2003 Dodge RAM 1500 Body and structure Problems
- Complaints
- 237about this part
- Share
- 20%of 1,171 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 75,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 237 complaints about the body and structure of the 2003 Dodge RAM 1500, 20% of the 1,171 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 75,000 miles. 4 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“On august 1 2020, my 2 adult children and another passenger was in a crash and my truck flipped several times from front to back and all passengers were badly injured and not one of the air bags were deployed. The truck was hit from the passenger side causing the truck to air lift and flip.”
NHTSA complaint #11351079, filed 2020-08, 163,000 miles“While driving down state highway I lowered the front windows and a piece of the dashboard (that is cracked in several places) broke off, flew around in front of me, and then hit me in the left eye causing me to completely loose site of the road and the other vehicles around me all while doing 60 miles per hour on a 4 lane road.”
NHTSA complaint #10573881, filed 2014-03, 98,000 miles“The dash pad has suddenly developed a large crack across the top. I'm concerned that should my airbag deploy, this piece will shatter and cause the airbag to deflate prematurely, or cause injury from plastic shards. This occured while the vehicle was stationary, and unoccupied.”
NHTSA complaint #11032029, filed 2017-10, 98,600 miles“My dashboard is falling apart, sometimes bits of plastic come out of the vents,im not sure if this can damage electrical components ,but my HVAC is already acting up ,I've called Dodge and they say its cosmetic , but if iget hit with plastic wile im driving it could be interesting to say the least.”
NHTSA complaint #10669827, filed 2015-01, 42,000 miles“The dash board is all cracked up now do to Dodge using cheap materials. I have always put up a sun shade no matter where I park my truck and it is always in my garage when not being driven. Shame on Dodge chrysler products for making such a garbage truck. And the rack & pinion steering should last alot longer than it has. No wonder people buy foreign autos. They are far superior.”
NHTSA complaint #10502598, filed 2013-03, 57,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10175743Apr 30, 2020Disinfectant Solution Recommended for COVID-19
- 10220101Nov 20, 2019Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.
- 10220099Nov 20, 2019Use of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage…
- 10220097Nov 20, 2019Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
- 10169249Nov 20, 2019Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.
- 10169245Nov 20, 2019Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
- 10139596Sep 3, 2014Part Description: Insulator on Lever Assy Manual Valve - Valve Body - RWD Transmission Issue Description: The manual valve insulator, attaching rivet and instruction sheet are…
- 10139595Sep 3, 2014Part Description: Insulator in Lever Assembly - Valve Body - Trans Issue Description: The manual valve insulator, attaching rivet and an instruction sheet are now available as a…
Body and structure: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 24 | 3% |
| 2011 | 23 | 3% |
| 2010 | 26 | 5% |
| 2009 | 41 | 6% |
| 2008 | 11 | 2% |
| 2007 | 10 | 2% |
| 2006 | 17 | 2% |
| 2005 | 24 | 2% |
| 2004 | 50 | 5% |
| 2003 | 237 | 20% |
| 2002 | 278 | 34% |
| 2001 | 548 | 49% |
| 2000 | 248 | 48% |
| 1999 | 240 | 39% |
| 1998 | 102 | 20% |
| 1997 | 70 | 19% |
| 1996 | 35 | 12% |
| 1995 | 36 | 17% |
| 1994 | 8 | 7% |
| 1993 | 1 | 17% |
Other parts of the 2003 Dodge RAM 1500
458 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 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