2003 Dodge RAM 1500 Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 125about this part
- Share
- 11%of 1,171 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 74,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 125 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2003 Dodge RAM 1500, 11% of the 1,171 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 74,000 miles. 22 of these say a crash was involved and 2 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Traveling at about 40mph, driveshaft fell off. After further investigation, I saw the pinion loose hanging inside the differential. I took cover off differential and the pinion and gear were destroyed. The pinion nut was off . That being said, nut came loose, causing pinion to drop into gear box , destroying it. However, my VIN was not recalled. Multiple issues like this on this year also.”
NHTSA complaint #11196532, filed 2019-04, 174,000 miles“Currently my 2003 Dodge RAM 1500 has a howling noise coming from the rear end. After reading numerous accounts of this same problem I feel lucky that my rear-end has not yet locked up on me. This is a definite safety issue as if lock up were to occur at highway speeds severe injury or even death could result.”
NHTSA complaint #10911083, filed 2016-10, 145,000 miles“I was driving my Dodge when I heard a grinding popping noise coming from the rear end. I immediately pulled over. And a local mechanic shop. They said bring it in so I did my pinion nut backed off and I needed a whole new rear end for the second time something needs to be done cause im only 17 and cant afford to keep putting $1000 + in a truck for the same thing.”
NHTSA complaint #10524278, filed 2013-07, 175,000 miles“There was not an accident but could have been. The clips in the differential fall out and could cause axles to lock up which could be very dangerous at speed. When changing my fluid I found these clips in the bottom of the case. This is a very common and dangerous problem. If these clips were to get caught in the ring and pinion gears it would have been scary. Dodge should be recalling these.”
NHTSA complaint #10622261, filed 2014-08, 104,000 miles“While driving down a hill at aprox 45mph I heard a loud bang and my drive shaft hit the ground and my differential locked up due to pinion nut backing off. I had no clue anything was going to happen. Thank god my family wasn't injured or killed.”
NHTSA complaint #10872604, filed 2016-06, 75,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11010205Oct 30, 2024Plate - Planetary
- 10220471Feb 22, 2021Mechanical rocker arm, intake, 1.7 ratio.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 92 | 13% |
| 2011 | 176 | 26% |
| 2010 | 229 | 47% |
| 2009 | 231 | 34% |
| 2008 | 73 | 13% |
| 2007 | 61 | 12% |
| 2006 | 100 | 13% |
| 2005 | 594 | 51% |
| 2004 | 181 | 16% |
| 2003 | 125 | 11% |
| 2002 | 99 | 12% |
| 2001 | 95 | 9% |
| 2000 | 45 | 9% |
| 1999 | 59 | 10% |
| 1998 | 85 | 16% |
| 1997 | 56 | 16% |
| 1996 | 52 | 17% |
| 1995 | 30 | 14% |
| 1994 | 7 | 6% |
| 1993 | 1 | 17% |
Other parts of the 2003 Dodge RAM 1500
458 complaintsBody and structure
237 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 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