2003 Dodge RAM 3500 recalls and problems
The 2003 Dodge RAM 3500 has 6 safety recalls and 286 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Dodge dealer.
Recalls may cover only some 2003 Dodge RAM 3500 vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.
2003 Dodge RAM 3500 recalls
Recall 15V-312: Air Bags
Problem: 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 deployment of the air bag. This recall addresses both the passenger side frontal air bags that were originally installed in the vehicles, as well as replacement air bags that may have been installed as replacement service parts. A replacement air bag may have been installed, as one example, if a vehicle had been in a crash necessitating the replacement of the passenger side frontal air bag.
Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passengerÂs frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy is completed. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag, free of charge. The recall began on March 16, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R26. Note: This recall partially supersedes recall 14V770.
Recall 13V-528: Steering
Problem: 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 assembly may break.
Risk: A failure of the tie rod assembly may result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Chrysler notified owners and launched its recall campaign in January 2014. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N62.
Recall 11V-350: Steering
Problem: 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, manufactured from february 14, 2008, through august 15, 2008, because the left tie rod ball stud may fracture. This condition tends to occur during low speed parking lot type maneuvers when the customer is making a tight turn. Additionally, model year 2003-2008 dodge ram 2500/3500 vehicles may have received the affected tie rod assembly as a replacement part during normal service.
Risk: This condition could result in the potential loss of directional stability in the left hand front wheel, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the tie rod ends for relative orientation and replace the left outer tie rod as required and perform a front end toe alignment as needed. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on october 3, 2011. Owners may contact chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Recall 05V-462: Power Train
Problem: 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.
Risk: This error is an unintended action that may result in a lack of transmission park pawl engagement and possibly delayed rearward movement of the vehicle.
Fix: Dealers will perform a software modification to equip these vehicles with an out-of-park alarm. Owners may contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Recall 03V-212: Wheels
Problem: Certain heavy duty pickup trucks, the aluminum wheels may have excessive porosity in the center hub area which can cause a wheel to crack.
Risk: This could cause a loss of vehicle control and result in a crash without warning.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the wheels and replace them if necessary. Owner notification is expected to begin june 17, 2003.. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-992-1997.
Recall 03V-033: Vehicle Speed Control
Problem: Certain pickup trucks, equipped with cummins diesel engines and manual transmissions, may experience an elevated idle speed after extended cruise control use.
Risk: This can result in unintended acceleration and a reduction in braking effectiveness, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will reprogram the software in the cummins engine controller. Owner notification began on march 10, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
2003 Dodge RAM 3500 problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|---|---|
| Air Bags | 80 | |
| Structure | 53 | |
| Steering | 38 | |
| Suspension | 35 | |
| Power Train | 27 | |
| Unknown or Other | 17 | |
| Tires | 16 | |
| Electrical System | 9 | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 8 | |
| Exterior Lighting | 6 | |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 5 | |
| Visibility | 5 |
Most reported parts
- Structure › Body — 14
- Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 8
- Suspension › Front — 7
- Tires › Sidewall — 6
- Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Upper Ball Joint — 5
- Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Lower Ball Joint — 4
- Power Train › Manual Transmission — 3
- Air Bags › Frontal — 3
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 76,258 miles (median of owner reports).
Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.
Recent 2003 Dodge RAM 3500 complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Other Dodge RAM 3500 years
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2003 Dodge RAM 3500 have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 6 recalls for the 2003 Dodge RAM 3500: 15V-312 (air bags), 13V-528 (steering), 11V-350 (steering), 05V-462 (power train), 03V-212 (wheels) and more. Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What is the most common problem with the 2003 Dodge RAM 3500?
Owners report air bags problems most often (80 reports), followed by structure (53). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 76,258 miles.
Are Dodge recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Dodge dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.