2003 Dodge Ram Quad Cab problems, complaints & recalls
Most-reported problem areas: Structure (35) · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:disc:rotor (11) · Suspension (6)
🧭 Reliability snapshot
Compared against other Dodge Ram Quad Cab model years — complaint volume vs the model's median year, recalls and severity. How we score →
🛣️ Complaints by mileage
96 NHTSA complaints that reported an odometer reading.
Safety recalls (0)
No recalls on record for this model year (campaigns announced since 2010).
Service bulletins (18)
Technical service bulletins are repair instructions manufacturers send dealers for known issues. Unlike recalls, the fix is not automatically free — but naming the bulletin at the service desk can save diagnosis time and support goodwill repairs.
Electrical System:ignition:anti-Theft:immobilizer/Proximity:key/Sender 2020-07-22 · 9004275 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
key, master if replacing the key/fobik on a wj, kj, tj, or pt cruiser, use the "ac" nic level part number. the "ab" nic level will not program to these platforms. for all other platforms, if the "ab" nic level will not program to the vehicle, use the "ac" nic level part and submit a part warranty.
Electrical System:ignition:anti-Theft:immobilizer/Proximity:key/Sender 2020-07-22 · 9004275 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
key, master if replacing the key/fobik on a wj, kj, tj, or pt cruiser, use the "ac" nic level part number. the "ab" nic level will not program to these platforms. for all other platforms, if the "ab" nic level will not program to the vehicle, use the "ac" nic level part and submit a part warranty.
Structure 2020-04-30 · 23-015-20 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
disinfectant solution recommended for covid-19
Equipment 2020-04-22 · 08-049-20 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
charging system, battery diagnostic tools and warranty this information only bulletin discusses using the correct test equipment for testing batteries and charging systems, and also warranty reimbursement when battery replacements are necessary.
Structure 2019-11-20 · 3100519 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
use of aftermarket parts this bulletin involves discussing fca us llc position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.
Structure 2019-11-20 · 3100319 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
use of salvage/recycled parts this bulletin involves discussing fca us llc position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts.
Showing the 6 most recent of 18 bulletins. Search all of them free at nhtsa.gov.
What owners report
2019-12-06 · Vehicle Speed Control · 50,000 mi“while driving at different speeds over 30 and usually temps below 50, the engine light will come on and will immediately lose throttle. "dead pedal" sometimes the throttle will surge then drop off other times when slowing the trans (automatic) will start to chatter as if a manual,. i use a store purchased obd computer to reset. get codes 2121, 2123…”
2019-04-01 · Unknown Or Other · 86,725 mi“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.…”
2018-08-15 · Visibility/Wiper · 140,000 mi“wipers do what they want to, no- off dont seat stop in middle of windshield…”
2018-06-20 · Air Bags“takata recall / i received the nhtsa campaign number: 15v312000 (airbags) frontal passenger air bag inflator however, in order to repair the vehicle the dashboard would have to be removed and the dealer stated that they would not be able to remove the existing dashboard without damaging the dashboard further. dodge stated they will not cover the p…”
2017-10-31 · Unknown Or Other · 38,490 mi“cracked dashboard for no reason. car was parked. opened vehicle to find cracked dash. told by dealership not their problem. never had any vehicle ever do this before. have purchased dodges for years, but now will not purchase another if they don't own up to their obligations.…”
2017-10-04 · Structure:body · 220,000 mi“2003 dodge ram quad cab 4x4 had vehicle towed and when tow truck driver hooked chains to frame rails to winch vehicle on to tow truck the chains ripped the steel out of the bottom of the frame do to the frame being rotted i have uploaded photos. this is a real safety concern do to the fact the frame is enclosed and there is no real warning or sign…”
2017-07-12 · Air Bags“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! t…”
2017-07-10 · Visibility/Wiper · 500,000 mi“the dashboard and hvac system has cracked to pieces causing the defrosters to be inoperable most of the time and constantly blows pieces of plastic and foam out of the vents occasionally getting in the driver's eyes and nose causing sneezing and distracting irritation.…”
2016-04-22 · Engine · 146 mi“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 failu…”
2015-08-28 · Air Bags · 💥 crash“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 t…”
Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.