2003 Dodge 1500 Problems

The contact owns a 2003 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that the vehicle was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V312000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be repaired; however, the contact was informed that the part to do the recall repair was on back order. The contact stated that the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles(DMV) had placed a hold on the registration of the vehicle, preventing the contact from being able to operate the vehicle on public roadways. The contact stated that the manufacturer had failed to provide the remedy within a reasonable amount of time. The contact had not experienced a failure.

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.

Rear fenders are rusted such that wiring harness falls off from underside if fenders and rubs on tires. Middle of frame rusted through on right and left side and dealer's floor lift went about half-way through both sides when the technician. tried to raise truck to check wiring under truck. The lift only crunched about halfway through near the middle of the frame. That was the point when the technician noticed the truck was lifting unevenly and making a crunching sound when he started trying to lift it. He left the truck as it was - with two wheels on the floor and two wheels about an inch off the floor He hollered for th shop supervisor to look at, who came and got me in the waiting room to show me what happened. The dealership could not repair the frame, but said there was a welding shop a couple of miles away down a back road in Zachow, WI where I could safely drive to if I went really slow. I don't know when the frame started rusting or the date the dealer's hydraulic lift broke through the frame. The truck's rear fenders were starting to significantly rust when it was about 3-4 years old. It was purchased new. I don't know how badly the frame had rusted at that time. I'm fairly certain the truck had less that 100,000 miles on it when the dealer found that the frame was rusted through. It's 22 years old now and was bought new in 2003. It has 147,000 miles on it today. Assuming that the miles/year were roughly the same at 6,682, and the tail lights started acting "funny" (the reason we brought the truck to the dealership),happened the year after we bought our new 2013 Lund boat (2014), that would put the mileage on the truck at 73,502. This type of dangerous deterioration should not happen with a low-mileage vehicle like ours.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

BRAKE LINE RUNNING FRONT TO BACK RUSTED OUT AND CORRODED BEHIND FUEL TANK STOPPED QUICKLY FROM CAR PULLING OUT AND IT RUPTURED ALSO FUEL LINES GOING FROM MASTER CYLINDER CORRODED AND LEAKING

2003 DODGE RAM 1500. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO LIGHT SWITCH STILL NOT WORKING AFTER REPAIRS. *SMD THE BRAKES AND ROTORS WERE REPLACED. ALSO, THE LEFT FRONT AXLE SEAL WAS STARTING TO LEAK. *JB

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.

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.

The contact owns a 2003 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that while the vehicle was being driven by a friend at 45 MPH, the rear axle detached. The driver was stranded by the roadside. The vehicle was towed to the driver's residence. There were no warning lights illuminated. An unknown local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 300,000.

The contact owns a 2003 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that the steering wheel and the front wheels were uncontrollable. While driving from Georgia to Memphis, there was an unknown object loose by the wheel. The ball joint suspension was replaced by an independent mechanic. The low tire pressure warning light was illuminated. The contact was unable to control the vehicle and had the vehicle towed to an unstated location. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 180,000.

The contact owns a 2003 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that the steering wheel and the front wheels were uncontrollable. While driving from Georgia to Memphis, there was an unknown object loose by the wheel. The ball joint suspension was replaced by an independent mechanic. The low tire pressure warning light was illuminated. The contact was unable to control the vehicle and had the vehicle towed to an unstated location. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 180,000.

Frame damage where steering box separates

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE RAM 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT CRACKS WERE PRESENT ON THE DASHBOARD. ALSO, WHILE OPERATING THE AIR BLOWER, DEBRIS BLEW INTO THE CABIN AND DISTRACTED THE DRIVER. FURMAN DODGE (24252 STATE RD 54, LUTZ, FL) AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE, BUT NO ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 66,000.

DRIVER SIDE HEAT NOT WORKING OR DEFROST

MY DAUGHTER GOT ABOUT 300 FEET FROM THE HOUSE AND SAID THE "BRAKES FELT FUNNY" SO SHE DECIDED TO TURN AROUND AT THE CORNER. WELL, SHE SIMPLY TURNED THE STEERING WHEEL AND THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT WHEEL BROKE CLEAN OFF AT THE HUB. I THANK GOD SHE WAS GOING LESS THAN 5MPH. HER ROUTE THAT DAY WOULD HAVE PUT HER ON THE HIGHWAY AND IF THIS HAD HAPPENED THEN......I CAN'T EVEN THINK ABOUT IT. THE REPAIR SHOP TOOK PICTURES AND SAID THEY'D PROVIDE WHATEVER INFO I NEEDED. WELL, WHAT WAS NEEDED FOR CHRYSLER TO RECALL THIS A LONG TIME AGO. I UNDERSTAND THE TRUCK HAS SOME MILES ON IT BUT I WAS SHOCKED TO GO ONLINE AND SEE HOW MANY PEOPLE HAVE EXPERIENCED THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM. IF ANYBODY HAS ONE OF THESE VEHICLES, THEY SHOULD IMMEDIATELY HAVE THE HUBS CHECKED....ESPECIALLY ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AS THAT SEEMS TO BE THE MAIN ISSUE FROM WHAT I'VE READ.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE RAM 1500. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE VEHICLE SHOOK ABNORMALLY AND A GRINDING NOISE WAS HEARD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WHEEL HUBS BECAME DETACHED WHILE DRIVING AT A LOW SPEED. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR GLASS SHATTERED AFTER BEING INVOLVED IN A MINOR REAR END COLLISION. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE VIN WAS INVALID. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 145,000.

2003 DODGE RAM 1500. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO PASSENGER AIRBAG RECALL REPLACEMENT PARTS STILL ON BACK ORDER. VEHICLE HAS MULTIPLE RECALLS THAT RELATES TO STEERING, LIGHTING, VISIBILITY, ELECTRICAL, ENGINE ISSUES AND REQUESTS LOANER VEHICLE. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE ADDITIONAL RECALLS, WOULD PROBABLY EXPLAIN, WHY HE HAD TO REPLACE THE THERMOSTAT, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL AND THE RADIATOR THREE TIMES. *JB

VEHICLE CUTS OFF WHILE DRIVING CAN ON HIGHWAY OR WHILE TURNING, MANY OTHERS HAS SAME COMPLAINT ONLINE. VERY DANGEROUS NO VEHICLE ON THE HIGHWAY SHOULD HAVE THIS PROBLEM.

TL* THE CONTACT STATED 2003 DODGE RAM 1500. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE MADE A LOUD THUMPING SOUND AND IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE CLUTCH ASSEMBLY AND TRANSMISSION WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 33,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 36,000.

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE RAM 1500. THE CONSUMER STATED FROM TIME TO TIME, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT ENGAGE IN REVERSE FOR 10-15 SECONDS. THE DEALER REPLACED THE TRANSMISSION OIL SUMP, COOLER BYPASS AND TORQUE CONVERTER. SINCE THEN, HE HAS HAD TO RETURN TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. THE DEALER THEN STATED THEY COULD NOT FIND A PROBLEM WITH THE TRANSMISSION. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 59,000. UPDATED 2/22/10 *CN UPDATED 06/25/10.*JB

The contact owns a 2003 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that the steering wheel and the front wheels were uncontrollable. While driving from Georgia to Memphis, there was an unknown object loose by the wheel. The ball joint suspension was replaced by an independent mechanic. The low tire pressure warning light was illuminated. The contact was unable to control the vehicle and had the vehicle towed to an unstated location. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 180,000.

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.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE RAM 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DASHBOARD WAS CRACKED, AND THE INTERIOR LIGHTING IN THE CABIN AND EXTERIOR CARGO AREA LIGHTING BECAME INOPERABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 109,000.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE RAM 1500. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, BLACK SMOKE EMITTED FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE WITHOUT WARNING. IN ADDITION, WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, AN ABNORMAL SOUND EMITTED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE BRAKES, CALIPERS, AND ROTORS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE HUB BEARING, WHEEL HUB, AXLE SHAFT ASSEMBLY, AND DRIVESHAFT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. LASTLY, THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE HEADLIGHT FAILED TO OPERATE. THE HEAD LAMP WAS REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 201,281. UPDATED 06/29/16*LJ *TR

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

FUEL TANK STRAP IS ROTTED AND TANK IS FALLING OUT

RECALL ON AIRBAG REPLACED 9/2017. NOW PASSENGER SEATBELT ORC MODULE BAD AND NOT AVAILABLE FROM MANUFACTURER OR SAFETY RECALL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE RAM 1500. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE CONTACT CRASHED THE VEHICLE INTO A TRACTOR TRAILER. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE SHOULDER SEAT BELT WEBBING FAILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A CHEST INJURY THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 112,000.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE RAM 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DASHBOARD WAS CRACKED, AND THE INTERIOR LIGHTING IN THE CABIN AND EXTERIOR CARGO AREA LIGHTING BECAME INOPERABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 109,000.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE RAM 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DASHBOARD CRACKS AND BRAKES OFF IN CHUNKS WHEN DRIVING OVER A POT HOLES. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE TREMBLING BRAKES THE DASHBOARD. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 165,000.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE RAM 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT WINDSHIELD DEFROSTER FAILED TO OPERATE WHENEVER ACTIVATED. THE HEATER AND AIR CONDITIONER SYSTEM WOULD NOT CIRCULATE THE AIR FLOW PROPERLY THROUGH THE ENTIRE AIR VENTS WHENEVER ACTIVATED. ALSO, THE HEAT AND AIR CONDITIONER WOULD NOT BLOW THE CORRECT DESIRED TEMPERATURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO INFORMED THAT THE ACTUATOR MOTORS, HEATER CORE AND FLAP DOOR ACTUATOR WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 15,000.

MY 2003 DODGE RAM 1500 WAS IN THE SHOP FOR AN A/C REPAIR WHEN THEY HAD TO REMOVE THE DASH BOARD. ABOUT 3 MONTHS LATER A SMALL CRACK APPEARED, FOLLOWED BY MANY MORE LARGER CRACKS. IN 2 DIFFERENT PARTS OF MY DASH BOARD. THE DASH BOARD CONTINUES TO SPIDER CRACK 9 MONTHS LATER. THE DEALER LOOKED AT IT EARLY ON AND NEVER CONTACTED ME BACK SAYING IT IS A PROBLEM W/ THESE TRUCKS. NOTHING THEY WILL DO ABOUT IT. TREATED ME AS IF IT WAS MY FAULT. BLAMED EVERYTHING FROM THE ELEMENTS, THE DESIGN, ME AND DIDN'T CARE TO HELP. MY TRUCK HAS BEEN BABIED AND HAS LESS THAN 60K MILES. THIS IS A DEFECTIVE DASHBOARD/PLASTIC AND NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED. WHAT'S TO HAPPEN IF I AM IN AN ACCIDENT WITH AIRBAGS, THIS IS MY FAMILY VEHICLE...WILL THIS BECOME SHRAPNEL? AS I READ OTHER COMPLAINTS THIS HAS BEEN AN ON GOING ISSUE. WHY HASN'T THIS BEEN ADDRESSED, MY TRUCK HAS NEVER BE IN AN ACCIDENT! NO REASON FOR THIS TO HAPPEN. BAD ENOUGH THAT THE A/C FAILED AT 51,000 MILES AT A HUGE COST BUT TO END UP WITH A BROKEN DASH IS WRONG! *TR