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NHTSA vehicle safety data

2003 Dodge Ram 2500 Recalls & Complaints

The 2003 Dodge Ram 2500 has 9 NHTSA recall campaigns and 661 owner complaints on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized Dodge dealer.

NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 2003 Dodge Ram 2500. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

Pre-purchase inspection checklist → Reliability & 5-year cost forecast →

2003 Dodge Ram 2500 owner complaints

Owners have filed 661 complaints with NHTSA about the 2003 Dodge Ram 2500, describing incidents dated July 2, 2002 to January 21, 2024.

Most-cited components

  • Steering 159 complaints
  • Structure 146 complaints
  • Air Bags 138 complaints
  • Suspension 122 complaints
  • Power Train 55 complaints
  • Visibility/Wiper 45 complaints

Of the 661 complaints on file, 30 report a crash and 2 a fire; across all 661 complaints, owners report 29 injuries and 2 deaths (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).

Newest complaints

  • ODI #11672188 · Filed

    DEFROST DOESNT WORK DUE TO DOOR BEAKING IN HOUSING, ALLOWS ICEING IN FREEZING CONDITIONS AS CANNOT DEFROST WINDSHIELD. WELL KNOW PROBLEM WITH THESE YEAR MODEL DODGE TRUCKS

  • ODI #11570220 · Filed

    travelstar ecopath a/t size LT265/70R17 a large bubble developed on sidewall. about 3 inches in diameter. tire only had about 5000 miles on it. i was on a trip with my truck camper mounted on bed of truck. returned from trip and noticed the bulge. truck is single rear axle with one tire on each…

  • ODI #11532783 · Filed

    The contact owns a 2003 Dodge Ram 2500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 09E001000 (Steering), 13V528000 (Steering) and 15V312000 (Air Bags) however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the…

Read all 661 complaints

Owner-reported

2003 Dodge Ram 2500 mileage at failure

457 of the 661 complaints on file for the 2003 Dodge Ram 2500 give the vehicle's mileage when the problem happened.

Mileage at failure by component, from owners' complaints to NHTSA
SteeringMedian 85,000 milesMiddle half 50,000–140,000 milesBased on 123 complaints
StructureMedian 75,000 milesMiddle half 55,000–120,000 milesBased on 121 complaints
Air BagsMedian 95,000 milesMiddle half 70,000–165,000 milesBased on 30 complaints
SuspensionMedian 80,000 milesMiddle half 40,000–115,000 milesBased on 107 complaints
Power TrainMedian 15,000 milesMiddle half 10,000–50,000 milesBased on 37 complaints
Visibility/WiperMedian 85,000 milesMiddle half 55,000–130,000 milesBased on 41 complaints

A component's median is its 50th percentile, and its middle half runs from its 25th to its 75th percentile.

Owners give the mileage themselves, often as a round number, and NHTSA doesn't check it. A complaint that names several components counts under each one, and mileages that can't be right, such as 999,999, or 50 miles on a five-year-old car, are left out.

These figures describe the complaints owners filed. They don't predict when a particular vehicle will have a problem, and vehicles that never had one aren't counted.

Complaints received before December 15, 2002 rarely give a mileage, so they aren't counted here.

Mileage from NHTSA's complaints file of October 31, 2026. How these figures are worked out

NHTSA defect investigations

NHTSA's investigations file lists the 2003 Dodge Ram 2500 in 6 investigations. Audit Queries and Equipment Queries are administrative investigations: they look at whether companies complied with federal vehicle safety requirements, such as reporting, recall and certification rules, not at a possible vehicle defect. A listed model year means only that an investigation names it; it says nothing about any particular vehicle. An open investigation is not a finding that a safety defect exists, and NHTSA can close one without a recall.

1 more NHTSA investigation
Open and recently closed NHTSA defect investigations

Do Not Drive - Passenger Side Front Air Bag Inflator may Rupture

NHTSA #15V312000 · Air Bags — Frontal — Passenger Side — Inflator Module · NHTSA notice

Reported May 26, 2015 · Chrysler (FCA US LLC)

Potentially affected: 385,686 vehicles

Repair completion: 25.59% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign R26 · Owners notified March 16, 2016 · Vehicles built August 29, 2002 – July 25, 2003 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Recall group: Takata airbag inflators

DO NOT DRIVE — this recall carries a "do not drive" advisory. Contact a Dodge dealer immediately.

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger’s frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.

Manufacturer remedy

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.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Failure of the Left Tie Rod Assembly

NHTSA #13V528000 · Steering — Linkages — Tie Rod Assembly · NHTSA notice

Reported November 6, 2013 · Chrysler Group LLC

Potentially affected: 706,664 vehicles

Repair completion: 31.96% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign N62 · Owners notified January 17, 2014 · Vehicles built February 12, 2002 – February 13, 2008 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

A failure of the tie rod assembly may result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

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.

Notes

This recall supersedes Chrysler tie rod recall 11V350. Vehicles that were previously remedied under recall 11V350 are also affected by this campaign. Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

OUTER TIE ROD FAILURE

NHTSA #11V350000 · Steering — Linkages — Tie Rod Assembly · NHTSA notice

Reported July 6, 2011 · CHRYSLER GROUP LLC

Potentially affected: 242,780 vehicles

Manufacturer campaign L16 · Owners notified October 3, 2011 · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

THIS CONDITION COULD RESULT IN THE POTENTIAL LOSS OF DIRECTIONAL STABILITY IN THE LEFT HAND FRONT WHEEL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

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.

Notes

CHRYSLER SAFETY RECALL NO. L16.OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV>HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV</A> .

AFTERMARKET REPLACEMENT PITMAN ARMS

NHTSA #10E013000 · Steering — Gear Box — Shaft Pitman · NHTSA notice

Reported May 3, 2010 · FABTECH MOTORSPORTS

Potentially affected: 1,500 vehicles

Owners notified May 24, 2010

Defect description

FABTECH IS RECALLING CERTAIN AFTERMARKET REPLACEMENT PITMAN ARMS, P/NOS. FTS93001 AND FT44039, INSTALLED FOR USE ON CERTAIN 2003 THROUGH 2008 DODGE 2500 4WD, 3500 4WD, AND 1500 4WD MEGA CAB VEHICLES. THE PITMAN ARM CAN FRACTURE AND BREAK AWAY FROM THE STEERING BOX CAUSING TOTAL LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL.

Safety consequence

STEERING LOSS COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH POSSIBLY RESULTING IN PROPERTY DAMAGE, INJURY OR DEATH.

Manufacturer remedy

FABTECH WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND AUTHORIZED INSTALLERS WILL INSPECT FOR DEFECTIVE PITMAN ARM AND REPLACE IF NECESSARY FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 24, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FABTECH AT 1-877-432-2832.

Notes

THIS RECALL ONLY PERTAINS TO AFTERMARKET FABTECH REPLACEMENT PITMAN ARMS AND HAS NO RELATION TO ANY ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT INSTALLED ON DODGE 2500, 3500, AND 1500 VEHICLES MANUFACTURED BY CHRYSLER GROUP, LLC.OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV>HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV</A> .

CURVED TEMPERED AUTOMOTIVE REPLACEMENT GLASS

NHTSA #07E104000 · Visibility — Glass, Side/Rear · NHTSA notice

Reported December 11, 2007 · SAFELITE FULFILLMENT, INC.

Potentially affected: 1,657 vehicles

Owners notified January 15, 2008

Defect description

CERTAIN CURVED TEMPERED REPLACEMENT GLASS MANUFACTURED BY HANGZHOU SAFETY GLASS LTD AND SUPPLIED TO SAFELITE BY AUTO TEMP INC., IDENTIFIED AS DOT-430, AND SOLD FOR USE ON CERTAIN DOMESTIC AND FOREIGN VEHICLES MAY NOT BREAK INTO SMALL PIECES AS EXPECTED OF TEMPERED GLASS AND FAILS TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 205, "GLAZING MATERIALS."

Safety consequence

IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE OCCUPANT(S) MAY BE SERIOUSLY INJURED BY SHATTERED GLASS.

Manufacturer remedy

SAFELITE WILL NOTIFY ITS RETAIL CUSTOMERS AND REPLACE THE GLASS FREE OF CHARGE. RETAIL CUSTOMERS CAN CONTACT SAFELITE TOLL FREE AT 1-888-843-2906. SAFELITE WILL NOTIFY ITS WHOLESALE CUSTOMERS AND REIMBURSE WHOLESALE CUSTOMERS FOR CURRENT INVENTORY AND AT A SPECIFIED RATE FOR REPLACING THEIR CUSTOMER'S GLASS. WHOLESALE CUSTOMERS CAN CONTACT SAFELITE'S WHOLESALE DIVISION, SERVICE AUTOGLASS TOLL FREE AT 1-888-246-6298. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 15, 2008.

Notes

THIS RECALL ONLY PERTAINS TO CERTAIN CURVED TEMPERED REPLACEMENT GLASS MANUFACTURED BY HANGZHOU SAFETY GLASS, LTD. (DOT-430) AND SUPPLIED TO SAFELITE BY AUTO TEMP INC., AND HAS NO RELATION TO ANY ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT INSTALLED ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. CUSTOMERS MAY CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

REPLACEMENT PITMAN ARM FAILURE

NHTSA #07E009000 · Suspension · NHTSA notice

Reported February 1, 2007 · L.K.I. ENTERPRISES, INC.

Potentially affected: 3,350 vehicles

Manufacturer campaign 07-01PIT · Owners notified March 12, 2007

Defect description

CERTAIN LKI ENTERPRISES, INC., BRAND NAME SUPERLIFT SUSPENSION, PITMAN ARMS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR 2003-2007 DODGE RAM 2500 AND 3500 4X4 LIGHT TRUCKS. DUE TO INADEQUATE HEAT TREATMENT DURING PRODUCTION, THE AFFECTED PITMAN ARMS MAY DEVELOP CRACKS IN THE UPPER SPLINED ATTACHMENT ATTACHMENT TO THE STEERING OUTPUT SHAFT. MOVEMENT BETWEEN THE PITMAN ARM AND THE OUTPUT SHAFT MAY DEFORM SPLINES, RESULTING IN PREMATURE WEAR AND FATIGUE FAILURE OF THE AFFECTED PITMAN ARM.

Safety consequence

PITMAN ARM WEAR OR FAILURE MAY LEAD TO LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

LKI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE PITMAN ARM, IF NECESSARY. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 12, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT LKI AT 1-800-551-4955.

Notes

LKI RECALL NO. 07-01PIT.THIS RECALL ONLY PERTAINS TO REPLACEMENT LKI, SUPERLIFT SUSPENSION KITS,AND HAS NO RELATION TO ANY ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT INSTALLED ON DODGE RAM 4X4 LIGHT TRUCKS MANUFACTURED BY DAIMLERCHRYSLER.CUSTOMERS MAY CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

UNINTENDED VEHICLE MOVEMENT

NHTSA #05V462000 · Power Train — Automatic Transmission — Lever and Linkage — Column Shift · NHTSA notice

Reported October 6, 2005 · DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION

Potentially affected: 250,433 vehicles

Manufacturer campaign E17 · Owners notified March 20, 2006 · Vehicles built June 1, 2002 – July 31, 2005 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

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.

Manufacturer remedy

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.

Notes

DAIMLERCHRYSLER CAMPAIGN NO. E17.THIS ACTION IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN AND IS NOT BEING CONDUCTED UNDER THE SAFETY ACT.THE COMPANY HAS INFORMED NHTSA THAT IT WILL PROVIDE THE MODIFICATIONS DESCRIBED ABOVE FREE OF CHARGE.

DAIMLERCHRYSLER/WHEELS

NHTSA #03V212000 · Wheels — Hubcap/Cover · NHTSA notice

Reported June 5, 2003 · DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION

Potentially affected: 1,086 vehicles

Manufacturer campaign C21 · Owners notified June 17, 2003 · Vehicles built March 24, 2003 – April 7, 2003 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

CERTAIN HEAVY DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS, THE ALUMINUM WHEELS MAY HAVE EXCESSIVE POROSITY IN THE CENTER HUB AREA WHICH CAN CAUSE A WHEEL TO CRACK.

Safety consequence

THIS COULD CAUSE A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL AND RESULT IN A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Manufacturer remedy

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.

Notes

DAIMLERCHRYSLER RECALL NO. C21.CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

DAIMLERCHRYSLER/IDLE SPEED

NHTSA #03V033000 · Vehicle Speed Control · NHTSA notice

Reported February 5, 2003 · DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION

Potentially affected: 19,500 vehicles

Manufacturer campaign C02 · Owners notified March 10, 2003 · Vehicles built August 5, 2002 – December 24, 2002 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS, EQUIPPED WITH CUMMINS DIESEL ENGINES AND MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS, MAY EXPERIENCE AN ELEVATED IDLE SPEED AFTER EXTENDED CRUISE CONTROL USE.

Safety consequence

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

Manufacturer 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 THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

Notes

DAIMLERCHRYSLER RECALL NO. C02. CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

Other Dodge Ram 2500 model years

Check your 2003 Dodge Ram 2500 VIN

Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your Dodge Ram 2500 at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.

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