2003 Dodge RAM 2500 Recalls, Problems & Safety Rating

6 safety recalls on file

The 2003 Dodge RAM 2500 has 6 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.

Owners have filed 661 complaints with NHTSA, including 30 crashes, 2 fires, 29 injuries.

The most-reported problem area is Steering (169 reports).

6Recalls
661Owner complaints
30Crashes reported
n/aNHTSA safety rating
Is the repair still open on your RAM 2500?

A recall covers specific vehicles. Your VIN shows whether yours still needs the free repair.

2003 Dodge RAM 2500 recalls

Passenger Air Bag May Rupture and Spray Metal Fragments

Recall 15V312May 26, 2015385,686 vehicles affected

The passenger side frontal air bag inflator can build up excessive internal pressure, so it may rupture when the air bag deploys in a crash.

Steering:Linkages:Tie Rod Assembly

Recall 13V528Nov 6, 2013706,664 vehicles affected

Steering:Linkages:Tie Rod Assembly

Recall 11V350Jul 6, 2011242,780 vehicles affected

Power Train:Automatic Transmission:Lever And Linkage:Column Shift

Recall 05V462Oct 6, 2005250,433 vehicles affected

Wheels:Hubcap/Cover

Recall 03V212Jun 5, 20031,086 vehicles affected

Vehicle Speed Control

Recall 03V033Feb 5, 200319,500 vehicles affected

Most common 2003 Dodge RAM 2500 problems

Problem areas named in the 661 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.

Problem areaReports
Steering169
Structure146
Air Bags138
Suspension135
Power Train56
Visibility37
Unknown Or Other35
Electrical System26
Engine And Engine Cooling15
Exterior Lighting14

What owners report

2025-07-09, Visibility/Wiper
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
2024-02-06, Tires
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 side. travel speed was 55 to 60 mph. if tire had blown out truck and camper would have flipped over. i called manufacturer of tire, was told to contact walmart where i purchased tire. contacted walmart, was told to contact manufacturer. classic runaround.
2023-07-17, Steering
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 manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
2023-04-09, Electrical System
After driving in heavy rain. During the following day started having electrical issues the parking lights would stay on even when the switch was turned off the driver's side headlight would also come on. and the parking lights would either turn off or flash when the high beams were turned on this happened with front and back parking lights the only way to fully get them to stay off was to pull the relay or disconnect the battery. The problem is with the power distribution center and front control module the poor design allows them to corrode damaging the copper tracing and causing shorts in the system this is a common problem as there are several online forums dedicated to these problems wit
2022-05-18, Steering
We have a 2003 Dodge Ram 2500 Diesel crew cab pickup that occasionally after hitting a bump or on rough roads the steering mechanism or suspension develops an uncontrollable harmonic vibration with one or the other front wheels bouncing. The only way to stop the vibration is to come to a complete stop. In heavy traffic it could be a serious safety issue. The condition is well known to Chrysler and is commonly called a "Death Wobble". The first incidence on our vehicle was around ten years ago, but newer pickups are reported to have the condition. By replacing just the shock absorbers then it seemed to have helped, but that fix may have been fortuitous. The Dodge service center at th

2003 Dodge RAM 2500 questions

Does the 2003 Dodge RAM 2500 have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 6 safety recalls for the 2003 Dodge RAM 2500: Passenger Air Bag May Rupture and Spray Metal Fragments; Steering:Linkages:Tie Rod Assembly; Steering:Linkages:Tie Rod Assembly; Power Train:Automatic Transmission:Lever And Linkage:Column Shift; Wheels:Hubcap/Cover. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.

What are the most common problems with the 2003 Dodge RAM 2500?

Based on 661 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Steering (169), Structure (146), Air Bags (138).

How do I check if a recall on my 2003 Dodge RAM 2500 has been fixed?

Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.

Other Dodge RAM 2500 years

Other 2003 Dodge models