2003 Dodge RAM PICKUP problems and owner complaints
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
14 owner complaints analyzed
0 distinct recall campaigns
16,000 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 2003 model year. Data snapshot: . 5 complaints include usable failure mileage.
Most common problems
Structure is the most frequently named component, appearing in 3 of 14 complaints (21.4%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Braking behavior | 4 | 28.6% |
| Electrical and battery issues | 3 | 21.4% |
| Transmission and shifting | 1 | 7.1% |
| Steering behavior | 1 | 7.1% |
Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.
Component breakdown
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Structure | 3 |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components:Disc:Rotor | 2 |
| Unknown Or Other | 2 |
| Air Bags:Frontal | 1 |
| Electrical System:Wiring | 1 |
| Equipment | 1 |
| Exterior Lighting:Headlights | 1 |
| Power Train | 1 |
Structure: 3; Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components:Disc:Rotor: 2; Unknown Or Other: 2; Air Bags:Frontal: 1; Electrical System:Wiring: 1; Equipment: 1; Exterior Lighting:Headlights: 1; Power Train: 1
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 4 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 0 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 0 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 1 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 0 |
| 150,000 and above | 0 |
Under 25,000: 4; 25,000 to 49,999: 0; 50,000 to 74,999: 0; 75,000 to 99,999: 1; 100,000 to 149,999: 0; 150,000 and above: 0
Under 25,000 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (4). 9 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.
Complaints over time
Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 2003 | 4 |
| 2004 | 2 |
| 2005 | 2 |
| 2007 | 1 |
| 2008 | 1 |
| 2009 | 2 |
| 2010 | 2 |
2003: 4; 2004: 2; 2005: 2; 2007: 1; 2008: 1; 2009: 2; 2010: 2
Pattern summary
Structure leads the component reports. Braking behavior appears in 4 complaint narratives. Electrical and battery issues appears in 3 complaint narratives. Transmission and shifting appears in 1 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.
Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.
Complaint evidence
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
Owner report 10022545 · 2003-07-11 (July 11, 2003)
THE VEHICLE JUMPED OUT OF PARK INTO REVERSE WHILE PARKED WITH THE EMERGENCY PARKING BRAKE ENGAGED. VEHICLE WAS IDLING. *AK THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO AN IRON POST. *CB *JB
Owner-reported narrative. 9,500 miles reported. Look up ODI 10022545 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10100844 · 2004-12-01 (December 1, 2004)
VEHICLE: 2003 DODGE RAM 1500 2WD, PURCHASED WITH 6000 MILES FROM CARMAX. THE DISC BRAKE ROTORS WERE SLIGHTLY WARPED. THEY WERE PROMPTLY TURNED (CARMAX) AND NOW AT 16K MILES WITH NO EXTRAORDINARY USE HAVE WARPED AGAIN. IN MY OPINION, THIS BRINGS THE DESIGN/MATERIAL USED IN THESE COMPONENTS INTO QUESTION. I HAVE SPOKEN WITH A LOCAL DODGE DEALER AND RECEIVED NO CREDIBLE ANSWERS, MITIGATION, OR SATISFACTION, WHATSOEVER. *AK
Owner-reported narrative. 16,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10100844 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10075817 · 2004-06-04 (June 4, 2004)
LTR FM WILLIE DODDS (IL) PURCHASED A NEW DODGE RAM 1500 PICKUP 2-DOOR TRUCK MODEL YEAR 2003 BURNED DUE TO AN ELECTRICAL WIRE SHORTAGE SUGGEST NHTSA INVESTIGATE. REPLY DIRECTLY TO THE CONSTITUENT. *MR *SC *JB
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10075817 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10221675 · 2008-03-13 (March 13, 2008)
2003 DODGE RAM DASHBOARD IS CRACKING. CONSUMER STATES THAT DASHBOARD HAS NOT ONLY CRACKED BUT HAS COLLAPSED LEAVING THE ENTIRE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM EXPOSED. CONSUMER STATES THAT DEALER DENIES ANY KIND OF HELP FOR THIS PROBLEM. *KB
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10221675 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10042780 · 2003-10-10 (October 10, 2003)
VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN DRIVEWAY WHEN IT SLIPPED OUT OF GEAR, ROLLED DOWN THE STREET, AND HIT SEVERAL MAILBOXES MADE OF BRICK AND MORTAR. STEERING WHEEL WAS LOCKED, AND TRANSMISSION WAS IN NEUTRAL.*AK
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10042780 at NHTSA ↗