Model year record

2003 Dodge RAM

2 recall campaigns on file for this model year. 65 owner complaints on file.

Recalls

Recall campaignNHTSA 04V185000

Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: control unit/module

Component
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: control unit/module
Manufacturer
DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION
Vehicles affected
44,588
Reported to NHTSA
2004-04-12
Owners notified
2004-09-27

Defect description

ON CERTAIN VAN AND WAGON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 4-WHEEL ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEMS (ABS), AFTERMARKET BATTERIES MAY LEAK ELECTROLYTE ONTO THE ABS CONTROL MODULE CONNECTOR, WHICH CAN COMPROMISE SEALING INTEGRITY OF THE CONNECTOR.

Safety risk

THIS MAY ALLOW DEVELOPMENT OF A SHORT CIRCUIT IN THE CONNECTOR, WHICH COULD EVENTUALLY LEAD TO A FIRE.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE ABS CONTROL MODULE CONNECTOR FOR ELECTROLYTE DAMAGE AND REPLACE THE CONNECTOR AS NECESSARY. THE RECALL WILL BEGIN ON SEPTEMBER 27, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

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
Engine and engine cooling516,900 mi
Electrical system4137,000 mi
Structure460,000 mi
Air bags: frontal31,800 mi
Power train: automatic transmission351,567 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: rotor3
Visibility: defroster/defogger/hvac system365,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: engine210,000 mi
Exterior lighting2200,000 mi
Fuel system, gasoline: fuel injection system27,000 mi
Steering: hydraulic power assist: hose, piping, and connections2
Structure: body: door2116,960 mi
Suspension249,500 mi
Unknown or other260 mi
Air bags1
Engine and engine cooling: engine: gasoline1
Equipment1
Fuel system, diesel1
Fuel system, other: delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings1
Fuel system, other: storage: tank assembly: mounting1
Power train1
Power train: automatic transmission: cooling unit and lines1
Power train: driveline: driveshaft1
Seat belts: front1
Seat belts: front: retractor115,000 mi
Seats: mid/rear assembly115,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic110,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip1
Steering13,779 mi
Steering: hydraulic power assist: power steering fluid1
Structure: body: roof and pillars118,100 mi
Structure: frame and members1
Suspension: front: wheel bearing160,300 mi
Tires183,285 mi
Tires: sidewall1100,000 mi
Vehicle speed control1168,000 mi
Vehicle speed control: accelerator pedal19,000 mi
Vehicle speed control: linkages1
Visibility: windshield wiper/washer1
Wheels1

The 2002 model has about half 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.

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.