60 MPH on the interstate broke the drive shaft and the front of the rear end and yoke off. This is the third rear end I have put in this truck. This has been reported all over the internet thousands and thousands of times over about these Dodge ram 1500 pickup truck rear ends having catastrophic failure causing injury and near fatalities yet Chrysler Dodge Jeep still has not issued a recall for the 2003 model year ram 1500 rear end. It is the same exact rear end as the model year 2005 which has the same recall and other years that they have issued recalls for. I cannot understand how this has gone on for years with so many reports and incidences of this happening and still nothing being done of it. Again this is the third rear end I have put in my truck. My truck only has 120,000 miles on it first rear end went out well under 100,000 mi. It was also brought to the dealership to have pinion seal and nut fixed under warranty at 30,000 miles. I have paperwork proving that there was an issue starting at 30,000 miles with this truck. I really hope somebody will finally do something about this issue that has plagued hundreds of thousands of people and their trucks. A simple internet search will show thousands and thousands of people all having the same issues with their 2003 Dodge ram 1500 pickup trucks. You can see in two of the pictures the skid marks from the rear end locking up on the road and I buy a miracle manage to keep the truck from sliding into the guardrail next to it. The vehicle is currently on a car trailer at my house and can be inspected at any time as I do not have the money to put a fourth rear end to this vehicle at this time.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-02-01
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1D7HA18D83J
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: I just bought this car with a smog certificate of less than 90 days ago from today and it caught on fire while I was driving it not even going over 55 miles an hour. I seen a potential recall that would cause a fire like that for the make and model of my vehicle but when I put my vin in it says it wasn’t effected. To be clear my vehicle wasn’t leaking any fluids either.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-01-27
- VIN: 1D7HU18N63J
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: The contact owned a 2003 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V312000 (Air Bags) and requested to be removed from the recall distribution list as she no longer owns the vehicle. The local dealer and manufacturer were not contacted.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-12-07
- VIN: 1D7HU16D03J
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: THE PASSENGER AIRBAG INFLATOR HOUSING MAY RUPTURE, DUE TO EXCESSIVE INTERNAL PRESSURE, DURING NORMAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT EVENTS. THIS CONDITION IS MORE LIKELY TO OCCUR IF YOUR VEHICLE HAS BEEN EXPOSED TO HIGH LEVELS OF ABSOLUTE HUMIDITY FOR EXTENDED PERIODS OF TIME.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-09-11
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1d7hu18n33s
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
- Summary: This vehicle had last been started and driven 7 hrs prior and exploded in the driveway, caught the house on fire and nearly killed my son who was near the inside wall of the house. The engine blew and then the front tires. Three explosions in all before the fire department was able to stop the fire. Luckily they were only a mile away. This was an older but well running vehicle.
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2013-01-29
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- VIN: 1D7HA18N23J
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: 2003 DODGE RAM 1500 DASHBOARD CRACKED ALL OVER. IF INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT THE SHARP PCS OF HARD PLASTIC WOULD DEFINITELY IMPALE THE OCCUPANTS. DODGE STATES ITS ONLY A FEW TRUCKS BUT I HAVE NOT SEEN ONE 2003 DODGE RAM WITH A DASHBOARD ON ONE PC. ONCE I WAS FORCED TO BRAKE HARD AND MY PASSENGER REACTED BY SLAMMING HER HAND ON THE DASH AND A SHARP POINT OF A BROKEN PC STABBED INTO HER PALM WHICH BEGAN BLEEDING. DEFINITELY NEED TO LOOK INTO THIS MATTER AS IT'S A REAL HAZARD THAT COULD MOST PROBABLY RESULT IN A DEATH IF SOMEONE WERE TO GET IN AN ACCIDENT.
STEERING,SUSPENSION,AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-07-30
- VIN: 2D6WB11YX3K
- Components: STEERING,SUSPENSION,AIR BAGS
- Summary: Frame damage where steering box separates
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-05-01
- VIN: 1D7HU18D13S
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: The truck was brought in to dealer to inspect/repair wiring for trailer outlet. When they and began raising the vehicle, the rear lift arms broke through the frame on both sides. When I drove it short way to the repair shop (about 5 miles), the frame on the left broke and sagged and I nearly lost control. The repair shop was in sight and I was able to make it at under 10 mph. The road between the dealer and repair shop was an old country road and I never exceeded 45mph. The rusted frame was first noticed by Witt Ford in Pulaski and the frame was reinforced/surrounded by welded plate steel. There was no warning of the defect. If I had been travelling at highway speed and this failure occurred, I would have lost control, the left side of the truck would have been dragging as well as fuel tank. There would have been a crash and probably a fire.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-12-23
- VIN: 1D7HU18D53S
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: When driving the truck the vehicle randomly shuts down and I have to pull over or put it in neutral to restart it I believe there might be a problem with the tipm that dodge has had a ongoing problem for years and ignored the issue
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-11-25
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1D7HU18D23S
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: Around midday of November 25, 2021, a clear day with no precipitation, while operating the 2003 Dodge Ram 1500 with about 155k miles on it at approximately 35 MPH, the drive train locked up causing the vehicle to go into a skid and a spin that sent the vehicle into a telephone pole. We could have slid into oncoming traffic, fortunately, we did not. The vehicle was totaled. While loading the vehicle onto the tow truck, responders noted that the axle was sheared at the back due to the rear differential locking up unexpectedly. There was a noise, like a whistle or a whine for a few minutes leading up the incident, but not anything that I would associate with this kind or failure, no grinding, roughness, or clunking.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-04-02
- VIN: 1D7HU18D03S
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: 2003 RAM 1500: CONCERNS ABOUT CRACKED DASHBOARD BECOMING PROJECTILES
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-01-29
- VIN: 1D7HU18D93J
- Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: FUEL TANK STRAP IS ROTTED AND TANK IS FALLING OUT
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2013-11-01
- VIN: 1D7HA18D13S
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE
- Summary: DASH IS CRACKED AND PIECES ARE FLYING EVERYWHERE WHEN THE AC IS TURNED ON. VERY UNSAFE.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-10-06
- VIN: 1D7HA18N03J
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: DIFFERENTIAL GRINDING NOISE WHEN DRIVING DOWN THE STREET WHEN GRINDING NOISE STARTED
AIR BAGS,STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-08-01
- Number Of Injuries: 3
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1D7HA16K03J
- Components: AIR BAGS,STRUCTURE
- Summary: ON AUGUST 1 2020, MY 2 ADULT CHILDREN AND ANOTHER PASSENGER WAS IN A CRASH AND MY TRUCK FLIPPED SEVERAL TIMES FROM FRONT TO BACK AND ALL PASSENGERS WERE BADLY INJURED AND NOT ONE OF THE AIR BAGS WERE DEPLOYED. THE TRUCK WAS HIT FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE CAUSING THE TRUCK TO AIR LIFT AND FLIP.
POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-08-11
- VIN: 1D7HU18D13S
- Components: POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: I WAS DOING 65 ON FREEWAY WHEN WHEN MY DRIVELINE AND PINION BOLT CAME OFF REAR END IN 1 PIECE AND THE REAR TIRES LOCKED UP AND I SLID TO A STOP
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-06-12
- VIN: 1D7HU18D13S
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: TRUCK BODY RUSTED THROUGH AROUND REAR WHEEL WELLS STARTING IN 2005. RUSTED COMPLETELY THROUGH IN 2007 (DEALER WOULDN'T REPAIR UNDER 7-YEAR RUST-THROUGH WARRANTY, AND APPEARED MUCH THE SAME AS IN RECENT PHOTO. IN 2019 THE FRAME ON BOTH SIDES IN THE REAR WERE NOTED TO BE RUSTED ALL THE THROUGH AND REINFORCING PATCHES NEEDED TO BE WELDED ON AS SEEN IN PHOTO. *TR
STEERING,SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-02-11
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1D7HU18D63S
- Components: STEERING,SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN
- Summary: THE STEERING IS VERY LOOSE, WHEN GOING OVER A BUMP THE VEHICLE IS PULLED INTO ANOTHER DIRECTION AND YOU TEMPORARILY LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE 4X4 WAS NOT OPERATING PROPERLY, SO THE TRANSFER CASE WAS REPLACED. UPON REPLACING TRANSFER CASE THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL LOCKED UP AND THE REAR WHEELS WON'T MOVE. THIS SEEMS TO BE A VERY COMMON ISSUE WITH THIS VEHICLE. ALL OF THESE ISSUES ARE COMMON AMONG DODGE RAM 1500S OF THIS YEAR( 2003) THESE ISSUES SHOULD BE RECALLED!
AIR BAGS,STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-11-01
- VIN: 1D7HA18D43J
- Components: AIR BAGS,STRUCTURE
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE RAM 1500. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V312000 (AIR BAGS). THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO LOCAL DEALER HAYES CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM OF GAINESVILLE LOCATED AT 3115 FRONTAGE RD, GAINESVILLE, GA 30504, WHERE SHE WAS INFORMED THAT THE DASHBOARD NEEDED TO BE REPLACED BEFORE THE RECALL REPAIR COULD COMPLETED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN INFORMED OF FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
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2003 Dodge Ram 1500 Van Problems and Complaints - 10 Issues
Problem with your 2003 Dodge Ram 1500 Van? Our list of 10 known complaints reported by owners can help you fix your 2003 Dodge Ram 1500 Van.
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