RoadVitals

2003 Dodge Ram 2500 Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
661
Latest Jul 9, 2025
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
18
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
32

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2003 Dodge Ram 2500, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

159
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Jul 17, 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 · filed May 18, 2022
All 159 reports naming steering

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

146
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Jan 8, 2018

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 · filed Jan 8, 2018
All 146 reports naming body & structure

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

138
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Jul 17, 2023

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 · filed Jul 29, 2020
All 138 reports naming airbags

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

122
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed May 18, 2022

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 · filed Jun 2, 2021
All 122 reports naming suspension

Visibility

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.

45
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Jul 9, 2025

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 · filed Apr 9, 2023
All 45 reports naming visibility

Transmission

Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.

34
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

DEATH WOBBLE DUE TO PITMAN ARM; OCCURS AT SPEEDS OVER 65MPH OR WHEN VEHICLE HITS A BUMP AT ANY SPEED. VEHICLE BECOMES HARD TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OVER. BEGAN OCCURRING WHEN VEHICLE REACHED APPROXIMATELY 100,000 MILES. *TR

NHTSA ID 10276385 · filed Jul 11, 2009

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE RAM 2500. WHILE DRIVING LESS THAN 60 MPH, THE RPM'S IDLED VERY HIGHLY. THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT SHIFT INTO THIRD AND FOURTH GEARS AND THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FAILED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THERE WAS A LARGE AMOUNT OF SLUDGE AND BUILD-UP INSIDE THE TRANSMISSION. THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED TO HAVE THE TRANSMISSION REBUILT, INSTEAD OF REPLACED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE LESS THAN 48,000.

NHTSA ID 10259935 · filed Feb 25, 2009
All 34 reports naming transmission

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

27
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Apr 9, 2023

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 · filed Dec 18, 2017
All 27 reports naming electrical

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

22
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

ABS AND BRAKE LIGHT REMAIN ON ANYTIME MY TRUCK IS RUNNING. TOOK IT TO A DODGE DEALER TO FIX THE PROBLEM. QUOTING FROM MY BILL..."REPLACED WHEEL SPEED SENSOR. FURTHER DIAGNOSIS REVEALED CORRODED CONNECTION AT ABS MODULE. NEED TO REPLACE ABS MODULE CONNECTION AND MODULE. CUSTOMER DECLINED REPAIRS AT THIS TIME/QUOTE FOR $1200.00" I HAD ALREADY SPENT $191.90 FOR WHEEL SPEED SENSOR ABOVE. DEALER SAYS THE ABS PROBLEM IS NOT SHOWING AS RECALLED FOR MY TRUCK'S VIN. I HAVE FOUND A RECALL (D20 ISSUED IN SEPTEMBER 2004) FOR CORRODED ABS CONNECTORS ON 2003 DODGE RAMS. WHY IS MY 2003 RAM NOT COVERED BY THIS RECALL?

NHTSA ID 11034327 · filed Oct 18, 2017

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; SUDDEN ACCELERATIONS OCCURRED SHORTLY AFTER CRUISE CONTROL USAGE AND TRAVELING LESS THAN 30 MPH; WHILE STATIONARY, VEHICLE HAS EXPERIENCED WIRING HARNESS SHORT AND FIRE ON FIREWALL WHILE CONNECTED TO TRAILER. PICTURES ATTACHED WERE TAKEN WITHIN 12 HOURS OF SUDDEN LOSS OF BRAKES.

NHTSA ID 10985145 · filed May 12, 2017
All 22 reports naming brakes

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

21
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed 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 · filed Jan 30, 2021
All 21 reports naming powertrain (other)

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

20
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Dec 2, 2020

ENGINE TICKING

NHTSA ID 11047568 · filed Nov 20, 2017
All 20 reports naming engine

Other / unspecified

Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.

16
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

THE WAY THESE RIMS ARE DESIGNED ARE VERY POOR. WATER GETS TRAPPED INSIDE THE RIM ROTS THEM OUT. I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE STREET WHEN ALL IN A SUDDEN, THE PART OF THE RIM THAT HAS THE 8 HOLES WHERE YOU WOULD BOLT THE RIM TO THE VEHICLE COMPLETELY SEPARATED FROM THE DRUM PART OF THE RIM, THE TIRE WENT FLAT, AND VEHICLE STOPPED. AND TO EVEN GET TO THE ACTUAL LUG NUTS, I HAD TO DESTROY THE CHROME FACE TO GET TO THEM BECAUSE THEY SHIFTED WHEN THE RIM SEPARATED FROM 8 BOLT PATTERN. THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY CONCERN, I CONSIDER MYSELF LUCKY I DIDN'T CAUSE MYSELF OR ANYBODY ELSE ON THE ROAD ANY HARM OR EVEN DEATH. AFTER SEEING THAT, I REPLACED ALL 4 RIMS AND TIRES, A $1500 BILL I WASN'T PLANNING ON BUT GOT TO BE SAFE FOR MY SAKE AND EVERYONE ELSE ON THE ROAD.

NHTSA ID 10785423 · filed Oct 22, 2015

WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE EXPRESSWAY IN CHICAGO IN HEAVY, HIGH SPEED TRAFFIC, THE VEHICLE DROVE THROUGH A SMALL POTHOLE, WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO SHAKE \ WOBBLE VIOLENTLY FROM THE FRONT END AND CAUSE IMPOSSIBLE STEERING. THE ONLY WAY TO STOP THIS SHAKING \ WOBBLE WAS TO IMMEDIATELY SLOW DOWN TO BELOW 20 MPH CROSSING 2 LANES OF TRAFFIC INTO THE SOFT SHOULDER. IT HAS BEEN REPLICATED MULTIPLE TIMES FROM SPEEDS OF 40 MPH AND UP. AFTER TAKING THIS VEHICLE, A 2003 DODGE RAM 2500 QUAD CAB, 5.7 ENGINE, STOCK WITH ALL CURRENT RECALLS UP TO DATE (EXCEPT THE AIR BAG RECALL WHICH NO ONE HAS PARTS FOR), TO MULTIPLE REPAIR SHOPS AND DODGE DEALERSHIPS, NO EXACT CAUSED HAS BEEN LOCATED INCLUDING FCA (DODGE) STATING THERE IS NO ISSUE. THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS HAVE BEEN SPENT ON THIS IN THE LAST 3 WEEKS TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM AS IT CANNOT BE RESOLVED YET. THIS IS A WIDELY KNOWN ABOUT ISSUE IN THESE VEHICLES, COMMONLY REFEREED TO AS THE "DODGE DEATH WOBBLE" AS I HAVE FOUND OUT. FCA AND NHTSA NEED TO DO SOMETHING TO RESOLVE THIS MAJOR ISSUE.

NHTSA ID 10746517 · filed Aug 5, 2015
All 16 reports naming other / unspecified

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

15
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Jan 30, 2021

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; SUDDEN ACCELERATIONS OCCURRED SHORTLY AFTER CRUISE CONTROL USAGE AND TRAVELING LESS THAN 30 MPH; WHILE STATIONARY, VEHICLE HAS EXPERIENCED WIRING HARNESS SHORT AND FIRE ON FIREWALL WHILE CONNECTED TO TRAILER. PICTURES ATTACHED WERE TAKEN WITHIN 12 HOURS OF SUDDEN LOSS OF BRAKES.

NHTSA ID 10985145 · filed May 12, 2017
All 15 reports naming driver assistance

Exterior lighting

Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.

12
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Apr 9, 2023

WHILE SEARCHING FOR A FIX FOR MY DASH WHICH JUST CRACKED I FOUND SEVERAL REPORTS OF AFTER THE DASH CRACKED WHERE ELECTRICAL ISSUES ARISE. AS IN HEADLIGHTS NOT WORKING AT ALL OR WHEN SWITCHING TO HI BEAM. I ALSO SAW A VIDEO ON THIS ISSUE FROM A NEWS BROADCAST AND WHEN CHRYSLER WAS QUESTIONED ABOUT THIS THERE WAS NEVER ANY RESPONSE WHILE THE PUBLIC WAS REQUESTING A RECALL. FROM WHAT I CAN FIND OUT JUST IN THE HOUR I WAS LOOKING THIS UP THIS WOULD APPLY TO JUST ABOUT EVERY DODGE RAM MADE BETWEEN 1996 AND 2006. MY TRUCK IS GARAGE KEPT AND I KEEP IT IN EXCELLENT CONDITION SO FOR THIS TO HAPPEN DUE TO SITTING IN THE SUN IT'S ENTIRE LIFE I MIGHT UNDERSTAND BUT THERE IS NO WAY THIS SHOULD HAVE HAPPENED TO MINE. MY FATHER WAS A MECHANIC FOR CHRYSLER FOR OVER 20 YEARS AND THIS IS JUST PLAIN CHEAP MADE PRODUCTS. WHICH FROM WHAT I CAN FIND OUT COULD AND MOST LIKELY WILL LEAD TO SOME SAFETY ISSUE WITH THE VEHICLE. SINCE I CAN NOT FIND ANYTHING MORE OUT WITH REGARDS TO WHAT THE NHTSA IS DOING ONLY MONITORING THE ISSUE?? THE BROADCAST I SAW WAS FROM 2012, I WOULD THINK SOMETHING WOULD HAVE BECOME OF THIS BY NOW FOR SURE AFTER SEEING THAT VIDEO. YET AT THAT TIME THE NEWS CHANNEL STATED YOUR DOING NOTHING. *TR

NHTSA ID 10641633 · filed Oct 6, 2014
All 12 reports naming exterior lighting

Tires & wheels

Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.

11
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Feb 6, 2024

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 · filed Oct 13, 2021
All 11 reports naming tires & wheels

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

8
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Jan 30, 2021

THE DODGE RAM 2500 TRUCK HAS A CUMMINS DIESEL ENGINE WITH COMMON RAIL FUEL INJECTION. MARCH 2013 WHILE ON A TRIP PULLING A TRAILER, THE NUMBER 5 & 6 FUEL INJECTOR LINES WERE SEVERELY RUSTED / CORRODED WHICH RESULTED IN A BAD FUEL LEAK. I LOST CLOSE TO 30 GALLONS OF DIESEL FUEL IN 40 MILES DRIVING DISTANCE. THE UNDER HOOD AND UNDERBODY OF THE TRUCK WAS COATED IN FUEL. VEHICLES BEHIND ME HAD SOME FUEL SPRAY AS WELL. IT WAS SMOKING BAD BEHIND ME DUE TO THE FUEL BEING ON THE EXHAUST SYSTEM. I HAD A DODGE DEALER REPLACE TWO OF THE SIX FUEL INJECTOR LINES. NO CHOICE. THE DEALER ALSO CLEANED THE UNDERBODY. ONCE I RETURNED HOME FROM THE TRIP, I HAD A DIFFERENT DODGE DEALER REPLACE THE OTHER FOUR INJECTOR LINES. IF THIS WAS A GAS ENGINE, THE TRUCK WOULD'VE BURNED TO THE GROUND. NOW, NOVEMBER 2014, I SEE THE BRAKE LINES FROM THE MASTER CYLINDER TO THE ABS BRAKE CONTROLLER ARE ALSO SEVERELY RUSTED / CORRODED. THEY ARE NOT LEAKING YET. IT IS JUST A MATTER OF TIME. I WILL HAVE THEM REPLACED PRIOR TO TAKING ANY TRIPS, AND WILL HAVE THE BRAKE SYSTEM COMPLETELY FLUSHED TOO. PULLING A TRAILER WITH THE TRUCK AND LOSING THE BRAKE SYSTEM COULD PROVE TO BE FATAL. THE TRUCK NOW HAS 96000 MILES, AND IS ALWAYS PARKED INSIDE A GARAGE. THESE LINES SHOULD NOT HAVE CORRODED SO BADLY, EVEN IN MINNESOTA. *TR

NHTSA ID 10654766 · filed Nov 13, 2014
All 8 reports naming fuel system

Heating & air conditioning

Reports naming the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I CAN'T DEFROST MY WINDSHIELD ON MY 2003 DODGE TRUCK. LAST WEEKEND WHEN IT STARTED TO RAIN, MY WINDOWS FOGGED UP AND I HAD NO DEFROSTERS TO CLEAR THEM. I ALMOST CAUSED A WRECK ON I-10 AND FINALLY HAD TO PULL INTO A REST STOP UNTIL THE RAIN STOPPED AND THE HUMIDITY DROPPED. THE AC WORKS GOOD, JUST CAN'T GET AIR TO THE WINDSHIELD. DODGE KNOWS HOW TO FIX THE PROBLEM, BUT SAYS IT'S NOT A SAFETY ISSUE. *TR

NHTSA ID 10331301 · filed May 19, 2010

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE RAM 2500. SHORTLY AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR CONDITIONER FAILED TO BLOW COLD AIR. THE DEALER REPLACED THE RECIRCULATION AIR ASSEMBLY. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 63,879 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 4,800.

NHTSA ID 10199070 · filed Aug 10, 2007

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Seat belts

Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

AFTER STRIKING A DITCH AND A CONCRETE BARRIER AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE SEAT BELT DID NOT HOLD, AND THE CONSUMER STRUCK HIS HEAD ON DASHBOARD. *AK

NHTSA ID 10092651 · filed Sep 17, 2004

THE SAFETY BELT HAD A TENDENCY OF TWISTING IN THE BUCKLE INTERMITTENTLY. THE CONSUMER COULD NOT DISLODGE THE TWIST WHILE DRIVING. THE CONSUMER CLAIMED THAT THE MATERIAL WAS TOO THIN. *AK *SC *JB

NHTSA ID 10065316 · filed Apr 20, 2004

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Interior & seats

Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Jan 8, 2018

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 DODGE RAM 2500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V77000 (AIR BAGS) WAS RECEIVED IN JANUARY OF 2015 AND NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 03V033000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL) WAS RECEIVED IN MARCH OF 2015. AFTER CONTACTING THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS NEEDED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE WERE STILL NOT AVAILABLE AND NO ESTIMATED TIME FOR RECEIVING THE PARTS COULD BE GIVEN. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE RELATED TO THE RECALLS. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE DRIVER SEAT ADJUSTMENT MECHANISM FAILED CAUSING THE REAR OF THE SEAT TO FALL BACKWARDS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 78,000.

NHTSA ID 10766305 · filed Sep 21, 2015

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .