2003 Dodge RAM
This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than 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 |
|---|---|
| 1981 | 2 |
| 1983 | 1 |
| 1984 | 2 |
| 1985 | 10 |
| 1986 | 18 |
| 1987 | 18 |
| 1988 | 22 |
| 1989 | 28 |
| 1990 | 23 |
| 1991 | 51 |
| 1992 | 58 |
| 1993 | 54 |
| 1994 | 469 |
| 1995 | 611 |
| 1996 | 625 |
| 1997 | 398 |
| 1998 | 483 |
| 1999 | 366 |
| 2000 | 147 |
| 2001 | 318 |
| 2002 | 116 |
| 2003 | 53 |
| 2004 | 58 |
| 2005 | 40 |
| 2006 | 25 |
| 2007 | 17 |
| 2008 | 25 |
| 2009 | 9 |
| 2010 | 27 |
| 2011 | 0 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
9% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 5 distinct reports on file.
8% of complaints: structure — 4 distinct reports on file.
INJURY8% of complaints: electrical system — 4 distinct reports on file.
FIRE6% of complaints: visibility — 3 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
THE VENTILATION SYSTEM FAILED AS IS COMMON WITH THESE VEHICLES. DUE TO WEAL PARTS, THE, "DOORS" THAT CONTROL AIR FLOW THROUGH THE VENTILATION DUCTS BROKE. I HAVE SLOWLY REPLACE EACH OF THE FOUR DOORS AS THEY FAILED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120827
6% of complaints: service brakes, hydraulic — 3 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS, EQUIPPED WITH CUMMINS DIESEL ENGINES AND MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS, MAY EXPERIENCE AN ELEVATED IDLE SPEED AFTER EXTENDED CRUISE CONTROL USE.
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
Campaign 03V033000 — check if this car was fixed
FALSE PARK
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 IN
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 DAIMLERCHRYSLE
Campaign 04V185000 — check if this car was fixed
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 N
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.
Campaign 06E049000 — check if this car was fixed
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 TRAILE
Remedy: ALL OF THE DEFECTIVE TOW PACKAGES ARE STILL AT THE DISTRIBUTOR LEVEL AND HAVE NOT BEEN SOLD TO ANY CONSUMERS.
Campaign 07E066000 — check if this car was fixed
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 CONF
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.
Campaign 09E012000 — check if this car was fixed
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 RO
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 C
Campaign 09E001000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
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.
Campaign 09E009000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2003 Dodge RAM — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (5 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for structure issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 03V033000 (vehicle speed control) has been completed.
- Verify recall 04V185000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
- Verify recall 06E049000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 07E066000 (equipment) has been completed.
- Verify recall 09E012000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 09E001000 (steering) has been completed.
- Verify recall 09E009000 (visibility) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2003 Dodge RAM reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2003 Dodge RAM is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2003 Dodge RAM?
The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 9% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2003 Dodge RAM have?
7 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.