2003 Dodge RAM 1500 Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 21about this part
- Share
- 2%of 1,171 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 132,850miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 21 complaints about the engine of the 2003 Dodge RAM 1500, 2% of the 1,171 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 132,850 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“On 12/19/15 I was driving i75 north,140 miles before atalanta ga my truck made a big bang and the engine just stopped on the spot including everything, steering. I made it safely to the side of the road don't know how. There was no indication, check engine light nothing just a bang. My car insurance won't fix it Dodge will not be accountable either part malfunction they say, I guess I am responsible for it since I build the truck right. …”
NHTSA complaint #10811964, filed 2015-12, 158,000 miles“Incident occurred while driving on the 91 freeway in ca. All of a sudden the engine cut out, and ground to a halt. I repeatedly tried to restart the truck but to no avail. The engine would not turn over.I was trapped in the fast lane unable to make my way to the soft shoulder. Fortunately the hazard warning lights were functional and I was able to apply these to warn other drivers. Eventually a tow truck was deployed to get my out of harms way. It was a very scary moment and I was very fortunate not to be hit. …”
NHTSA complaint #10765203, filed 2015-09, 120,000 miles“While pulling out into busy traffic my truck lost power and I had no acceleration. After about 30 seconds the vehicle kicked back in and took off. This has occurred multiple times, at random, with no warning. I have had it in the shop and repaired the throttle positioning sensor, and treated it for water in the gas. Neither one of these solved the problems, and they have no answers for what else may be wrong. This is a dangerous situation that is not unique to my vehicle. I have read many other cases online for the same problem. …”
NHTSA complaint #10473701, filed 2012-09, 78,563 miles“The truck has a issue when starting up. It feels like the truck is not getting fuel, giving a high RPM and a feel like the engine is going to cut off and it does. This also happens when taking off at a stop light, going around a curve, and starting to move the truck. I have been to dealer and like always, can't find wrong in truck. I have replaced crank,map,air,speed,tps and nothing works. I also replaced o2 sensor,plugs, coil packs, battery, air filter, replaced throttle body, and purge. Nothing works. Why doesn't Dodge see there is a issue and find a solution. …”
NHTSA complaint #10503377, filed 2013-03, 129,000 miles“When I was pulling on the highway from entry I was depending on my cars engine when I was trying to accelerate car first jump then shut of completely and as a busy highway route 80 I was almost got run over by a trailer good thing I'm experience driver car stall out and didn't start for easy 1 minuet at this time I was on side of the road after that day car randomly stalls out I try to understand what's the problem it doesn't give me any related code also cruise control is when u set a speed and you slow down with the button but sometimes car will take off faster engine has multiple design…”
NHTSA complaint #10576074, filed 2014-03, 135,700 milesEngine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 163 | 23% |
| 2011 | 151 | 22% |
| 2010 | 62 | 13% |
| 2009 | 50 | 7% |
| 2008 | 35 | 6% |
| 2007 | 35 | 7% |
| 2006 | 33 | 4% |
| 2005 | 76 | 6% |
| 2004 | 74 | 7% |
| 2003 | 21 | 2% |
| 2002 | 22 | 3% |
| 2001 | 5 | 0% |
| 2000 | 3 | 1% |
| 1999 | 4 | 1% |
| 1998 | 1 | 0% |
| 1997 | 3 | 1% |
| 1996 | 2 | 1% |
| 1995 | 1 | 0% |
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 complaintsEngine cooling
56 complaintsSteering
44 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
33 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