2003 Dodge RAM 1500 Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 73about this part
- Share
- 6%of 1,171 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 11,850miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 73 complaints about the brakes of the 2003 Dodge RAM 1500, 6% of the 1,171 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 11,850 miles. 6 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Started up and the ABS dash indicator light stayed on. I took the truck to my mechanics and noticed the speedometer wasn't working. My mechanics found the problem with the ABS right away. They said that a fire had occurred and the entire truck could have caught fire. The ABS controller was burnt and the wires leading from it.”
NHTSA complaint #10554682, filed 2013-12, 125,600 miles“My rotors warped after about 10,000 miles, the dealer resurfaced them. They warped again after another 8,000 miles, they replaced them. Then they warped again after another 6,000 or so miles. I don't do heavy traffic driving, so I am not riding my brakes, and even if I were, they should not be warping so quickly.”
NHTSA complaint #10116917, filed 2005-04, 10,000 miles“Warped rotors at 8000 (replaced under warranty) and 18000 miles on 2003 Dodge ram1500 quad cab 4x4. I am now on my third set of rotors on the above truck and still only have 23000 miles on the truck and again appear to be having rotor problems. This causes the veichle to hop when stopping and vibrate excessevily.”
NHTSA complaint #10056898, filed 2004-02, 8,000 miles“Front brakes: pulsation, vibration, shaking. New rotors were replaced. Dealer wants to re-surface front brakes and install front brake pads? I've had nothing but problems with the front brakes. The emergency brake cable broke and was replaced as well. I see a serious safety concern here and an accident waiting to happen. I guess they will only worry about this when there are fatalities.”
NHTSA complaint #10052707, filed 2004-01, 7,000 miles“2003 Dodge RAM 1500 and brakes started pulsating at about 13000 miles..told dealer..told me was a wear item..tuff luck..now I have a 30k truck that bouces when the brakes are applied. I cant believe the brake rotors are already junk..and now the trucks stopping ability is not as good. Can I make the dealer install new rotors?”
NHTSA complaint #10048831, filed 2003-11, 13,000 milesBrakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 51 | 7% |
| 2011 | 26 | 4% |
| 2010 | 16 | 3% |
| 2009 | 34 | 5% |
| 2008 | 27 | 5% |
| 2007 | 21 | 4% |
| 2006 | 39 | 5% |
| 2005 | 40 | 3% |
| 2004 | 53 | 5% |
| 2003 | 73 | 6% |
| 2002 | 36 | 4% |
| 2001 | 59 | 5% |
| 2000 | 31 | 6% |
| 1999 | 56 | 9% |
| 1998 | 64 | 12% |
| 1997 | 53 | 15% |
| 1996 | 46 | 15% |
| 1995 | 27 | 13% |
| 1994 | 11 | 9% |
| 1993 | 3 | 50% |
Other parts of the 2003 Dodge RAM 1500
458 complaintsBody and structure
237 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
125 complaintsOther or unknown
67 complaintsElectrical system
62 complaintsSuspension
57 complaintsEngine cooling
56 complaintsSteering
44 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
33 complaintsEngine
21 complaintsVehicle speed control
20 complaintsWheels
19 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 Dodge RAM 1500
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology