2003 DODGE RAM 2500

866 complaints filed with NHTSA.

866
Complaints
44
Crashes
3
Fires
37
Injuries
4
Deaths

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
STEERING141
AIR BAGS135
STRUCTURE99
SUSPENSION75
STRUCTURE:BODY39
UNKNOWN OR OTHER35
SUSPENSION:FRONT27
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM25
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION22
VISIBILITY18
POWER TRAIN16
VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM12
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:UPPER BALL JOINT12
STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY9
EXTERIOR LIGHTING9

Recalls (9)

15V31200027/05/2015

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

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

07E10400011/12/2007

VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR

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 FEDER

13V52800006/11/2013

STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY

Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2003-2008 Dodge RAM 2500 4x4 and 3500 4x4, model year 2007-2008 Dodge RAM 3500 4x2 Cab Chassis and model year 2006-2008 Dodge RAM 1500 Mega Cab 4x4 trucks manufactured February 12, 2002, through February 13, 2008. The left tie rod assemb

05V46200006/10/2005

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:COLUMN SHIFT

ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH DIESEL ENGINES AND AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS, IN AN ATTEMPT TO EXIT THE VEHICLE QUICKLY WITHOUT SHUTTING OFF THE ENGINE AND REMOVING THE KEY, THE DRIVER MAY INADVERTENTLY LEAVE THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SHIFT CONTROL IN INDICATED REVERSE.

11V35000006/07/2011

STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY

CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008-2011 DODGE RAM 2500/3500 4X4, MANUFACTURED FROM FEBRUARY 14, 2008, THROUGH MARCH 28, 2011; MODEL YEAR 2008-2011 DODGE RAM 3500 CAB CHASSIS 4X2, MANUFACTURED FROM FEBRUARY 14, 2008, THROUGH MARCH 28, 2011; AND MODEL YEAR 2008 DODGE RAM 1500 MEGA CAB 4X4,

03V21200005/06/2003

WHEELS:HUBCAP/COVER

CERTAIN HEAVY DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS, THE ALUMINUM WHEELS MAY HAVE EXCESSIVE POROSITY IN THE CENTER HUB AREA WHICH CAN CAUSE A WHEEL TO CRACK.

03V03300005/02/2003

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS, EQUIPPED WITH CUMMINS DIESEL ENGINES AND MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS, MAY EXPERIENCE AN ELEVATED IDLE SPEED AFTER EXTENDED CRUISE CONTROL USE.

10E01300003/05/2010

STEERING:GEAR BOX:SHAFT PITMAN

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 CON

07E00900001/02/2007

SUSPENSION

CERTAIN LKI ENTERPRISES, INC., BRAND NAME SUPERLIFT SUSPENSION, PITMAN ARMS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR 2003-2007 DODGE RAM 2500 AND 3500 4X4 LIGHT TRUCKS. DUE TO INADEQUATE HEAT TREATMENT DURING PRODUCTION, THE AFFECTED PITMAN ARMS MAY DEVELOP CRACKS IN THE UPPER SPLINED ATTACHMENT ATTACHMEN

Recent Complaints

20200729CrashAIR BAGS

VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A COLLISION GOING 50 MPH ON A HIGHWAY AND ANOTHER VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP AT A STOP SIGN AT A CROSS ROAD AND WE STRUCK THEM WITH THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE ON THEIR PASSENGER DOOR. AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY CAUSING 2 OF THE PASSENGERS IN THE VEHICLE TO HIT THEIR HEAD/FACE ON THE DASH AND WINDSHIELD.*DT*JB

Mileage: 195,000

20190808CrashSTEERING

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE RAM 2500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HIS DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING AT 3 MPH, THE TIE ROD DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE AND THE STEERING WHEEL WAS LOOSE. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE CURB. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THERE WERE NO REPORTED INJURIES AND NO POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO PLANET CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM FIAT OF FLAGSTAFF (5190 N TEST DR, FLAGSTAFF, AZ 86004 (928) 433-6787) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TIE ROD KIT NEEDED

Mileage: 199,600

20190808CrashSTEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE RAM 2500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HIS DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING AT 3 MPH, THE TIE ROD DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE AND THE STEERING WHEEL WAS LOOSE. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE CURB. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THERE WERE NO REPORTED INJURIES AND NO POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO PLANET CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM FIAT OF FLAGSTAFF (5190 N TEST DR, FLAGSTAFF, AZ 86004 (928) 433-6787) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TIE ROD KIT NEEDED

Mileage: 199,600

20190516CrashAIR BAGS

I WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT ON MAY 3RD 2019 WHERE I STRUCK A VEHICLE THAT HAD JUST ENTERED THE TWO LANE HIGHWAY FROM THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD AND CROSSED IN FRONT OF ME. I HIT HER AT 45 MPH RESULTING IN HEAVY FROM END DAMAGE WHICH I'M STILL WAITING ON THE INSURANCE COMPANY TO DECIDE IF IT WILL BE REPAIRED OR TOTALED OUT. I'M FEARING IT'S TOTALED. ANYWAY I'M CONTACTING YOU BECAUSE MY AIRBAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY. I'M IN NO MANNER AN AUTOMOTIVE ENGINEER SO I CAN'T EXPLAIN WHY THY DIDN'T DEPLOY I'M JUST

Mileage: 175,000

20190516CrashUNKNOWN OR OTHER

I WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT ON MAY 3RD 2019 WHERE I STRUCK A VEHICLE THAT HAD JUST ENTERED THE TWO LANE HIGHWAY FROM THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD AND CROSSED IN FRONT OF ME. I HIT HER AT 45 MPH RESULTING IN HEAVY FROM END DAMAGE WHICH I'M STILL WAITING ON THE INSURANCE COMPANY TO DECIDE IF IT WILL BE REPAIRED OR TOTALED OUT. I'M FEARING IT'S TOTALED. ANYWAY I'M CONTACTING YOU BECAUSE MY AIRBAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY. I'M IN NO MANNER AN AUTOMOTIVE ENGINEER SO I CAN'T EXPLAIN WHY THY DIDN'T DEPLOY I'M JUST

Mileage: 175,000

20180108CrashFatalLATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH

TAKATA ?- ON 7/15/2017 MY SON WAS INVOLVED IN A SINGLE VEHICLE ACCIDENT AS HE DROVE HOME ON THE FREEWAY. LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE RESULTING IN THE VEHICLE SPINNING AND IMPACTING A GUARD RAIL POST , EJECTING HIM FROM THE VEHICLE ON TO THE FREEWAY WHERE HE DIED. UPON EXAMINATION OF VEHICLE NO AIRBAGS IN THE CABIN DEPLOYED. *BF * *TR

Mileage: 130,000

20180108CrashFatalAIR BAGS

TAKATA ?- ON 7/15/2017 MY SON WAS INVOLVED IN A SINGLE VEHICLE ACCIDENT AS HE DROVE HOME ON THE FREEWAY. LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE RESULTING IN THE VEHICLE SPINNING AND IMPACTING A GUARD RAIL POST , EJECTING HIM FROM THE VEHICLE ON TO THE FREEWAY WHERE HE DIED. UPON EXAMINATION OF VEHICLE NO AIRBAGS IN THE CABIN DEPLOYED. *BF * *TR

Mileage: 130,000

20180108CrashFatalSTRUCTURE:BODY

TAKATA ?- ON 7/15/2017 MY SON WAS INVOLVED IN A SINGLE VEHICLE ACCIDENT AS HE DROVE HOME ON THE FREEWAY. LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE RESULTING IN THE VEHICLE SPINNING AND IMPACTING A GUARD RAIL POST , EJECTING HIM FROM THE VEHICLE ON TO THE FREEWAY WHERE HE DIED. UPON EXAMINATION OF VEHICLE NO AIRBAGS IN THE CABIN DEPLOYED. *BF * *TR

Mileage: 130,000

20171025STRUCTURE:BODY

DASHBOARD DISINTEGRATED INTO PLASTIC KNIVES THAT FLY OFF AND CAUSE INJURY. ALSO COMPROMISING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE PASSENGER AIRBAG AND OR CREATING ADDITIONAL DEBRIS TO BE THROWN AT THE OCCUPANTS DURING A CRASH.

Mileage: 150,000

20170512CrashSERVICE BRAKES

SUDDEN LOSS OF BRAKING WHILE APPROACHING INTERSECTION; THE BRAKE PEDAL JUST WENT TO THE FLOOR WHEN APPLYING APPROXIMATELY TWO HUNDRED FEET BEFORE INTERSECTION; APPLIED EMERGENCY BRAKE TO EFFECTIVELY STOP;SPEED WAS BELOW 30 MPH WHEN APPROACHING INTERSECTION AND BRAKE LOSS OCCURRED; TRUCK HAS ALSO HAD FOUR "DEATH WOBBLE" EXPERIENCES EVEN WITH PITTMAN ARM AND ASSOCIATED PARTS REPLACEMENT; TWO EXPERIENCES OF SUDDEN ACCELERATION (POSSIBLE JAMMED OPEN THROTTLE) OF THE TURBO, LEADING TO LOSS OF CONTROL

Mileage: 140,000

20170512CrashELECTRICAL SYSTEM

SUDDEN LOSS OF BRAKING WHILE APPROACHING INTERSECTION; THE BRAKE PEDAL JUST WENT TO THE FLOOR WHEN APPLYING APPROXIMATELY TWO HUNDRED FEET BEFORE INTERSECTION; APPLIED EMERGENCY BRAKE TO EFFECTIVELY STOP;SPEED WAS BELOW 30 MPH WHEN APPROACHING INTERSECTION AND BRAKE LOSS OCCURRED; TRUCK HAS ALSO HAD FOUR "DEATH WOBBLE" EXPERIENCES EVEN WITH PITTMAN ARM AND ASSOCIATED PARTS REPLACEMENT; TWO EXPERIENCES OF SUDDEN ACCELERATION (POSSIBLE JAMMED OPEN THROTTLE) OF THE TURBO, LEADING TO LOSS OF CONTROL

Mileage: 140,000

20170512CrashVEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

SUDDEN LOSS OF BRAKING WHILE APPROACHING INTERSECTION; THE BRAKE PEDAL JUST WENT TO THE FLOOR WHEN APPLYING APPROXIMATELY TWO HUNDRED FEET BEFORE INTERSECTION; APPLIED EMERGENCY BRAKE TO EFFECTIVELY STOP;SPEED WAS BELOW 30 MPH WHEN APPROACHING INTERSECTION AND BRAKE LOSS OCCURRED; TRUCK HAS ALSO HAD FOUR "DEATH WOBBLE" EXPERIENCES EVEN WITH PITTMAN ARM AND ASSOCIATED PARTS REPLACEMENT; TWO EXPERIENCES OF SUDDEN ACCELERATION (POSSIBLE JAMMED OPEN THROTTLE) OF THE TURBO, LEADING TO LOSS OF CONTROL

Mileage: 140,000

20170507STRUCTURE:BODY

DASHBOARD DISINTEGRATING INTO HUNDREDS OF EXTREMELY POINTED AND SHARP SHARDS OF HEAVY GAUGE PLASTIC SOME OF CONSIDERABLE MASS THAT POSE A SEVERE RISK IN THE EVENT OF A COLLISION. DAILY REMOVE PIECES OF DASH AS THEY BREAK FREE. MANY ARE HEAVY ENOUGH AND POINTED ENOUGH TO SEVERELY INJURE DRIVER OR OCCUPANTS EVEN UNDER SEVERE BRAKING LET ALONE A CRASH WITH AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AT SUPERSONIC SPEEDS. UNDER SEVERE BRAKING THESE SHARDS BREAK FREE AND FLY FORWARD TOWARD THE WINDSHIELD THEN BOUNCE BACK A

Mileage: 150,000

20150804CrashSTEERING

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE RAM 2500. WHILE DRIVING IN SNOW AT APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED AND REQUIRED EXCESSIVE FORCE. THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO GUARD RAILS. THE VEHICLE SUSTAINED FRONT END, PASSENGER, AND REAR END DAMAGE. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. ON ANOTHER OCCASION, WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS SHIFTED INTO PARK WITH THE ENGINE RUNNING, THE GEAR INDEPENDENTLY SHIFTED INTO REVERSE. THE CONTACT PLACED THE VEHICLE I

Mileage: 20

20150804CrashPOWER TRAIN

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE RAM 2500. WHILE DRIVING IN SNOW AT APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED AND REQUIRED EXCESSIVE FORCE. THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO GUARD RAILS. THE VEHICLE SUSTAINED FRONT END, PASSENGER, AND REAR END DAMAGE. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. ON ANOTHER OCCASION, WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS SHIFTED INTO PARK WITH THE ENGINE RUNNING, THE GEAR INDEPENDENTLY SHIFTED INTO REVERSE. THE CONTACT PLACED THE VEHICLE I

Mileage: 20

20150303CrashAIR BAGS

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE RAM 2500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A DEER AND THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED AND NO INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT THERE WAS SECOND CRASH WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS T-BONED ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE AND THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY AGAIN. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 14V770000 (AIR

Mileage: 40,000

20150216STRUCTURE

MY TRUCK HAS BEEN BABIED IT'S ENTIRE LIFE AND HAS BEEN GARAGED. I EVEN TINTED THE WINDSHIELD WITH THE UV RATED TING SO IT WOULD HELP WITH THE DASH ISSUES ALSO. EVEN WITH ALL THIS PRECAUTION, THE DASH HAS STILL CRACKED. I NOTICED THE FIRST HAIRLINE CRACK IN SUMMER 2006 AND IT'S BEEN A DOWNHILL SPIRAL EVER SINCE. RECENTLY IT STARTED DROPPING PARTS IN THE VENTS I GUESS. THEN I WOULD HAVE PARTICLES FLYING IN MY EYE WHEN I TURN THE HEATER ON. MY KIDS ALSO HAVE THINGS FLYING IN THEIR EYES. THIS IS A D

Mileage: 36,000

20140715CrashSTEERING

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE RAM 2500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH TO MAKE A RIGHT TURN, THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE WAS SHAKING VIOLENTLY AND THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED CAUSING THE CONTACT TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A TREE. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED MAJOR INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 13V

Mileage: 139,000

20140618CrashPOWER TRAIN

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE RAM 2500. THE CONTACT STATED HIS VEHICLE WAS SERVICED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 05V462000 (POWER TRAIN) BUT THE VEHICLE ROLLED AWAY AFTER HE EXITED IT. THE CONTACT IMMEDIATELY JUMPED OUT OF THE WAY. THE VEHICLE HIT A LIGHT POST. THE LIGHT POST FELL INTO IN A HIGHWAY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A BROKEN WRIST AND HAND AFTER FALLING FROM TRYING TO STOP THE VEHICLE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRE

Mileage: 180,000

20130811CrashSTEERING

AT APPROX. 55-60 MPH, THE TRUCK BEGAN TO SHAKE VERY VIOLENTLY. APPLIED BRAKE, TO ATTEMPT TO GET TRUCK UNDER CONTROL; WE ENDED UP IN THE DITCH. MYSELF AND MY DAUGHTER WERE INJURED. LUCKILY, NEITHER OF US WERE INJURED BAD, JUST BUMPS AND BRUISES. I HAD A MECHANIC LOOK AT THE TRUCK; HE STATED THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH ALL DODGE TRUCKS FROM 2002-2008. THE STEERING GEAR BOX AND FRONT SUSPENSION ARE AT FAULT. I CONTACTED A LOCAL DODGE DEALER. THEY INFORMED ME, "DODGE IS NOT AT FAULT AND THERE ARE NO

Mileage: 130,000