RecallMyCar

2003 Dodge RAM Recalls, Complaints & Specs

2 safety recalls list the 2003 Dodge RAM, and owners have filed 53 complaints with NHTSA. Check your own VIN below.

2
safety recalls
53
owner complaints to NHTSA
6 / 1
complaints citing a crash / fire
13–16
MPG combined (EPA)

2 safety recalls for the 2003 Dodge RAM

Most recent first. Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. Click a recall for the full defect, consequence and remedy text.

  1. Service brakes, hydraulic: control unit/module

    NHTSA 04V185000 Reported 44,588 vehicles potentially affected DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION

    On certain van and wagon vehicles equipped with 4-wheel antilock brake systems (ABS), aftermarket batteries may leak electrolyte onto the ABS control module connector, which can compromise sealing integrity of the connector.

    Remedy: 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.

  2. Vehicle speed control

    NHTSA 03V033000 Reported 19,500 vehicles potentially affected DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION

    Certain pickup trucks, equipped with cummins diesel engines and manual transmissions, may experience an elevated idle speed after extended cruise control use.

    Remedy: 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…

53 owner complaints filed with NHTSA

Owners of the 2003 Dodge RAM have filed 53 complaints with NHTSA; 6 describe a crash and 1 describe a fire. Reports cite 5 injuries and 0 deaths. The average mileage at failure in those reports is 52,856 miles. Complaints peaked in 2004 with 20 filed that year.

Most-reported components

What owners are reporting

“The ventilation system failed as is common with these vehicles. Due to weal parts, the, "doors" that control air flow through the ventilation ducts broke. I have slowly replace each of the four doors”

Owner complaint to NHTSA, August 27, 2012 · Visibility

“Tl* the contact owns a 2003 dodge RAM. The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH and attempting to brake, the vehicle hesitated to come to a full stop. The contact released the brake pedal and the”

Owner complaint to NHTSA, July 3, 2012 · Vehicle speed control

Fuel economy and specs

EPA ratings for the 2003 Dodge Ram 1500 Pickup (Ram 1500 Pickup 2WD, Ram 1500 Pickup 4WD). Ranges cover every tested configuration.

Combined13–16 mpg
City / Highway11–14 / 15–19
FuelRegular
EPA classStandard Pickup Trucks 2WD, Standard Pickup Trucks 4WD
Engine6/8 cyl, 3.7/4.7/5.7/5.9 L
TransmissionAutomatic 4-spd; Automatic 5-spd; Manual 5-spd

Compare Dodge RAM model years

Recall and complaint counts for every Dodge RAM model year in NHTSA's database.

Model yearRecallsComplaints
1976 Dodge RAM01
1977 Dodge RAM02
1979 Dodge RAM03
1981 Dodge RAM02
1983 Dodge RAM01
1984 Dodge RAM02
1985 Dodge RAM010
1986 Dodge RAM018
1987 Dodge RAM018
1988 Dodge RAM022
1989 Dodge RAM028
1990 Dodge RAM023
1991 Dodge RAM251
1992 Dodge RAM158
1993 Dodge RAM054
1994 Dodge RAM18469
1995 Dodge RAM12611
1996 Dodge RAM10625
1997 Dodge RAM7398
1998 Dodge RAM13483
1999 Dodge RAM9366
2000 Dodge RAM6147
2001 Dodge RAM9318
2002 Dodge RAM2116
2003 Dodge RAM253
2004 Dodge RAM158
2005 Dodge RAM040
2006 Dodge RAM025
2007 Dodge RAM117
2008 Dodge RAM225
2009 Dodge RAM59
2010 Dodge RAM527
2011 Dodge RAM40

Checking a specific 2003 Dodge RAM

How do I know if my 2003 Dodge RAM has an open recall?

Enter your 17-character VIN above. The VIN is on the driver's side dashboard (visible through the windshield), the driver's door jamb sticker, and your registration or insurance card. The check runs against NHTSA's live database and tells you which campaigns list your vehicle. 2 campaigns currently list the 2003 Dodge RAM; your car may already have been repaired under some of them.

Is the recall repair free?

Yes. Under federal law, manufacturers must fix safety recalls at no charge for vehicles up to 15 years old from the date of sale to the first owner. Contact any authorised Dodge dealer with your VIN and the NHTSA campaign number (for example 03V033000).

What is the difference between a recall and a complaint?

A recall is a safety campaign filed by the manufacturer or ordered by NHTSA, with a defined defect and remedy. A complaint is a report an owner sent to NHTSA; it is not verified, but patterns of complaints are what trigger NHTSA investigations and, eventually, recalls.

Other Dodge models

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint databases and EPA fuel economy data, October 2026. Complaint counts are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. Recall counts are safety campaigns that list this model year; whether a particular car was already repaired depends on its VIN. How this data is compiled.