Reliability & 5-year cost of ownership — 2003 Dodge Ram 2500
NHTSA data on file today
The 2003 Dodge Ram 2500 has 9 NHTSA recall campaigns and 661 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #15V312000 Do Not Drive - Passenger Side Front Air Bag Inflator may Rupture NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #13V528000 Failure of the Left Tie Rod Assembly NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #11V350000 OUTER TIE ROD FAILURE NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #10E013000 AFTERMARKET REPLACEMENT PITMAN ARMS NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #07E104000 CURVED TEMPERED AUTOMOTIVE REPLACEMENT GLASS NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #07E009000 REPLACEMENT PITMAN ARM FAILURE NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #05V462000 UNINTENDED VEHICLE MOVEMENT NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #03V212000 DAIMLERCHRYSLER/WHEELS NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #03V033000 DAIMLERCHRYSLER/IDLE SPEED NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Steering 159 complaints
- Structure 146 complaints
- Air Bags 138 complaints
- Suspension 122 complaints
- Power Train 55 complaints
- Visibility 36 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).
Below average
Estimated 5-year repair + maintenance cost: $8,000–$15,000AI estimate — not from NHTSA data
The 2003 Dodge RAM 2500 has a below-average reliability rating with nine recalls and 661 complaints. Common issues affect crucial systems like steering, suspension, and airbags, presenting potential safety risks. High complaint volumes for these systems indicate recurring problems. However, detailed failure data is limited, preventing a more precise evaluation.
Most-common failures
| Part | Typical mileage (AI estimate) | Cost range (AI estimate) | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| steering components | 60,000–100,000 miles | $300–$1,500 | common |
| suspension system | 70,000–120,000 miles | $400–$1,800 | common |
| airbag system | N/A | $500–$1,200 | common |
AI estimate — not from NHTSA data: the mileage bands and repair-cost ranges above. Get a written repair quote before you budget.
Scheduled maintenance to budget
Routine items every owner should plan for.
- Oil and filter changes
- Brake system checks
- Transmission fluid change
- Suspension inspections
- Spark plug replacements
- Cooling system maintenance
Warning signs to watch for
Symptoms that signal a major upcoming repair.
- Steering play or stiffness
- Uneven tire wear
- Suspension noise or rattles
- Airbag warning lights
- Gear shift issues
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2003 Dodge Ram 2500 at the time. The rating is an AI assessment; cost and mileage figures are AI estimates, not NHTSA data.