2003 Dodge Ram 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 problems
The 2003 Dodge Ram 1500 has numerous engine problems that frequently cause the check engine light to come on, leading to what owners describe as constantly chasing down minor issues like knocking and stalling.
In addition to engine and dashboard problems, the 2003 Dodge Ram 1500 has reported issues with the drivetrain, transmission, suspension, and electrical systems as the vehicle ages.
The 2003 Dodge Ram 1500 has also experienced a significant safety issue. A faulty Takata airbag in a Dodge Ram 1500 pickup has resulted in one death, and over 84,000 unrepaired Dodge Ram 1500 pickups from this model year are still on the road, posing a risk to drivers and passengers.
For the 2001-2003 Dodge Ram 1500, a recurring problem is cracked dashboards, with the dashboard material being brittle and prone to shattering easily. No recalls have been issued for this problem, leaving drivers to shoulder an estimated $500-$600 repair job to replace the dashboard with a sturdier material.
Another recurring problem for the 2003 Dodge Ram is rust and corrosion in the vehicle body, which can seriously weaken the stability of the vehicle's frame, posing a safety hazard for passengers.
The 2001 Dodge Ram has a problem with its transmission, with drivers reporting that the transmission may fail before it reaches 100,000 miles, despite transmissions typically being expected to last at least 150,000 miles or more. The typical fix is a transmission replacement, which can cost thousands of dollars.
In the 2002 and 2003 models, a common recurring problem is engine failure due to the buildup of oil sludge. This can cause stalling problems over time. You can try to prevent the problem from taking place by regularly flushing out your engine and checking the oil regularly. However, if the problem is already affecting your engine, you may be forced to replace the engine entirely, which can cost thousands of dollars.
The 2003 Dodge Ram 1500 has had numerous engine problems that frequently cause the check engine light to come on, leading to what owners describe as constantly chasing down minor issues like knocking and stalling. The biggest complaint about the 2003 Dodge Ram 1500 is the dashboard cracking easily and at low mileage, becoming more of a "my dashboard is falling off" issue than a mere cosmetic problem. In addition to engine and dashboard problems, the 2003 Dodge Ram 1500 has reported issues with the drivetrain, transmission, suspension, and electrical systems as the vehicle ages. The power-to-MPG ratio is also considered poor compared to other trucks from the same years, with the base 5.7-liter engine struggling to match the performance of competitors.
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.
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 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 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.
How long 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.
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 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Dodge Ram 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
- Hydraulic problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2003 Dodge Ram vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 2003 Dodge Ram
The NHTSA has received 1353 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2003 Dodge Ram. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 2003 Dodge Ram 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.
2003 Dodge Ram recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 7 recalls for different components of the 2003 Dodge Ram.
- Manufacturer: SABERSPORT
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
- Consequence: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
- Remedy: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
- Manufacturer: CHRYSLER LLC
- Components: VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER
- Summary: CHRYSLER IS RECALLING 1,364 WINDSHIELD WIPER MODULES, P/N 55077098AJ, SOLD DURING THE 2008 AND 2009 CALENDAR YEAR FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT ON MY 2002-2009 DODGE RAM PICKUP TRUCKS. THESE WIPER MODULE ASSEMBLIES MAY BE SUSCEPTIBLE TO WATER INTRUSION THAT COULD RESULT IN PARTIAL OR COMPLETE LOSS OF WINDSHIELD WIPER CAPABILITY.
- Consequence: WHEN THE WIPER SYSTEM FAILS, THE OPERATOR WILL HAVE REDUCED VISIBILITY WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE WIPER MODULE ASSEMBLIES WITH VENTED WIPER MOTOR HOUSINGS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
- Manufacturer: CHRYSLER LLC
- Components: STEERING:LINKAGES
- Summary: CHRYSLER IS RECALLING 18,000 AFTERMARKET STEERING LINKAGES USED FOR SERVICE ON SOME MY 2003 THROUGH 2008 DODGE RAM HEAVY DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS. THE SUBJECT LINKAGES MAY EXPERIENCE DRAG LINK INNER TIE ROD TO PITMAN ARM BALL STUD FRACTURE, ALSO, THE STEERING LINKAGE DAMPER ATTACHING BRACKET MAY YEILD AND SHIFT ON THE LINKAGE. THE PART NUMBERS OF THE AFFECTED ASSEMBLIES IS 52122362AA THROUGH 52122362AD.
- Consequence: THIS COULD RESULT IN A LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL AND THE RESTRICTED ABILITY TO TURN THE VEHICLE IN ONE DIRECTION INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE STEERING LINKAGE DRAG LINK INNER TIE ROD END ASSEMBLY, AND INSPECT THE STEERING LINKAGE DAMPER BRACKET FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 6, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
- Manufacturer: CEQUENT ELECTRICAL PRODUCTS
- Components: EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL
- Summary: CERTAIN CEQUENT 90 DEGREE 7-WAY RIGHT ANGLE ADAPTORS SOLD BY DISTRIBUTORS IN TOW PACKAGES FOR AFTERMARKET SALES TO TOW 5TH WHEEL RV TRAVEL TRAILERS. DUE TO INCORRECT WIRING OF THE HARNESS, THE TRAILER LIGHTS MAY NOT OPERATE PROPERLY.
- Consequence: IF THE TRAILER LIGHTS ARE NOT WORKING PROPERLY, A VEHICLE CRASH CAN OCCUR.
- Remedy: ALL OF THE DEFECTIVE TOW PACKAGES ARE STILL AT THE DISTRIBUTOR LEVEL AND HAVE NOT BEEN SOLD TO ANY CONSUMERS.
- Manufacturer: CK MOTORSPORT, INC.
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: CERTAIN CK MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION HEADLIGHTS, CLEAR CORNER, BUMPER, AND SIDE MARKER LIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
- Consequence: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
- Remedy: CK MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE NONCOMPLIANT LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CK MOTORSPORT AT 1-909-610-7211.
- Manufacturer: DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: THIS MAY ALLOW DEVELOPMENT OF A SHORT CIRCUIT IN THE CONNECTOR, WHICH COULD EVENTUALLY LEAD TO A FIRE.
- 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.
- Manufacturer: DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS, EQUIPPED WITH CUMMINS DIESEL ENGINES AND MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS, MAY EXPERIENCE AN ELEVATED IDLE SPEED AFTER EXTENDED CRUISE CONTROL USE.
- Consequence: THIS CAN RESULT IN UNINTENDED ACCELERATION AND A REDUCTION IN BRAKING EFFECTIVENESS, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
- 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 THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2003 Dodge Ram problems:
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