2003 Dodge Ram Quad Cab: problems, recalls and reliability
0 recalls and 122 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is structure (36% of complaints).
Data updated weekly
0
recalls
122
owner complaints
2
fire reports
51,014
typical failure mileage, mi
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
No recall campaignsWeak spot: structure (36%)2 fire reports
Common problems
Computed from 122 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
Structure (body, frame, doors, rust)36% · 43 complaints
Service Brakes, Hydraulic (brakes)13% · 15 complaints
Power Train (transmission, axles, driveline)8% · 10 complaints
Suspension (shocks, springs, ride quality)8% · 10 complaints
Air Bags (airbags and crash sensors)8% · 9 complaints
Electrical System (battery, wiring, electronics)6% · 7 complaints
“The dashboard is falling apart with sharp pieces falling inside under the dash which may cut wires or even the air bag. It is very brittle. It can be moving or stationary.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Mar 2019
“So many of these trucks have dashboards that are literally falling apart and the recall on the airbags can't be done without the dashboards being replaced which is above $1400.00! My 2004 toyota 4runner dashboard did the same thing, only not as extreme as falling apart like my dodge ram 1500. Toyota did the right thing and recalled the dashboard! This truck was just purchased for my son and now they can't and won't replace the airbag unless we pay to have the dashboard replaced? If the manufacturer of dodge doesn't do the same and I or one of my passengers is hurt because of the recall airbag, you best believe there will be a huge lawsuit coming their way!”Owner report · Air Bags · Jul 2017
“While driving the valve spring broke and dropped the valve into the cylinder causing engine damage. This is a common problem on the 5.7 hemi engine . One that dodge is well aware of . There should be some sort of favor given on the matter . Out of all the engines I have owned as well as worked on this is the only that has had this as a common failure and it really needs to be addressed.”Owner report · Engine · Apr 2016
Show 7 more owner reports
“Tl* the contact owned a 2003 dodge ram quad cab. While driving approximately 50-55 mph, the contact attempted to avoid crashing into a deer and lost control of the vehicle. As a result, the vehicle crashed into a corn field. The air bags did not deploy. The contact sustained injuries that required medical attention. A police report was filed and the vehicle was destroyed. The VIN was included in NHTSA campaign number: 15v312000 (air bags). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.”Owner report · Air Bags · Aug 2015
“Tl*the contact owns a 2003 dodge ram 2500. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 14v354000 (airbag) however, the part needed to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.”Owner report · Air Bags · Jan 2015
“The dash is falling apart. It began last summer and pieces are falling into the air conditioner vents. Cheap material used for the dash board. *tr”Owner report · Structure · Nov 2014
“Driver was using grab bar to pull self up into vehicle when the grab bar broke suddenly and pulled out of the vehicle without warning. This caused driver to fall and suffer a fractured hamate bone in the wrist and chronic shoulder pain. Injuries require surgery and are not yet healed. *tr”Owner report · Structure · Sep 2014
“My passenger doors, front and rear, will not function with the power lock and the windows can only be rolled down from the drivers controls. This is a safety concern to me as it will make it difficult or impossible for someone to quickly get out of the vehicle if they need to bail out, or get out in the event of an accident. If the driver became ill had a medical emergency, passengers would be unable to get out of the vehicle. The electrical wires in the door harnesses have broken and caused the issue to occur. *tr”Owner report · Electrical System · Jun 2014
“The plastic tension device on the seat belts (buckle end) are breaking off. This is of most importance with my child safety seats. It does not allow for the seats to stay in place as they loosen up in just one short trip. This affects the safety, security and life of my children. This needs to be repaired right away. *tr”Owner report · Seat Belts · May 2014
“The dash board on this vehicle is cracking all over. It has cracked around the passenger airbag and pieces have fallen into the airbag compartment. This has not caused injury yet, but if involved in an accident, the broken pieces will definitely cause injury and I hope that they do not affect the airbag deployment. Pieces blow into your face while running the defrost which if struck in the eye could cause an accident. *tr”Owner report · Structure · Apr 2014
When filing, owners marked a crash in 8 of these complaints and injuries in 16 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
How other years compare
2001118 complaints · 0 recalls2002206 complaints · 0 recalls2003 (this page)122 complaints · 0 recalls
Counts are not adjusted for time on the road here - see all Ram Quad Cab years ranked fairly for the age-adjusted comparison.
Check your exact Ram Quad Cab by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2003 Dodge Ram Quad Cab reliable?
NHTSA has 122 owner complaints and 0 recall campaigns on record for the 2003 Dodge Ram Quad Cab. The most complained-about area is structure (36% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2003 Dodge Ram Quad Cab problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 51,014 miles or less.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.