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Dodge Ram 2003

The 2003 Dodge Ram came with 7 engines: 3.7 L 6-cylinder, 3.9 L 6-cylinder, 4.7 L 8-cylinder, 5.2 L 8-cylinder, 5.2 L 8-cylinder, 5.7 L 8-cylinder, 5.9 L 8-cylinder. It gets 13 to 16 MPG combined depending on the engine, per the EPA. 7 recall campaigns and 40 owner complaints are on record.

Standard Pickup Trucks 2WD AWD
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Dodge Ram
Representative photo of the Ram. It may show a different year or version. Photo: IFCAR · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons · resized and cropped

Specs

Engine
4,700 cc
8
Cylinders8
TransmissionAutomatic · 5 speeds
DrivetrainAWD
Dimensions (L × W × H)5,730 × 2,030 × 1,950 mm (225.6 × 79.9 × 76.8 in)
Wheelbase3,570 mm (140.6 in)
Curb weight2,375 kg (5,236 lb)
Body styleStandard Pickup Trucks 2WD

Dimensions and weight: median of the 38 versions in Canada's official specifications (NHTSA vPIC). Each version differs slightly.

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Safety

Crash-test results across markets. They can vary by version and equipment.

NHTSA NCAP
Results · 2003 Dodge Ram 1500 Regular Cab
🇺🇸 Local data
NHTSA NCAP
Results · 2003 Dodge Ram 1500 4-DR.
🇺🇸 Local data
Rollover★★★★★

Fuel economy (MPG)

🇺🇸 Local data
City
13 MPG
Highway
16 MPG
Combined
14 MPG
Emissions
394 g/km
COâ‚‚

By version

EngineTransmissionDrivetrainCityHighwayCombined
3.7 L 6-cylinder Automatic · 4 speeds Rear-wheel (RWD) 14 MPG 18 MPG 16 MPG
3.7 L 6-cylinder Manual · 5 speeds Rear-wheel (RWD) 14 MPG 19 MPG 16 MPG
3.9 L 6-cylinder Automatic · 3 speeds Rear-wheel (RWD) 13 MPG 15 MPG 14 MPG
3.9 L 6-cylinder Automatic · 3 speeds Rear-wheel (RWD) 12 MPG 13 MPG 13 MPG
4.7 L 8-cylinder Automatic · 5 speeds AWD 13 MPG 16 MPG 14 MPG
4.7 L 8-cylinder Automatic · 5 speeds Rear-wheel (RWD) 13 MPG 18 MPG 15 MPG
4.7 L 8-cylinder Manual · 5 speeds AWD 12 MPG 16 MPG 14 MPG
4.7 L 8-cylinder Manual · 5 speeds Rear-wheel (RWD) 13 MPG 18 MPG 15 MPG
5.2 L 8-cylinder Automatic · 4 speeds Rear-wheel (RWD) 10 MPG 18 MPG 13 MPG
5.2 L 8-cylinder Automatic · 4 speeds Rear-wheel (RWD) 13 MPG 15 MPG 14 MPG
5.7 L 8-cylinder Automatic · 5 speeds AWD 11 MPG 15 MPG 13 MPG
5.7 L 8-cylinder Automatic · 5 speeds Rear-wheel (RWD) 13 MPG 17 MPG 14 MPG
5.9 L 8-cylinder Automatic · 4 speeds AWD 11 MPG 15 MPG 13 MPG
5.9 L 8-cylinder Automatic · 4 speeds Rear-wheel (RWD) 12 MPG 16 MPG 13 MPG
5.9 L 8-cylinder Automatic · 4 speeds Rear-wheel (RWD) 12 MPG 17 MPG 14 MPG
5.9 L 8-cylinder Automatic · 4 speeds Rear-wheel (RWD) 11 MPG 17 MPG 13 MPG

EPA figures for each version sold in the U.S.

Recalls

7 campaigns🇺🇸 Local dataNHTSA
EXTERIOR LIGHTING 09E012000 · 2009-04-07 · NHTSA
Consequence · Remedy

DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.

VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER 09E009000 · 2009-03-13 · NHTSA
Consequence · Remedy

WHEN THE WIPER SYSTEM FAILS, THE OPERATOR WILL HAVE REDUCED VISIBILITY WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE WIPER MODULE ASSEMBLIES WITH VENTED WIPER MOTOR HOUSINGS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

STEERING:LINKAGES 09E001000 · 2009-01-13 · NHTSA
Consequence · Remedy

THIS COULD RESULT IN A LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL AND THE RESTRICTED ABILITY TO TURN THE VEHICLE IN ONE DIRECTION INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE STEERING LINKAGE DRAG LINK INNER TIE ROD END ASSEMBLY, AND INSPECT THE STEERING LINKAGE DAMPER BRACKET FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 6, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL 07E066000 · 2007-08-28 · NHTSA
Consequence · Remedy

IF THE TRAILER LIGHTS ARE NOT WORKING PROPERLY, A VEHICLE CRASH CAN OCCUR.

ALL OF THE DEFECTIVE TOW PACKAGES ARE STILL AT THE DISTRIBUTOR LEVEL AND HAVE NOT BEEN SOLD TO ANY CONSUMERS.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING 06E049000 · 2006-05-24 · NHTSA
Consequence · Remedy

WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

CK MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE NONCOMPLIANT LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CK MOTORSPORT AT 1-909-610-7211.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE 04V185000 · 2004-04-12 · NHTSA
Consequence · Remedy

THIS MAY ALLOW DEVELOPMENT OF A SHORT CIRCUIT IN THE CONNECTOR, WHICH COULD EVENTUALLY LEAD TO A FIRE.

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE ABS CONTROL MODULE CONNECTOR FOR ELECTROLYTE DAMAGE AND REPLACE THE CONNECTOR AS NECESSARY. THE RECALL WILL BEGIN ON SEPTEMBER 27, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 03V033000 · 2003-02-05 · NHTSA
Consequence · Remedy

THIS CAN RESULT IN UNINTENDED ACCELERATION AND A REDUCTION IN BRAKING EFFECTIVENESS, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

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.

9 campaigns🇨🇦 CA dataTransport Canada

It may not apply to vehicles sold in your country. Check with your VIN at the source.

Airbag 2015229 · 2015-05-27 · Transport Canada
Details

On certain vehicles, the passenger frontal airbag inflator could produce excessive internal pressure during airbag deployment. Increased pressure may cause the inflator to rupture, which could allow fragments to be propelled toward vehicle occupants, increasing the risk of injury. This could also damage the airbag module, which could prevent proper deployment. Failure of the passenger airbag to fully deploy during a crash (where deployment is warranted) could increase the risk of personal injury to the seat occupant. Correction: Dealers will replace airbag inflators.

Airbag 2015093 · 2015-03-03 · Transport Canada
Details

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) Canada is conducting a voluntary Safety Improvement Program involving Takata driver and/or passenger airbag inflators installed in certain vehicles that were originally sold or ever registered in certain high humidity areas of the United States. Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) will replace the driver and/or passenger inflator on affected vehicles, depending on the vehicle involved. Owners who believe their vehicles may have been originally purchased or registered in Florida, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands should contact a Fiat Chrysler Automobile (FCA) dealer. This action is not being conducted under the requirements of the Motor Vehicle Safety Act. Note: For the 2003 model year Dodge RAM, only the passenger side inflator would need replacement. Additional Note: This special service campaign was replaced by recalls 2015094 and 2015228. Please see these recalls for more information: <a href="http://wwwapps.tc.gc.ca/Saf-Sec-Sur/7/VRDB-BDRV/search-recherche/detail.aspx?lang=eng&&rn=2015094">Click here for more information on the 2015094 recall</a> <a href="http://wwwapps.tc.gc.ca/Saf-Sec-Sur/7/VRDB-BDRV/search-recherche/detail.aspx?lang=eng&&rn=2015228">Click here for more information on the 2015228 recall</a>

Steering 2013395 · 2013-11-07 · Transport Canada
Details

A safety defect may exist in aftermarket steering linkage equipment sold as service replacement parts for 2500 and 3500 4x4 pickup trucks. If the drag link assemblies in question were installed improperly, the left tie rod ball stud may fracture, potentially resulting in a loss of vehicle control and a crash causing injury and/or property damage. Chrysler will notify owners of all 2003-2008 Dodge Ram heavy duty trucks (other than those covered by recall 2013-397 (N49)) since those vehicles could potentially have had the affected linkages installed during service. Owners will be instructed to take their vehicle to a dealer for inspection and repair if required. Note: This recall supersedes recall 2009-019 (H46). Parts replaced under the previous campaign will also need to be replaced under this campaign.

Steering 2011253 · 2011-07-14 · Transport Canada
Details

On certain 2008-2011 Ram 2500 and 3500 4x4, Ram 3500 cab chassis 4x2 and 4x4, and 2008 Ram 1500 Mega Cab 4x4 vehicles, the left outer tie rod ball stud could fracture. Additionally, other 2003-2008 Ram vehicles may have received the affected tie rod as a replacement part during service, and are therefore also involved in this campaign. Although this condition tends to occur when making a tight turn during low speed parking lot type maneuvers, tie rod failure could result in a loss of directional stability. A loss of steering control could result in a crash causing property damage and/or personal injury. Correction: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the left outer tie rod end and tighten the track bar bolt. Note: The tie rod replacement portion of this recall was superseded by recall 2013-396.

Electrical 2009081 · 2009-03-11 · Transport Canada
Details

Certain aftermarket replacement windshield wiper motor assemblies, sold during the '08 and '09 calendar year for use as service equipment on 2002-2009 Dodge Ram pickup trucks, may be susceptible to water intrusion that could result in partial or complete loss of windshield wiping capability. Should this occur during a rainy/snowy day, it could increase the risk of a crash, causing property damage, personal injury or death. Correction: Owners who had windshield wiper motor assemblies serviced during the '08 and '09 calendar year will be requested to take their vehicle to a Chrysler dealer for inspection and repair if required.

Steering 2009019 · 2009-01-21 · Transport Canada
Details

Defective aftermarket steering drag links many have been sold as service replacement parts for 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks. The drag link assemblies in question may fracture, which could result in a loss of vehicle control and a crash, causing property damage, personal injury or death. Also, in some cases, the steering damper attaching bracket may yield and shift on the linkage. This may restrict the ability to turn the vehicle in one direction. Chrysler will notify owners (other than those covered by recall 09-010 (H36)) of all 2003-2008 Dodge Ram heavy duty trucks since those vehicles could potentially have had the affected linkages installed during service. Owners will be instructed to take their vehicle to a dealer for inspection and repair if required.

Other 2005307 · 2005-10-12 · Transport Canada
Details

Certain Dodge Ram 2500/3500 Heavy Duty pickup trucks equipped with a diesel engine and automatic transmission may experience inadvertent rearward movement. The transmission shift lever position is always displayed as "R" (Reverse) until the parking pawl is completely engaged in the Park position. Only then will the transmission shift lever indicator show "P" (Park). If the driver exits the vehicle while the engine is running, parking brake not engaged and the transmission shifter not fully in the Park gate, the vehicle may experience delayed rearward movement, which could cause a crash. Correction: Dealers will install an Out-of-Park alarm that will alert the operator if the transmission is not fully placed in the Park position when the engine is running and the driver takes his foot off the brake and opens the driver's door.

Wheels 2003148 · 2003-06-05 · Transport Canada
Details

On certain 2500 and 3500 heavy duty pickup trucks, the optional cast-aluminum wheels may exhibit an elevated level of porosity, which could result in reduced wheel durability. Correction: Dealer will replace affected wheels.

Other 2003033 · 2003-02-13 · Transport Canada
Details

On certain 2500 and 3500 series heavy duty pickup trucks equipped with a Cummins diesel engine and a manual transmission, an elevated idle speed may occur after extended use of the cruise control. The engine will run at this elevated idle speed until either key off, or until the accelerator pedal is nearly fully depressed. The customer perception is that the cruise control will not disengage or that the accelerator linkage is sticking. Correction: Dealer will reprogram the software in the Cummins engine controller.

Common problems

40 reports🇺🇸 Local data

Reported by owners to the source below. It is not a verdict on this car: it is what people wrote.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER 2026-10-05 · NHTSA

brought my 2003 dodge ram 1500 to Romeo dodge to have a Passenger Airbag Recall Repair on [XXX] and I was called one hour later and told my airbag replacement was finished and I could pick up my truck. So i picked up my truck and drove it from Romeo dodge [XXX] to [XXX] where I live I parked the truck . We were sick f…

AIR BAGS 2026-07-23 · NHTSA

The contact owns a 2003 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that the vehicle was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V312000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be repaired; however, the contact was informed that the part to do the recall repair …

SUSPENSION 2026-02-09 · NHTSA

The contact owns a 2003 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that while the vehicle was being driven by a friend at 45 MPH, the rear axle detached. The driver was stranded by the roadside. The vehicle was towed to the driver's residence. There were no warning lights illuminated. An unknown local dealer was contacted, bu…

STEERING,SUSPENSION,TIRES 2025-12-11 · NHTSA

The contact owns a 2003 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that the steering wheel and the front wheels were uncontrollable. While driving from Georgia to Memphis, there was an unknown object loose by the wheel. The ball joint suspension was replaced by an independent mechanic. The low tire pressure warning light was…

SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE 2025-02-04 · NHTSA

Rear fenders are rusted such that wiring harness falls off from underside if fenders and rubs on tires. Middle of frame rusted through on right and left side and dealer's floor lift went about half-way through both sides when the technician. tried to raise truck to check wiring under truck. The lift only crunched abou…

UNKNOWN OR OTHER 2024-12-21 · NHTSA

A few years ago, while driving down a rural road, I saw a tire rolling behind my truck. I stopped to remove it from the road and it turned out to be my spare tire.. The cross brace that is connected to the support cable rusted and folded to allow the tire to drop free. I replaced the cross brace and added heavy duty …

STRUCTURE 2024-10-02 · NHTSA

The frame/chasis rusted through and dealer could not raise truck because lift went through frame. If it had not been noticed at dealership, we and others could have been killed if the frame had broken through on the highway. The dealership and repair shop can confirm. The box and other body components are severely rus…

TIRES 2023-10-26 · NHTSA

The contact owns a 2003 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, there was an abnormal thump, prompting the contact to look through the review mirror, where he observed that the spare tire was on the roadway. After a visual inspection, the contact observed that the spare tire hoist cable had detached, …

POWER TRAIN,AIR BAGS 2023-10-20 · NHTSA

The contact owns a 2003 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at slow speeds, the driveshaft detached. Due to the failure, the gear oil and rear differential fluid leaked out of the vehicle. The contact was able to temporarily repair the driveshaft. The dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the …

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 2023-07-23 · NHTSA

UNKNOWN Everything will stop operating as I'm driving and after coming to a stop will start Right back up. I had one repair shop tell me that it has something to do with the fuel but the problem continue, the second repair shop said it was a brain box issue, if this was safety issue or problem can I get reimbursed.

POWER TRAIN 2023-07-14 · NHTSA

The driveshaft to pinion gear at the differential comes loose during normal driving. I have replaced the bit numerous times, but it keeps coming loose. There is a recall on same truck but different years. The exact problem the other Rams have is exact issue with mine. When it comes loose, the car grinds to a halt.

AIR BAGS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER 2023-07-12 · NHTSA

The reason the owners of these Dodges is that the dealers break the already brittle dash boards and REFUSE to repair or replace the dashboard. So most wont have the recall performed. So until the dealers are forced to repair/replace the brittle dashes when they perform these recalls then people will not have it addre…

All 40 reports, grouped by component

Questions

What engine does the 2003 Dodge Ram have?
The 2003 Dodge Ram came with 7 engines: 3.7 L 6-cylinder, 3.9 L 6-cylinder, 4.7 L 8-cylinder, 5.2 L 8-cylinder, 5.2 L 8-cylinder, 5.7 L 8-cylinder, 5.9 L 8-cylinder.
What is the fuel economy of the 2003 Dodge Ram?
It gets 13 to 16 MPG combined depending on the engine, per the EPA.
Does the 2003 Dodge Ram have recalls?
7 recall campaigns are on record. The latest concerns Exterior Lighting (2009-04-07).
What are the common problems of the 2003 Dodge Ram?
40 owners have filed complaints, most often about Structure.

Other years

Which Dodge Ram year to buy? Recalls and complaints by year

Other models by Dodge

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