There are no safety recalls for the 2003 Dodge RAM Van, but owners have filed 16 complaints with NHTSA.
2003 Dodge RAM Van problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|
| Electrical System | 5 | |
| Visibility | 4 | |
| Power Train | 2 | |
| Exterior Lighting | 2 | |
| Steering | 2 | |
| Suspension | 2 | |
| Air Bags | 1 | |
| Seats | 1 | |
| Unknown or Other | 1 | |
| Child Seat | 1 | |
| Structure | 1 | |
Most reported parts
- Visibility › Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System — 3
- Exterior Lighting › Headlights — 1
- Exterior Lighting › Headlights › Switch — 1
- Structure › Body — 1
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 50,000 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 Van complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Structure · at 190,000 miles · reported Oct 25, 2016
In july of 2015, the bracket that holds the steering arm to the frame, on the passenger side, completely disconnected as I was making a turn. This I had repaired (Welded) shortly afterward. The frame was disintegrating from underneath me. On 09/02/2016 the frame totally separated where the steering connects on the drivers side, making it impossible to steer. I find the metal that was used for the frame thin, cheap, untreated, and unsafe! 12 years is much to short of time for a vehicle to be retired by a rusted frame! Chrysler has a documented complaint from me about this and of course they're…
Power Train · at 148,505 miles · reported Oct 7, 2015
Driving down the road at 65 MPH and lost total control of vehicle steering found out it was due to a rusted framed. Totally unsafe van. I was glad it was not very busy on the interstate or I could have been killed. I AM very disappointed a manufacture can have so many complaints online and nothing has been done. It is total frame lost to rust.
Steering · at 120,993 miles · reported Dec 25, 2013
For 2 days prior to incident , noticed steering wheel kept changing orientation while driving in a straight line. A lot of groaning and creaking noise from right front suspension in right turns as well as vibration at highway speed. Parked vehicle and inspected underside to find that idler arm bracket was tearing away from frame rail due to rot. After parking vehicle , I moved it around in the driveway no more than 3 times before idler arm bracket completely separated from the frame rail with a very loud pop.. Van now has no steering and is junk sitting in my driveway. Inspection of front…
Electrical System · at 30,000 miles · reported Jun 6, 2013
The contact owns a 2003 dodge ram van. The contact stated that while contact was sitting in the vehicle with the engine running, smoke was emitted from the vehicle. The dashboard then caught on fire. The contact was able to exit vehicle without injury. The vehicle was destroyed. The fire department was present and a fire report was filed. The fire department stated that the fire began in the air conditioning switch. The failure was not reported to the manufacturer. The VIN was not available. The failure and current mileage was 30,000. Updated 8/19/13
Electrical System · at 143,508 miles · reported Nov 23, 2010
Van shuts down any where any time any speed and reads no bus this has been happen for to long and they don't even offer a solution.I bought a scanner for a 100.00 dollars it was a waste off money can't read codes with the no bus any way if it's not the PCM then why have codes for all the other sensors if it turns off anyway.
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2003 Dodge RAM Van have any recalls?
No. NHTSA has no safety recalls for the 2003 Dodge RAM Van as of this update. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for the latest status.
What is the most common problem with the 2003 Dodge RAM Van?
Owners report electrical system problems most often (5 reports), followed by visibility (4). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 50,000 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.