Reliability & 5-year cost of ownership — 2003 Dodge Ram Quad Cab
NHTSA data on file today
try.vin couldn't confirm NHTSA's recall list for the 2003 Dodge Ram Quad Cab, so this page doesn't state a recall count — check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for current campaigns. 122 owner complaints are on file.
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Structure 45 complaints
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic 18 complaints
- Suspension 13 complaints
- Electrical System 11 complaints
- Power Train 11 complaints
- Steering 11 complaints
Of the 122 complaints on file, 8 report a crash and 2 a fire; across all 122 complaints, owners report 16 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Below average
Estimated 5-year repair + maintenance cost: $6,000–$12,000AI estimate — not from NHTSA data
The 2003 Dodge RAM Quad Cab has a below-average reliability due to structure and brake issues. High complaint volumes suggest significant costs and frequent failures in these areas.
Most-common failures
| Part | Typical mileage (AI estimate) | Cost range (AI estimate) | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| structure | 70,000–100,000 miles | $500–$1,500 | very common |
| service brakes | 50,000–80,000 miles | $300–$700 | common |
| suspension | 60,000–90,000 miles | $400–$900 | common |
| hydraulic system | 50,000–80,000 miles | $250–$600 | common |
| power train | 80,000–120,000 miles | $800–$2,000 | occasional |
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 change every 5,000 miles
- brake inspection every 10,000 miles
- rotate tires every 10,000 miles
- replace air filter annually
- coolant flush every 60,000 miles
- transmission service every 60,000 miles
Warning signs to watch for
Symptoms that signal a major upcoming repair.
- squeaking brakes
- suspension noises
- rust on body
- uneven tire wear
- steering wheel vibration
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2003 Dodge Ram Quad Cab at the time. The rating is an AI assessment; cost and mileage figures are AI estimates, not NHTSA data.