2003 Dodge Ram: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2003 Dodge Ram: 2 recalls, 53 owner complaints and up to 16 mpg combined.
Recalls
2 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 5 equipment/tire recalls that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Speed control / throttle Vehicle recall #03V033000 · 2003 · 19,500 vehicles
What's wrong: Certain pickup trucks, equipped with cummins diesel engines and manual transmissions, May experience an elevated idle speed after extended cruise control use.
Why it matters: This can result in unintended acceleration and a reduction in braking effectiveness, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will reprogram the software in the cummins engine controller. Owner notification began on March 10, 2003.
Brakes (hydraulic) Vehicle recall #04V185000 · 2004 · 44,588 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: This May allow development of a short circuit in the connector, which could eventually lead to a fire.
The fix: 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.
5 aftermarket equipment / tire recalls replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Exterior lights Equipment recall #06E049000 · 2006 · 27,176 vehicles
What's wrong: Certain ck motorsports combination headlights, clear corner, bumper, and side marker lights sold as replacement lamps for use on the passenger vehicles listed above. Some combination lamps that are not equipped with amber side reflectors fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 108, lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment.
Why it matters: Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash without warning.
The fix: Ck motorsport will notify owners and replace the noncompliant lamps free of charge. The recall began on July 1, 2006.
Equipment Equipment recall #07E066000 · 2007 · 175 vehicles
What's wrong: Certain cequent 90 degree 7-way right angle adaptors sold by distributors in tow packages for aftermarket sales to tow 5th wheel rv travel trailers. Due to incorrect wiring of the harness, the trailer lights May not operate properly.
Why it matters: If the trailer lights are not working properly, a vehicle crash can occur.
The fix: All of the defective tow packages are still at the distributor level and have not been sold to any consumers.
Steering Equipment recall #09E001000 · 2009 · 18,000 vehicles
What's wrong: The subject linkages May experience drag link inner tie rod to pitman arm ball stud fracture, also, the steering linkage damper attaching bracket May yeild and shift on the linkage. The part numbers of the affected assemblies is 52122362aa through 52122362ad.
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: 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.
Visibility (wipers, glass) Equipment recall #09E009000 · 2009 · 1,364 vehicles
What's wrong: These wiper module assemblies May be susceptible to water intrusion that could result in partial or complete loss of windshield wiper capability.
Why it matters: When the wiper system fails, the operator will have reduced visibility which could result in a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the wiper module assemblies with vented wiper motor housings free of charge. The safety recall began on August 28, 2009.
Exterior lights Equipment recall #09E012000 · 2009 · 16,270 vehicles
What's wrong: These headlamps fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." these lamps do not contain the required amber side reflectors.
Why it matters: Decreased lighting visibility May result in a vehicle crash.
The fix: Sabersport will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. The safety recall began on May 11, 2009.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 1 mention a fire, 5 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Body & structure (8): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Engine & cooling (8): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (5), warning light on (2).
- Transmission & drivetrain (6): the most common themes are leaks (2), hard / delayed shifting (2).
- Airbags (4): the most common themes are fails to deploy (2).
The 2003 Dodge Ram has 53 owner complaints, ranking #13 of 22 Ram model years for complaints (well below the 181 average). Complaints peaked in 2004 (21 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 1 year old, at a median of 38,750 miles. Neighboring years: 2002 (116 complaints, 2 recalls), 2004 (58 complaints, 1 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.7 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 | 18 | 16 | Regular |
| 3.7 L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 | 19 | 16 | Regular |
| 4.7 L 8-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 13 | 18 | 15 | Regular |
| 4.7 L 8-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 13 | 18 | 15 | Regular |
| 5.7 L 8-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 13 | 17 | 14 | Regular |
| 4.7 L 8-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 13 | 16 | 14 | Regular |
| 4.7 L 8-cyl | Manual 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 12 | 16 | 14 | Regular |
| 3.9 L 6-cyl | Automatic 3-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 13 | 15 | 14 | Regular |
| 5.2 L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 13 | 15 | 14 | Regular |
| 5.9 L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 12 | 17 | 14 | Regular |
| 5.9 L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 12 | 16 | 13 | Regular |
| 5.7 L 8-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 11 | 15 | 13 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2003 Dodge Ram.
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FAQ
Does the 2003 Dodge Ram have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 2003 Dodge Ram, plus 5 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2003 Dodge Ram problems?
Owners have filed 53 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are body & structure (8), engine & cooling (8), transmission & drivetrain (6).
What gas mileage does the 2003 Dodge Ram get?
EPA ratings run up to 16 mpg combined (3.7 L, Automatic 4-spd), across 16 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2003 Dodge Ram repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.