2003 Dodge RAM 1500
This year had more than double the complaints of this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1991 | 7 |
| 1992 | 0 |
| 1993 | 6 |
| 1994 | 116 |
| 1995 | 213 |
| 1996 | 298 |
| 1997 | 361 |
| 1998 | 520 |
| 1999 | 610 |
| 2000 | 513 |
| 2001 | 1112 |
| 2002 | 815 |
| 2003 | 1169 |
| 2004 | 1094 |
| 2005 | 1165 |
| 2006 | 792 |
| 2007 | 517 |
| 2008 | 553 |
| 2009 | 670 |
| 2010 | 485 |
| 2011 | 687 |
| 2012 | 694 |
| 2014 | 1 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
38% of complaints: air bags — 445 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURY DEATHShow complaint excerpts
THE 2003 DODGE RAM WAS STRUCK ON THE FRONT RIGHT SIDE NEAR THE FRONT TIRE BY ANOTHER VEHICLE TRAVELING AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED. THE RAM WAS SPUN AROUND AND STRUCK THE OTHER VEHICLE AGAIN ON THE BACK RIGHT SIDE ON THE TRUCK BED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20130411
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE RAM 1500. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 55 MPH WHEN HE CRASHED INTO A SEMI-AUTOMATIC TRUCK. NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED AND THE CONTACT SUSTAINED CHEST INJURIES AS A RESULT OF IMPACTING THE STEERING WHEEL.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120322
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20231020
14% of complaints: structure — 158 distinct reports on file.
INJURY6% of complaints: structure — 72 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURY5% of complaints: power train — 62 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURY4% of complaints: electrical system — 47 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
BLOWER MOTOR WIRING HARNESS FAILED. IT BURNS UP IN STEERING COLUMN. IT IN TURN CAUSES BLOWER MOTOR TO NOT WORK . WHEN YOU ARE DRIVING WINDSHIELD FOGS UP YOU CAN NOT GET DEFROST TO COME ON. HTTP://DODGERAM.INFO/TSB/RECALLS/C11.HTM
NHTSA ODI report, 20181117
SAFETY TIMELINE
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 PERFORMAN
Remedy: K&N WILL PROVIDE OWNERS WITH A FREE REPAIR KIT ALONG WITH REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 20, 2006.
Campaign 06E024000 — check if this car was fixed
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
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 REIM
Campaign 07E104000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
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 FABTEC
Campaign 10E013000 — check if this car was fixed
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 RA
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
Campaign 10E040000 — check if this car was fixed
Air Bag Inflator Rupture
Air Bag Inflator Rupture
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...
Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy is completed.
Campaign 15V312000 — check if this car was fixed
Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2003 Dodge RAM 1500 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (445 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for structure issues (158 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for structure issues (72 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 06E024000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
- Verify recall 07E104000 (visibility) has been completed.
- Verify recall 10E013000 (steering) has been completed.
- Verify recall 10E040000 (wheels) has been completed.
- Verify recall 15V312000 (air bags) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2003 Dodge RAM 1500 reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2003 Dodge RAM 1500 is rated "significantly worse".
What are the most common problems with the 2003 Dodge RAM 1500?
The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 38% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2003 Dodge RAM 1500 have?
5 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.