Known Recalls

Model year record

2003 Dodge RAM 2500

6 recall campaigns on file for this model year. 867 owner complaints on file.

Recalls

Recall campaignNHTSA 15V312000

Air bags: frontal: passenger side: inflator module

Component
Air bags: frontal: passenger side: inflator module
Manufacturer
Chrysler (FCA US LLC)
Vehicles affected
385,686
Reported to NHTSA
2015-05-26
Owners notified
2016-03-16

Defect description

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2003 Dodge Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500 trucks manufactured August 29, 2002, to July 25, 2003 to address a safety defect in the passenger side frontal air bag inflator which may produce excessive internal pressure causing the inflator to rupture upon deployment of the air bag. This recall addresses both the passenger side frontal air bags that were originally installed in the vehicles, as well as replacement air bags that may have been installed as replacement service parts. A replacement air bag may have been installed, as one example, if a vehicle had been in a crash necessitating the replacement of the passenger side frontal air bag.

Safety risk

In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger’s frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.

Manufacturer remedy

Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy is completed. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag, free of charge. The recall began on March 16, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R26. Note: This recall partially supersedes recall 14V770.

Recall campaignNHTSA 13V528000

Steering: linkages: tie rod assembly

Component
Steering: linkages: tie rod assembly
Manufacturer
Chrysler Group LLC
Vehicles affected
706,664
Reported to NHTSA
2013-11-06
Owners notified
2014-01-17

Defect description

Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2003-2008 Dodge RAM 2500 4x4 and 3500 4x4, model year 2007-2008 Dodge RAM 3500 4x2 Cab Chassis and model year 2006-2008 Dodge RAM 1500 Mega Cab 4x4 trucks manufactured February 12, 2002, through February 13, 2008. The left tie rod assembly may break.

Safety risk

A failure of the tie rod assembly may result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

Chrysler notified owners and launched its recall campaign in January 2014. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N62.

Recall campaignNHTSA 11V350000

Steering: linkages: tie rod assembly

Component
Steering: linkages: tie rod assembly
Manufacturer
CHRYSLER GROUP LLC
Vehicles affected
242,780
Reported to NHTSA
2011-07-06
Owners notified
2011-10-03

Defect description

CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008-2011 DODGE RAM 2500/3500 4X4, MANUFACTURED FROM FEBRUARY 14, 2008, THROUGH MARCH 28, 2011; MODEL YEAR 2008-2011 DODGE RAM 3500 CAB CHASSIS 4X2, MANUFACTURED FROM FEBRUARY 14, 2008, THROUGH MARCH 28, 2011; AND MODEL YEAR 2008 DODGE RAM 1500 MEGA CAB 4X4, MANUFACTURED FROM FEBRUARY 14, 2008, THROUGH AUGUST 15, 2008, BECAUSE THE LEFT TIE ROD BALL STUD MAY FRACTURE. THIS CONDITION TENDS TO OCCUR DURING LOW SPEED PARKING LOT TYPE MANEUVERS WHEN THE CUSTOMER IS MAKING A TIGHT TURN. ADDITIONALLY, MODEL YEAR 2003-2008 DODGE RAM 2500/3500 VEHICLES MAY HAVE RECEIVED THE AFFECTED TIE ROD ASSEMBLY AS A REPLACEMENT PART DURING NORMAL SERVICE.

Safety risk

THIS CONDITION COULD RESULT IN THE POTENTIAL LOSS OF DIRECTIONAL STABILITY IN THE LEFT HAND FRONT WHEEL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE TIE ROD ENDS FOR RELATIVE ORIENTATION AND REPLACE THE LEFT OUTER TIE ROD AS REQUIRED AND PERFORM A FRONT END TOE ALIGNMENT AS NEEDED. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 3, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

Recall campaignNHTSA 05V462000

Power train: automatic transmission: lever and linkage: column shift

Component
Power train: automatic transmission: lever and linkage: column shift
Manufacturer
DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION
Vehicles affected
250,433
Reported to NHTSA
2005-10-06
Owners notified
2006-03-20

Defect description

ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH DIESEL ENGINES AND AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS, IN AN ATTEMPT TO EXIT THE VEHICLE QUICKLY WITHOUT SHUTTING OFF THE ENGINE AND REMOVING THE KEY, THE DRIVER MAY INADVERTENTLY LEAVE THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SHIFT CONTROL IN INDICATED REVERSE.

Safety risk

THIS ERROR IS AN UNINTENDED ACTION THAT MAY RESULT IN A LACK OF TRANSMISSION PARK PAWL ENGAGEMENT AND POSSIBLY DELAYED REARWARD MOVEMENT OF THE VEHICLE.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL PERFORM A SOFTWARE MODIFICATION TO EQUIP THESE VEHICLES WITH AN OUT-OF-PARK ALARM. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

Recall campaignNHTSA 03V212000

Wheels: hubcap/cover

Component
Wheels: hubcap/cover
Manufacturer
DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION
Vehicles affected
1,086
Reported to NHTSA
2003-06-05
Owners notified
2003-06-17

Defect description

CERTAIN HEAVY DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS, THE ALUMINUM WHEELS MAY HAVE EXCESSIVE POROSITY IN THE CENTER HUB AREA WHICH CAN CAUSE A WHEEL TO CRACK.

Safety risk

THIS COULD CAUSE A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL AND RESULT IN A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE WHEELS AND REPLACE THEM IF NECESSARY. OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN JUNE 17, 2003.. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-992-1997.

Recall campaignNHTSA 03V033000

Vehicle speed control

Component
Vehicle speed control
Manufacturer
DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION
Vehicles affected
19,500
Reported to NHTSA
2003-02-05
Owners notified
2003-03-10

Defect description

CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS, EQUIPPED WITH CUMMINS DIESEL ENGINES AND MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS, MAY EXPERIENCE AN ELEVATED IDLE SPEED AFTER EXTENDED CRUISE CONTROL USE.

Safety risk

THIS CAN RESULT IN UNINTENDED ACCELERATION AND A REDUCTION IN BRAKING EFFECTIVENESS, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE SOFTWARE IN THE CUMMINS ENGINE CONTROLLER. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON MARCH 10, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

Owner complaints

A complaint is one person's report to a federal agency. It is not a finding.

ComponentComplaintsMedian mileage
Steering14190,000 mi
Air bags13595,000 mi
Structure9975,000 mi
Suspension7595,000 mi
Structure: body39110,000 mi
Unknown or other3589,000 mi
Suspension: front2755,000 mi
Electrical system2593,000 mi
Power train: automatic transmission2220,000 mi
Visibility1886,000 mi
Power train1688,500 mi
Suspension: front: control arm: upper ball joint1229,850 mi
Visibility: defroster/defogger/hvac system1289,881 mi
Visibility/wiper10105,145 mi
Exterior lighting9100,000 mi
Service brakes9100,000 mi
Steering: linkages: tie rod assembly962,432 mi
Wheels9136,000 mi
Suspension: front: control arm: lower ball joint835,000 mi
Vehicle speed control7135,000 mi
Power train: automatic transmission: lever and linkage: column shift67,666 mi
Tires6127,253 mi
Engine599,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: engine510,000 mi
Equipment5120,000 mi
Fuel system, diesel512,000 mi
Equipment: appliance: air conditioner44,800 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic420 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip43,518 mi
Air bags: frontal336,500 mi
Engine and engine cooling329,341 mi
Exterior lighting: turn signal3105,000 mi
Power train: driveline: universal joint310,000 mi
Steering: hydraulic power assist system318,000 mi
Steering: rack and pinion3100 mi
Structure: frame and members330,000 mi
Suspension: front: stabilizer bar362,000 mi
Suspension: front: wheel bearing370,000 mi
Suspension: rear312,000 mi
Electronic stability control (ESC)2169,000 mi
Electronic stability control: automatic (ASC)21,500 mi
Engine and engine cooling: engine: diesel21,000 mi
Exterior lighting: brake lights26,500 mi
Fuel/propulsion system293,000 mi
Power train: automatic transmission: gear position indication (PRNDL)29,800 mi
Seats21,400 mi
Steering: column255,580 mi
Steering: gear box (other than rack and pinion)21,400 mi
Steering: linkages225,489 mi
Structure: frame and members: underbody shields2175,000 mi
Tires: sidewall236,000 mi
Tires: tread/belt2—
Vehicle speed control: cruise control240,129 mi
Visibility: defroster/defogger/hvac system: fan/motor275,000 mi
Back over prevention: warnings: external/pedestrian alert127,850 mi
Electrical system: wiring: front underhood133,314 mi
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system: radiator assembly151,220 mi
Engine and engine cooling: engine: gasoline12,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system120 mi
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control: catalytic convertor129,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control: crankcase (PCV)131,000 mi
Equipment adaptive/mobility167,000 mi
Equipment: electrical: anti-theft devices1—
Fuel system, gasoline1—
Fuel system, other: delivery158,000 mi
Latches/locks/linkages: doors: latch1130,000 mi
Parking brake15,000 mi
Power train: axle hubs137,000 mi
Power train: clutch assembly110,000 mi
Power train: driveline: differential unit112,000 mi
Power train: driveline: driveshaft1—
Power train: manual transmission121,000 mi
Power train: manual transmission: column shift assembly1—
Power train: manual transmission: shift pattern indicator17,000 mi
Seat belts: front130,000 mi
Seat belts: front: webbing11,000 mi
Seats: front assembly: head restraint1—
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings177,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: power assist: hydraulic110,000 mi
Steering: electric power assist system150,000 mi
Steering: gear box: shaft pitman170,000 mi
Steering: hydraulic power assist: power steering fluid125,489 mi
Steering: hydraulic power assist: pump1207,000 mi
Steering: linkages: drag: link: connection120,000 mi
Steering: linkages: knuckle: spindle: arm154,000 mi
Steering: linkages: rod: relay: connecting154,000 mi
Structure: body: door180,500 mi
Structure: body: door: hinge and attachments16,760 mi
Structure: body: tailgate: hinge and attachments170,000 mi
Suspension: front: control arm: lower arm148,000 mi
Suspension: front: hub170,504 mi
Suspension: front: springs: leaf spring assembly112,000 mi
Suspension: multiple axle167,000 mi
Tires: temporary/emergency spare tire1120,000 mi
Vehicle speed control: accelerator pedal17,000 mi
Visibility: defroster/defogger/hvac system: windshield: electrical heating element169,000 mi
Visibility: rearview mirrors/devices11,400 mi
Visibility: windshield12,500 mi
Visibility: windshield wiper/washer1120,000 mi
Visibility: windshield wiper/washer: linkages115,000 mi

The 2002 model has 4 times as many complaints as this one. The 2004 model has roughly the same number of complaints as this one. These figures reflect raw complaint counts, not failure rates. Higher-selling model years naturally receive more complaints.

Open investigations

An investigation is not a recall. It indicates that NHTSA is currently evaluating an alleged defect but has not reached a final determination.

EA21002Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture

Air bags: frontal: driver side: inflator module

EA15001Air Bag Inflator Rupture

Air bags: frontal

Safety recall repairs are provided free of charge by franchised dealers, regardless of vehicle age or mileage. This page displays aggregated data for the model year. To check recall status for a specific vehicle, search its VIN at nhtsa.gov.