2003 Dodge RAM 1500 Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 56about this part
- Share
- 5%of 1,171 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 42,318miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 56 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2003 Dodge RAM 1500, 5% of the 1,171 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 42,318 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Truck stalls every time I start slowing down for a stop sign or red light and sometimes when I turn corners. When idling it shuts off immediately unless I throttle to keep rpms up. Also stalls when I put it in reverse. I've been almost hit several times when pulling into an intersection. Replaced all known causes and nothing has fixed the issue. I have read in some sites I may need a software update from Dodge dealership.”
NHTSA complaint #10479856, filed 2012-10, 215,000 miles“We purchased a 2003 RAM 1500 3.7, in 11/07, the truck has not been running right, we took it in and 2 plugs melted, into the coil, the dealer replaced the heads on that side. We picked up the truck. And the serpentine belt fell off and froze the water pump, blowing another head gasket. This isn't the first time the pump had been replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #10235193, filed 2008-07, 74,000 miles“Driving down I-94 on 01/24/2006 from work going 70 MPH and oil gauge bottomed out, and I had a ticking noise. Pulled off the highway and had truck towed to the dealership. Was told the engine was shot due to sludge. I maintained a excellent 3000 mile oil change. Currently, the truck sits at the dealership and I owe $27000 on something I could not drive. Help!!”
NHTSA complaint #10148900, filed 2006-01, 75,000 miles“My heater fan went out, creating a dangerous driving situation during winter driving conditions. I checked the fuse which is good. I think there should be a recall for this problem. I am going to have to have it fixed and believe the problem is in the ignition and will be costly.”
NHTSA complaint #10252824, filed 2008-12, 76,000 miles“I own a 2003 Dodge RAM 1500 2x4. Clutch was replaced at 36000 miles, and motor was rebuild at 46000 miles, both times under warranty. Each time I' had the oil changed there appeared to be a white substance building up on the oil cap as if it was condensation. I now have 88000 miles and have a ticking. Like a valve sticking, and continues to have this white substance. When it rains or I go through a puddle of water the belt starts to slip and all power is lost.”
NHTSA complaint #10193658, filed 2007-06, 45,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10223854Sep 7, 2016Service - Four Piece Oil Pan Gasket All Cummins Equipped Vehicles ONLY - The replacement oil pan gasket can be a four piece gasket rather than a single piece gasket. This applies…
- 10191455Sep 7, 2016Cummins Equipped Vehicles ONLY - The replacement oil pan gasket can be a four piece gasket rather than a single piece gasket. This applies to Cummins 5.9L and 6.7L engines only.
- 10191460Feb 26, 2016Valve Body. These may cause over drive cycling.
- 10229181Feb 12, 2015Part Description: 5.7L Long Block Issue Description: This 5.7L Long Block Assembly is compatible with both EGR and Non-EGR applications. An EGR Block-Off Plate (53032739AA) must…
- 10223602Feb 12, 2015Part Description: 5.7L Long Block Issue Description: This 5.7L Long Block Assembly is compatible with both EGR and Non-EGR applications. An EGR Block-Off Plate (53032739AA) must…
- 10139009Feb 13, 201368069384A$, R8069384A$, 68086182A$, R8027067A$, RL002012A$ - Gasket, Cylinder Head Cover Before replacing injectors for Diagnostic Trouble Codes P0201, P0202, P0203, P0204…
- 10015075Apr 28, 2005New water pump for 3.7l engine - no longer common with 4.7l. Advanced service information #05-002.
- 10015060Apr 21, 2005Long crank times in ambient temperatures below freezing.
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 8 | 1% |
| 2011 | 5 | 1% |
| 2010 | 13 | 3% |
| 2009 | 9 | 1% |
| 2008 | 8 | 1% |
| 2007 | 13 | 3% |
| 2006 | 21 | 3% |
| 2005 | 77 | 7% |
| 2004 | 116 | 11% |
| 2003 | 56 | 5% |
| 2002 | 58 | 7% |
| 2001 | 51 | 5% |
| 2000 | 25 | 5% |
| 1999 | 39 | 6% |
| 1998 | 35 | 7% |
| 1997 | 20 | 6% |
| 1996 | 32 | 11% |
| 1995 | 13 | 6% |
| 1994 | 5 | 4% |
| 1991 | 2 | 29% |
Other parts of the 2003 Dodge RAM 1500
458 complaintsBody and structure
237 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
125 complaintsBrakes
73 complaintsOther or unknown
67 complaintsElectrical system
62 complaintsSuspension
57 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 27, 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