2003 Dodge Ram 2500 Owner Complaints

DEFROST DOESNT WORK DUE TO DOOR BEAKING IN HOUSING, ALLOWS ICEING IN FREEZING CONDITIONS AS CANNOT DEFROST WINDSHIELD. WELL KNOW PROBLEM WITH THESE YEAR MODEL DODGE TRUCKS

NHTSA ID

11672188

Incident

Jan 21, 2024

travelstar ecopath a/t size LT265/70R17 a large bubble developed on sidewall. about 3 inches in diameter. tire only had about 5000 miles on it. i was on a trip with my truck camper mounted on bed of truck. returned from trip and noticed the bulge. truck is single rear axle with one tire on each side. travel speed was 55 to 60 mph. if tire had blown out truck and camper would have flipped over. i called manufacturer of tire, was told to contact walmart where i purchased tire. contacted walmart, was told to contact manufacturer. classic runaround.

NHTSA ID

11570220

Incident

Jun 1, 2023

The contact owns a 2003 Dodge Ram 2500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 09E001000 (Steering), 13V528000 (Steering) and 15V312000 (Air Bags) however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ID

11532783

Incident

Jul 14, 2023

After driving in heavy rain. During the following day started having electrical issues the parking lights would stay on even when the switch was turned off the driver's side headlight would also come on. and the parking lights would either turn off or flash when the high beams were turned on this happened with front and back parking lights the only way to fully get them to stay off was to pull the relay or disconnect the battery. The problem is with the power distribution center and front control module the poor design allows them to corrode damaging the copper tracing and causing shorts in the system this is a common problem as there are several online forums dedicated to these problems with a lot of people having the same issues so I'm not sure why there hasn't been a recall for this since it is a major safety problem when it affects lights, windshield wipers and several other things that could cause accidents. my brother's truck is also having sign's of the pdc and fcm being bad. and at over $1000 to replace both for a manufacturing defect it's not right that dodge customer's should have to pay that bill. I'll be attaching a picture of another board but the damage is the same and in the same spot

NHTSA ID

11516199

Incident

Apr 4, 2023

We have a 2003 Dodge Ram 2500 Diesel crew cab pickup that occasionally after hitting a bump or on rough roads the steering mechanism or suspension develops an uncontrollable harmonic vibration with one or the other front wheels bouncing. The only way to stop the vibration is to come to a complete stop. In heavy traffic it could be a serious safety issue. The condition is well known to Chrysler and is commonly called a "Death Wobble". The first incidence on our vehicle was around ten years ago, but newer pickups are reported to have the condition. By replacing just the shock absorbers then it seemed to have helped, but that fix may have been fortuitous. The Dodge service center at that time did know of or maybe did not admit to the issue. Recently we have had the return of a couple episodes of the Death Wobble. The internet has many aftermarket brackets available for the Death Wobble, so, I assume, the condition is well known. Chrysler now has replacement that I was told are stronger (and maybe of a better design), but any pickup of this model without the upgrade is potentially a very dangerous safety hazard. I assume there should have been a recall for this problem, but, from your website, there are no recalls listed for this vehicle. As a side note, the Jeep SUVs have also been reported to have a Death Wobble, but I have no information on whether the wobble with them is caused by the same defect with the steering or suspension systems.

NHTSA ID

11465151

Incident

May 12, 2012

Because the OE blend doors are defective, my defroster does not work. I have to constantly use a squeegee while driving to remove fog from the inside windshield, which is extremely unsafe. Occasionally the heater will kick in, and even though I live in Florida, it does get quite cold during the winter months.

NHTSA ID

11440076

Incident

Jan 1, 2016

265/70/17- busted belts in 2 tires, liner separation in another. available for inspection removed all 4 due to safety concerns

NHTSA ID

11436625

Incident

Sep 13, 2021

I was driving on I55 this morning and all of a sudden my truck started vibrating really bad, the steering wheel was veering, I had to constantly fight to keep in my lane. And when I touched my brakes it veered. Riding really rough, and has power loss. I took it to the nearest shop and they said my driveshaft was very loose, and that it is affecting everything that I described. The center driveshaft support bearing is also failing.

NHTSA ID

11419423

Incident

Jun 2, 2021

ON A 35MPH STREET, TRUCK SUDDENLY BUCKING AS IF IT WAS GOING TO STALL, AND THE RPM'S WERE ERRATIC. I PUT IT IN N PULLED OVER AND SHUT IT OFF. IT RESTARTED WITH NO ISSUES. I DROVE ABOUT 9 MILES, PULLED INTO MY DRIVEWAY AND WAS COASTING UP IT, WHEN SUDDENLY THE TRUCK ACCELERATED. I DEPRESSED THE BRAKE, NOTHING. I SLAMMED IT IN PARK AND SHUT IT OFF. IT HAPPENED A FEW TIMES WHILE IDLING, OR MOVING AT A SLOW RATE. I WAS STOPPED AT A LIGHT WHEN IT SUDDENLY ACCELERATED INTO A 50MPH, 4 LANE MAIN THOROUGHFARE. I STEPPED ON PARKING BRAKE, TURNED IT OFF AND THANKED GOD THAT I WAS UNHARMED. I STARTED BACK UP, PUT IT IN D, DEPRESSED THE GAS PEDAL (LIGHT TURNED GREEN) AND IT WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. I TOOK MY FOOT OFF THE GAS, THEN IT BUCKED A FEW TIMES AND ACCELERATED ON IT'S OWN. I DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL, BUT IT KEPT REVVING UP AND ACCELERATING. AGAIN, I DEPRESSED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE AND SHUT IT OFF. IT JUST HAPPENED AGAIN AS I WAS COMING UP MY SUBURBAN 35MPH STREET. I GOT TO APPROXIMATELY 20MPH WHEN IT WOULDN'T ACCELERATE FURTHER. I BUCKED AND CHOKED, RPM'S JUMPING UP AND DOWN THE LAST 100 YARDS. I TURNED INTO MY DRIVEWAY AT AN IDLING RATE AND IT TOOK OFF LIKE A SHOT. I PRESSED THE BRAKE AND IT STILL KEPT ACCELERATING. IF I HADN'T TURNED THE WHEEL, I WOULD HAVE DRIVEN THROUGH MY GARAGE. THIS IS NOT AN ISOLATED INCIDENT. I SUFFER FROM IDIOPATHIC CARDIOMYOPATHY AND CKD, THESE INCIDENTS HAVE CAUSED ME TO BE UNABLE TO BREATHE AS MY HEART WAS BEATING SO FAST. THIS MUST BE ADDRESSED IMMEDIATELY!

NHTSA ID

11390758

Incident

Jan 30, 2021

Mileage

135,000 mi

AT 70 MPH THE ENGINE TURNS OFF AS IF A SWITCH WAS FLIPPED. THIS HAS HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMES, ALWAYS ON THE INTERSTATE AND ALWAYS WITH CRUISE CONTROL ON AND ACTIVE. IT OCCURS MORE FREQUENTLY IN THE HOT SUMMER MONTHS (110+ F). THE WARNING LIGHT FOR THE THROTTLE CONTROL CIRCUIT SOMETIMES ILLUMINATES. WHILE STILL MOVING, SELECTING NEUTRAL, TURNING THE IGNITION OFF AND THEN BACK ON ALLOWS THE ENGINE TO RESTART. THIS CAN OCCUR AS FREQUENTLY AS EVERY 60 MILES, BUT THE AVERAGE OCCURRENCE WOULD BE AROUND 150 MILES.

NHTSA ID

11377535

Incident

Jun 17, 2020

Mileage

195,000 mi

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

NHTSA ID

11342161

Incident

Jul 25, 2020

Mileage

195,000 mi

3D7KU26633G8[XXX] REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *CC

NHTSA ID

11338908

Incident

Jul 12, 2020

Mileage

220,000 mi

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 TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT A TIE ROD KIT WAS INSTALLED PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THE ALIGNMENT AND INSTALLATION WOULD BE AT THE OWNERS EXPENSE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 199,600.

NHTSA ID

11242626

Incident

Aug 7, 2019

Mileage

199,600 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE RAM 2500. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 05V462000 (POWER TRAIN). THE CONTACT CALLED MARK DODGE AT 337-474-2640 (LOCATED AT 3777 GERSTNER MEMORIAL BLVD, LAKE CHARLES, LA) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND WAS NOT ABLE TO CONFIRM WHEN THE PARTS WERE TO BECOME AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

NHTSA ID

11232010

Incident

Oct 4, 2005

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 WANTING YOU TO KNOW THEY DIDN'T. THE VEHICLE I HIT WAS DIAGONAL TO ME,

NHTSA ID

11208050

Incident

May 3, 2019

Mileage

175,000 mi

I WAS TRAVELING AT ABOUT 20 MPH, SLOWING DOWN TO MAKE A TURN WHEN I HEARD A LOUD CRACKING SOUND. I PULLED OVER BUT COULD NOT DETERMINE THE SOURCE OF THE SOUND. I DECIDED TO RETURN TO THE HOUSE TO INVESTIGATE FURTHER. ON MY WAY HOME, I STOPPED AT A COFFEE SHOP AND WHEN TRIED TO BACK UP INTO A PARKING SPACE, THE PASSENGER FRONT WHEEL BROKE OFF. IT COMPLETELY FELL OFF!! I AM VERY HAPPY WE WERE MOVING AT ABOUT 1-2 MPH INSTEAD OF THE 40MPH ON THE ROAD. TRUCK WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE I WAS TOLD THAT THE BOTTOM BALL JOINT HAD BROKEN OFF. THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS ISSUE. PEOPLES LIVES ARE AT STAKE HERE. I AM THE ONLY OWNER OF THIS VEHICLE AND HAVE ALL THE REPAIR/ MAINTENANCE RECORDS. THE REPAIR FOR THIS IS OVER $3000.00. WHY HASN'T THE MANUFACTURER RECOGNIZED THIS AS A PROBLEM? *DT *DT CONSUMER PICKED UP THE TRUCK AFTER GETTING IT FIXED ABOUT 7 MILES DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY THE TRUCK BROKE DOWN AGAIN. IT WAS TOWED AND REPAIRED SECOND TIME AROUND.*JB

NHTSA ID

11205100

Incident

Apr 19, 2019

Mileage

162,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE RAM 2500. WHILE DRIVING 75 MPH OVER A POTHOLE, THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE SHOOK VIOLENTLY AND VIBRATED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. JANSSEN DODGE (3101 S. JEFFERS DR, NORTH PLATTE, NE) AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED, BUT NO ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 88,000. *TT *TR

NHTSA ID

11189686

Incident

Mar 17, 2019

Mileage

88,000 mi

I HAVE A 2003 DODGE RAM 2500 THAT THE DASH BOARD IS CRACKING AND FALLING APART FOR KNOW REASON. MY TRUCK IS IN LIKE NEW CONDITION THE DASH STARTED CRACKING AT ABOUT 60,000 THE TRUCK NOW HAS 112,000 MILES ON IT AND THE DASH IS IN PIECES. NHTSA NEEDS TO TAKE THIS MATER SERIOUSLY AND MAKE DODGE TAKE CARE IS THIS PROBLEM AT NO COST TO THE TRUCK OWNER. DODGE KNOWS THERE WAS A DEFECT WITH THE PLASTIC THAT WAS USED IN THE DASH AND NEEDS TO TAKE CARE OF IT OR BE MADE TO FIX IT. THIS IS A DANGER TO ME THE DRIVER AND MY WIFE AND KIDS THAT RIDE IN MY TRUCK.

NHTSA ID

11171087

Incident

Nov 14, 2012

Mileage

60,000 mi

TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER THEY STATED IT NEEDED A AIR BAG CONTROL MODULE WHICH WAS 3 YEARS AGO PART IS STILL ON ORDER AND HAS NOT BEEN INSTALLED

NHTSA ID

11080946

Incident

Mar 22, 2018

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

NHTSA ID

11061233

Incident

Jul 15, 2017

Mileage

130,000 mi

THE DASH BOARD ON ALMOST ALL OF THESE TRUCKS ARE SEVERELY CRASHING AND IF THE AIRBAGS GO OFF PARTS OF THE DASH CAN INJURY OR KILL SOMEONE FROM FLYING PARTS OF THE DASH BOARD

NHTSA ID

11061231

Incident

Apr 27, 2016

Mileage

237,682 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE RAM 2500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE FRAME WAS FRACTURED. THE CONTACT CALLED FREEHOLD DODGE RAM AT 732-462-1600 AND WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL AND THE PART WAS NOT REPLACEABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 53,000.

NHTSA ID

11060768

Incident

Jan 5, 2018

Mileage

53,000 mi

THE TRAILER CONNECTOR ON MY TRUCK HAS NEVER BEEN USED BY ME SO I DIDNT KNOW IT DIDNT WORK. I NOW HAVE A TRAVEL TRAILER BUT NOTHING WORKS BUT THE DRIVER SIDE SIGNAL. NOTHING ELSE. I CHECKED THE CONNECTOR AND THERE IS NO CURRENT COMING OUT OF IT EXCEPT FOR THE LEFT SIGNAL. I SEE THERE WAS A RECALL BUT CANT FIND ANY INFO. CANT TAKE IT ANYWHERE WITHOUT LIGHTS!!! HAVE TO GO OUT OF TOWN WITH IT BUT CANT UNTIL ITS WORKING. HELP PLEASE.

NHTSA ID

11055303

Incident

Dec 18, 2017

Mileage

141,959 mi

VEHICLE HESITATES WHEN STEPPING ON FUEL PEDEL FROM A DEAD STOP DOES IT WHEN IT WANTS TO OFF AND ON AT DIFFERENT TIMES AND SOME DAYS NOT AT ALL.

NHTSA ID

11048375

Incident

Apr 24, 2017

Mileage

256,000 mi

ENGINE TICKING

NHTSA ID

11047568

Incident

May 4, 2004

Mileage

5,000 mi